The Ends of the Earth

Day trip to Paris

2014-04-28T15:53:00.000-04:00

April 28, 2014--Our team got the chance to go to Paris for a day. We thank Rob for taking his day off escorting us through the city. We drove three hours to the train station and then experienced the Metro.

The sights and sounds of Paris are vast. Whether it was leggings and skinny jeans, a bleached-out 2 foot high hairdo, the massive blocks of the Louve, Notre Dame, the cathedrals or the romantic idea of the "locks of love" bridge, observing a river cruise, or the sky high Eifle Tower we took it all in. And the food was amazing!

Pictures to come later.

From countryside to city, French people need Christ

2014-04-27T04:30:00.000-04:00

Saturday, April 26--We left the Chateau with heavy hearts. We made many friends from France and Germany. We had hoped to leave at 9am but did not leave until 10:45am. We hugged necks. We kissed many on the cheek (a French farewell).

We praise God for the connection of God's family around the world. We shared meals. We told stories. We prayed together. We are on mission together in the US, Germany, and France.

We left St. Albain for Dijon. This road trip took about 90 minutes. Yet this trip was on our own. Rob helped us input the destination. The in-car GPS is only in French.

Our travels took us from the country into the city. We said farewell to the country. We welcomed the city.

Rob & Nichole met us at the hotel. We left our bags in storage until the rooms were ready. Walking through the old part of Dijon, we sat down to eat lunch at Place Pizzeria. Personal pan pizza was delicious.

Immediately following lunch we scurried to the Cafe to prepare for the Navajo presentation. We had 12 people attend. One participant, Emanuel, said that this was a very spiritual event. Emanuel took another step towards following Jesus.

Our team helped close up the cafe. We cleaned the toilets, swept the floor, washed the pots, and picked up the trash.

As we waited to mop the floor, a man named Hugh dropped by. Hugh is an atheist. He is always determined to derail any Gospel presentation. But God was with Pastor Daron. Pastor Daron walked through Gospel as it relates to Navajo culture. At the end, Nichole asked Hugh, "Do you have harmony?" Hugh replied, "No." Hugh immediately changed the subject by wishing Pastor Daron well for having harmony in Christ the Creator.

Please pray for Hugh to come to Christ. I am quickly posting this because we need to leave to check out of the hotel.   I will try to post more later.

Thanks for your prayers. We depart tomorrow morning for our long journey home.

Behind the scenes at the Celebration

2014-04-26T01:33:00.002-04:00

Friday, April 25--Often we forget what happens "behind-the-scenes." For the 50th anniversary celebration, the Chateau staff started early and worked late.

Before the morning light, staff prepare the coffee, greet the baker Arno, who brings fresh, baked bread every day, and make sure the place settings are set.

So prior to the feasting there is a lot of work to do. Bob & Lisa Keifer lead the Chateau team. Lisa assigned us various tasks. Some are souse chefs who prepare the food for cooking. Others set tables. Our team was given the task of going to the supermarket for fresh food. What an adventure!

We left the Chateau with map, credit card, and eagerness to help in hand. We had only limited French greetings and a handful of words under our belt. So we used a trick that Bob uses. He takes pictures of what he needs and if he needs help he shows the grocer what is on his list. We did the same.

Sometimes in another culture you just don't know remember the exact word or you are so fatigued that you can't recall the word. So Bob taught us that you can show a picture and say a thousand words.

We drove through two small villages, navigated several roundabouts, and dodge one large truck on the thin, paved back-country roads. The grocery is small about the size of an Aldi or a Dollar General. We arrived at the InterMarche.

One thing we noticed is the price tags. Here in France the price tags are digital. We saw a worker reprogramming a price with a handheld device. We recalled that in the Wooster Kohls, in the reduced shoe section, you can find these digital price tags. It's the little things that you noticed.

We finished our adventure and returned to begin setting up for the luncheon. The Chateau staff not only cooks the meals, but also washes all the dishes, pots, and pans. Here is where we helped out.

