tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226932792024-03-07T01:06:38.766-05:00Congo Missions - MulungwishiNews from David and Lori Persons, United Methodist missionaries to the D.R. CongoCBruleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607767373605474904noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-80084740026300283502018-04-30T15:58:00.000-04:002018-05-06T16:06:59.850-04:00Mulungwishi news<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 13.33px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Thank you for your continued support for the Seminary and
Women’s School at Mulungwishi.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>We are so
grateful for the way the Lord has continued to use you in the training of the
Lord’s servants in the Southern part of Congo.</span></div>
</div>
<h3 style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
A great loss!</span></h3>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The Church in Congo and Zambia suffered a great loss the day
after Christmas.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>John Enright was killed
in a car accident.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>His parents were
contemporary missionaries with our parents and we grew up together.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>John served as a missionary with the GBGM in
Botswana, Congo and Zambia.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>Kendra, his
wife, survived the crash and is now recovering slowly.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>John’s love for the African people consumed
him and he was the driving force behind the Kafakumba Pastor’s School.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>He used agriculture to help fund the mission work
he was involved in.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>His wife and two
sons and their families live on the farm in Zambia.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>Please keep his family in prayer.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>John will be deeply missed.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>He was so much a vital part of our lives.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<h3 style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
New Seminary leadership</span></h3>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We would like to share a little about the new leadership at
the Seminary.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>Dr. Sul A Nawej is the new
Dean of the Seminary.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>He is a product of
Mulungwishi having done both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the
Seminary. His wife, Kasongo, is a real joy and they have 7 children. <span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>Sul is an excellent pastor and served the
largest church in the Annual Conference.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</span>While he was there, he and Kasongo, had a beautiful ministry with young
couples. He then went on to do his Doctorate in Brussels and Kinshasa
specializing in Wesley studies.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>During
his studies in Belgium, Sul also pastored a church.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>After completing his doctorate, Sul was
appointed to Mulungwishi as the chaplain of the University, pastor of the mission
station and professor at the Seminary.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</span>We are so pleased with his appointment as Dean and will be, with
Kasongo, a strong mentor for our students at the Seminary and Women’s School.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<h3 style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Seminary and Women’s School life</span></h3>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The Seminary and Women’s School are in full stride for the
year.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>New students for both the
Bachelor’s and Master’s level arrived in September and classes started in
October.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>By this time, those in the
Master’s degree who will graduate this year are working hard on their thesis
and getting ready to defend them.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>Often
the subjects deal with contextual issues that they have encountered in the
ministry.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>Some of the subjects such as
funeral and initiation rites.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>While you
pray for them and their education, pray that the Holy Spirit will also be
working in their hearts and lives.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Rev. Kalombo serving a church in New York</span></h3>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">This last week, we were so proud of Rev. Nelson
Kalombo.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>You remember him from a
previous letter.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>He is a graduated from
the Mulungwishi Seminary and is currently serving a church in New York.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>Nelson successfully defended his PhD
thesis.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>David was one of the readers for
the thesis and took part in the defense over the internet.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>His subject was most interesting dealing with
the “Prosperity Gospel” in Congo.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>He
sees it as being “a means for the leaders to rob the poor.”<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>Nelson also sees that there is a lot of
syncretism with traditional African belief.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</span>The spiritual leaders parallel the witch doctors manipulating things in
their world.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Head Nurse Kalumba now a doctor!</span></h3>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Another source of joy and pride is Alfred Kabamba.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>He was our head nurse and with help from many
in the States he has just completed 7 years of medical school in Burundi.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>He is now Dr. Alfred.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>Because of the tribal tensions against
Congolese in Burundi he had to leave his family at Mulungwishi.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>He came back on vacations to be with the
family.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>Some hundred students started
and only 30 completed the course.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>This
is amazing since he had to do it in English.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</span>Alfred also endured many harrowing experiences in his travels through
conflict areas in Rwanda and Burundi.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>We
are so pleased and thankful to the Lord to have Dr. Alfred back at the
dispensary at Mulungwishi!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 13.33px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Seminary and Women’s School need continued support</span></h3>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We were unable to go back to Congo last year because of
David’s sciatica problem.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>He is much
improved and we plan -- the Lord willing -- to return this year.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>We still feel strongly that the Seminary and
Women’s School are vital to the continued growth of God’s Kingdom in
Africa.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>So we encourage you to continue your
support, love and prayers for these young men and women preparing for the
ministry.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>As you are in prayer,
remember the country of Congo which is going through a very difficult
period.<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </span>Our church is called to bring
the love of God in these very trying times.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Again, we want to thank you for your support during the past
year. </span></div>
<ul style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 13.33px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Mulungwishi Theological Seminary, Advance #05773A</span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 13.33px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Mulungwishi Women’s School, Advance #08112A</span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 13.33px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.66px; line-height: 17.33px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">David and Lori Persons, Individual Volunteers in Mission, Advance #982465</span></div>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-11624943424352978612017-06-01T16:00:00.000-04:002017-06-04T00:46:27.483-04:00Thank you from MulungwishiDear Friends,
<br />
<br />
We express our thanks to you for your faithfulness. Thank you for the continued support for the Seminary and Women’s School at Mulungwishi and for supporting our return tips to Africa. How many times, through the years, we have said how thankful and blessed we are to have had you with us in this partnership with Congo and the Seminary! The Lord is so faithful and we have been blessed together!<br />
<h4>
Medical delay in return to Mulungwishi
</h4>
We had been planning to already be in Mulungwishi in April. However, we have been through some medical problems and are still on the U.S. side of the ocean waiting for medical clearance to return. <br />
<br />
<h4>
Your giving changes lives
</h4>
Always your gifts translate into lives of pastors and their ministries. We would like to share about Pastor Makobo Young and his wife Beatrice. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-top: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FjhUJwpTUvFPLodtsuJHAUq47fc-P6nMigaTVSGYKqSO6rFgZarZFLqRnSnXn75Ay0utRWLsI9PITmQqCfxvs283f0QWOXVGr8cF_iWWpXq7AVmAeKt8mQg0M0TH2ybBqavpkw/s1600/makabo-and-beatrice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pastor Makobo Young and his wife Beatrice" border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="648" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FjhUJwpTUvFPLodtsuJHAUq47fc-P6nMigaTVSGYKqSO6rFgZarZFLqRnSnXn75Ay0utRWLsI9PITmQqCfxvs283f0QWOXVGr8cF_iWWpXq7AVmAeKt8mQg0M0TH2ybBqavpkw/s320/makabo-and-beatrice.jpg" title="Pastor Makobo Young and his wife Beatrice" width="320" /></a></div>
They graduated a number of years ago. On their first assignment, they arrived with their 5 children in a large village. To their surprise, their church was a parcel of land and they were to build a church and parsonage! As people gathered to see who they were and greet them, a Catholic business man offered a place to live rent free. A real gift of love. There had been a small church group meeting in the open air. The couple began visiting through the village, connecting with the parish and ministering to people’s needs. <br />
<br />
Together, the small congregation made plans and started to make bricks and save for cement and roofing. It made quite an impression on the people as Beatrice helped with carrying mud and bricks. She also started teaching the women. After 5 years, because of their courage and effort, there was a church building and parsonage and a growing church of over 200. <br />
<br />
The Bishop then made Makobo a District Superintendent. Again, he was influential in growing the churches in his district. In 2014, Makobo and Beatrice were sent back to Mulungwishi for the Masters studies. He was the top student in the class and graduated in 2016. <br />
<br />
His new designation is to help in administration and teach at the Methodist Seminary at Kabongo in the North Katanga Episcopal Area. They have been a blessing within our Seminary community and go out again faithful to their calling.
