Saturday, September 3, 2011

Scott with General Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Congo, Jean Pierre

'The ways I saw the Lord at work' by Scott

Where to begin to describe the past two weeks?  On the surface, home appears so different: no smiling people waving back at you at every turn, no dusty and bumpy roads, no scent of smoldering charcoal fires, no boisterous songs that the heart understands, even if the mind cannot comprehend the language.  Yet these differences seem minuscule compared to the overwhelming similarities: The love for the same Lord.  The same daily struggle with life, even if in different ways and intensities.  The same mix of people trying (or not trying) to know God better.  The same need to praise Him-- all blessings are His, regardless of our perception of their value.   We are all parts of the same Body.
I will miss spending moments and meals with the Congolese brothers and sisters whom I now know by name-- especially Chantal, who tried to make me eat second helpings at every meal!  So many times, I felt as though I'd known each person for my entire life!  Every day brought new faces, new experiences, and, as was so often said in prayer, new mercies.  I feel blessed to have had this opportunity to go, and to return with an echo of the greeting offered by all the senders.  It is a joy to think of these new friends whom we can pray for by name,  and whom  I hope others in our church come to know .
On the surface, I am certainly left with a bundle of funny stories about adapting to preposterous circumstances.  They add joyful humor and color to any description of our time in Congo.  But these are not the core of my memories.  Instead, I will cherish the deeper ways I saw the Lord at work:  The loving hospitality in the Name of Christ.  The power of prayer.  Witnessing a testimony impact another.  The protecting and strengthening hand of the Lord.  The incalculable value of encouragement.  God’s guidance and His hands at work in building a new parish.  All tangible evidence of the truths we affirm. 
For some time, I didn’t feel ready to go on a mission trip.   I was uncertain of what I could offer (and sometimes I'm still uncertain).   Now, having gone and met with so many dedicated to Christ, I realize I placed these roadblocks around myself and blocked my ears to what God  might ask me to do.  For all the encouragement I hoped to bring, I feel it returned to me in multitudes.  After all the joyful praises in thatched, dirt floor churches, how could I not praise Him in all circumstances?  After the “chance” meetings, when I thought I couldn’t go any further, how could I put my choices of comfort before His call?  When I saw how overcoming my own insecurities could touch another life, how could I be timid?  I will be forever grateful for the way our team, Fred, President Mavoungou, and all those I met have helped deepen my faith.

In Christ,
Scott

Stephanie, Lori, Victorina (President Mavoungou's wife) and Sarah (President Mavoungou's niece)

'Thankful' by Stephanie

I am truly thankful for having been given the opportunity to go to Congo with OLSA.  I would like to thank all who prayed for us and supported us during out trip.  I especially thank God for hand picking the group of people, both from the US and from Congo; they were all a blessing to travel with.  There were so many blessings we as a group and individually received from the people there, and I pray our visit was as sincere a blessing to them as they were to us.  Everywhere we went we were received with open arms, singing, and praises to God for our arrival.  Please continue to pray for the churches, church leaders and people in the Congo as they persevere in the name of Christ so that all may know Him.

In His Strength,
Steph

Friday, September 2, 2011

Mother and baby worshipping our great God!!!

Team at Wittenberg congregation in Pointe Noire

Matthew, President Mavoungou and the vice president of the Lutheran church of the Congo

Scott dancing with the Sunday School children!!!!

'Time flies when you're having fun serving the Lord' by Lori

Hi family and friends,
How time flies when your having fun serving the Lord!  Our last two church services were memorable, to say the least.  Sunday service was held at St Augustine's in Brazzaville.  The church service was traditional with President Mavoungou and Vice President in full robes and the church was overflowing.  So far I can say, from the different places we have lived, no people praise the Lord quite like the people in the Congo. The love for Jesus pours out of there very being!  The service began at 9:30 AM and ended about 1:30 PM but there is so much joy, one losses track of the time and you find yourself worshiping with pure pleasure.
We presented gifts to Pastors, Vicars and leaders of the church as well as the leaders of the womens group. They in turn presented us with lovely outfits.  I must say its quite different being redressed in front of the church while the whole congregation looks on in great laughter!   After service we were guests of the Vice President and his wife in there home.  The ladies cooked a wonderful meal and we had a great time in fellowship.  I have to take a minute to inject a note about the meal.  When we talk about a great meal often times these meals were cooked out side over open coals.  They cook all morning because they do not have the  modern appliances we do.  We were so appreciative of time and efforts.

Monday was probably the most relaxing "fun" day of our whole trip. We rode the "song bus"  appropriately named by Scott because it was full of singing, including drums and all.   Pastor Mavoungou and members of his church joined the team and we rode in a very full bus to Impani, about 45 km north of Brazzaville.  There we were greeted, like always, with great such joy and lots of singing.  The service was shorter then most but not lacking in praising God.  Matthew gave a wonderful message, Scott and I gave our testimonies, and the team did the puppet skit.  The most fun was when we sang our "silly" song!  Everyone got into it, and I mean everyone: Pastor's, Vicars, heads of the church all the way down the line to the smallest of children!  We have great pictures for you to see. Oh the joy and laughter!   After service we had a B.B.Q picnic under a spacious tree for shade.  Fresh French bread, smoked sausages, fresh veggies, and drinks.  Later on, even chocolate ice cream bars!  The ride back was relaxing while watching the beautiful country side, and listening to the youth sing there beautiful songs.  Matthew and I hope to have one of the songs ready to sing in church.  It was a perfect day.

President Mavoungou, who we affectionately call PaPa, is truly a Church Man in every sense of the meaning.  His love for the Lord and his people is evident in all he says and does.  He is a most humble man, full of compassion and love for all of God's people.  He certainly went out of his way to keep us safe, happy,and to please us in so many ways.  Always thoughtful and kind.  I cannot say enough good things about this man of God.  Continue to pray for him and the enormous job he has.  
We thank God for the opportunity  to go on this trip, for the team He put together, for His beautiful people we met, our safe travels, good health and the chance to encourage His people in the Congo.  God is definitely good --all the time! 
In His Love,
Lori

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Back in the USA--thank you for your prayers! New photos and posts coming over the next 2 days

Thank you all for your partnership in this mission journey to the Congo!  We arrived home safely yesterday afternoon.  God indeed blessed our time and we were blessed to be in the Congo.  Each one of us will write a blog entry over the next day or so so please check back!  I will also post more photos.  Our Congolese brothers and sisters along with missionary Fred Reinhardt send their love and prayers to all.  We were the first American missions team that visited the Congo, and we were very humbled and thankful for that honor.  Wherever you go today, know that God is with you!  In you comings and goings, share His love with all you meet!

 'Be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances.'  1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18