Twists and Turns on the Journey

There are times where God is at work in your life and brings about such an unexpected transition that it is hard to know what to say to those around you. This is one of those times for us. In the absence of poetic and profound words, we’ll just begin by simply saying what God is doing. Starting on August 6^th, our family will be transitioning back to the USA to continue serving the church from there. This means that our thirteen years of missionary service is coming to a close. Even if we don’t fully understand why the Lord has led us in this direction, we are sure that it is the right place for us. The passion that we have had for missionary service over the years has been combined with a deep desire to be involved with what the Lord is doing closer to home. 

We are confident that our time serving along the US/Mexico border and in Central Africa has prepared us and shaped us to continue bringing a missionary perspective to ministry in the USA. The Lord has opened doors for our transition by putting us in contact with Valleyview Church of the Nazarene in Amarillo, Texas. The congregation has graciously asked us to serve as their pastors, and we have accepted to join them starting in September. This is a bittersweet time for our family as we are going to miss so many people and aspects of living and serving in Central Africa. At the same time, we are so excited about the opportunity to be a part of a great church and continue this great journey of following the Lord. 

Please continue to pray for our transition, especially for our kids who have really only known Congo as home. So many people have blessed us over the years with support, prayer, meals, and a place to crash for a while. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We didn’t make a list, but we are certain that we owe you. If you are ever passing through the Texas panhandle, our doors are always open. 

Redeeming Tragedy with the Good News

The electricity was out, again, and I lay there sweating in my bed unable to sleep. The moon shone through the window and provided enough light for me to locate my phone and check the time. It was 1:00 am and I knew that in just four short hours I would be awoken by the gonging noise that my host, or perhaps one of the neighbors, makes in order to wake up their household. I was exhausted and needed to drift off to sleep, but the events of the day raced through my mind keeping it alert.

Earlier that day, I had witnessed the birth of a new district. Perhaps it is just an administrative distinction or perhaps it wouldn’t mean that much to other people, but a new district in a place where the gospel is still taking root

means a lot. A new district is a symbol of God’s faithfulness and a reminder of the sacrifice of believers. The Church of the Nazarene first came to Kisangani because of the “Great African War” (Sometimes known as the First and Second Congo Wars or the African World War) that took place in the 1990s. As violence spilled over from Rwanda into the DRC (then called Zaire) war was ignited and spread throughout the region. Goma, in the North Kivu Province, was one of the first places where the conflict came as thousands of people set out on foot towards the west in an attempt to escape the violence. Some of these people were Nazarenes, and one of those Nazarenes ended up in Kisangani. 

The Pastors of Tshopo District - Kisangani, DRC

But the district didn’t start then. That one Nazarene soon became a pastor and was a part of discipling and raising up leaders in order to start fifteen churches and more than seventy schools. During all of this time, some of the worst fighting took place in this city over its rich diamond deposits. This intense conflict had lasting scars on the city. Besides the fact that many families had lost members due to stray bullets and mortars, there were physical scars of war on the buildings of the city for many years. On my first visit to the city five years ago, I found only a handful of cars as most people used bicycle taxis. Yes, people would sit on the back of a bicycle and pay the “driver” to take them around town. Today, many of those images have been erased and the town is recovering its place as the third-largest city in the country. 

For these reasons, the work was slow compared to other parts of the country. But God has been faithful. In many surrounding areas of this city, the Nazarenes have the only school or the only church and the gospel is being preached because of these efforts. That one Nazarene pastor is a grandfather and is nearing retirement now. But there are six other ordained elders and three others who are ready and waiting for their chance to be ordained at the next available occasion. They have over 40 additional pastors being trained for ministry. That first, lonely Nazarene is no longer alone. 

A gift offered to the DS, along with chickens, bananas, and rice.

We are delighted to see how God can redeem the tragedies of war for the spread of the Good News and to know that the Church of the Nazarene has been a part of that. We are witnesses to God’s faithful provision and transformation of lives. We are thankful for our Nazarene family in Kisangani and excited to see how the Lord will write the next chapter of this story that is to come. 

Going Where the Church of the Nazarene Isn't Yet

It’s hard to imagine that in 2019 there are still people who have not heard of the life transforming message of Jesus Christ. But, in Central Africa, we are finding this to be the case. 