Along with the German churches of Aalen and Stuttgart, we got dish-soap hands and hand dried the cleaned items. As each bowl or pot was cleaned, the kitchen prep team took the clean item for use. It was a never ending cycle of scrap, rinse and load; hand dry and put away; use and return it to the kitchen for cleaning. It takes more than one team to make things happen.

We praise God for all the hard work the Chateau team does "behind-the-scenes." Please pray for Bob & Lisa, Michel & Crystal Sala, Lisa Rupp, as well as many volunteers like Lydia Marsh and Emma Burgess. Please praise God with us for these fully devoted followers of Christ and many others who helped "behind-the-scenes."

Chateau Staff & Wooster Team rest after working

Evening 50th Celebration

50th Anniversary Luncheon at the Chateau de St. Albain

2014-04-25T10:31:00.001-04:00

Friday, April 25--Celebration!

Today is the 50th year celebration for the ministry of the Chateau. Encompass Board members and European leaders and churches from Germany, France, and the USA join together to praise God for fifty years of ministry.

The morning began with clear skies and cool temps. The evening barbeque is forecast for possible showers. We pray God keeps the rain away.

For lunch, the Chateau staff served a typical French lunch with the help of Sue Griffith. Our team helped set the table.

Every effort was made to ensure a spectacular presentation. The setting sets the stage for the main event--the food.

Our meal would last 2 hours. The appetizer was a stuffed mushroom with two cheese stuffed bread morsels, a Gougeres. The drink was a tomato juice poured onto pineapple juice to create the visual effect of two drinks in a glass. The combined taste of the juices were delectable.

Next, a Bermuda salad was served with chicken mirabella and rice with a clear broth sauce. Each bite was savory.

Then the cheese course followed with several cheeses presented on a tray for our choosing. Finally, the dessert was Vacherin, a chocolate or strawberry flavored whipped creme over an egg-white meringue. The dessert was followed by French pressed coffee. Wow!

Our team helped clear tables and wash dishes with the German contingent. Together with the Chateau staff we finished the dishes in quick fashion. It does take more than one team to clean up!

Everyone had options to go for a short trek or take a short rest. We chose the rest option.

The barbeque begins with an appetizer at 6pm, followed by the barbeque outside. Our team will travel into the country on our own to get some souvenirs before the appetizer. Pray we return because we are venturing out on our own.

In the darkness, there shines many bright lights

2014-04-25T01:31:00.001-04:00

Thursday, April 24--I heard someone say, "The darkness is always the darkest right before the sunrise." I believe that is true as it relates to the Church in France.

Our team is privilieged to hear the testimony of the growth of the French Church. Pastor Florent Varak shared what God has been doing. He rehearsed with us the history of God's people in Lyon. Each time the Church grew. Persecution followed. Please pray for the French Church. Ask God to bring more light as people need to come to Christ. Ask God to draw people to Himself.

The church in Lyon is hidden among the tall apartment complexes of the second largest city in France. The building was an old, rundown factory. But God's people revived the building and now receives everyone with the warmth of God's love.

We praise God for His work in the believers of France. They are fully devoted followers of Christ.

We toured the city of Lyon with a perspective of hope. Even though the city has had short-lived revivals, persecution is part of the history of the city. So, with this new glimmer of hope, a dark shadow is cast.

At the end of our tour of God's work, we paused in the next city where a church may be planted. We looked over the Saone river to ask God for the city. The name of the city escapes me (a sign of old age? No! Just tired. :) So I'll say.)

Nevertheless, God is at work in France. Praise the Lord!

In the evening, Pastor Daron shared about Navajos with the church in Macon. The church had 20 people with 2 new contacts. To have any contacts show up at a church event is incredible. God did a great work!

Greg Burgess, president of Edicion Cle, served as translator. Greg has done a fabulous job. We thank Greg and his family. We especially say thanks to Sandrine and his children for letting us take him away from them each evening.

Edicion Cle is a Christian Publishing company that focuses on French speaking books, workbooks, and cartoons. Greg gave us a tour and we prayed for God to provide him with wisdom as he leads this growing organization. Please pray for four projects that are time intensive. May God continue to allow them to provide quality Christian books so that God's people are equipped for developing fully devoted followers of Christ.