<br />
<br />
<h4>
Grads are a blessing even in U.S.
</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gLi-0A2uE6bXzVmL74vWS5WYnM6qCOA51kHjPYtmTZ7LT4qRHCzMNPebpXjWzgkWWSWJ8bXMazYSNJL-N_LXYTgw_iGAsNUvOZ7Q8UtZdSSIB0nCUDRx-H8hebHgyrhabJlCeg/s1600/kalombo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img alt="Nelson Kalombo" border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gLi-0A2uE6bXzVmL74vWS5WYnM6qCOA51kHjPYtmTZ7LT4qRHCzMNPebpXjWzgkWWSWJ8bXMazYSNJL-N_LXYTgw_iGAsNUvOZ7Q8UtZdSSIB0nCUDRx-H8hebHgyrhabJlCeg/s1600/kalombo.jpg" title="Nelson Kalombo" /></a></div>
It has also been a blessing to see what our graduates do when they come to the USA. Nelson Kalombo, one of our graduates is now pastoring and working on his PhD on Long Island. In Congo, Methodist Churches hold revivals over the Christmas and Easter seasons. It has been an effective tool for bringing people to Christ and church growth. <br />
<br />
Over Christmas, Nelson phoned us to say that he decided to have an Advent Revival for evangelizing, the way he had learned at Mulungwishi. The result was 60 new people joined his church this Christmas. Praise the Lord, He is faithful!
<br />
<br />
<h4>
Dr. Kasap elected Bishop
</h4>
<div style="float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
<img alt="Dr. Kasap" float="right" height="200" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2088/1494267818_86244491e5_m.jpg" title="Dr. Kasap" width="139" />
</div>
<div style="margin-top: 1em;">
This past March, our University President, Dr. Kasap Owan Tshibang, was elected Bishop for the South Congo and Zambia Episcopal Area. He is replacing retiring Bishop Katembo Kainda, who served faithfully for 36 years. Both Bishops are Mulungwishi graduates. Join us in praying for continued blessing on Bishop Katembo and Mama Kashala as they transition into retirement and pray for strength, patience and wisdom for Bishop Kasap as he begins his new ministry. </div>
<h4>
We encourage Women’s School support
</h4>
<div style="clear: top;">
We encourage your continued support of the Seminary and Women’s School through the Advance Special (Mulungwishi Theological Seminary #05773A & Mulungwishi Women’s School #08112A). These advance Specials continue the programs under the Congolese leadership. Your gifts and prayers not only count for the present education for these pastors but continues on with their ministries. </div>
<h4>
Friends of KMU group
</h4>
At the same time, we would like to introduce a group of friends from Atlanta called “Friends of KMU” (Katanga Methodist University at Mulungwishi). They are joining us to help to continue raising funds for the Seminary and Women’s School as well as the University. We appreciate them so much for coming along side, now that we are retired. We want you to be aware that they will be contacting you.
<br />
<br />
<h4>
We are thankful
</h4>
It is a privilege to share with you what our Lord Jesus Christ is doing in the life of our partnership at Mulungwishi. We are thankful for how the graduates of Mulungwishi have remained faithful to their calling and how the Lord is using them wherever they are! <br />
<br />
We appreciate your donations – they help with flight tickets, visas, and extra medical insurance for our UMVIM trip. You can <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/gbgm/site/SPageNavigator/gbgm_donate.html?type=1001&project=982465">donate online</a> by using an American Express, MasterCard, VISA, or Discover credit card or you can mail a check.<br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: yellow;">IMPORTANT</span>: If you donate online using the above link, make sure to choose "Persons, David and Lorene" from the drop-down pick list. That web page also lets you associated a church or conference with your donation.<br />
<br />
Please make sure to make out checks to “<b>Advance GCFA</b>” and include “<b>Advance #982465 for David & Lori Persons</b>” in the check memo
area. Mail checks to:
<br />
<br />
Advance GCFA<br />
P. O. Box 9068<br />
New York,
NY 10087-9068.