In Central Africa, our area of responsibility for the Church of the Nazarene includes overseeing ministry in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Central African Republic, Chad, Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé & Príncipe. Since 1990, the church has mostly grown in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In our eight countries of responsibility the Church of the Nazarene just started work in two of these countries in 2019. 

DS of Brazzaville, Rev. On'okoko, pictured in the white shirt,
meeting with the first Nazarene's in Central African Republic

In June of 2019, the District Superintendent of Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, took a 3-day trip to Central African Republic to visit a group of new believers who have gathered together and are calling themselves the first Nazarene’s in their country. This was the third trip of leaders from Republic of Congo who invested in a group of believers there and encouraged them to start a church. We are making plans to send a pastor to Bangui, the capital city, to get a master’s degree in theology. He is already an ordained elder and will be a sustained presence of leadership while helping to ensure Nazarene DNA (Christian, Holiness, and Mission) among the group. 

Three of our countries just officially became a part of our area of Central Africa this month, adding two districts, two missionary families, 13 churches, and one country where we currently have no work. Chad is a primarily Muslim country, and as such, we will need to be a part of new methods and strategies for planting churches there. Gabon and Cameroon are still new works where we have no organized churches. So many people have yet to hear the Good News, while so many others have yet to put their faith in Christ. At the same time, there are vast areas of people that our church has not yet reached in our most established countries of Congo-Kinshasa and Congo-Brazzaville. There is so much to do.

Our call and our prayer is to make Christlike disciples in the nations. This is a big task. A task that takes many leaders joining together and taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ where it hasn’t previously been. Please join us in praying for our Jesus Film teams, who are taking backpack film sets on motorcycles and traveling to interior parts of countries previously unable to reach. Pray for our District Superintendent’s and evangelism leaders, who are boldly sharing their faith, teaching about the one True God and exemplifying through their actions the life lived in obedience to Christ. 

Home Assignment Thoughts

What is Home Assignment? Most of us know, missionaries go back to their home or sending country and share about all that God is doing in the part of the world where they are serving. An added bonus is spending time with family, friends and partners in ministry.

Over the last 11 weeks, we have spent time in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Iowa, Nevada, Washington, Arkansas and Kansas. Gavin has also made short trips to Colorado and New York. It has been wonderful and exhausting all at the same time. In our short 12 years as missionaries, we have had this opportunity 5 times. We’ve shared in over 150 Nazarene churches across the United States. That has given us an interesting glance into the Church of the Nazarene. I think all missionaries will attest that we know this is a unique privilege. Like the people of God, each congregation has its own personality and make-up. Some are doing really well, some are hurting, some are struggling, some are older, and some are just starting out. But, it’s a beautiful reminder that we are ALL the body of Christ. We are connected, we need each other and we are meant to live this life in community. 

In two short days, we start our 36-hour journey back to Brazzaville. It is District Assembly time across our area of responsibility. This means Gavin will be traveling to preside over these gatherings. Please join us in prayer for safe travels, connecting back into routine well, good internet for the kid’s schooling and our leaders who are on the ground serving Christ in some difficult situations. 

We got to eat at our favorite restaurant - Taco Cabana

We spent many hours in the car. The kids took many naps!

We got to see family!

The kids got to spend time with their cousin

This is one of eighteen congregations we shared with this summer

First Central Field Women's Ministry Conference

First day praise and worship

Gavin and I’s responsibilities include ministry taking place across eight districts in Central Africa. You can imagine my joy when we received word that a partner, together with our Africa Regional Women's Ministry Council, could help us host our first Women's Ministry Conference. The Central Field hosted its first Women’s Extravaganza from 11-13 April, 2019. It was hosted by the DR Congo Central North Kivu district in Goma (our first phase 3 district). Over the course of three days 450 women gathered to worship the Lord, encourage one another and learn more about being women of God. Under the leadership of Rev. Marie Jeanne Munanga Hamuli and the District Superintendent of Central North Kivu, Rev. Désiré Bughesi, this event brought Nazarene women from three districts (DR Congo Central North Kivu, DR Congo Virunga & DR Congo South Kivu) together to remind them of their purpose in serving Christ, that we are a holiness people and we are all called to make Christlike disciples. 