Tomorrow is the big celebration for the 50th anniversary of the ministry of the Chateau de St. Albain. Please pray that we praise God above all. For He is worthy of praise! Good night from France!

A tour of Geneva, Switzerland and a seminar in Tournus

2014-04-24T01:29:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, April 23--God is so good! We have traveled many kilometers in France. With few close calls, God has protected us. Thanks for your prayers.

Wednesday started quickly for us. We ate an European breakfast--coffee with milk, fresh baked bread, marmalade and yogurt.

Right after breakfast, we took a long drive to Geneva, Switzerland to visit a young bible college student, Renault. He recently came to Christ. A devout atheist prior to his conversion, Renault came to Christ in Montceau. Dominique Henchoz discipled Renault. And together they decided to send Renault to the Geneva Bible College.

Hearing his testimony and his heart for God was stirring. Please pray for Renault. Ask God to help him discover an internship for the summer. Ask God to help him finish this semester strong by studying hard.

We took a quick tour of Geneva before returning to Tournus for a conference. Our friends from yesterday returned to the talk. God brought 48 people. Dave & Sue Griffith arranged for us to use the church in Tournus. Joelle opened the conference in prayer and welcomed us to the church.

We praise God for ten new contacts and one man named Guy who asked Dave to meet sometime to discuss the difference between Protestantism and Catholicism. Please pray for these new contacts and for Guy to follow up on his desire to explore spiritual things. Thanks for your prayers!

Talking English with strangers, leaving class as friends

2014-04-24T01:02:00.003-04:00

Tuesday, April 22--Earth Day--Our team has experienced many things in the last week--too many to jot down in postcards from France. But we can share what God is doing through us.

Once again the day was filled with new experiences, new adventures & new friends. We started out working around the Chateau doing such things as washing dishes, preparing lunch & pulling weeds. Although these chores sound like everyday activities, it was a new experience doing them along with people from not only France, but Germany & England. We learn so much about their culture, their language as well as their challenges. We heard stories of the hardships of being a Christian in a culture that has long forgotten God, Stories of the struggles that are always present with the deception of the evil one. But we heard stories of great encouragement & stories that made us smile & laugh.

After a delicious lunch, we traveled to an area of large cliffs surrounded by field after field of vineyards. The trail was steep at a places slippery but the trek was well worth the walk. The view was breathtaking & beyond words.

New friends were made as we attended an English conversation class with Sue Griffith. She has two classes that wanted to practice English so the we were able to help them practice their English words. These new friends live in the village of Plottes. The town is in the heart of Chardonnay; yes, it's the original location of Chardonnay wine. So grapes, fruit juices, and wine are made in this region.

Our team were strangers to the class. But we left as friends. Thanks for your prayers. Your prayers are helping us deepen relationships and catalyzing new friendships.

The day after Easter celebration that brought the whole town to the Chateau

2014-04-22T16:55:00.000-04:00

Monday, April 21--The day after Easter is a holiday in France. They celebrate Monday Easter.

The Chateau Association reaches out to their town with a community Easter Egg Hunt. This year they invited Pastor Daron to share about Native Americans after the hunt.

We praise God for the multinational team of helpers who made the day possible. French, German, US citizens, and a Native American worked together to make a good memory for the children of St. Albain.

Dominique Henchoz helped Pastor Daron think through of a way to speak to the interest and hearts of the people at the Chateau. We praise God for the Holy Spirit who helped us share to create more interest in the things of God. Together, we offered a unique perspective on following Christ, the Creator.

After a short talk, Pastor Daron invited interested guests to ask more questions about Navajo culture and to take a photo with him. Many people stayed, took pictures, and ask curious questions.

Later in the afternoon, our team paused to thank God for a great outreach. Without your prayers, nothing could have been done. Rainclouds came near but only a few drops fell. Children could have been a distraction but most were quiet and occupied. Many people could have left after the egg hunt but most remained to hear about Navajo culture. Your prayers were effective. Thank you for praying. Together, we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.

