Prayer Rally in Kenya

August!  That is the last time I posted here. Does that mean that my heart has been out of Africa that long?
Not by a long shot !!!
But for His own reasons God has not allowed me to visit or work in the continent this year.

EAFC has as a ministry been stretched too, but stretching is good. Just ask my body AFTER a yoga class.  After EAFC's stretching we too can say it has been good.
Why?
Well, about two months ago Lawrence Oseje, one of our alumni from Kenya emailed me to tell me his idea of getting Kenyan alumni together for a day of prayer.  Prayer is always good; how could I disagree with that idea, but contrary to what would have been my normal response in the past, this time God had me so occupied with other tasks that I literally couldn't get involved with this idea.

Come to find out, nobody needed me anyway. I told Lawrence who had been the most functioning Country Coordinator in Kenya, Joseph Mbuvi.  He contacted Joe and now that Prayer Rally is history.

Yesterday, November 17 from 9-3 a group of them met.  All I know at this point is that it went well.

I will be sure to post again when I get the details, or I may just copy and paste their report straight into this blog.  Just the little I know is humbling
. Would we initiate and carry out such an event here?
I hate to even think what my answer to that would be.  Am I just being pessimistic? Is our busyness more here than in Kenya? Are our priorities different? Would we travel from great distances to be with others we are connected with only through a scholarship ministry?

Just questions; no answers, but then this blog has always existed as a way for me to process life.  And if it means anything to anyone else, then I guess that's good too.

Time for my bedtime prayers, Good night!

Liberia Today, Uganda Tomorrow

When I went to Liberia last year I met Sainkolo. He among others was a very good student. From time to time I still communicate with them. It is touching that a prof (as they call us) who was there only two months could still be remembered.

Recently Sainkolo and I were chatting about my latest dream, shared with you in the previous post.. This led him to realize he knows a man of  integrity living in the States he could connect with me. He did, and now I am communicating with his uncle. Today at 2:30 our time, the uncle will meet others on our team, exploring the possibilities of his learning a business by which his family and those he cares about can be blessed. And then, he will be able to that knowledge to one of those fastest growing economies in the world that Bill Clinton spoke about.

Tomorrow I speak with a lady who has entertained me in her home in Uganda. She and her family are currently living in the US. Their hearts are still "home". Her husband is back in Northern Uganda right now for a month. I don't know much about their plans, but I do know that financially providing for your family is a longing for most parents of the world, regardless of where they live.  I know the hearts of this family. They too would take their skills back to Uganda and transfer them to men and women there.

I have a friend in Kenya who is trying to help me. I am trying to get with my dear friend in Malawi. There are over 50 countries on that vast continent. Yes, the people there just like those here need Jesus primarily, and that would be the ultimate goal. And yet, beginnings, meeting needs along the way, getting to know people, working with them is often how we can participate with God in His work on this earth.

One last point,I REALLY DO WANT TO KNOW WHICH AFRICAN NATIONS BILL CLINTON WAS TALKING ABOUT WHEN HE SAID 6-7 OF THE WORLD'S FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIES ARE IN AFRICA.

CAN ANY OF YOU HELP ME FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIND OUT THE DETAILS OF WHAT HE WAS TALKING SBOUT?

What I Learned From Network Marketing Pro

This post might sound a bit unusual to those of you who have followed my blogs since I began it when in Liberia.  I too am even surprised and full of hope as to where this thing is going.

Personally, I believe in a Sovereign God who orchestrates the events of my life, so my watching a network marketing pro who sent me to watch a video clip of a speech by Bill Clinton was not an accident.  I have read Nelson Mandela's book and was inspired by it. It is definitely worth your time if you haven't done so!

But what struck me in Bill Clinton's speech was his statistics, YES, YOU GOT IT RIGHT, HIS STATISTICS.

HE SAID THAT 6 or 7 of the world's fastest growing economies ARE IN AFRICA.

Some of you know that I have recently discussed with friends of mine ideas about how we could be a part of blessing Africa economically. Personally, I want overflow of how God blesses me to go to EAFC, but that is really a different subject for a different day.(can't make my cursor move to the end)


What I want here is to encourage you to watch the Bill Clinton clip, and if you don't know how, email me and I will send you the link.

EAFC needs HELP!

EAFC, that is Educating Africans for Christ, is FINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  But in order to stay fine, we need administrative help in the office in Jackson, Ms.  Lots of you who read this don't live in Jackson or know anyone who does.  So what can you do?  "JUST PRAY!"  Isn't it awful that we add "JUST" to prayer!


I think networking is an amazing tool of our time.  Will you talk to someone who might know someone who can get back with us?  I'll get the information to the right people on the board.


WHY is this important?  Well, without someone with a heart for this ministry with skills to communicate with churches and students, keep up with our website and a million other necessary skills, we won't keep THRIVING.

AND we WANT to THRIVE, not just survive.