While teaching was important each day, there were also times of fellowship and small groups, dancing and singing, learning the Articles of Faith, prayer and sharing meals together. Leaders also took this opportunity to minister through compassion ministries to women who had come from villages without medical access. Over 65 women were treated at the Nazarene clinic. Many women left in better health than when they arrived. 

We are proud of our leadership that organized this event and made it a success. We pray that women take what they learned and share it in their home churches and more Christlike disciples are made. 

The Lord is good and is continually revealing Himself to advance the Kingdom of God in Central Africa.  

Rev. Marie Jeanne

Bukari, fish and chicken

The theme was"Women with Innovations"

Doing Things That Make Us Uncomfortable

In all honesty, I’ve (Jill) always felt more comfortable teaching children versus adults. My words are basic and perhaps, like Moses, one of my insecurities is that I feel I’m not eloquent in speech. Recently, I heard the phrase, “If you’re comfortable, you aren’t living the Christian life right.” While I understand what the phrase is trying to convey, I’m not sure I wholeheartedly agree.  Either way, I believe God calls us out of our comfort zones to learn more from God, to see different sides of God and perhaps for God to show us something new about ourselves. If we are willing to lean into where the Lord leads us, and honestly obey after we’ve prayed, “Lord, show me where you’re working and help me to be a part of it.”, we’ve got to be willing to be uncomfortable. 

Almost 9 months have passed since our family moved from Lubumbashi, DR Congo to Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. While our responsibilities remain the same in ministry, we find ourselves worshipping in new (to us) local Nazarene churches, with new faces and the kids are in a new school. So, while some things remain the same, others are brand new. Shortly after arriving, I began praying the prayer, “Lord, show me where you are at work and please let me be a part of it.” The Lord answered! Through a chance encounter at the American International school (that our children do not attend), Gavin met a Christian American woman who had been longing for a Bible study she could attend in English. Another week, we met another group of Americans, when finding out we were missionaries, asked if we could start a church in English, so they could attend church while living here. It appeared the Lord was opening a door for an English ministry, to expats. This isn’t exactly the ministry we were looking for, or had in mind we’d be leading, but over the course of a few weeks, we organized a Bible study for English speakers. Because of Gavin’s travel schedule, I committed to leading this weekly study. 

For the last 3 months, about 6 of us have gathered weekly to study God’s Word together in English. It’s not a large group, but it has become a precious time of fellowship and discipleship. Americans, Cameroonians and Congolese have met together to be formed by the Word of God. We are lifelong learners as Christians. God is constantly teaching us new things. Even though I was quite nervous to teach adults for the first time, I pray that this time will be used to mold and shape us to look more like the image of God. 

Hibiscus flowers are everywhere in Brazzaville. Locals use them to make a delicious juice! 

Getting to Gabon

            I think that it is in times of our humbled brokenness that the Lord really teaches us the most.  In those times when we accept that we don’t know what to do or how to move forward, the Lord speaks and makes His presence known.  It’s been just over two years since I was appointed to oversee the work of the Church of the Nazarene in Central Africa.  To be honest, it has been an incredibly humbling experience.  Much of the time, I’ve had to be vulnerable in admitting to myself and others that I didn’t know the way forward; how we ought to undertake the task of planting churches, making Christ-like disciples, and developing leaders in the five countries of our field.  

            One area of specific difficulty for our team has been in respect to the country of Gabon.  For many years, the Church of the Nazarene has proclaimed a presence in the country, although no Nazarene Churches or ministries have ever existed there. No Nazarene ministers had ever visited, to our knowledge, with the hopes of starting the work. I couldn’t even obtain a visa without a contact in Gabon, and our team was completely at a loss for what could be done.

