The Clancy Chronicles

God’s Confirmation

Last month, we let you know about our burden for Africa; specifically the Democratic Republic of Congo. We have all our paperwork in to IFM (Independent Faith Mission) in request to be appointed by that mission board to go to the DRC.

Since sending in our application, God has continually sent confirmation as to His will in this! He is opening doors where we wouldn’t have thought to look. And, where we thought God might be opening a window, we find a garage door sized opening.

Just one of the many examples we could share, concerns our house. We own an older farmhouse on a few acres (pictured above). We do not feel like it is something we could keep and rent out while on the field, so we were making plans and preparations to get ready to sell. This is our first house, so selling is a new process for us…and with the slowing economy…we weren’t sure how and when to put it up on the market. We discussed the possibility of using our equity to help purchase a small house in Notus where our home church could keep an eye on it, and the payment would be manageable, even without renters. This was quite a lot to ask of God, and we viewed it more as “wishful thinking” than a prayer. However, our Heavenly Father hears our hearts desires! A gentleman that Sparky works with heard we were going to sell and said he wants our house…whenever we’re ready. He said not to worry about doing any more repairs or preparations (which will save us a lot of time and money). AND, he asked if we would pray about a trade… he could pay off our current mortgage, and give us a house in town (Notus) that he has been renting out and owns free-and-clear. Not only that, but this house is ONE block from our home church! We are praying that if God chooses to follow through on this, we will be able to use that house on our furloughs as well as make it available for other missionaries that may need housing during their time in the States.

As we are “preparing for rain”…God seems to be sending flash floods! This is just one confirmation in the midst of so many. We are so excited to be on the path God has for us, and that He is seeing fit to confirm the steps we are taking.

Dibaya-Lubwe

We introduced Dibaya-Lubwe
to you briefly last month. It is
a mid-sized village on the
Big Kasi River. It is about a 3
day’s journey from Kinshasa,
either by river or by road.
Hopefully these pictures will
give you a good idea of where
it is. (These are pictures from
Google Earth.)


(Below) This picture is about
35 miles across (East-West)
and 20 miles high (North-
South). You can see that
there are many villages near by.

There are several churches in the DRC. Unfortunately, there has been little to no training available for pastors or church leaders in the interior for many years. Dibaya is in a very good location: it is relatively accessible to national pastors and Christians in the interior; it is under a “normal” MAF flight line, and has a maintained landing strip; the cost of living is much lower than bigger towns and cities; among other things. Our prayer—Lord willing—is to help establish the Bible Institute in Dibaya, train national pastors and their families for ministry, disciple, encourage the national pastors and Christians, and assist them in evangelism and church planting.

Looking Ahead

We are praying about the possibility of Sparky flying over to Congo in January. Lord willing, he would be able to meet several of the national pastors and make a trip to see Dibaya in person. Please pray for God’s will and provision for this trip!