Yesterday I went with my teammates to visit a dying woman in the encampment. Kosene had come to see us for medical help a few months ago when she developed a very severe throat infection. The infection responded very slowly to several courses of antibiotics, and Kosene began to waste away before our eyes. She was also about 5-6 months pregnant, and in her weakened state, she lost the baby. The young woman, who was once one the heaviest-looking Baka woman I had known, became nothing but skin and bones and soon required a walking stick just to get around. It became apparent to us, even without any laboratory tests, that she was in the end-stages of AIDS.
My teammates were convicted to present the plan of salvation to Kosene, with the hope that she would accept the Gospel of hope and the gift of eternal life. Even in her very weak state, she was able to understand what was being said, all except for one thing. She became very uncomfortable when the idea was presented that all people have sin in their lives. She strained to look around the room and became obviously agitated. Her response to the idea that she has sin was a very adamant “NO.” It absolutely broke our hearts to see her come to such an obvious roadblock. The question in my mind was how she could possibly believe that she had lived a sinless life. The Bible says that “ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” and that “no one is righteous, not even one.” I went home discouraged and confused.
After sharing what had happened with another teammate, she suggested reading about the subject of the concept of sin in an animistic society in a book called “Quest for Power.” That reading gave me some insight, but no answers. In an animistic society, one cannot sin against God. One can only violate certain traditional laws or taboos. To us, these violations would look like sinful behavior, but to the animist, one is only guilty of bad behavior if they are caught. If they are not caught, keeping such behavior secret is of upmost importance. If one is not caught, then one should never admit having done something wrong, because then one can never be guilty of wrongdoing. That explains a few of Kosene’s actions to me. It explains why, when we began to suspect that she had AIDS, she would not give us any information about her unborn child’s father, to whom she was not married. To do so would have certainly caused her to be guilty of wrongdoing as sex outside of marriage is not acceptable behavior in Baka society. It also explains why she made an effort to see who was present in the room when the idea of sin was presented to her. The admission of wrongdoing in the presence of others would certainly been disastrous in her eyes.
So, how, in the light of all this, can we possibly communicate the Gospel to the Baka? Oh Lord, please give us wisdom, insight and abounding love for these dear people.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Friday, May 01, 2009
After a long break from Blogger, it is time to catch up. Though I have posted since then, I will start in December. This is a fast and furious summary what I have been up to:
December 12, 2008:
• graduated from French language school and packed up for a move across the ocean
• spent a few much needed days of rest with a couple of dear friends and then departed for a wonderful 2 week trip to Israel with my parents
December 17, 2008:
• arrived in Israel
• celebrated our Lord's birth with my wonderful parents!
• enjoyed all the sights
December 30, 2008:
• arrived in Cameroon!
January, 2009:
• some time in the capital city with the Colemans
• a visit to my home in the bush
• an annual missionary conference
• a trip to the beach for a few days
• more time in the capital city
• and finally, home!
February, 2009:
• after much effort on my part, my cargo finally arrived!!!
• a survey trip to the southernmost border of Cameroon.
March and April, 2009:
• lots of travel all over Cameroon with a wonderful group of visitors from North America
• a few weeks up in beautiful Banyo as part of my orientation
• a few days of field conference
• and HOME!
End of April, 2009:
• more orientation to missionary life in Cameroon
• Baka language learning
• medical work, saving the lives of some and watching others leave this life
May 1, 2009
• catching my breath
Who says missionary life is boring? I am looking forward to spending the next few months at home, learning language, orienting to the medical work and learning what life is going to be like for me for the next several years.
December 12, 2008:
• graduated from French language school and packed up for a move across the ocean
• spent a few much needed days of rest with a couple of dear friends and then departed for a wonderful 2 week trip to Israel with my parents
December 17, 2008:
• arrived in Israel
• celebrated our Lord's birth with my wonderful parents!
• enjoyed all the sights
December 30, 2008:
• arrived in Cameroon!
January, 2009:
• some time in the capital city with the Colemans
• a visit to my home in the bush
• an annual missionary conference
• a trip to the beach for a few days
• more time in the capital city
• and finally, home!
February, 2009:
• after much effort on my part, my cargo finally arrived!!!
• a survey trip to the southernmost border of Cameroon.
March and April, 2009:
• lots of travel all over Cameroon with a wonderful group of visitors from North America
• a few weeks up in beautiful Banyo as part of my orientation
• a few days of field conference
• and HOME!
End of April, 2009:
• more orientation to missionary life in Cameroon
• Baka language learning
• medical work, saving the lives of some and watching others leave this life
May 1, 2009
• catching my breath
Who says missionary life is boring? I am looking forward to spending the next few months at home, learning language, orienting to the medical work and learning what life is going to be like for me for the next several years.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
A Day in the Life…
Though this might not be a typical day in my life, I thought it would be interesting enough to share.