Easter Sunday in France where God is praised in Montceau-les-Mines

2014-04-20T17:30:00.000-04:00

Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014--

"Il est ressucité! Il est vraiment ressucité! "He is risen! He is risen indeed!"

Post service soiree

We greeted one another in French and in English this glorious morning. The church was filled to capacity. We numbered 53. The service was worshipful. The message was clear, "Jesus is risen!"

Twenty-two years ago Grace Church helped renovate the building for the church. Duane Steiner and several others worked very hard to make the adjustments for the budding church.

Samuel, Pastor Daron, Cecelie, Dominique

Duane Steiner stayed with a family from the church. We got to meet them. They recall his work of service. Their son, Samuel, happened to be back in town for the church service too. Together we shared fond memories of how far God has brought the church in Montceau-les-Mines. "Our labor in never in vain!"

Today, the church has filled the space with believers and seekers. Many fully devoted followers of Christ are growing in the Montceau-les-Mines Church.

After church, we took a hike. A walk is a Burgundy region custom. We traversed to two old churches--one from the eleventh century, the other from the twelfth century. Both were relics of a church dormant and cold on the mountains. Yet, in the city of Montceau-les-Mines, a growing church shines.

On our walk, we took time for coffee, cafe-au-lait, and hot chocolate in a small shop in the old town of Mount St. Vincent. Time slows down on a Sunday afternoon in France. No rush. No fuss. Just time to talk, to laugh, to reflect. Time to build relationships.

We praise God for the people who served over the many years in France. God has used the Hoberts over 32 years. Then, the Henchoz have started their work in the last decade. Grace Church is grateful for missionary partners who develop fully devoted followers for Christ.

Tomorrow we join in an Easter outreach. In St. Albain, the people celebrate Easter Monday (the day after Easter) where the Chateau hosts an egg hunt and fun activities for children and families. Pastor Daron will share about Navajos as one of the stations. Please pray for sunny, dry weather. Thanks.

A walk in the past to make new friends in the present

2014-04-20T03:55:00.000-04:00

Saturday, April 19, 2014--You can inform me that France is an old country, but when you encounter historic churches and buildings and towns from 800s then you gain a larger perspective of the history of this country. Moreover, when you engage the people you yearn for them to know Christ or to grow in Christ.

Pointing to reference of Charlemagne

In our travels we have been blessed with excellent translators and tour guides. After a late night in Montceau, we got to sleep at the Henchoz home. In the morning we enjoyed fresh, baked bread with a black courant marmalade. The warm bread steamed when I cut it and the courant melted on the slice. I truly enjoyed the breakfast prepared by Gwen for us.

Melissa and Daron are staying with the Henchoz family in Montceau while Jim & Stephanie are enjoying time with the Hoberts in Paray. The drive is about 30 minutes between the two towns. Hobie and Susie drive the distance many times a week.

So, the drive is like commuting from Mansfield to Wooster. In fact, it would be like living in Mansfield, OH and driving to Wooster, OH for church work. I praise God for the added sacrifice of time, gas expenses, and safety for every believer who seeks to enjoy fellowship.

Vendor from Basque region selling goat cheese in market

Next we took a drive to the market. Gwen does all the food shopping at a grocery store near their home. But they wanted to take us to the market downtown.

We gained insight into the challenge of making contacts. In the US, you can strike up a conversation with any stranger. Whereas in France, to do so is highly unlikely. You go to the market with friends. You don't go to the market to find friends. So, the difficulty of building relationships is heightened.

After the market we ate an appetizer before enjoying a wonderful lunch. Gwen prepared Beef Burgundy. Wow! She also purchased a strawberry tart for our dessert. If I lived in France, then I would gain 20 pounds in the first 6 months.

In the afternoon, we joined a faith walk. The church in Paray started this walk as an outreach to the community. The church team prepares a walk of 6-10km. Midway through the walk they stop for a snack of cookies, hot tea, or hot coffee. Next, a bible lesson is shared and dialogue is opened. In this non-threatening atmosphere, relationships are enhanced and movement towards the Gospel is initiated. What pleasure to witness God's people in action! The church in Paray is developing fully devoted followers of Christ.