            After more than two years, God provided us with the contact information of two different Nazarene families who had relocated and were living in Gabon.  We were shocked so much by God’s provision, that within a month I had dropped everything and traveled to Gabon with a member of our team.  We didn’t have a lot planned or any real expectations.  We just wanted to get there, meet these two families, and see what the Lord would do.  After more than 11 years of missionary service, you’d think that I wouldn’t be surprised anymore by God’s faithful provision.  Yet again, I was shocked by what we found there.  I’m still learning a lot about African hospitality and what it means to make people feel welcome.  It’s amazing the way people can welcome me into their home and into their lives in such a natural way that it feels like I have always been a part of them.  During my four short days there, we got to know our hosts and their families, we got to see the city, and were able to pray for God’s direction.

            As my plane filled with exhaust and began making an emergency landing shortly after takeoff during my return trip, I thought to myself, “Well, at least I made it to Gabon.” Although I jokingly thought these words in complete assurance that we would land safely back at the airport in Libreville, it’s an indication of how fulfilled I felt on my short trip home.  We don’t know what the future will hold, but we know that a seed has been planted and we trust that God will grow this seed into a beautiful, vibrant church in Gabon during the years that follow.  

"For Christ's love compels us..."

“For Christ’s love compels us…” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

The month of January was a good one. Gavin was able to drive 14 hours north in the Republic of Congo with the District Superintendent of Congo/Brazzaville and a local lay member of the church to visit new preaching points. It’s exciting to report that the church is growing in numbers and in faith. People are hungry for the truth. While in route, they were stopped by police and asked for the usual items required by law to have in your car (fire extinguisher, first aid kit and triangles). When hearing where their final destination was, the police asked if someone could hitch a ride with them to Owesso. Over the next couple of hours, Gavin and the other men were able to share about the Church of the Nazarene with this young man who had many questions about faith and the church. After reaching town and before dropping this gentleman off, they invited him to church. They were all pleasantly surprised when he showed up on Sunday morning. The Nazarenes in the northern part of the country, although young to the faith, are very motivated to reach people with the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Some of the villages where we have a presence, Nazarenes are the only Christians in the area.  

Because we now live in a capital city, we’ve run into a few English-speaking expats. When asked what our occupation is, and they find out we’re missionaries, a few of them asked if we’d start a Bible study in English. This last week, Jill began a study in English with expats from the US and Cameroon. We’re ready to see where the Lord leads and are thankful for new opportunities in ministry that are a bit different than we anticipated. 

Macy and Connor are going strong in school. They are attending an English-speaking school that partners with an online school in the US, out of Florida. While it’s been a new experience to do most of their schooling online, we’re always ready for a new challenge and are thankful for programs that are accredited for our children. The school here in Brazzaville just started after-school activities where the kids get to learn karate, art and dance. Macy is learning to play the guitar and Connor is learning how to play the piano, as well.

Please join us in prayer over this next month as we get ready to receive a new missionary couple in Lubumbashi, DR Congo; Phil and Monica Carr. Pray for Gavin as he travels to Gabon for an exploratory trip in starting the Church of the Nazarene in that country. Pray for Jill as she takes on a new ministry role of Field Personnel Coordinator, helping and assisting missionaries on our Field as well as working with the Regional Personnel Coordinator. Pray that Macy and Connor would be good witnesses for Christ at their school and remain focused and attentive in their studies. 

Celebrating Six Years in Central Africa!

DR Congo January 2013

Republic of Congo January 2019

Today marks six years of serving the Lord and the Church of the Nazarene in Central Africa! What a joy and honor it has been to be used by God in this part of the world.

Significant events of our 6th year include:
*Watching 21 ministers get ordained
*Installing solar panels for drawing water at the micro farm
*Collecting and harvesting our first batch of fish from the fish farm
*Witnessing discipleship and growth across DR Congo and Republic of Congo
*Sending a Missionary family from DR Congo to Cameroon
*Connor learning to ride his bike and completing 3rd grade through Homeschool
*Macy thriving and completing 5th grade in her first year of English learning
*Macy learning to dive in the swimming pool and how to play netball at school
*Saying goodbye to friends and churches in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
*Moving to Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
*Sharing what God is doing in Central Africa on Home Assignment
*Meeting new partners in ministry and keeping in touch with many who have continually supported us throughout our time in Africa
*Spending quality time with our families along the Gulf Coast while in the United States in July
*Seeing District Centers built to stages where they can be utilized for meetings and training centers. Also, churches have been started in these buildings
*Participating in 7 District Assemblies across our Field
*Taking in our first church members in Cameroon
*Hosting a volunteer for a month
*Welcoming Global Mission Director, Verne and Natalie Ward

While these are just the highlights, we've seen God moving and protecting and continually leading our family in ministry. Thank you for praying for us. Thank you for walking this journey with us. Thank you for allowing us opportunities to share about the amazing God we serve!