My day began at 2am. I awoke to the voice of my teammate and close neighbor Barry, who came to my bedroom window to warn me of an ant invasion that was already beginning to take over my house and come through the bedroom windows. There are many kinds of ants here, but one specific type, the driver ants, can be a true menace. When these insects are on the move, you don’t want to be in the way! They travel in wide trails that can sometimes be several feet wide and voraciously eat any meat that might get in their way, including living animals. The night before last, our friend Augustine lost a chicken to the ants that had come through. He, his wife, and some other close neighbors spent the whole night by the fire to avoid being eaten alive. I was a little more fortunate, as I had ample notice and was able to vacate my house before too many made it inside. I high-tailed it to the refuge of Reda’s house, where I spent the rest of the night on the couch. Barry and his wife Desma spent the night with the kids in their room, as the rest of the house was crawling with the vicious little critters. We were all a bit edgy and on-alert through the night, and every sound and movement was suspect as we kept an ear out for more invasions.
At 7am, I wearily walked back to my house and had a breakfast of oatmeal and a boiled egg. I was very grateful for my cup and half of coffee. After spending some time reading my Bible and in prayer, I headed off to Barry and Desma’s house. I was a little late for our meeting, but they didn’t mind, as they had let the kids sleep in after being awoken during the night. We sang and prayed together, and then we spent a couple hours discussing various aspects of language and culture as a part of my ongoing orientation.
Toward the end of the morning, Reda came to tell me that we had some patients under the mbanjo (a little palm leaf shelter). We saw an older man who has pneumonia and COPD, a close neighbor who has been having lots of trouble with foot sores, a young boy with a badly infected finger, his brother with a tropical skin disease called Yaws, and a young man with a dental abscess. After a bandage change, distribution of appropriate antibiotics to each one, and some patient teaching, we were done, and I headed home to research the best technique for draining a dental abscess. Then I returned to Reda’s for a delicious lunch of grilled fish and fries.
Feeling a bit drowsy, I decided it was time for some R&R. I borrowed a book from the bookshelf and settled down to read for a while. Later in the afternoon, I made a visit to Bilinga Pauline, who lives just a kilometer down the road from us. My goal was to do a little bit of language learning, and Bilinga, her sister and a whole gang of kids were glad to oblige. We talked about the ant invasion, the children, and the animals. Upon returning home, I stopped to visit with teammates and then fixed supper. Tonight we will have a team prayer meeting and then turn the satellite internet on for an hour of internet access. Hopefully we will have an uneventful and restful night
My day began at 2am. I awoke to the voice of my teammate and close neighbor Barry, who came to my bedroom window to warn me of an ant invasion that was already beginning to take over my house and come through the bedroom windows. There are many kinds of ants here, but one specific type, the driver ants, can be a true menace. When these insects are on the move, you don’t want to be in the way! They travel in wide trails that can sometimes be several feet wide and voraciously eat any meat that might get in their way, including living animals. The night before last, our friend Augustine lost a chicken to the ants that had come through. He, his wife, and some other close neighbors spent the whole night by the fire to avoid being eaten alive. I was a little more fortunate, as I had ample notice and was able to vacate my house before too many made it inside. I high-tailed it to the refuge of Reda’s house, where I spent the rest of the night on the couch. Barry and his wife Desma spent the night with the kids in their room, as the rest of the house was crawling with the vicious little critters. We were all a bit edgy and on-alert through the night, and every sound and movement was suspect as we kept an ear out for more invasions.
At 7am, I wearily walked back to my house and had a breakfast of oatmeal and a boiled egg. I was very grateful for my cup and half of coffee. After spending some time reading my Bible and in prayer, I headed off to Barry and Desma’s house. I was a little late for our meeting, but they didn’t mind, as they had let the kids sleep in after being awoken during the night. We sang and prayed together, and then we spent a couple hours discussing various aspects of language and culture as a part of my ongoing orientation.
Toward the end of the morning, Reda came to tell me that we had some patients under the mbanjo (a little palm leaf shelter). We saw an older man who has pneumonia and COPD, a close neighbor who has been having lots of trouble with foot sores, a young boy with a badly infected finger, his brother with a tropical skin disease called Yaws, and a young man with a dental abscess. After a bandage change, distribution of appropriate antibiotics to each one, and some patient teaching, we were done, and I headed home to research the best technique for draining a dental abscess. Then I returned to Reda’s for a delicious lunch of grilled fish and fries.
Feeling a bit drowsy, I decided it was time for some R&R. I borrowed a book from the bookshelf and settled down to read for a while. Later in the afternoon, I made a visit to Bilinga Pauline, who lives just a kilometer down the road from us. My goal was to do a little bit of language learning, and Bilinga, her sister and a whole gang of kids were glad to oblige. We talked about the ant invasion, the children, and the animals. Upon returning home, I stopped to visit with teammates and then fixed supper. Tonight we will have a team prayer meeting and then turn the satellite internet on for an hour of internet access. Hopefully we will have an uneventful and restful night
A Dusty Jog
Today I went jogging on a dusty road carved through the rainforest. For some that would be a once in a lifetime experience, and a dream come true. For me, it is a dream come true, but it is also “just life.” While we were jogging, I commented to my teammate that it sure was nice out today, and she responded by pointing out how cool it is to be able to jog through the rainforest like we do. I agree! As we ran today, I enjoyed the tranquility of birds flitting about, the majesty of some scattered remaining canopy trees and the company of a friend.
