Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Picoco Sunday

We're having a bit of trouble getting photos to upload to our blog - mainly because our Internet speed is just too slow here to accommodate photos very well.  So, unfortunately until we figure it out, we will not be able to post photographs for a while.

Sunday we went out to Picoco for church and did a short video clip that will be used in a DVD being prepared for use at the OMS Northeast Conference.  We only did one-take, which is a concern as in other video's I've done, it always takes many many clips.  I hope it turns out ok - I didn't say all I wanted to say but when you only have 30 seconds to a minute, what can you really say anyway!  We love going to this church which is so full of joy.  This people are very very poor in this area but they worship with a joy that can only come from knowing God.  

Church was great and we had a small time to share with this new congregation and enjoyed introducing Larry and Susan who came along to get the video footage and see where this church was located.   We especially enjoyed two wonderful songs performed by all the children.

When they announced in church that we expected to start drilling a well on September 22, there was a great cheer that w
ent out and the older ladies did their clicking sounds that are common here as a show of appreciation.  It was quite moving and it will make a big impact on life at the church and in the community.

On Monday, we helped Pastor Nelio and his wife move to a small house relatively near the church that will eliminate his three-hour one-way commute that he has been making faithfully for many months now as he has developed this small church and started his training program.  His new house is very very near a large mosque and we pray that this does not prove to be a problem for him.   We also took out quite a bit of clothing that had been gathered by Youth for Christ workers and Nelio will distribute them among the church. 

What a thrill to make a little bit more progress for the Kingdom.   Juka called us yesterday and was overflowing with joy about the work in the north and we look forward to his report.  He returns Friday and our ECC leadership team from the States arrives Saturday as our ECC shepherd turns over his responsibilities to our new ECC shepherd.  It will be a busy week but it is always a pleasure to show off the amazing things God is doing here.

Lastly, we are really being challenged with electrical problems here.  First the power is on and off all the time, enough we had to discard food because of loss of refrigeration.  And when we take a shower, we've had a small tingle from the faucets, which we recently replaced. When the water is flowing, you get a small shock.  We have checked our house and the water heaters and nothing seems to be wrong with them.  However, last night, I got more than a slight jolt in the shower, just a down-right hard shock.  I had to turn the water off with insulated pliers.  Now, I think most of you know that water and electricity don't mix.  I searched around this compound we live on and found a place where an electrical ground rod and been stolen and the ground wire was just hanging.  I fixed this, but got a very strong current going to ground, which doesn't seem right either.  So, we continue to chase this electrical problem but unfortunately, finding a good electrician who really understands is quite a challenge.   So, we will see what tonight's shower brings - one of our African friends had the solution - of course, you simply get some rubber insulated sandals to wear in the shower - that will allow you to live with it - I don't think so!  The photo is of the deadly shower complete with water stains (it is clean, it really is!).  (Late edition - the ground wire fix seemed to resolve the problem! or at least for the past couple of days - I made a late change to add photos!)

Thank you for standing with us!

Dave & Ann

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