After our 10km walk (6.2 miles) we returned to Paray for a meal with the Hoberts. Thanks to the Fidelis ABF we were able to take them out to eat. The local restaurant served a great steak with a cheese custard-like dish and an amazing chocolate cake. The meal took about 2 hours to eat from being seated to finishing our dessert. I found that meal time is extended and often does not start until 8pm or later. Moreover, we took a walking tour of the town as the Catholic church, the order of Sacred Heart began in Paray, conducted midnight mass to celebrate Easter.

The challenge of spiritual darkness is real in the towns where our missionary partners serve. It is palatable. Please pray! Keep them in your prayers always. We are so proud of Hobie & Susie and Dom & Gwen.

Church of the Sacred Heart

Smoked salmon with fries & green beans

White Cheese dish, an after dinner appetizer before dessert

Dark Chocolate cake with cream in a delicious white sauce

Local grown steak in red wine sauce with fries & green beans

Sharing in Montceau-les-Mines, France

2014-04-18T18:58:00.001-04:00

Tonight as I bring in the next day (12:35am, France time), I praise God for His ministry through us. We got to sleep in earlier today. We slept from 1:30am to 12:00 noon. I have not slept that long in ages. But we needed the rest.

Moreover, we got to share tonight in Montceau-les-Mines where our missionary partners, Dominique & Gwen Henchoz and their family of five kids serve.

We enjoyed a wonderful meal. We tasted a dish translated as "the queen's morsel." The presentation was divine. The taste incredible. A hot flaky biscuit, cut open in the center was filled with a wonderful, creamy white sauce of mushrooms, dumplings, and chicken. A side dish of rice and a dark, green bib lettuce salad with a tasty vinaigrette accompanied the meal. Dessert was a delightful sweet sauce with raspberries and a heart candy served in an edible, chocolate waffle dish. Yum!

For the evening meeting at the recreation center we had two dozen people. We had two new people show up--the newspaper reporter and a lady from the community who attended because of the newspaper article. Typically, it is difficult to get just one new person to show up for an outreach event. But praise God Dominique and the people of the church in Montceau invited everyone. They used flyers, personal invitations, and a newspaper advertisement.

I got to meet everyone and to take a photo with everyone. We intend to give them a picture and get their email address so that we can ask if they want an invitation to our next event.

We chose to make a serious face

I praise God for the opportunity to conduct outreach events for our missionary partners. We rejoice that these efforts may bring two new people closer to Christ. Please pray for the follow up on these two new people. Ask God to bring each one closer to Himself. What a great God we serve!

Longest traveling day ends with great ministry

2014-04-18T09:37:00.002-04:00

Friday April 18, 2014 The weary travelers lay their heads down on the soft pillow, with visions of buttery croissants dancing in their heads. It was a long journey, but God is already doing amazing things.

The team left Wooster OH at 08:15 Wed Apr 16, headed for the Chateau in France. Along the way we encountered an emergency detour and landed in Newfoundland for a very ill passenger. This caused a missed flight, a longer layover, and a very tight schedule upon their arrival.

After a two hour drive and quick change for Pastor Daron (in the car), we arrived at the “community center” where Dave and Susie Hobert are working in Paray-la-Monial. On Thursday night, nearly 50 people attended. Pastor Daron shared his Navajo Nation ancestry traditions, and beliefs. He shared how God has woven Himself into his family’s life.

After the presentation, Melissa spoke with many in more detail explaining the Navajo culture, lifestyle, and the items they brought.

Jim & Stephanie spoke with some adults about Jesus. Those who attended the presentation were far from Christ to followers of Christ.

Jim particularly enjoyed a conversation with a tall, dark French woman and her pastor. Quickly into their conversation, she boldly asked him if he was a believer. He was a bit surprised by her directness so early in their conversation. It is said to be a “dark” country spiritually.

And while we knew what she meant, is that the best approach, or question?