Giving it Back

There is nothing that surpasses the feeling of being called to a specific task by a higher power.  This is especially true for those of us who get to make this calling our life's work.  However, sometimes we have to admit our shortcomings and failures.  We have to be ready to give our calling and our work back to the Lord in order to see it renewed and refreshed.  This has been the case for the work of the Church of the Nazarene in the country of Cameroon.

More than 12 years ago, some contacts were made by Nazarenes moving from another country to Cameroon.  They were members of the COTN and through their witness, deeply impacted the Christian Community they joined upon arriving in the city of Douala.  Soon after, the local church expressed its desire to join the Church of the Nazarene.  Unfortunately, long distances and other difficulties made it so that these connections were lost.

Over six years ago, a Nazarene pastor moved from his fruitful ministry in Western Africa to his home country of Cameroon.  He worked in the western part of the country and evangelized many people who didn't know the name of Christ.  Once again, there were many challenges related to isolation from church leadership, personal issues, and growing political unrest leading to violence in the area.  

Just about six months ago, the Church of the Nazarene sent a missionary family to Yaoundé from Goma, DRC.  In the short time since their arrival, God has used them to lead people to Christ, re-establish old contacts, and meet new people of peace.  Last week, we just received the first members of the Church of the Nazarene in Cameroon.  Eight people from old and new ministry efforts came together to officially join the Church of the Nazarene.  There is so much to be done and we know that we are still at the beginning of this journey of having a sustainable work of the church in Cameroon.  However, we know that none of this could have happened without recognizing our weaknesses and giving our ministry efforts back to the Lord.  

Sometimes on the path to faithfulness, doors are closed.  At some points along the way, it may be necessary to regroup.  The need may even arise to go back to step 1 and give the ministry back to the Lord. This can allow fresh ideas and new collaboration to arise.  Giving our callings back to the Lord may be what is needed to get over a seemingly insurmountable obstacle.  Phillipeans 1: 3-6 reads, "I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Receiving New Members

It is true that Paul was speaking about the work of these believers being saved and transformed into the image of Christ.  But I believe there are valuable implications for our ministry efforts as well.  God, who began this good work, will carry it on to completion.  This reminder takes the burden and pressure off of God's people who understand that our callings, and the people they bring us into relationship with, belong to God.  For those of us working to establish the Church of the Nazarene in Cameroon, it wasn't until we took a step back and committed to allowing the Lord to start our efforts over from scratch, that we were able to have this first fruit.  We will keep working as best we know how, but we will be waiting for God to carry it on to completion. 

Church of the Nazarene in Cameroon (sorry that its not in focus)

A Feeling of Expectation

Hope; a feeling of expectation. 

This is my (Jill) absolute favorite time of year! Because we believe in and follow Jesus Christ, we observe this time of year called Advent. It’s beautiful, hopeful and filled with joy. Our hearts turn towards hopeful expectation. We put ourselves in the shoes of the Israelites, who were awaiting something spectacular in The Messiah. And, while His coming was unconventional, it was just like God. God who uses the unordinary, the unforeseen and unexpected, sent His Son as a baby. 

May God fill our hearts with hope, faith, joy and peace as we seek Him! “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLT

Merry Christmas (Joyeux Noel) from Chateau d’Eau Church of the Nazarene, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. 

