In the short time we have been away, while you have been watching 20 inches of snow fall in Porter County and see it melt away, we have experienced the power of the African sun. Mile-high elevation, being close to the equator, and working on a roof all day doesn't make for a good combination - neither does wearing high socks. The team just had to ask if you could figure out who this might be?
John and Lois shared with us that in their region, there are 3 cemeteries, and between the 3 of them, about 900 are buried every month!! HIV / Aids is devastating this country and the people seem to be clueless, careless, and unchanging. The government, the education system, the culture, the health care system and the lack of voice from the local churches have created "the perfect storm". It is overwhelming to think about. But in the midst of it all, God has raised up this ministry (among others) to show His great love and power in rescuing some.
This little (big) guy wanted to have Phyllis for lunch, unfortunately, after she screamed so loud that the rest of the Township probably heard, her shoe got the better end of the deal.
We have been able to complete many projects for the Mixon's at the Bethesda site. A major project has been watersealing, priming, and painting the entire roof to the team center and Mixon's home onsite. God has blessed us with wonderful progress, great weather, and encouraging fellowship. The Mixon's have been blessed by the efforts of our team to accomplish much for them, except they were a litte worried when we left Brad unsupervised on the roof one morning...oops!
Lunch is served - corn meal (mealie pop), chicken feet (not enjoyable), and mopane worms (chewy, salty, and not too bad, but for the gritty parts).
We will be worshipping today with Jones Phago, one of the houseparents who is also a pastor, and his church. They are celebrating the engagement of a couple in their church (both nationals, one of which is also on staff at Bethesda) and it seems to already be almost as big of a deal as our wedding celebrations. It will be interesting to have Jones's church over at the team house for this time of worship and celebration - it might be a long day - I better go get my socks off the window sill before they start arriving...
Much love from the team - we are so grateful for your prayers and support!!!
Until later,
Josh and the team
8 comments:
Chicken feet and worms...YUM!!! I bet Nic would eat it provided there was enough ketchup! We are enjoying the pics and the updates. Lots of people praying for you all. I am sure God is using all of the talents represented there. Stay strong and finish well. Nic, John Santner recorded the Superbowl for you. Here we go Steelers, here we go!
yeah i am gonna have to put my vote in for Josh with the nicely tanned legs. Maybe Carullo, but i am gonna say Josh. Glad to hear that the team is doing well, we continue to pray for you stateside. Looking forward to hearing from you in person.
I'm with you Joe. I think it's Nic or Josh too. Since you picked Josh, I'll go with Nic, although I do not recognize the shoes.
Kaitlyn and Lydia say it's definately their daddy (Josh) but the shoes also have me stumped.
Glad to hear that Phyllis escaped from the spider unharmed!
christy
The spider is for lunch tomorrow.
hey--we're all awaiting an update on how Paulette is doing?? is she feeling any better?
Chicken feet? Looked like one foot. What happened to the rest of the chicken? Really, I can visualize Josh and Nic eating wings by the bucket full, but that other meatless appendage just doesn't look as appetizing does it. It was Josh's legs...no doubt. God bless you all for your sacrifice.
WOW, chicken feet?? Still miss not being on this trip, but praying for the team. So thankful for you all serving our Lord in Africa.
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