Stephanie met a young gal and they hit it off. She had the most intriguing eyes. She introduced her friend who spoke some English. This young man told of having respect for his grandmother and her Catholic religion but it wasn’t for him. He told of the “spirituality” and “culture” and how the young people don’t learn religious stuff in school anymore. He said he has read the Bible, but doesn’t understand it. Stephanie shared about Jesus and hour it is a relationship and not a religion. They talked about faith and how it is obtainable.

The night winded down eating marshmallows around the indoor “campfire” as Pastor Daron shared Navajo words and a dance. The young people loved it. Many young people searching –they just don’t know what they are searching for.

Relationships –Isn’t that the best way?

Please pray for Yoran and Isabella, and many others. Pray for their continued interest, for their ears to be opened, for a lasting relationship with Jesus. Pray for the ministry work of the Hoberts and others with them. Pray for health of our team and the future contacts and relationships that will be built.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. From St. Albain, France

Getting to the airport, ready to fly to France

2014-04-16T10:28:00.000-04:00

We are so excited!

We said our goodbyes to family and friends. Now we depart for France. Our travels will take us from Cleveland, OH to Atlanta, GA; then on to Paris, France; with one more short flight to Lyon, France.

We want to express our thanks to our church, Grace Church in Wooster, Ohio for helping us get to this point. We are grateful for Pastor Steve Kern, Jess Artrip, and Chuck & Margie Buriff for praying for us and transporting us to the airport this morning. We want to also say thanks to Duane & Annette Steiner for their help too.

We will try to post on this blog and on our Facebook event page.

Develping fully devoted followers of Christ in all the nations of the world

2014-04-08T10:12:00.002-04:00

Grace Church is sending a team of four to France to stay connected with our missionary partners. We intend to encourage our missionary partners on this trip as well as help with the 50th Anniversary Celebration for the ministry of the Chateau with Encompass World Partners. We get to connect with several missionaries in France. You can join our prayer group on our Facebook event page. Please "like," "join," and "share" our page.

Grace Church seeks to develop fully devoted followers of Christ in all the nations of the world. We not only strive to reach our neighborhoods with events like the Easter Egg Drop on Sat Apr 12 at 10am, but we also send people to the world.

In the past several months our church has sent the following people to reach the nations (you can read about them on this blog):

Tim Harley to the Central African Republic (March 2014) with Water for Good,
Pastor Bob Fetterhoff, Jim Pike, Roger McManus, Glenn Sewell to SE Asia (February 2014) to encourage our orphan rescue homes with Asia's Hope and G.R.O.W.
Scott Simms, Mark Simms, Tom Cavalier, Rick Shilling, Nic Schwartz, Rod Williams, and Carl Calhoun to Battambang, Cambodia (January 2014) to tile the walls for the Battambang Ministry Training Center with Encompass World Partners. They got to encourage Kevin & Jill Kane as well as Kent & Becky Good.
Tim & Jeana Harley, Liz Waggy, Torrey Furr, and Nathan, Valerie and Zac Harley to SE Asia (December 2013).
Pastor Nick Cleveland, Rachel Snyder, Steve & Pat Knight, Julia Massary, Kyle Moomaw, Benjamin Engle, Kelsey Eberly, Aaron Richardson, and Patrick McCory to Thailand (November 2013) to encourage our orphan rescue homes iwth Asia's Hope and G.R.O.W.

The Chateau in St. Albain

Please pray for our team. We depart on Wed April 16 and return Wed April 30. The team includes Pastor Daron Butler, Melissa Butler, James Fish, and Stephanie Coleman Fish.

Please pray for:

safety in travels
good health for team and missionaries
deeper connections with missionaries
catalyzing of new friendships, and
having a servant's heart .

We will post updates on the blog and/or on Facebook page. So, please keep us in prayer.

