Sat. November 20

All is well! It's now Saturday afternoon in the Congo. The past two days I feel I have really gotten into the thick of where I believe God has been leading me to for this trip. Yesterday, I preached a sermon in front of a full house of doctors, nurses, patients, and other staff of HEAL. I spoke on Romans 12. The joy that happens when all parts of the body are united. I was relieved when the room abrupted in laughter after one of my jokes!

At the end, I felt the Lord came through and that the message was very well received. I was so thankful for the CPC team here that was incredibly supportive before, during and after. I have since had many Congolese people at the hospital approach and encourage me for what the message meant to them. Praise God for this. (Bwana asi fiwe)

Yesterday, I took some time at HEALing arts. This is a building located at the compounds of the hospital where women who are ill, awaiting surgery, or recovering can sew clothes and make crafts. They sell the goods and earn a profit that they live off. I bought my first African shirt! and a few other knick knacks to bring home.

This morning I preached again at the church. This time it was a smaller crowd (Fri, Sun, and Tuesdays are their big services). I spoke on Mark 5, when Jesus heals a sick girl. The girl tried everything just to touch Jesus' clothes, knowing if she could just do that she would be healed. Jesus tells her that it was her faith that healed her. The message was that the doctors and spiritual counselors offer the tangible touch where healing takes place, but that the healing happens through faith.

After the service, I went around with the chaplain pastor to many of the different wards here at the hospital. There were broken legs, burn victims, those with AIDS. Chelsie translated get well cards written by our 4th and 5th graders at home and also brought a special treat for the kids. After the visit, we sang a song and then I was able to pray out loud in each room. It amazed me the joy everyone had when we sang a song together. And an honor to be able to pray for them.

We are heading to the market now, as the hospital works a half day on Saturdays (other than ER of course).

Pray for:

The kids, we are teaching Sunday school tomorrow
The people I visited today in each ward of the hospital
Team unity
Chelsie has she flies back to her home in Beni, Congo tomorrow

Thanks!