<br />
<br />
In His love,
David & Lorene (Lori) Persons
The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-76407657800083136302016-10-31T20:42:00.000-04:002016-11-30T20:47:19.094-05:00Mission updateWe are back in the States after being in Congo since June. As you know we were to leave in April but Lori's surgery delayed us until June. We want to thank you for supporting us in prayer and financially during this time of ministry. We also want to thank you for your continued support of the Seminary and Women's School at Mulungwishi. Your partnership in training pastors for the fastest growing part of the United Methodist Church is of key importance.<br />
<br />It was good to get back to our home and our community at Mulungwishi. There were some new faces and lots of babies! The leadership team has continue to direct the University, Seminary and Women's School. We dived into our courses with David teaching Contextualization, Inductive Bible Study, Leadership and Church Growth. Lori taught Nutrition, John Wesley and lots of sewing at the Women School.<br />
<br />At the end of July, 18 couples graduated from the Seminary and Women School. It is always fun to celebrate graduations!<br />
<br />One of the graduates is George Kahilu and his wife, Tchijika Kaluma (Marni). We asked the question: "What did the 3 years at Mulungwishi mean to you?" Without hesitation, he said that he had a new life because of coming here. He had continued to grow in Christ through a good theological education and working with our local church in prayer groups, Bible studies and being the evangelist for the church.<br />
<br />Marni attended the Women's School for the three years. She felt she developed so much through her classes in Bible, Health, Nutrition, French, etc. and practical courses in cooking and sewing. George shared that her new understanding of budgeting helped them save for a sewing machine. She can sew for her family and others to help augment the family finances.<br />
<br />George has been appointed to a chapel in a new growing suburb of the city of Kolwezi. Up until now the chapel has only had lay preachers. The Conference felt that it was time for it to become a church with a pastor. We asked them what their dreams and plans were for this church. George wants to help build a new church. He sees this as a tool for evangelism within the neighborhood. People would be<br />challenged seeing the church that was being built by the members themselves. George also sees the need to be passionate about the care of his flock. Marni, of course, sees herself as passing on what she has learned to other women in the neighborhood.<br />
<br />Lori always works with the nutrition program which helps women and children in the communities around Mulungwishi. At risk children are followed and helped with nutrition and medically for as long as it takes to get them healthy. We have a team that visits families and teach health and better nutrition as well as carry on weekly evaluations of the children.<br />
<br />Our time at Mulungwishi was not limited to the Seminary and Women's School. The month of August was spent with the Kafakumba Pastors' School. This is a month long training program for lay pastors and over an 8 year period leads to ordination. There were some 90 pastors and 18 wives. Loi was involved in teaching the women and organizing the Kitchen. David taught 3 classes.<br />
<br />We had some challenges with the electricity and water. The high intensity cables in some areas were stolen which left us without power for long periods of time and no water pump. So it was back to cooking on charcoal and carrying buckets of water!!! This has always impressed upon us that so many in our world have no electricity or a clean water supply available.<br />
<br />During our last weeks at Mulungwishi, we started our classes for next year. It was difficult to separate from those pastors and their families who were leaving for their designations. They were like our children leaving but we rejoice that they are going to serve the Lord.<br />
<br />Many of you have participated before in UMC#GivingTuesday for the Seminary and Women's School. It will take place again this year on November 29th. Donations can be made through the link www.umcmission.org/give. Again, we want to thank you for making it possible for us to participate in this ministry and for supporting the training of God's shepherds.The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-19992858475330915182016-07-04T15:49:00.002-04:002016-07-04T15:53:17.057-04:00Change in ClustrMapYou may have noticed that the <strong>ClustrMap</strong> that shows location dots for visitors to this blog has changed. That map is in the right sidebar column.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, a main server for ClustrMaps was damaged and went our of service. A new one is in place and working, but meanwhile, the maps changed from showing lifetime or date range visits to showing this month's visits. If you click on the map image, you can choose to view the last month's visits.<br />
<br />
Many users have requested that the map shows the past <strong>year's</strong> visits and that feature is being worked on but not yet available. We may have to re-register for the service as well as renew the subscription for ClustrMaps Plus. Check back in a week or two and you may see an improved ClustrMap.<br />
<br />
Patience is a virtue, we've heard.CBruleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607767373605474904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-60145378486244311102016-06-25T14:58:00.000-04:002016-07-04T15:42:09.380-04:00Passing & PraisesWe to thank you for your continued support for the Seminary and Women's School at Mulungwishi. We also want to express our appreciation to those of you who are supporting our trip back to Africa for six months this year. <br />
<h3>
A sad passing</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; padding-top: 8px; text-align: left;">
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/umccongo/1486309823/in/album-72157602264485100/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Dr. Kajoba"><img alt="Dr. Kajoba" height="216" kasperskylab_antibanner="on" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/2/1019/1486309823_6a39c1656d_n.jpg" title="Dr. Kajoba Kilimbo Kipai" width="320" /></a></div>
This year, the Mulungwishi community lost one of our leaders known as the "Ancestor," Dr.Kajoba Kilimbo Kipai. Dr. Kajoba was our first PhD and was the Dean of the Seminary for many years. His academic prowess in Hebrew and Old Testament studies influenced many students. However, it was his humility, love and wisdom that most touched us all. His Christian example will be sorely missed.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Women in ministry</h3>
Each year as former pastor students and their wives come back for the Master's Degree, we listen to amazing testimonies of their ministries. Together we praise the Lord and thank Him for His faithfulness to them and their ministries. We would like to share the experiences in the ministry from a women's point of view. Kat Zeng and Mulongo wa Mukalay are the wives of two of our pastors .. Theirs is an example of the dedication and commitment these pastoral couples have to the Lord and His work. After their studies at the Seminary and Women's School, the couples were appointed to churches by the Bishops for the ministry.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Kat Zeng</h4>
Kat and her husband, Makeng, were sent to Lukonzolwa. It was a 10 day trip to get to their village and church. The voyage was very hazardous over very bad roads and also required a lake crossing in a very old boat in bad weather. They began their ministry by spending time listening to people to find the needs of the people in the church and the community. Among the biggest problems they found were low church attendance, poverty in the community and low educational level of the women. They increased their visits to people in their homes and in the hospitals. They also sought to help the poor with food and clothes of the babies. The result was many new people were added to the church. With the training that Kat had received at the Mama Doris Women's School at Mulungwishi (named after Lori's mother), she started "Lukonzolwa Mama Doris Women's School". From 2 to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday she taught 35 women knitting, sewing and cooking. The women were now able to knit clothes for their families, sew school uniforms for the children and cook and sell baked goods to help the finances of the family. She also started a parallel group of women to teach them how to read. The school was so successful that other churches began to send their women to get training. What a wonderful example of a woman who is using her talent and training to extend the