Fwd: Monday update

2014-03-31T18:52:00.001-04:00

> Happy Monday to you. Well, let me catch you up just a little. Sunday things were still unsettled in the city from the fighting on Saturday, so we decided not to go to church. But we were able to meet up with several of Water for Good's staff at the Grande Cafe'. It was great to have some social time with them and to treat them to some food and coffee. It was fun to see them laughing and having a good time because the night before most of them were listening to machine guns firing around their neighborhood. Please continue to pray for the guard at the Water for Good office compound as he recovers from a bullet wound to his arm as he was standing on the street. Also pray for Gerard's brother who was shot in the leg.
> After the crazy weekend here I figured we would not be able to work today. But to my surprise the guys said things were good for us to go. The Chadian military who caused a lot of the problems, left to head back to Chad. I heard the French military made their presence known to the Chadian soldiers to prevent further bloodshed like Saturday. So we proceeded to stop at the office and finish some things there including some explanation about how to care for the new water system. After this we headed out to PK 22 to see what we could do there. On our way there, we passed through the area which had seen the violence over the weekend. There were a lot less people in the market, and in the Muslim area, there was a very noticeable reduction in the number of people. The rest of our drive was routine. Thankfully, we were able to make some great progress today on our list of projects. During some of the looting that took place not too long ago, the overhead wires were stolen leaving PK 22 with no electricity for its garage area. Well today we got the power back on by splicing together some wire. We rerouted the wire from the generator so it is hidden and harder to steal. This allowed us to turn the water pump back on to the delight of the guards who have been without water for quite some time. We ran some more wires to be able to run some much needed garage equipment. We then worked on one of the drill rigs and got it running for the first time in probably in over a year. There are a few more things for Fabian to finish and then the rig is ready to drill some new water wells around Bangui. Because this is my last working day here I thank God for helping us get a lot done.
> One thing I reflected on today while I watched the guys work with me was how important it is for us to invest in PEOPLE. Some may question why I came during this challenging time. But I really believe these guys are the future of this country. They are learning skills to better themselves, provide for their families, and impact their fellow countrymen who are in desperate need of the basics; water, sanitation, and food. On top of that they can share the hope of Jesus as they work , the Living Water and the Bread of Life. As much as I am here to fix stuff, I am here to encourage these guys that they are not alone, and the legacy is investing in people, the impact is eternal.
> As I get ready to get on the plane tomorrow, I just want to ask you to continue to pray for the people of the CAR, and if you are able, donate to help Water for Good continue to impact this country. Continue to pray for orphans who are being cared for by VisionTrust and Project Hope and Charity. There are enormous needs here and incredible logistical challenges to offer help.
> We are scheduled to depart here around 5:30pm tomorrow my time which is 12:30pm your time. Thanks for your prayers!!
>
> Tim

Fwd: Picture

2014-03-31T14:44:00.002-04:00

> Time with some Water for Good staff at the Grande Cafe

Fwd: Monday pics

2014-03-31T14:44:00.001-04:00

Fwd: Monday pics

2014-03-31T14:43:00.001-04:00

> You know it is time to come when snacks are almost gone!

Fwd: Starting to dig hole

2014-03-29T20:46:00.001-04:00

Fwd: Big hole

2014-03-29T20:45:00.003-04:00

Fwd: Hole finished

2014-03-29T20:45:00.001-04:00

Fwd: Saturday update

2014-03-29T20:43:00.000-04:00

> First off before I talk about our work, I want to ask that you all pray for one of the Water for Good staff members who was shot today while he was standing in the market area. Reports are that he is ok but will need to go to the hospital. Info is continuing to come in so we will learn more as we get updated information on his condition. Today was another day of fighting as you can tell. The big issue today seems to be the Chadian military soldiers who have come to escort more Muslims out of the CAR. It seems each time this happens the Chadians cause problems while they are here. Today is no exception it seems. We don't have a lot of info yet but there was lots of shooting going on between the Chadian soldiers and the Anti Balakas. So the relative peace that Bangui experienced the last couple days is gone and people in the affected area are either staying in their homes or they are going back to refuge areas for safety. This is the cycle of life for the Central Africans things calm down a little then things break lose again and people are caught in the crossfire, literally.
> Ok, one advantage of our work today was that we did a project on a military base so security was really good for us. Water For Good was hired to dig a bunker into the side of a hill to be able to store surrendered explosives more safely. Not something any us had done before but we have one of the only working backhoes in the country so why not. It was rewarding for me to help by operating the backhoe and helping Water for Good make some money. It was a very hot day again today and the sun was intense but we persevered and completed the project ahead of schedule. The organization representative who hired us was really pleased with how things turned out, so it is always good to have a happy customer. Unfortunately, there is a house near the sight of this bunker so the family will have to move out, not a good place to be once things are stored here!
> We only have a couple more days here so we will have to take things day by day as to what we will be able to do.
> Thanks for continuing to pray for Jim and me as well as our families!
>
> Tim
>
>
>

