March Update (in April)

We are at the point now where we can actually count the days we have left here in Congo and they really aren’t that many. It is hard to believe how our two years here can be drawing to a close already. Nevertheless, there is still a lot to get done and a lot that will occupy our time for the remaining months.

ReachGlobal as a mission has as its modus operandi “Develop, Empower and Release”. That is to say, the way that it operates is to train nationals in ministry, equip them and let them take over. As we prepare for our departure we have to evaluate what has been done and what needs doing in that light.

DEVELOP. Since the last team returned to the US in February, a significant portion of our time has been spent continuing to teach English and adding computer classes to the schedule as well. Sam and I are currently working through a series of computer classes on Microsoft Windows, Excel, Outlook and Word. The classes are primarily for the benefit of the Koyamba Team but have been opened to others within CECU as well that it might benefit other ministries.

EMPOWER. The Koyamba Team will have another opportunity before our departure to begin the process of taking over our responsibilities. In May we will be hosting a ReachGlobal team. The team will be small, being comprised of Rachel Martin, our supervisor, in addition to Karen, a Global Fingerprints staff member and her husband, Ben. At that time, we will take on a an observing role and the Koyamba Team will fill our roles in hosting the team and even translating. We are thankful for the opportunity for this “dry run” and excited to see the Koyamba Team step up and really begin the task for which they’ve so faithfully trained over the last year and a half.

RELEASE. The four of us have decided that we will be returning to the United States in the beginning of the month of July. Come July we will have fulfilled the two years that were allotted for this mission and it seems that everything will be in place to allow for our return at that time. We want to make sure we are leaving behind a healthy ministry and we are confident that at the close of these next two and a half months the team that we’ve been training will be able to take the reins.

Our time here is even shorter given that in one week we will be making the drive to Bangui (again) in order to fly out to Nairobi, Kenya for a week and a half. We will be attending the ReachGlobal All Africa Conference where we will connect with other RG missionaries serving throughout the continent and take part in workshops to enhance our ministries. Please pray that this time would be blessed by the Lord and that we would all be refreshed and encouraged by this time together.

Thank you for your prayer and support of our ministry here in Gemena. It has been such a blessing and a privilege to serve in this context and to know that we have such a committed and generous support team behind us. Please continue to pray for us during this integral time. Pray also for the Koyamba Team as they are taking on a big job and one of great importance in the life of the partnership between CECU and the EFCA.