Kingdom of God.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Mulongo wa Mukalay</h4>
Mulongo wa Mukalay and her husband served over an 11 year period in two districts and three churches before coming back to Mulungwishi of the Master's level. During this time they served in the war zone between various rebel groups and the government troops. There was a lack of food supplies and medicines. They lost three children from lack of medical care and had a still birth during this 11 year period. Still they stayed committed and were able to build two churches. Mulongo was part of the women who helped transport bricks, rock and wood as far as two and a half miles for the construction. She also brought water and food to serve the workers. She shares with us: "in spite of the difficulties faced during these 11 years, we have the certitude that the strong hand of God was upon us. He will always be our guide and our protector and we need to call upon Him in all circumstances."<br />
<br />
<h3>
Health issue delayed return to Congo</h3>
For over 6 months, Lori has been suffering from nose bleeds. We, as well as the doctor felt that it was taken care of. After some more severe nose bleeds, it was decided she needed nose-septum surgery to help the problem. So we are recovering and waiting on the doctor for clearance and then return to Congo. [Update: They did travel to D.R. Congo in mid-June]<br />
<br />
<h3>
Troubled hearts</h3>
Our hearts are troubled and sad as we watch the election process in the United States, the refugee situations, and areas of conflict around the world. We ask for prayers as Zambia and D.R. Congo prepare for their presidential elections this fall. We also covet your prayers for Lori's healing, our travel and ministry at Mulungwishi.The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-73585134870700599162015-06-11T11:33:00.000-04:002015-08-08T00:14:09.407-04:00Past & FutureWe want to thank you for your continued and loving support since we retired. As you know we have been returning for <b>6 months a year</b> to Africa as <b>Volunteers in Mission</b>.<br />
<br />
We arrived in <b>Zambia </b>on April --. It was wonderful being met by our Nkonde, our driver through the borders, and our faithful 1998 Toyota pickup. While in Zambia, we were able to obtain our <b>work permit</b> which we had been working on for several months. This now gives us the freedom to work and come and go in Zambia as we need.<br />
<br />
The return to <b>Congo </b>was for only two weeks. Rev. Derrell Patterson and Dr. Jimmy Nunn came from the NW Texas Annual Conference in order to launch the <b>strategic plan for the Seminary and University at Mulungwishi</b>. This is a process that will take a number of months. They will have a return visit in August.<br />
<br />
We returned to <b>Zambia </b>for the remainder of May and into the first week of June to teach at the <b>Kafakumba Pastors’ School</b> like we did last year. This is similar to our Conference Course of Study with lay pastors coming in for 4 weeks a year over an 8 year period towards ordination. There were some 70 pastors from Zambia and Tanzania. The class discussions were very stimulating in that the students were dealing with real issues that pertained to their ministries.<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Felix </b>is a first year student. He worked in the tourism industry as a chef and finally as head of food and beverage service at a hotel at Victoria Falls. The Lord has done a real work in his life and he has now moved to northern Zambia where he is being discipled by Dimon, a former student of Kafakumba. </li>
<li><b> Dimon </b>is the senior pastor of the Solwezi United Methodist Church. <b> </b></li>
<li><b>Solwezi </b>is experiencing tremendous growth as a town because of new mines being opened in the area. </li>
<li><b>Dimon and Felix </b>are taking every advantage to proclaim the love of Jesus Christ in this developing community. Dimon was also at Kafakumba this year as a teacher and interpreter. It is exciting to see those who you have trained now training and mentoring others.</li>
</ul>
<b>Mulungwishi </b>is our base for the rest of the time. We will continue with the courses that we started last September and October at the <b>Seminary </b>and <b>Women’s School</b>. Lori is also continuing with the <b>nutrition program</b> at the dispensary. This year, Mulungwishi will host <b>Annual Conference</b> the 19th through the 22nd of July. <b>Graduation for the Seminary</b> and University will be on the 25th of July. Dr. Deb Shepherd will be joining the staff for three months (mid-June through mid-September) to help with the development of the strategic plan.<br />
<br />
<b>August </b>will have <b>Mulungwishi </b>hosting the <b>Kafakumba Pastors’ School</b> for the month. These will be the Congolese pastors at this session. We estimate some 120 students. Again we will be teaching the pastors and their wives like last year. August will also bring a <b>work team from the New Mexico and NW Texas Annual Conferences</b> to help at the <b>dispensary</b>. The team will include doctors, lab technicians and builders to help us the construction of the <b>new surgery center</b>. We are so grateful for this long standing partnership with these Annual Conferences and churches.<br />
<br />
We will be returning to the States at the end of August in order to celebrate our daughter Amber’s wedding to Travis Geer in September. We are looking forward to that event.<br />
<br />
Again, we want to thank you for your continued and loving support for us and the Seminary.<br />
<br />
<b>Links related to this post: </b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://okafakumba.org/#/formation-ministries/pastors-school">Kafakumba Pastor's School</a> (website)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C1bqkkuJ_8">Kafakumba Pastor's School (YouTube video)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solwezi">Solwezi, Zambia (article and map)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://umvim.org/about_us/">United Methodist Volunteers in Mission</a> (UMVIM)</li>
</ul>
The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-22153816943784457772015-05-07T23:56:00.000-04:002015-05-07T23:56:00.435-04:00Mulungwishi Strategic PlanThe big project that Mulungwishi is working on during this time that we will be there is to develop a strategic plan for the University and Seminary. We hope to provide the structure with which the University and Seminary can craft a plan for the direction and objectives they would like to attain in the next few years.<br />
<br />
Others helping in this important effort: <br />
<ul>
<li>Connexio (the Swiss Mission Board)</li>
<li>The New Mexico Annual Conference </li>
<li>The NorthWest Texas Annual Conference</li>
<li>A UMVIM volunteer, </li>
</ul>
<br />
The important thing is that this will be a Congolese plan and their ideas of what they want to achieve.<br />
<br />
As always, your prayers for success at Mulungwishi are welcomed.The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-66594068343969171102015-04-30T23:50:00.000-04:002015-04-30T23:50:00.128-04:00Our UMVIM statusWe will be spending 5 months this year in Congo and Zambia as volunteers with the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) program. This is a program under the auspices of the General Board of Global Ministries around the world.<br />
<br />
Volunteers can serve from two weeks to 3 years -- depending on the project they are working with. In our case, because we served in this area and these projects for 35 years, we are able to come as go as we like now that we are retired. We see it as a marvelous opportunity to continue to be involved in a new way with the work that has been such a part of our lives.<br />
<br />
David will continue to give courses at the Seminary and pastors school. Lori will be teaching the wives of the student pastors and continue the vital nutrition program for children around Mulungwishi.The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-16707132213800900392015-04-28T09:02:00.000-04:002015-04-28T20:12:47.127-04:00Homeward boundWe crossed the border today in 1 hour and 10 minutes. It's good to be home.<br />
<br />
We will spend a couple of days in Lubumbashi and then go up to Mulungwishi.<br />
<br />
Thanks for your prayers.The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-2491876638994231022015-04-23T10:56:00.000-04:002015-04-23T14:51:51.402-04:00Back to CongoWe made it to Zambia without any problems. Customs just opened one suitcase and passed us on through.<br />
<br />
We're getting some work done on the car. We drive up to Congo on Sunday or Monday.<br />
<br />
Thanks for the prayers and keep it up!