Fwd: Friday

2014-03-28T22:13:00.001-04:00

Fwd: Friday

2014-03-28T22:12:00.001-04:00

> Today's update is not that exciting but it was a productive day. On our way to the PK 22 farm we passed all of the different main characters in the struggle here in the CAR. There was a large French military presence on the street today including a huge convoy of all kinds of vehicles heading out of town. Then we passed by the Seleka camp, then we passed through one of the main markets filled with Central Africans, then we passed through the Muslims only section of town, then a little ways out of town we pass by a couple machine gun toting Anti Balakas. So how was your commute today?!! We are thankful for God's continuing hands of protection each day as we try to accomplish our work. Once we arrive at PK 22 it's back to work. Today was really hot, my guess is over 100 but I know it has been cool at home so I won't complain too much. It is fun each day to work with the staff here and develop friendships while we work and even with the language barrier we have fun. Usually, I try to learn some Sango and then I try and teach them English, lots of laughter usually follows. In the afternoon Fabian and I got to take the tractor out to one of the fields and work the soil to make sure the tractor and equipment worked properly. I also wanted to continue training Fabian so he can run the tractor once I am gone. It was fun to see his smile as he saw each piece of equipment do its job, he commented that he wanted to now plant something in the nicely prepared soil. We in Wayne county Ohio or other rural places take it for granted what tractors can do. Most here have always cultivated by hand and have never seen a tractor work. We even drew a small crowd who watched us work in the field.
> Then it was back to our guesthouse retracing our interesting route, trying to see who would wave at me just for fun. Now it is time to try and relax and get ready for a busy day tomorrow. We will be doing a special project on a military base so it should be interesting. More on that in tomorrow's post.
>
> Thanks for your prayers
>
> Tim
>
>

Thursday, March 27 Back to Work!

2014-03-27T19:16:00.001-04:00

Today was a good day for making progress. The streets were open and traffic was normal today. On our way out to the Water for Good office we stopped to check out a job an NGO wants Water for Good to do at a military base. The reason they called Jim is that Water for Good has one of the only working backhoes in Bangui and they have a special digging job. They wanted us to see if we could do it and how much it will cost. So it was a little intimidating walking onto the military base with lots going on but we met our contact at the gate and he led us to where we could talk to one of the commanders to let him know what we were doing. We looked over the sight they wanted excavated and it looks like we might do this project before we leave.
After our stop at the military base, we proceeded out to the office to prepare the backhoe and tractor for the drive out to PK 22. Finally, we headed out to the street. As you can imagine, it is not every day that a tractor and backhoe drive down the street so we provided a small parade for everyone with a Water for Good truck if front and one behind the tractor and backhoe. The market was very busy today so we had to drive slowly to get through. Then we drove the 10 kilometers out to the farm. Finally, we were able to start on our list of projects out here. So the rest of the day was spend working on the farming equipment getting it ready so we can start using it in the field.
Each day we learn a little about the conflict here in Bangui. Some of the tension and confusion for the people in town is they don't always know who is shooting at them or who will protect them. There is the Seleka, the Anti Balaka, the French, and then there is the MISCA forces, which are a collection of African nations. What they are finding is some of the MISCA forces are sympathetic to the Seleka and so they are giving some of the Seleka forces their MISCA uniforms and then they carry out attacks on the people or the Anti Balaka forces which is happened over the weekend. During the battle some of the MISCA soldiers were killed but when they took their uniforms off they discovered that they were actually Seleka.
Please keep praying for this country, the problems are huge and the road ahead is very unclear.
Please keep praying for the staff of Water for Good as they seek to get back to their work which means traveling the roads.
Thanks for your prayers for Jim and me!

Tim