The road that leads to our house is much different than I remember it. It has not been maintained in some time, so there are large ruts, potholes and boulders scattered here and there, and the surrounding forest is fast encroaching in on it. If it were not being used at all, I bet the road would completely surrender to the rainforest in a matter of just a couple months.
Today was an overcast day. It was still warm, like it usually is here, but we did not have the dry season sun that is so common this time of year. In fact, even though it is dry season, we have had several hard rains. I think it is quite nice, as the rain keeps the dust level down, but I hope the unusual weather is not affecting the local agriculture.
The road that leads to our house is much different than I remember it. It has not been maintained in some time, so there are large ruts, potholes and boulders scattered here and there, and the surrounding forest is fast encroaching in on it. If it were not being used at all, I bet the road would completely surrender to the rainforest in a matter of just a couple months.
Today was an overcast day. It was still warm, like it usually is here, but we did not have the dry season sun that is so common this time of year. In fact, even though it is dry season, we have had several hard rains. I think it is quite nice, as the rain keeps the dust level down, but I hope the unusual weather is not affecting the local agriculture.
Monday, February 02, 2009
What I Learned in School Today
In August of 2001 I went back to school for the express purpose of preparing for the mission field. With nursing school, support raising, mission training, French language learning, and various other trainings and activities, it has taken until now to finally be prepared enough to arrive in Cameroon. So now the learning is finished and I can start this ministry that I have been preparing for so long, right? Well, no, and yes…
Today I started reading a little booklet entitled “Language Learning IS Communication- IS Ministry!” by E. Thomas Brewster and Elizabeth S. Brewster. It talks about how important it is to learn the language and the culture of a target people group. It emphasizes the importance of taking the humble posture of a learner. As a cross-cultural missionary, I cannot pretend to know better how to speak or act in my new culture than the people that I have come to minister to. I have lots of knowledge to share, and a big part of my job here is sharing information, but I am not the ultimate authority on everything. If a foreign missionary were to come to California, he or she would have to earn the respect of those in my home town before having an effective ministry. That respect is not earned by proudly showing how much knowledge one has, but by placing value and importance in the language and the culture of local people.
So my job, as a foreign missionary is to be a learner, for now and forever. No matter how proficient I become in Baka, no matter how many years I am here, no matter how well I do my job, I will always be an outsider and I must always take the posture of a learner. My hope is that by taking that humble posture, I will show God’s love to those around me.
Today I started reading a little booklet entitled “Language Learning IS Communication- IS Ministry!” by E. Thomas Brewster and Elizabeth S. Brewster. It talks about how important it is to learn the language and the culture of a target people group. It emphasizes the importance of taking the humble posture of a learner. As a cross-cultural missionary, I cannot pretend to know better how to speak or act in my new culture than the people that I have come to minister to. I have lots of knowledge to share, and a big part of my job here is sharing information, but I am not the ultimate authority on everything. If a foreign missionary were to come to California, he or she would have to earn the respect of those in my home town before having an effective ministry. That respect is not earned by proudly showing how much knowledge one has, but by placing value and importance in the language and the culture of local people.
So my job, as a foreign missionary is to be a learner, for now and forever. No matter how proficient I become in Baka, no matter how many years I am here, no matter how well I do my job, I will always be an outsider and I must always take the posture of a learner. My hope is that by taking that humble posture, I will show God’s love to those around me.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Surrender
In September, as I started another school year with 30 other French language students and 45 Bible school students, I attended a chapel as I did each week. Mark brought us a challenge; to be completely surrendered to Jesus Christ. He showed us a yellow piece of paper taped to the inside back cover of His Bible which said, “All that I am… all that I have… all that I hope to become… I consecrate now and forever to the Lord Jesus Christ for His glory and for His service, completely and unconditionally.” It was signed and dated and served as a reminder of the commitment that he made to Christ many years ago. I had made the same commitment to Christ long ago, but God was prompting me to renew my vow once more. So, I picked up a small piece of yellow paper from the front of the classroom and sought out two witnesses to sign it with me. It was then tucked away in my Bible. Frequently I pull that little piece of paper out and read it over, many times with tears in my eyes as I think about the fact that the sacrifice of my life is so small in comparison with the reward of being a child of God. The day I left Quebec, I found that pledge tucked snugly next to Psalm 34. With tears streaming down my face I turned to the two young ladies who had signed the little yellow paper with me, and I said with trembling voice, “today I live this.” Even now, as I write this, my heart is filled with so many emotions. I am heartbroken to have left so many places and so many dear people. I am overjoyed to have finally arrived in Cameroon after years of preparation. I am intimidated by the task of learning Baka language and culture. I am comforted to be part of an amazing team of missionaries. And though I can be so unfaithful, I am amazed at God’s faithfulness and love.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
This Christmas, I have the extra special blessing of celebrating our Savior’s birth in
Merry Christmas!