This Is Brazzaville

The Congo River

Driving through the city of Brazzaville, one will see a number of interesting things. Palm trees, swaying in their tropical setting. Sand blowing across the road or stuck to shoes making their daily commute. Fishermen out in their canoes along the Congo River, throwing down their nets for their daily catch. Young men gathered at highly trafficked corners, selling tissues to wipe beads of sweat from one’s brow or newspapers in French, containing the most current events. Encircling the nearest gas station receiving petrol, there are green taxis lined up in disorganized rows. Tables piled high with fruit and vegetables or freshly butchered meat are seen for sale, blue jumpsuit wearing street cleaners are working hard to make the city look its best, and khaki colored school uniforms worn head to toe by children and youth making their way to school. Cleaned laundry hung out to dry in the bright sun. Embassies, representing many countries from around the world, scattered across the city with their cement block buildings, surrounded by gates with barbed wire. A grand wall hides the Presidential Residence. Young adults in red aprons, piled in truck beds, shouting from megaphones, advertising a local cell phone company. Smiles and handshakes, even a wave from a car, as friends reunite and pass by one another. Sirens blaring, lights flashing and people piled in cars, following a procession for a loved one who has died. Traffic police, hiding in the shade of trees, taking turns directing cars or stopping them to check their documents. True to its name, The Green City, you’ll see shades of green through plants, trees and local crops everywhere you look. But even beyond these sites, you’ll see beautiful people. Congolese men, women, youth and children walking, riding motorcycles, driving cars, sitting in front of shops, all waiting for what the day holds. This is Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. 

Local shops

Street Cleaner working hard to keep the city looking its best

Central African Franc (local currency)

Teenage boys sporting the local uniform, on their way to school

Hibiscus flower - used to make a
delicious local juice

Handing Off the Baton - DR Congo West

This past week, Gavin had the privilege to assist with the handing off of the baton on the DR Congo West District. Rev. Hermenelgilde Matungulu stepped down from his position as District Superintendent (DS) after 15 years of leading the Church in this area of DR Congo. His leadership was a gifted one. He raised up leaders, started new churches and is a great example of a life of service to the Lord and the Church. During this 20^thDistrict Assembly, Rev. Matungulu handed off his DS baton to the newly elected Rev. Dieu Merci Nzola. 

Honoring Rev. Matungulu for his service 

Rev. Matungulu praying over Rev. Nzola and his wife

To Rev. Matungulu, we honor you for your years of service to God and the Church. We pray God’s richest blessings upon you as you continue to follow Him and serve Him. May you continue to share your testimony and lead others into a right relationship with Christ. 

To Rev. Nzola, we congratulate you. May the Lord grant you wisdom, vision and strength as you lead God’s people in DR Congo West District. May the Lord’s face shine upon you as you shepherd multiple pastors, evangelize and take on new responsibilities within the Church. 

To the DR Congo West District, we implore you. As dearly loved brothers and sisters in Christ, may you know the love of Christ and be ready for the future ahead. Be supportive. Do Right. Go and make disciples in the Nations. 

In a country where political elections have almost always turned bloody and where current presidential elections are more than two years past-due, there is always the possibility that hostility can creep into the church.  We are so grateful for the amazing example given by the West Congo District and are hopeful that other districts will follow suit when it comes to leadership transition and empowering the next generation.  

District Centers Becoming Reality

Since arriving in Central Africa, it was clear our districts could benefit from ministry centers. With our eight districts spread across vast distances and no real roads to connect them, we realized that our strategy would have to be a center in every district as opposed to one for the field that everyone came to.  The vision was for these centers to be used for a large meeting space, teaching pastors, gathering together for combined church services (Such as district assembly) and an all-purpose building. There would also be an added bonus of a local church congregation that would be a part of the community where the building was to be located. With eight districts on our Field, and only one with a center, we knew this was a big dream and one that would take prayer, time and partners to put together. 

Over the last 4 years, we’ve been able to purchase land for three district centers, making only two districts where no land or building currently exists.  We’ve also started construction on five centers through alabaster funds, Work and Witness teams, partners and local district fundraising.  These dreams are slowly becoming a reality. 

In August, the South Katanga District in DR Congo held their first celebration service in their new center. Construction started in 2015 with a W&W team from Lovington, NM and while construction is not complete, the building is at a point where it can be used. 

Photo by District Superintendent, Rev. Celestin Chishibanji. District Center DR Congo, South Katanga District

In September, the capitol city of DR Congo was able to use their new center for the first time. Thanks to partners from the United States, this building will be a great blessing to the DR Congo West District. 