The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-2869123277808388882015-04-21T23:44:00.000-04:002015-04-27T23:48:19.685-04:00While we were in the States...Some have asked what we did during our time back in the states. Here are the big things in our life while we were there...<br />
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 0;">We celebrated a great Thanksgiving with our kids in Southern California. </li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 0;">LEGOLAND, Sea World, and the beach were highlights. </li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 0;">It was also good to reconnect with a number of friends in supporting churches we visited in the area. </li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 0;">Christmas season was in Denver. Jeff's parents, Amber and her fiancé, Travis, were there. </li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 0;">David can see clearly now after cataract surgery at the end of January and beginning of February. </li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 0;">David attended meetings in Stillwater, OK on partnering between Oklahoma State University and the College of Agriculture at the University in Mulungwishi. </li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 0;">We went to Lubbock, TX for a planning meeting for the work teams coming out to Mulungwishi this summer. </li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 0;">By far the biggest blessing was family time. In Seattle, we enjoyed being with Andrew and Judy in their new house. The highlight was Amber and Travis' civil wedding. The religious wedding will take place in September when we get back to the States. We are looking forward to developing a relationship with new family. </li>
<li style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 0;">Living within a mile and a half of our grandchildren was such a blessing. Hours of grandparent time were precious. Definitely they are missed.
</li>
</ul>
The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-3375168239790270232014-10-31T17:14:00.000-04:002014-11-01T17:18:34.732-04:00Mulungwishi mission newsAugust and into September found us being very involved with the Kafakumba Pators’ School (Congo version). As you remember, in May, we taught the Kafakumba session in Zambia. The Congo session is done at Mulungwishi during the vacation time so the pastors can occupy the dorms. There were 107 pastors, 20 wives and over 40 kids. <br />
<br />
Including the staff, Lori was organizing food for 200 three times a day. Every evening, women were baking 400 roles for the next breakfast.
We were humbled to be able to teach them what the Lord had given us. Some of them had travelled for over two weeks to get to us in very difficult conditions. <br />
<br />
<h3>
Determined pastors</h3>
One pastor walked over 150 miles to get to a place where he could climb on top of a truck to come the last 250 miles. Can you imagine having to make the trip back once more? They do this for eight years so they can be ordained. In the mean time, they are serving churches as local pastors in very rural situations binging the light of Jesus Christ. Their level of dedication really touched us.
Our graduates have received their appointments and are leaving for their churches. <br />
<br />
In one way, we are sad to separate from the friends they have become during the time we were together. On the other hand, they are going out to do what the Lord has called them to do. Be in prayer for them as they start their new ministries, the change of communities and for their children who will be finding new friends and schools.
<br />
<br />
<h3>
New students</h3>
Our new students are beginning to arrive. The academic year actually begins in mid-October. However, we will be starting to teach them towards the end of September in order to cover courses they should have when we leave in at the end of October. Continuation of our courses will be when we return next May. <br />
<br />
<h3>
D.R. Congo internet problems</h3>
By the way ... Sorry for the delay in our blog posts. We have been without internet the whole time we were in Congo; here and there were able to use the phone line for access. <br />
<br />
We are sad to report that one of the Kafakumba pastors died on his way home. He was 65 years old. We were touched by his desire to be a pastor at that age.
The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-55811893023598447042014-09-01T12:38:00.000-04:002014-09-26T12:50:33.288-04:00Mulungwishi news through AugustInternet access at Mulungwishi has been spotty, so these blog posts are running a bit behind. Here's the news through August...<br />
<h3>
Work team visits</h3>
One of the joys we have had during this time has been the visit of a work team from the <strong>New Mexico</strong> and <strong>North West Texas Annual Conferences</strong>. Rev. Derrell Patterson and Tom Stanton have been here on numerous occasions but the rest of the team were new. <br />
<br />
Tom continued with the <strong>Kindle project</strong> with a focus on the Seminary this time. We are working in conjunction with the General Board of Discipleship to develop a <strong>French theological library</strong> to download into kindles for use in the Seminaries in French speaking Africa.