Jennifer
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Be Still My Soul
I got an email update today from a friend who is going through a tremendous amount of transitions right now. I can relate a little. As my heart is heavy with many dear people to pray for today, I was happy that Naomi included this text from a beloved hymn in her email.
Be still, my soul! the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul! thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Résumé de la première semaine
I'll start off with a big thank you to all of you who are still reading the blog. Thank you also to Jyll who so gently reminded me that it has been a month since my last post.
I just finished my first week of Fall classes here. It is really good to be back. I have some good news. I tested into the advanced class! That means that I will get to learn lots of new stuff, but I will also have lots of work to do!! Pray for a clear head, good memory, a flexible tongue, and the ability to be patient with myself. I was so blessed to be able to stay in Quebec during the summer and spend time with the Néron family. My teacher here at Parole de Vie Béthel noticed a big improvement in the amount of French I was speaking when classes started. And I also gained some very special friends in the process!!!
I've also moved. Last semester I had the blessing of being in the dorm with the French-speaking Bible school students. That helped a lot with my French, and also gave me the opportunity to have a bit of a ministry with the girls. However, the dorm is too full this semester, and I had to move into the mobile home. I am still on campus, and I plan to spend a lot of time with the Bible school students, so keep me in your prayers as I actively seek opportunities to practice my French and minister to the students here. As I type this message, a whole group of Bible school students are in the process of arriving and registering. Pray for the students and staff of both the language school and the Bible school, as this will be a record-breaking year.
I just finished my first week of Fall classes here. It is really good to be back. I have some good news. I tested into the advanced class! That means that I will get to learn lots of new stuff, but I will also have lots of work to do!! Pray for a clear head, good memory, a flexible tongue, and the ability to be patient with myself. I was so blessed to be able to stay in Quebec during the summer and spend time with the Néron family. My teacher here at Parole de Vie Béthel noticed a big improvement in the amount of French I was speaking when classes started. And I also gained some very special friends in the process!!!
I've also moved. Last semester I had the blessing of being in the dorm with the French-speaking Bible school students. That helped a lot with my French, and also gave me the opportunity to have a bit of a ministry with the girls. However, the dorm is too full this semester, and I had to move into the mobile home. I am still on campus, and I plan to spend a lot of time with the Bible school students, so keep me in your prayers as I actively seek opportunities to practice my French and minister to the students here. As I type this message, a whole group of Bible school students are in the process of arriving and registering. Pray for the students and staff of both the language school and the Bible school, as this will be a record-breaking year.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Lac St-Jean
For the remainder of my summer, I get to hang out with the Néron family just outside of a little village called Albanel. Where's that you ask? Well, it is in the region of Lac St-Jean (lac for lake, St-Jean for St-Jean) in the North of Quebec. It may seem like I am in the middle of nowhere, but there is plenty to do here. Blueberry season is just beginning, and I hope to take part in the harvest. The blueberries here are the best!!! We also go out on the 4-wheeler now and then (thanks Pierre-Olivier). We have gone to the falls a few times, ridden horses, harvested raspberries, gone on a little story telling walk through the woods, and visited the ranch of a man who raises a rare breed of cattle from Scotland called the Haute-Terre (Scottish highland). It is tons of fun. I would be content just to hang out with the family, but I am glad to be kept busy.
Keep me in your prayers as I continue to try to wade through the thick lumberjack accent of Lac St-Jean and as I continue to study faithfully with the hope of advancing my French.
Pray also for the Néron family, as they have been wonderful hosts and great French teachers for this little English speaker.
Keep me in your prayers as I continue to try to wade through the thick lumberjack accent of Lac St-Jean and as I continue to study faithfully with the hope of advancing my French.
Pray also for the Néron family, as they have been wonderful hosts and great French teachers for this little English speaker.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Goodbyes
One of my friends here at language school recently posted on Facebook that she is tired of goodbyes. I wholeheartedly agreed. The missionary life is full of goodbyes. Last week I said goodbye to one more group of beloved people. The students of the Bible school here, who I have lived with, eaten with, shared joys and heartaches with, and learned French from, have graduated and moved on to their respective homes. I already miss them dearly, but I pray that God will continue to hold them in His hands of love and continue to guide them in the ministry that He has for each one of them. One thing I have learned in the midst of all of these goodbyes is that God alone is truly faithful. He is the only true constant in my life that I can always, without fail, count on. When others, even with the best of intentions, let us down, God is there, with His arms of love and faithfulness held out to us.