Photo by Pastor Dieu Merci Nzola. District Center and Church DR Congo, West District

Photo by Pastor Dieu Merci Nzola. District Center and Church DR Congo, West District

We praise the Lord for all He is doing, for patience in seeing these dreams become reality and for the lives that will walk through these spaces and be changed. Glory be to God!

Life and Other Happenings

Church praying for our kids in Florida

Church welcoming our family in Michigan

A week ago, today, we arrived home in the Republic of Congo.  For the past six and a half weeks, we had been on Home Assignment in the U.S. and it went very well. We were able to share about Central Africa with many churches and individuals, spend time with our families and visit doctors for annual check-ups. Macy has had a heart murmur since she was born, that has always been deemed “innocent”. Our pediatrician recommended an echo-cardiogram, just to check on it since one hadn’t been done since Macy was born. We praise the Lord that although the small murmur still exists, it is something she can live with and won’t hinder her day to day living (especially living in Africa). We’re thankful for old friends we had the chance to catch up with and the new friends we’ll be keeping in touch with from this point on. And, while we’re reminded daily that our kids are just kids, we had some fun learning moments being with people so often. While meeting a family we’d be staying with in their home, the wife states that they have a cat. Connor immediately blurts out, “My mom hates cats.” While at another house, eating hot dogs and ribs for dinner, he says, “I ate hot dogs for lunch today, too, but my Mom told me not to tell you.” Our kids are kids. We’re learning as we go! 

View across Congo River to DR Congo

As we’ve arrived back in our apartment, we’re slowing getting settled in. Our complex has about 16 buildings with 10 apartments in each one. We’re beginning to realize that our lives will be very different in our new downtown home. It is surrounded by a gate with guards and has a small open area where cars cannot drive, so kids can run around and play. Every evening around 5pm, kids gather together in this area. We’ve been so thankful for this community, because already our kids have made friends. Also, we have no yard or green space to continue agricultural experiments as we used to.  Based on the success or failure of our home garden, we have been able to implement new ideas in our district gardening projects.  Here, we may be able to have some potted plants, but won’t really have much of a garden.  Church has even been a new experience for us.  For the most part, the Nazarenes in this capital city worship in French; a totally new experience for us. They start at 8:30am and get out by 10:30am, whereas church in Lubumbashi generally went from 9:30am until long after 1:00pm. This is a welcome difference in a city where the temperatures rise quickly before noon. While traffic police still pull people over and there are still potholes in the roads, traffic appears to flow more smoothly and there is a greater general respect for traffic laws. 

While there are differences in our new city, there are familiarities as well. We are still in Central Africa. People speak French and we’re working with the same District Superintendents and leaders across our Field. People are friendly and hospitable. Our job will more or less remain the same. We’re excited for the days, weeks and months ahead.  

Main road along the Congo River

City view from our apartment

Kids ready to play in the apartment courtyard

Moving Between Congos

Moving and packing up all your earthly belongings can be quite the process. These plates we received at our wedding, that I love, but are too heavy…sell. The books we use for teaching or preaching…pack. This baby toy bought for Connor before he was born; but that he’s too old to play with anymore…try to sell what I think it’s worth in sentimental value, sold for pennies to a new kid. Clothes that are too warm for the tropical climate we’re moving to…give away. It is humbling and freeing and nerve-wracking, all at the same time. It’s a reminder that material things are just that…things.

            Tomorrow begins our process of moving from Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo to Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. Like many things in DR Congo, it’s going to be a bit more difficult. Last week, we started our move by putting 700lbs of our belongings on a cargo plane that went to the capitol city of Kinshasa in DR Congo. Tomorrow, our family flies with the rest of our things (260lbs) in suitcases to Kinshasa, where we will stay for 3 days applying for and obtaining visas to gain entry into the Republic of Congo. Our first set of belongings will meet us at the guesthouse where we are staying. Once we are granted visas to the Republic of Congo, we’ll collect all our tubs and suitcases and cross the Congo River (which resides between the two capitol cities of the Congo’s) by speedboat.   

            Please pray for us as we have a week of moving ahead. Pray for safe travels. Pray for our visas from the Republic of Congo to be granted and returned in good time. Finally, pray for our border crossing across the Congo River by boat, with all of our earthly belongings.

            Let the adventure of moving in Central Africa begin…