March 14, 2017


Home, Sweet Home



We have arrived safely in Dibaya-Lubwe! We were pleased to be welcomed by so many.  We passed several of the men from the church as they were fixing the road coming into our neighborhood, so we could drive in more easily. After the roads we’d been on, that was such a sweet gesture. Other church members were waiting for us at the property, and greeted us warmly.  After some key people “forsaking” us and the work, it was so nice to see a few faithful ones!



Our house was in better condition than we anticipated.  There is lots of dusting and cleaning to do, but that is definitely to be expected. We were pleasantly surprised by nearly everything working (including the internet!), the cistern full of water, both our cats still alive, and no major termite damage. We have been gone for much shorter lengths of time, and found things in much worse shape.  We left Pastor Emanuel in charge of the house and cats, and it is so very encouraging to have found a faithful man! What a blessing to come home to a functioning house! I think God knew that with everything else waiting for us here, we could use this extra measure of grace. 



The Classroom Building



The classroom building is a total loss.  We realized when we saw it, what had happened.  This building was already on the property when we bought it, so it was not constructed to our standards.  When a big wind storm came in, it pealed the roof right off, causing several walls to fall.  The rest was damaged by the following rains.  There is nothing left to salvage, as the roofing was twisted and bent beyond repair, and the remaining walls are disintegrating.  A temporary teaching place has been set up beside the depot, but the classroom really has to be rebuilt for us to continue the teaching ministry here, out of the elements. Also, our ladies’ ministry (literacy program/Bible study) occupied one room in that 3-room building; we would like to see that ministry continue. Please pray with us for wisdom on how, when, and where to rebuild.







                                                                                   



                                                                                                After







      Before










Nlemvo, and Other Answered Prayers



Within minutes of arriving in Dibaya, we got to see Nlemvo.  Praise the LORD for healing in her body!  We reported last month that we had heard she was slowly getting better, but that did not prepare us for what we found.  She is back to a normal, healthy weight, and is able to function almost normally!  She can hold basic conversations in Kikongo and French, and has started sewing again (she was studying to be a seamstress before she fell ill). Please continue to pray that she will regain all her strength and that God will continue to do a work in her life.  She still has a ways to go, but progress is definitely being made!



Last month we included a small “box” that mentioned that we’d found a commercial printer, but were unable to purchase it with our current financial situation.  Due to limited space in the letter, we didn’t give many details. It uses a stencil printing method, so it works a lot like a printing press. When printing several copies, the cost of using this printer is significantly less and it is much faster than an inkjet or laser printer.  This printer was made specifically for use in Africa.  It is a stand-alone unit, with its own solar panels, batteries, and inverter.  This means it can be placed over in the Bible Institute office, instead of taking up space and power at our house. Since we are always limited on both, it would be a blessing to have it located at the office! Since we have to write a lot of our own materials, and produce many of our own books for the Bible classes, this would be a huge blessing… We are always amazed at the response of God’s people!  The printer has been provided for! What an amazing answer to prayer!!!



The internet is working!  Last term, we switched internet providers.  The cost was much lower per month, and the equipment stayed working much more reliably. The catch was that our data was very limited at only 4 GB per month! This same provider now offers an unlimited monthly plan, and it is still cheaper than the former provider. Unfortunately, we had to sign a 12-month contract, with no provision for equipment failure.  Please pray with us that our equipment continues to work well!

 


Please continue to pray for Muna and Excellent, that they will truly repent, and that God will be glorified in the way we handle the situation. 



Please also pray for faithful men that we can minister with and invest in!



“…commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2





For the Sake of His Name,

Sparky, Myndii, Martha, Titus, and Ruth Clancy