After a long absence
Hi all, I am back at the blog after a long absence. You know, sometimes I just get stuck in the tyrany of the urgent and forget to do some things that are important. For curiosity sake, and to encourage me to write more, who is still reading this thing? Click on the comments link just below this message and write a word or two.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Le voyage missionnaire
The mission trip to Sept-îles and Matane went quite well. We got to talk to so many people about the Gospel and we did many presentations in churches, schools, and at the Moose lodge. And I got to practice my French, a lot!! One young man accepted Christ and a few others showed genuine interest in a relationship with Christ. Praise God! He truly showed us His glory these last 2 weeks.
Pray for me now as I am jumping right back into French classes, but without a dormitory full of tutors and friends. Pray also for the Bible school students as they are on a 2 week break before they come back for summer camp.
Waiting for la traversée.
La traversée est arrivée.
Attends un instant Katherine. Je vais te sauver.
Mes belles filles.
Pray for me now as I am jumping right back into French classes, but without a dormitory full of tutors and friends. Pray also for the Bible school students as they are on a 2 week break before they come back for summer camp.
Waiting for la traversée.
La traversée est arrivée.
Attends un instant Katherine. Je vais te sauver.
Mes belles filles.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Matane
Hi all!! I just wanted to say a quick hello from the beautiful town of Matane. I stayed in the home of a beautiful young family last night. They have 4 young girls. Pray for them, as they endeavor to raise their children in the knowledge of God. When I awoke, I found that the kitchen windows look out onto the water. Beautiful! God is good.
We`ll stay in Matane today and travel to Sept-îles tomorrow. We would appreciate your prayers as we share with churches and minister to young people. Pray also for the group who will be leaving us by train to journey on to Schefferville at the end of the week.
Pray also for me as everything that we do here is in French.
We`ll stay in Matane today and travel to Sept-îles tomorrow. We would appreciate your prayers as we share with churches and minister to young people. Pray also for the group who will be leaving us by train to journey on to Schefferville at the end of the week.
Pray also for me as everything that we do here is in French.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
To Quebec and Beyond
Quebec City that is.
Yesterday was the last day of classes for the Bible school students. They finished up their final exams and are in a period of transition. We had a dinner last night to thank some supporters of the school, and we will have a brunch this morning for the same purpose. Then we will all load onto a yellow school bus and head toward the city of Quebec. We have presentations to do in several churches, so we will travel the next day to Matane and eventually to Sept-îles. I'm excited about the trip, but at the same time nervous to do ministry in French. Thank God, I'll always have Bible school students available to me when I need language help. In all, we will be gone for 16 days.
Pray for safety in travel, that the old yellow bus would fare well, that God would prepare our hearts for ministry, and that God would also open the hearts of those that we hope to minister to.
Yesterday was the last day of classes for the Bible school students. They finished up their final exams and are in a period of transition. We had a dinner last night to thank some supporters of the school, and we will have a brunch this morning for the same purpose. Then we will all load onto a yellow school bus and head toward the city of Quebec. We have presentations to do in several churches, so we will travel the next day to Matane and eventually to Sept-îles. I'm excited about the trip, but at the same time nervous to do ministry in French. Thank God, I'll always have Bible school students available to me when I need language help. In all, we will be gone for 16 days.
Pray for safety in travel, that the old yellow bus would fare well, that God would prepare our hearts for ministry, and that God would also open the hearts of those that we hope to minister to.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Owl's Head
For a class outing today, we went to Owl's Head. We were told that we would do some hiking, but I didn't expect to scale a mountain! In the winter, this is a ski resort. The view was great!
A few of us were not quite high enough, so we climbed to the top of a ski lift.
The descent was a lot easier, but wrought with havoc, as the snow was slick under our tennis shoes. But fear not, we all made it down safely.
I don't think I make a very good mountaineer:)
Oh, and did I mention that I am experiencing my third spring this year. I got to experience a little bit of California spring, the beginning of the North Carolina spring, and now I am watching leaves turn green and flowers bloom in Quebec. The Daffodils are just coming out here. Trees are budding...
...and dandelions are bursting forth.
A few of us were not quite high enough, so we climbed to the top of a ski lift.
The descent was a lot easier, but wrought with havoc, as the snow was slick under our tennis shoes. But fear not, we all made it down safely.
I don't think I make a very good mountaineer:)
Oh, and did I mention that I am experiencing my third spring this year. I got to experience a little bit of California spring, the beginning of the North Carolina spring, and now I am watching leaves turn green and flowers bloom in Quebec. The Daffodils are just coming out here. Trees are budding...
...and dandelions are bursting forth.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Say 'Shibboleth'
The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan opposite Ephraim. And it happened when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, "Let me cross over," the men of Gilead would say to him, "Are you an Ephraimite?" If he said, "No,"then they would say to him, "Say now, 'Shibboleth.'" But he said, "Sibboleth," for he could not pronounce it correctly. Then they seized him and slew him at the fords of the Jordan. Thus there fell at that time 42,000 of Ephraim.