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Dispensary expansion</h3>
Another great focus of the team was the dispensary. Charlie, a surgeon for Lubbock, spent several days with Dr. Alain doing surgery. What a great affirmation for this young doctor who is operating in very difficult conditions. One of Dr. Alain’s dreams is to build a <strong>surgery wing</strong> for the dispensary. He has put in the foundation and the walls. Chuck, an architect from El Paso, came on board with the plans for making the trusses for the roof. <br />
<br />
You should have seen the eagerness of constructions workers so see how he planned and show them the best way it could be done. Within a week the trusses have been put up (the team also left money for the roofing which has been put on since). Bud, also from El Paso, brought his welding skills to teach three persons how they could improve their skills. <br />
<br />
The affirmation brought by Chuck and Bud was beyond measure in creating a pride the workers had in themselves and what they can accomplish. It was an experience of empowering at a very personal level. Beautiful to watch!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Seminary course videos</h3>
Chuck’s son, Richard (a high school senior) worked with our IT staff on the use of a video camera and editing in order to make DVD’s. This is part of the same initiative with GBOD to provide resources for theological schools in Francophone Africa. Our hope is to make DVD’s of our Mulungwishi Seminary Professors teaching their courses and send them on to other Seminaries as a means of providing a professor to a school that would not be able to have one. <br />
<br />
The IT staff real have gotten excited about it and are trying out their filming skills in other venues (e.g. the UMW retreat that took place at Mulungwishi with some 1,000 women who came to pray).
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Bishop Bledsoe visits, preaches</h3>
Bishop Earl Bledsoe was also part of the team. This was his first visit to this part of the Congo and came to solidify the partnership between his Annual Conferences and that of the South Congo/Zambia Episcopal Area under Bishop Katembo Kainda. Bishop Bledsoe preached the opening of the South Congo Annual Conference. <br />
<br />
He also preached the graduation for the Katanga Methodist University at Mulungwishi. It was a real bash. So much joy with over two hundred students graduating in IT, Psychology, Agriculture and of course the Seminary and Women’s School. <br />
<br />
It is so beautiful to see people bringing the gifts God has given them and share them with other people. Instead of sitting on the side lines, each one has gotten involved in some way in what our Lord is doing in the earth. It is so good to be a part of it.
The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-65846739921458037872014-07-21T11:00:00.000-04:002014-07-25T10:10:44.966-04:00Mulungwishi news<h3>
Nutrition Program challenges</h3>
We always hope when we come back that the number of kids needing help with nutrition will be way down. But every time it seems worse and these past months were no exception! First day, Lori was down for the program, we checked 71 kids! We still have about 20 that are critical and managed to keep some of them in the hospital to feed especially, to help them.<br />
<br />
For many families, this is harvest season, and the whole family moves out to the gardens to work. This can be as much as 10 miles from the village where they live! Therefore the kids go too! When they come back for a checkup, we see many slip even further! <strong>Pray</strong>! It is so hard for the mothers to balance all the needs of the family and the work that needs to be done! <br />
<br />
We keep trying to give extra food and needed medical care. Out of the blue, one “little” girl showed up with her grandmother. Two years ago her sister brought her, at 12 months and at 6 pounds! Her mother had died at birth. We got her up to 8 pounds then they disappeared again! This year the grandmother showed up in January for a while, then again now. The girl is almost 3 but weighs only 12 pounds and does not sit, or stand or talk! We keep trying and teaching! <strong>Pray</strong>! <br />
<br />
We are hoping to get some of the special Plumpy’Nut feedings for special cases but the government wheels turn agonizingly slow! <strong>Pray</strong>!<br />
<h3>
Lots of Conferences</h3>
During the 4 weeks we have been back in Mulungwishi we have been involved in taking care of three lay conferences preparing for Annual Conference. Our Southwest Conference will start the 13th of July. Bishop has already driven 600+ plus miles to do two other conferences! <strong>Pray</strong>! <br />
<br />
One of the lay gatherings was the United Methodist Women. They are very strong group in Congo and a real part of the Church. It was faith building to see their joy and commitment has they discussed their different ministries and programs. <br />
<br />
One special blessing is that they have been helping our nutrition program here with funds from time to time! It was neat to see all the “yellow” scarves and to know their commitment to Jesus. Good singing and dancing too! :)<br />
<br />
<h3>
Texans to help with projects</h3>
We are looking forward to a team from Texas coming in at the end of the month. They will be involved with construction, medical and our Kindle project to provide resources for the Seminary students. Bishop Earl Bledsoe of the NM and NW Texas Annual Conferences also will be with them. This will be his first Episcopal visit in this part of the Congo. His Annual Conferences are partnered with the South Congo/Zambia Episcopal Area.<br />
<br />
Thank you for the continued love and support.The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-76371736289865297872014-07-02T00:37:00.000-04:002014-07-04T16:13:11.601-04:00Back at Mulungwishi<h3>
Mulungwishi internet frustration</h3>
Our first blog post after returning to Africa comes late. Why? The station has lacked internet services for three months! The station is still deciding if it is possible to get something cheaper than they have had previously. We were told that buying a modem for the local phone company would work but that is a joke! Internet connection lasts 5 minutes … maybe 10 if you are lucky, but usually 1-2 minutes and then it cuts off! We hope they work this out sooner than later because it is very frustrating and we miss Skyping with the kids! Pray!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Zambia to Congo</h3>
On <strong>June 1st</strong>, we had a good crossing from Zambia into Congo in spite of a few minor problems with authorities wanting hand outs! Our faithful driver, Nkonde, did a fantastic job doing all the negotiations. We spent two days in Lubumbashi buying food supplies and getting our passports sent off to Kinshasa, the capital, for the transposition of our visas into our new passports. <br />
<br />
<h3>
A Mulungwishi welcome</h3>
On Wednesday the <strong>3rd</strong>, our Mulungwishi driver, Jacques, came and drove us up to the mission. All the women of the Women’s School were at the house, singing and dancing to welcome us back. They were so happy to see us and especially their Mama Lorene. Throughout the next few days groups of people would come by to greet us and thank the Lord for our return and safe travels. Several prayed that the blood of Jesus would cover the water, the food, and the air we would take in so that we would not have problems adjusting back to Africa. Women are bringing our favorite foods: beans, pumpkins, okra, sweet potatoes etc. knowing how much we enjoy the local foods. We have most definitely been blessed.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Sunday celebration</h3>
Three days later was Sunday, and it was quite a celebration! Our Bishop came to “install” the District Superintendant. Five hundred guests were invited. Church was held outdoors because there was not enough room in the church, which seats 1,000! So right at the start Lori was involved the meal, which fed probably 600! The practice of installation is something our Bishop started a couple of years ago. In African tradition, there needs to be a formal installation of those who have leadership and care of others. So to contextualize the church for the African culture, he is installing the Superintendents, who intern install the new pastors in a church. <br />
<br />
<h3>
Heavenly choirs</h3>
Definitely the Congolese are going to be the heavenly choir. The Mulungwishi choirs united for the effort and three other choirs from the District were present. Of course there was plenty of dancing to go with the music. Definitely, Church here is a celebration. The different entities of the district (UMW, MYF, Methodist Men, construction, medical, etc.) all presented symbols (including the District Flag which Lori had created the night before) of the work that they were going to do together. The DS gave a wonderful sermon how nothing can be accomplished without the Lord and how He is able to do beyond anything we can imagine!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Back into the thick of it</h3>
Within the next three days we started teaching classes! Sooooo … we are back running! David is completing the courses he started in September-November. Lori is teaching Wesley, one of her favorites, and Nutrition, plus she’s busy sewing with the graduation classes!
