Much of the past month has been spent making preparations to host a short-term team flying into Gemena on June 4th. The team is coming for several reasons; 1) to begin planning for the construction of a restaurant at or by ELIKYA, 2) to minister to orphans in the Global Fingerprints sponsorship program and 3) to do some planning for a new CECU camp/retreat center to be built behind ELIKYA property. This “teams within a team” approach means a more affordable trip but can be difficult to organize logistically. So during the past month we have put together a schedule, divvied up responsibilities among ourselves and the Congolese “koyamba” team we’re training and made sure that all the details are worked through thoroughly.
The team that is coming is from Boone, Iowa and is eight-people strong. They will be accompanied by Jim Snyder and Rachel Martin (veteran Congo missionaries and our immediate supervisors). There are four teenage girls coming out under the banner of Kids for Congo, a non-profit organization that has partnered with the Global Fingerprints program here. They will be visiting with orphans in that program and teaching Bible lessons at a local CECU church. Those involved with the restaurant planning will remain at the Elikya Center and will work through some of the initial questions regarding the establishment of a restaurant. It is hoped that this restaurant will be both a source of income for ELIKYA and a training platform for those interested in learning about it. The camp planning will take place primarily on Friday, June 10th.
Pray that the Lord would prepare the way for this team as they begin their travels in only a few days. Pray that their ministry would bear fruit and that their visit would be a big encouragement to the church here in the Congo.
Our English classes have continued as usual. We have purchased some new curriculum that is being brought out with the team and are looking forward to making the switch. This coming month we will be upping the hours of class per week from six to eight by adding 2 extra hours for conversation, discussion and dialogue. They are getting some from the weekly English club that we are a part of every Saturday but it will be helpful to have even more exposure and more opportunities to practice speaking. They will, however, have some great opportunities for the ten days the team will be here. Pray that our students would increase in their English ability and would be encouraged.
Aside from teaching English and preparing for this team, I have continued with the development of an agricultural program here.
We encountered a very difficult situation that has affected the ag program this past month. Mowa had selected a local agronome to help with the teaching. He is a very hard worker and very knowledgeable and practiced in the field of agriculture. About a month ago his wife died very suddenly and he was accused of poisoning her. He was subsequently jailed and was only released within the last couple weeks. It remains a very difficult situation for him as he has lost his wife and much of his livelihood (his place was ransacked when he was jailed) and is still dealing with the suspicion that has been placed on him even though he has been acquitted by the district court. Pray for him as he is dealing with his grief and the uncertainty of how to proceed.
Soleil is growing up fast. Lots of people tell her that she’s a mokolo (adult) aleady. She resists learning to sit because she’d rather stand. She rolls over as soon as she is laid on her back. She babbles and gurgles and drools constantly. She grabs at anything that comes close enough so she can put it in her mouth. So I wouldn’t call her an adult quite yet. She is a lot of fun and we are really enjoying being her parents.
Well, that’s May. Keep our ministry in your prayers. There is more transition ahead as the Snyders will be leaving us for Gamboula where they will have their baby. So it will be our turn to hold down the fort.
In Him,
Aaron and Michelle
Spreading mulch at a Foundations for Farming demo
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