Judges 12:5-6
That is what I read this morning during my quiet time. What did I learn? Well, I learned how important it is to have good pronunciation. Any English speaker who has had to learn French will agree that French is often difficult to pronounce and the difference between two words or two phrases often hinges on just one little sound.
So, will bad pronunciation cost me my life on the mission field? Not likely. However, it could hinder my ministry. So, I'll strive to do my best with not only pronunciation, but also with vocabulary, grammar, and spelling.
Voila! Juges 12:5-6
Galaad s'empara des gués du Jourdain du côté d'Éphraïm. Et quand l'un des fuyards d'Éphraïm disait: Laissez-moi passer! les hommes de Galaad lui demandaient: Es-tu Éphraïmite? Il répondait: Non. Ils lui disaient alors: Hé bien, dis Schibboleth. Et il disait Sibboleth, car il ne pouvait pas bien prononcer. Sur quoi les hommes de Galaad le saisissaient, et l'égorgeaient près des gués du Jourdain. Il périt en ce temps-là quarante-deux mille hommes d'Éphraïm.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Plane Crash
Please pray for my friend Debbie, who was in a plane crash yesterday in Africa. She is a missionary in Sudan. After a short time of rest in Kenya, she was returning to Sudan by airplane and, due to weather conditions, the plane crashed. There were only 5 aboard, and all were injured, but no-one was killed. Praise God that he preserved the lives of all the passengers. Debbie has hurt her neck, so please pray for quick and complete healing and for safe transport back to Kenya where she will receive additional medical treatment.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Language Shock?
Language learning is a bit of a stressful experience. When one learns language by immersion (as I am doing), there is more than just the language to learn. I had a bit of a bad day yesterday. Quite honestly, I was at the edge of tears most of the day. For those of you who know me well, you know that I don't cry often. Fortunately, I benefited from the empathy of a few people who knew exactly what I was going through.
You see, as a language learner, I can really only function as a child. In fact, most of the time I can only function as an infant. However, I still have the responsibilities and desires of an adult. Many times I can't really understand what is going on around me. Even if I understand most the words spoken, I often misunderstand something or miss the meaning all together. One example is when Serge, the chef here, was joking with me yesterday. As he was dishing up some shepherd's pie he explained how he made it. He used a word that I didn't recognize, but I didn't think anything of it. I discovered later that he was telling me that he added glue to the meat. Oops, I was supposed to laugh at that:0)
To add to the stress, I am in a culture and land that I am not yet accustomed to. I don't know the names of streets or stores, and I don't always know the significance of local news. And in addition to that, I have given up much of my freedom to be here. Instead of having my own house and car, I've decided to live in the dorm and to sell my car. And as enjoyable as the Bible School students are here, they are still significantly younger than I am.
Please pray with me, that I would learn the French language quickly and well, and that I would also be able to rely on God in the rougher times. Also, pray that I would remember to set my mind on heavenly things.
You see, as a language learner, I can really only function as a child. In fact, most of the time I can only function as an infant. However, I still have the responsibilities and desires of an adult. Many times I can't really understand what is going on around me. Even if I understand most the words spoken, I often misunderstand something or miss the meaning all together. One example is when Serge, the chef here, was joking with me yesterday. As he was dishing up some shepherd's pie he explained how he made it. He used a word that I didn't recognize, but I didn't think anything of it. I discovered later that he was telling me that he added glue to the meat. Oops, I was supposed to laugh at that:0)
To add to the stress, I am in a culture and land that I am not yet accustomed to. I don't know the names of streets or stores, and I don't always know the significance of local news. And in addition to that, I have given up much of my freedom to be here. Instead of having my own house and car, I've decided to live in the dorm and to sell my car. And as enjoyable as the Bible School students are here, they are still significantly younger than I am.
Please pray with me, that I would learn the French language quickly and well, and that I would also be able to rely on God in the rougher times. Also, pray that I would remember to set my mind on heavenly things.
Abele Update
I received an email update from my friends a few days ago. Below is what the Abbotts said about their visit with Abele.
"We were able to stop and visit with Abele at prison on our way home. He is thin and hungry but otherwise doing well and in good spirits. It is still uncertain how long he we will remain there. Continue to join us in praying that God will strengthen him and continue to bring him to complete repentance and restoration."
The Conrods also recently updated their blog with a post about Abele. You can find it by clicking here
Praise God that He is preserving Abele during his time in prison. He is truly suffering the consequences of his actions, but God has more than enough grace for Abele and for each one of us. Continue to pray for his protection. Pray also that he would truly understand the depth of God's grace and forgiveness and that he would be able to communicate that same grace and forgiveness to his fellow inmates and to the guards at the prison. Continue to pray also for his children who are without father or mother until Abele is released.