<br />
<br />
We can’t thank you enough for your continued loving support and prayers.
The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0Mulungwishi, Democratic Republic of the Congo-10.7738475 26.634699500000011-10.789446 26.61452950000001 -10.758249000000001 26.654869500000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-38642519836105581452014-06-03T14:39:00.000-04:002014-06-04T22:49:47.908-04:00Back in CongoA quick note to tell you we are back in Congo. We crossed the border from Zambia on Sunday afternoon.<br />
<br />
We have been without internet for several days. <br />
<br />
Our time in Zambia was wonderful. Sharing Christ's life with some 60 pastors and their wives is a humbling experience. They were so eager to learn and be a part of what God is doing in the earth. It was a real blessing to be with them.<br />
<br />
We leave for Mulungwishi tomorrow (Wednesday June 4th). As we understand it, the internet is not working at Mulungwishi either. We bought a modem today that works through the phone service and we will try to have it work so that we can keep in touch.<br />
<br />
In the mean time, we continued to be blessed by your loving encouragement and prayers.The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-58290599931113782962014-05-18T17:20:00.000-04:002014-05-19T17:47:03.763-04:00Back to Africa!We had a good trip back to Africa, going a new way thru Joburg and up to Ndola, Zambia. Our friend, Nkonde met us with our trusty "ole" double cab Toyota and happily all the baggage came too!<br />
<br />
Thanks for all your prayers. As we have shared in letters, we are in Zambia for several weeks teaching at the <strong>Kafakumba Pastors' School</strong>. This is a program like the Conference course of study for lay Pastors doing the work, mainly in rural areas, who have not had the chance for formal Seminary training. <br />
<br />
Kafakumba is built as a conference center and can take as many as 300plus and we are staying in one of the guest houses. David is teaching the pastor students and Lori with the wives. These students come every year for eight years to go through this program. There are 70 students and are mainly from Tanzania and Zambia. <br />
<br />
In August, the Congo students will hopefully be able to meet in Mulungwishi, like last year.<br />
<br />
We plan to head for Congo at the end of the month. Please, keep us in your prayers and the students as they work on their courses, that the Lord will be very present for them. The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-23373275987713537302014-03-20T00:00:00.000-04:002014-03-20T00:13:48.987-04:00News from the PersonsAgain the Persons have been off line way too long! Not sure we will be number one bloggers.<br />
<br />
This past year has been packed with many miles of travel, changes and decisions. The biggest change was, which most of you know, we retired on August 31, 2013 from the General Board of Global Ministries as full time missionaries. We completed 35 years in Congo.<br />
<br />
Here's what's been happening over the past year...<br />
<h4>
January – March 2013</h4>
We <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">travelled and visited</span> many of you on the West Coast and Hawaii starting in Washington. During our stay in Seattle, David officiated the <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">wedding</span> for Andrew and Judy. The event took place on a beautiful old ferry boat. It was great to celebrate with the whole family. We were glad to visit so many of our churches and spend time with you. Also to enjoy the beauty of the west coast and Hawaii.<br />
<br />
<h4>
April – May</h4>
We <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">travelled</span> east to Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia and a meeting with the Board in New York.<br />
<br />
<h4>
June – July</h4>
At the end of our travels, <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Lori came down pneumonia</span> which delayed our return to Congo until the end of July. One huge bonus in the delay was being present for our <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">second grandchild</span>, Cora, of proud parents Jeff and Michelle.<br />
<br />
<h4>
August</h4>
We were able to arrive in Congo in time to celebrate the <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Seminary’s graduation</span> for 18 pastors and their wives. As always, it is a miracle to have these students complete their studies. <br />
<br />
In August, the Seminary welcomed the <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Kafakumba Pastors School</span>. We had 123 pastors plus wives and children. This is a yearly program like the Conference Course of Study bringing in lay pastors for 4-6 weeks a year. These men and women mostly serve in rural areas. This always entails a big cooking effort -- like 460 wood oven backed rolls every day and a lot of meals over charcoal! Many of our Seminary staff were faculty for this program as are also the directors of the Kafakumba Pastors School who are past graduates of our institution! <br />
<br />
It's such a blessing to see them continue to fulfil their calls in ministry. Thirty-eight pastors graduated this year from the program and will be ordained by their Annual Conferences. One of the graduates has taken 15 years to complete the 8-year program. His determination and commitment to completing this through trials of the war in Congo and problems of travel was so inspiring. His call to be a pastor was something he would not give up!<br />
<br />
<h4>
September – November</h4>
Mulungwishi also hosted <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">two Volunteer in Mission teams</span> from the States. We were excited by the vision and <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">project to use e-readers for the schools of Mulungwishi</span>. They started with elementary and secondary school teachers to have a Kindle. Now, we are working towards our seminar students having a theological library on a Kindle. The Second team was involved in <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">drilling water well, working with downs syndrome children and consulting</span>. <br />
<br />
At the same time, the new academic year for the Seminary started and <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">we continued teaching</span> our courses, then returned to the States in mid-December. Since then...<br />
