Untangling the kids cross necklaces--an African adventure for sure!

Lori and Jairus (Pastor, she wants to adopt him!)

The Lord's love is here by Scott

Mbote!

How can I not echo what everybody has already said above?!  The Lord’s love is certainly demonstrated in all the people we have met.

After landing in Brazzaville and praying with Pastor Mavoungou’s congregation at Christ Le Roi (Christ The King), we left the next day for Pointe Noire on the coast.  We visited both churches in Pointe Noire (Wittenburg and Christ Le Roi) and worshipped at Wittenburg with both congregations (a full house, indeed!).  As Pointe Noire is the second largest city we will be visiting, we were able to distribute many of the gifts and teaching resources sent from OSLC to the clergy, wives and children.  Thank you to all for your loving support—it was very well received.

A blessed few days, indeed!

Until the next internet spot,

Scott

Matthew preaching during the Sunday worship service in Pointe Noire on August 21

An Amazing Experience so far by Stephanie

Howdy all!!!

Wow!!  What an experience this has been and we are only on day 3!!!  We have been very busy since we hit the ground.  We came to Pointe Noire Sat. and have been overwhelmed with their generous hospitality.  The meals they fixed for us have been more like a feast and outstanding!!  We had church service today and did a puppet show and shared our testimonies.  We also handed out cross necklaces to over 90 kids.  The crosses were a church wide event; see the picture to see!!!  (Isaac and Ruth—the  church service was 4 hours long…so don’t whine about an hour!!)  They have been more than welcoming to us.  Please continue to pray for us as we go on to the next churches, heading out tomorrow to the next church. 

In His Strength,

Love,

Steph

Lori and Stephanie with the women at Pointe Noire congregation after distributing gifts to them

The team with church leaders in Brazzaville, Congo

Blessed to be here by Lori

Dear friends and family,

Bonjour mes ami!  I send my love to all from the Congo.  It is truly a blessing that God has permitted us to come to this place and to love these beautiful people.  Sunday worship was awesome!  It was longer than our worship services, but if was so full of joy and the Holy Spirit that not one person minded.  The total participation from the small children to the adults during four hours of worship and celebration was amazing! 

The people have greeted us with open arms and have shown us such hospitality.  Since we arrived on Saturday in Pointe Noire, we have eaten two delicious home cooked meals by the women of the church.  I have been so moved by the church people’s generosity and kindness.  Barbara MacDonald, you were right.  I want to bring all the children home!  We look forward to the days ahead and all that blessings that God has in store for us. Keep us in your prayers.  I remain in His love.

Love, Lori

Scott sharing his testimony during Sunday worship service

Lori as Sophie the Sheep during the children's time in Sunday worship in Pointe Noire

Safely in the Congo!

Pastor Porter just received a phone call from Lori to let us know that the Congo team has arrived safely in the Congo.  And ALL of their luggage arrived safely as well. 

Let us join our hearts together to thank our great God for His traveling mercies!

Watch for more updates from the team.

Waiting in Washington D.C.

After an early, early start this morning (and some left even earlier!), we have made it to DC where we have connected with Steph and now are a complete team!  We have a few hours in DC before we depart on our 13 hour flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where we will be delighted to connect with Fred Reinhardt on our final flight to Brazzaville.

On a personal note, the preparation leading up until today has been both a humbling and uplifting experience.  While I have appreciated it in concept, it has been a  marvel (in the truest sense of the word!) for me, through all those senders, to witness the Body of Christ as stretches beyond OSLC... and we have only just left!  For all those both near and far your prayers and support have certainly been felt!

Scott

The Congo Team Prayer Card