"We were able to stop and visit with Abele at prison on our way home. He is thin and hungry but otherwise doing well and in good spirits. It is still uncertain how long he we will remain there. Continue to join us in praying that God will strengthen him and continue to bring him to complete repentance and restoration."
The Conrods also recently updated their blog with a post about Abele. You can find it by clicking here
Praise God that He is preserving Abele during his time in prison. He is truly suffering the consequences of his actions, but God has more than enough grace for Abele and for each one of us. Continue to pray for his protection. Pray also that he would truly understand the depth of God's grace and forgiveness and that he would be able to communicate that same grace and forgiveness to his fellow inmates and to the guards at the prison. Continue to pray also for his children who are without father or mother until Abele is released.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Coffee
I have an announcement! I drank coffee today!!
OK, that announcement doesn't usually produce cheers and whoops of joy. In fact, most people would respond with a confused look. So, let me explain. Yesterday at dinner I spoke with my new French teacher. He was asking what my plans were for the evening. I responded that I would probably study. His response to me was that it was Friday night and I shouldn't be studying on Friday night, especially since classes haven't even started yet. I was reluctant at first, but with some prodding from another student, I decided that I really wasn't going to study.
You see, I have been expecting a lot from myself. I've been in Quebec for one week now, and I don't know French yet. Absurd, I know, but I fully expected to be able to understand people much better than I can, and I also expected that I would actually be able to contribute to conversations. So, in an effort to survive my experience here, I have been hitting the books hard, and being hard on myself when I don't understand or when I can't communicate well.
But, I have to remind myself that I am a language learner, and learning a language takes time. It will take time to get used to the Quebecois accent, to the slang, and to the speed of speech here (let alone to figure out the language itself).
Later yesterday evening, I read the blog of a friend, who, in the midst of many piles of things to do, decided that she would first have to just eat her strawberries. That inspired me. I decided that since I have not been fair to myself, I would set an attainable goal for myself. I thought about what would be attainable, practical, and enjoyable. Coffee! Perfect! I set a goal to drink coffee today. And guess what! I attained it! I am so proud of myself.
In addition to drinking my morning coffee, I also attended a conference on ministering to Muslims, attempted to go shopping with some friends, had some valuable conversations, attended a piano concert, and drank more coffee at Tim Hortons.
Ah, Timmy's. That is another Canadian thing of note. I guess the American equivalent to Tim Hortons would be a Dunkin' Donuts. Hmmm... I wonder if there were a competition between Timmy's and Dunkin' Donuts...Ah, it would probably be a draw, Eh?
Speaking of competitions, I just want to point out that the Americans won against Montreal today. Please pray for me, as I might get mobbed by angry hockey fans.
OK, that announcement doesn't usually produce cheers and whoops of joy. In fact, most people would respond with a confused look. So, let me explain. Yesterday at dinner I spoke with my new French teacher. He was asking what my plans were for the evening. I responded that I would probably study. His response to me was that it was Friday night and I shouldn't be studying on Friday night, especially since classes haven't even started yet. I was reluctant at first, but with some prodding from another student, I decided that I really wasn't going to study.
You see, I have been expecting a lot from myself. I've been in Quebec for one week now, and I don't know French yet. Absurd, I know, but I fully expected to be able to understand people much better than I can, and I also expected that I would actually be able to contribute to conversations. So, in an effort to survive my experience here, I have been hitting the books hard, and being hard on myself when I don't understand or when I can't communicate well.
But, I have to remind myself that I am a language learner, and learning a language takes time. It will take time to get used to the Quebecois accent, to the slang, and to the speed of speech here (let alone to figure out the language itself).
Later yesterday evening, I read the blog of a friend, who, in the midst of many piles of things to do, decided that she would first have to just eat her strawberries. That inspired me. I decided that since I have not been fair to myself, I would set an attainable goal for myself. I thought about what would be attainable, practical, and enjoyable. Coffee! Perfect! I set a goal to drink coffee today. And guess what! I attained it! I am so proud of myself.
In addition to drinking my morning coffee, I also attended a conference on ministering to Muslims, attempted to go shopping with some friends, had some valuable conversations, attended a piano concert, and drank more coffee at Tim Hortons.
Ah, Timmy's. That is another Canadian thing of note. I guess the American equivalent to Tim Hortons would be a Dunkin' Donuts. Hmmm... I wonder if there were a competition between Timmy's and Dunkin' Donuts...Ah, it would probably be a draw, Eh?
Speaking of competitions, I just want to point out that the Americans won against Montreal today. Please pray for me, as I might get mobbed by angry hockey fans.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
La Tire
I went with the
We had a tour of the facilities, which consisted of tapped maple trees, a collection shack, and a larger shack for boiling the sugar. Once the sugar is boiled enough, it is syrup.