<br />
<h4>
Mid-December – January 2014</h4>
Celebrated <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Christmas with the family</span> and did some settling in our home in Lakewood, CO. It was so special to have this time with the grandkids!<br />
<br />
<h4>
February – mid-March</h4>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Travels</span> again to churches in the east and mid-west in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, New Mexico and Texas. After much prayer and sharing with our Congo Bishop and the church, we will be returning to Congo as <strong>Volunteers in Mission </strong>for several months each year. With this change, we attended the <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">VIM training</span> on St. Simons Island early in February. It was a great experience and good fellowship.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Bless you for continued Seminary support</h4>
We remain so thankful to you who have continued to support the Seminary. It is still important to stand with the Church in Congo and help develop the leadership. We plan to return to Congo the last week of April. We covet your prayers for us as we prepare to return.The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-78438671058220266162013-12-01T15:28:00.000-05:002013-12-01T15:28:00.028-05:00December Prayer Focus: Complete GraceThank the Lord for His complete grace in holding His world and His people together throughout this year.CBruleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607767373605474904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-74069828335734388832013-11-09T15:37:00.001-05:002013-11-09T15:41:14.735-05:00The blog's "More" link<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACVSFbxD_B4PM1ptt9bsva2vq4YboYuBRDzM3suPygA58kFuY3U2E9Q-SnWPHGbr2Sji3htXg7N3NaRiXBWg5I_Hg4OtIFqrCRa2LRSNBQffbUVe7sG3Onp-ZRMzYGgU9sq0IoA/s1600/Blog_More.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Blogger "More" menu " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACVSFbxD_B4PM1ptt9bsva2vq4YboYuBRDzM3suPygA58kFuY3U2E9Q-SnWPHGbr2Sji3htXg7N3NaRiXBWg5I_Hg4OtIFqrCRa2LRSNBQffbUVe7sG3Onp-ZRMzYGgU9sq0IoA/s1600/Blog_More.png" title="The Blogger "More" menu" /></a></div>
This blog now has a "More" link in the left side of the bar at the top of the page. Click on that to get some "sharing" options. This replaces the "AddThis" links that used to appear above David and Lori's photo.<br />
<br />
We have removed the AddThis link collection to help speed up page display.CBruleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607767373605474904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-51395244246188932362013-11-02T15:26:00.000-04:002013-11-09T15:27:55.285-05:00November Prayer Focus: Church LifePray for: <br />
<ul>
<li>Pastors</li>
<li>Teachers</li>
<li>Lay leaders. </li>
</ul>
Pray for:<br />
<ul>
<li>The outreach ministry of the church</li>
<li>Church schools</li>
<li>Medical care and water projects around the region.</li>
</ul>
CBruleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607767373605474904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-21397637848534330122013-10-13T15:20:00.000-04:002013-11-09T15:31:17.966-05:00Visit map stats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJzOGwKPV3QiFXo_Diin0sFT4HfAmgB8L1wNY5vgW72tlOTEDbqjARudpx-QSBQQ9KFZ1NAWghFrkI28RbefCzmG5_CAtZ0J4Sq3EcPx8LuxI1SDSpUtTJOm6mGK4dwFE0wYgiA/s1600/Map_stats_US.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Sample data for visits from cities in a country." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJzOGwKPV3QiFXo_Diin0sFT4HfAmgB8L1wNY5vgW72tlOTEDbqjARudpx-QSBQQ9KFZ1NAWghFrkI28RbefCzmG5_CAtZ0J4Sq3EcPx8LuxI1SDSpUtTJOm6mGK4dwFE0wYgiA/s1600/Map_stats_US.png" title="A partial list of visit data for states in the US" /></a></div>
The world map in the right sidebar links to some interesting information. Try this: <br />
<ol>
<li>Click on the map</li>
<li>Click on the "twirlie" to the right of a country flag</li>
<li>See how many visits came from what places in that country</li>
</ol>
The ClustrMap also lists the 10 most recent visits, in chronological order.<br />
<br />
And last, but not least, if you click on a region in the large map, you get a close-up view of that region.CBruleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607767373605474904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-42211599029600492352013-10-05T15:22:00.000-04:002013-11-09T15:27:43.082-05:00October Prayer Focus: Faces of the futurePlease pray for the faces of the future -- the children and the young people of the DR Congo. Over 50% of the population is under the age of 18. <br />
<br />
These are the ones the Lord will use to change the country.CBruleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607767373605474904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-28568751490099047832013-09-02T20:30:00.000-04:002013-09-21T20:33:52.002-04:00Prayer focus: The Nutrition Program<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
During September, please pray for the Nutrition Program, as it provides food and nutrition for preschool children on he station and malnourished children from the nearby community. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQ3nlCqAJpZmBhdAav-H1AHFxnjFNcuum9O97boyLP-qdrqKCwt7wu5PGzlpSz9zx6nAp0FqQEfU-zy2bRL9lOzwKNmPGog3UG_JtA45TTHxECjCv_5UI4l7b5PfyyIo9QJ8ahg/s1600/Nutrition_program.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQ3nlCqAJpZmBhdAav-H1AHFxnjFNcuum9O97boyLP-qdrqKCwt7wu5PGzlpSz9zx6nAp0FqQEfU-zy2bRL9lOzwKNmPGog3UG_JtA45TTHxECjCv_5UI4l7b5PfyyIo9QJ8ahg/s320/Nutrition_program.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both;">
The program touches some 200 children!</div>
CBruleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05607767373605474904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22693279.post-68826237378240177852013-08-07T23:42:00.003-04:002013-08-07T23:42:56.596-04:00Back in CongoWe had a good trip up from Zambia to day. There was a little hassle at the border, but we got through without any problems. <br />
<br />
Nkonde did the driving. <br />
<br />
We will drive up to Mulungwishi on Friday so we will be there for graduation on Saturday.The Personshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17224634090286604882noreply@blogger.com0