We all headed outside, where there were long wooden boxes filled with packed snow. Each of us took a popsicle stick and waited for the treat, ‘la tire sur la neige.’ A pot of sugar was boiling in the sugar shack, and at the right moment, it was brought out and poured into the snow. That is when the sticks came in handy. We poked and twirled our sticks in the sugar and out they came. Maple popsicles!! Yum, c’est tres cool!!
I start classes next week. In a way, I am glad to have some time to rest a bit, but at the same time, I am working hard to strengthen my French now, in order to be able to communicate with my new friends.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Wide-Eyed Foreigner
I’ve made it!! My first destination after leaving
After a very intense 12 days in
I am staying in the dorm with all of the Bible students, who speak French as their native tongue. The girls that I am staying with made a point to come greet me when I arrived. They are quite friendlyJ There is also another single gal, named Jen, staying in the dorm who is also studying French. I anticipate making a bunch of new friends here.
Yesterday, as I was making arrangements for the bus, I realized how foreign this little piece of
Friday, March 28, 2008
24 hours 8 minutes
I just attempted to check in for my flight tomorrow, and the website wouldn't let me since it was more than 24 hours before my flight. I guess I was about 8 minutes early:)
Well, the suitcases are packed, the boxes are packed, and I am loading the crate today, so that it can get shipped to Cameroon.
I read Deuteronomy 6-8 this morning. As the Israelites prepared to enter the promised land, after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, God again reminded them of His providence, power, and grace. He reminded them that He was the one who led them out of Egypt and who was their protector throughout the whole ordeal. He told them of the prosperity that they would experience and commanded them not to forget God, who was their provider. God told them that remembering Him and obeying His commands would guarantee prosperity, but warned them against disobedience.
As I leave in 24 hours, I will do my best to remember that it is God who leads me to Cameroon. I will remember the many things He has done on my behalf. I will remember His providence, power, and grace, and I will serve Him only.
Well, the suitcases are packed, the boxes are packed, and I am loading the crate today, so that it can get shipped to Cameroon.
I read Deuteronomy 6-8 this morning. As the Israelites prepared to enter the promised land, after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, God again reminded them of His providence, power, and grace. He reminded them that He was the one who led them out of Egypt and who was their protector throughout the whole ordeal. He told them of the prosperity that they would experience and commanded them not to forget God, who was their provider. God told them that remembering Him and obeying His commands would guarantee prosperity, but warned them against disobedience.
As I leave in 24 hours, I will do my best to remember that it is God who leads me to Cameroon. I will remember the many things He has done on my behalf. I will remember His providence, power, and grace, and I will serve Him only.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Packing
I think I am nearing the last stretch of the packing phase. Almost everything that needs to be in boxes is in boxes and will likely fit on one pallet to be shipped to Illinois and then on to Cameroon (I am not going to IL, but my stuff will be shipped to Cameroon in a container that will originate in IL). 
The suitcases are almost ready too. I have most of the winter stuff I will need in Quebec in one suitcase and I am living out of the other:) There are several more odds and ends to attend to, but it will be a great relief to have the packing finished.
The suitcases are almost ready too. I have most of the winter stuff I will need in Quebec in one suitcase and I am living out of the other:) There are several more odds and ends to attend to, but it will be a great relief to have the packing finished.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Not Soon Forgotten
I spent a few days this week with dear friends. This time will not soon be forgotten. Thanks Robyn and Lindsey for sending me off with such fond memories.
Robyn
Lindsey
Upper Yosemite Falls
Is it safe to camp in a tent so close to a mountain made of solid rock that creaks and groans and emits sounds like thunder? With the changing of temperature, it was possible that some of that rock could come right down on us.
A land of contrasts. Gigantic and magestic stone walls surrounding such fragile and delicate small things.
Exploring the thawing valley on two wheels.
North Dome
A shroud of clouds. It almost seems like the mountains aren't even there.
From the most popular viewing point of Yosemite, the famous Half Dome is hiding behind the clouds, but El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls are both peeking through.
Rosalynn got to join us on her day off.
Robyn
Lindsey
Upper Yosemite Falls
Is it safe to camp in a tent so close to a mountain made of solid rock that creaks and groans and emits sounds like thunder? With the changing of temperature, it was possible that some of that rock could come right down on us.
A land of contrasts. Gigantic and magestic stone walls surrounding such fragile and delicate small things.
Exploring the thawing valley on two wheels.
North Dome
A shroud of clouds. It almost seems like the mountains aren't even there.
From the most popular viewing point of Yosemite, the famous Half Dome is hiding behind the clouds, but El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls are both peeking through.
Rosalynn got to join us on her day off.Saturday, March 15, 2008
Two Weeks
In two weeks, I'll begin my first term of missionary service as a church planter with World Team. I'll board a plane for North Carolina for a 2 week training and then travel on to Quebec for French language school. Then, after 7 years of preparation, I'll finally move to Cameroon. There's lot's to do in the next two weeks, but it will soon be done, and I will be on my way.
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