Since 1997, this ministry has helped people all over the continent.  I think I'll attach a recent THANK YOU we got from Malawi.  be back in a minute/ let me copy and paste it.  OK, so I did it, but as you see I don't know why it pasted the way it did!  Enjoy anyway. ha!

Greetings from Livingstonia!  Let me begin by apologizing for not giving you regular updates as is expected of every EAFC family member.

I am ashamed for being irresponsible and I am asking for forgiveness. This aside, God has been good to us. I must be honest that we are missing you people. May the Lord continue to watch over your family and the ministry of EAFC. By choosing to invest in our education, God has honoured your act of faith. I want to share with you three things I want to share with you in brief: 1. Joyce and I will this month be submitting our PhD Dissertations for examination

It has been a long and tedious process but God has seen us through. Thank you once again for your prayer and monetary support. It is by grace that we have reached this far today. 2. I was promoted in October, 2011 to the position of College Deputy Principal. I only served in that capacity for 4 months and was elevated to the top position of Principal following the retirement of the founding Principal. Joyce continues to serve as Dean of Faculty of Education. We asking that you continue to pray for us so that we may provide leadership with wisdom from above. 3. Both of our daughters are doing well in college. They all testify that the three years they spent in Kenya under the sponsorship of EAFC really prepared them for secondary education. They managed to pass well and secure places in colleges for training. In addition, both are growing and increasing in the grace of God.  May He increase as we decrease. Moses

Finding More Reasons to Love Young People

I know; I know!  We Baby Boomers are famous, but not always for good reasons.  There are a lot of us; we're getting "old", and health care is going to be expensive for you young ones to pay for.  Social Security will probably be insolvent before all of us die.  We have worked hard (as a rule).  We fought and died in the Vietnam War never having gotten a thank you from our country, and yet we grew out of the "hippies" and became productive citizens.  Our children have grown up acquiring material possessions that it took us years and years to accumulate.  We're amazed by their stuff, there salaries they demand at young ages, and the ways they have influenced culture.

I know a lot about all this because I am one of 4 Baby Boomers in my family, married to 4 more; having raised 14 grandchildren for my parents and have contributed 12 great grandchildren to my father.  I've heard my father's stories of life in "the depression" what it was like fighting in WW!!.  He has been as amazed by how we changed culture as I have been by our children.

My children are approaching "middle age"/ how could THAT BE?  But, shoot, I'm STILL YOUNG.  I teach college students and have young friends in Africa that I regularly connect with.  I LOVE THE YOUNG!!!!!!

I've recently attended a women's conference and was blessed beyond words by the teaching of young women.  I worshiped with thousands of them that weekend.  I heard some tell that their husbands were keeping the little ones so they could be there.  I watched others take care of tiny ones so they could attend.  It was an awesome experience.

I read a book recently that a few have told me "makes them feel guilty" because they are not giving their lives in very hard conditions like the author .  The book didn't affect me that way; I was just amazed that one SO YOUNG would even THINK those thoughts, be willing to make those sacrifices, follow her heart and passion.  I was simply IMPRESSED.  I think she'd be amazed to hear how a few have interpreted her efforts.

And then today I strategized with ANOTHER YOUNG WOMAN.  We've never SEEN each other's FACES, (though on Skype, she does have posted the cutest picture of her and her beloved in their wedding attire.)  We connected through a MUTUAL FRIEND from Rwanda.

Our mutual friend is a BRIDGE BUILDER.  He thinks BIG!  I LOVE THAT ABOUT HIM, and today's NEW FRIEND seems to be JUST LIKE DAVID.  I can't wait to meet her.  Already we've connected one another to other people we can learn from.

We are even considering ways we could build a business that could have residual income that would not only fund our ministries but could lead into ways that friends on the continent could develop their own businesses.  PLEASE ask me HOW!  You might help us with this!

AH, the DETAILS are SO SKETCHY;  I guess that's why I've shared this with you.  Your ideas; your prayers; your care expressed so helps.  It's like a shot of adrenalin to me!!!!  What are ideas people without those who fill in the details.?  Will you pray with me for those to come along?

Look up www.loverowan.com; recheck eafc.net TOO!!!

Soon eafc.net is going to be updated!  Soon, we will be able to keep it much more current than we have in the past.  Soon, but not sure how soon, we'll be able to regularly send newsletters directly to your inboxes.

But I am about to close this posting without giving you LOTS of those reasons for loving young people that I promised in the title to this post.  You know what though?  I'll bet you can fill in the holes.  I'll bet you can tell it's more than just energy, ideas, commitment, passion that I love, but today I found a young lady who has gotten to know God in such a unique way that those who know her have been able to tell the difference BEFORE and AFTER.  Now, that's someone I want to learn from.

Thanks, Kelsey!  I think I'm in for an adventure!

How To Keep Focused, a Few Thoughts

Hi Loyal Friends and Followers of this blog.


 It's been a month now since I have felt an urge to put thoughts in this internet square.  Why now, you might ask?


The easiest answer is that upstairs in my house right now are David and Terri Wegener, missionaries in Zambia.  Yes, I want to give them a place for a reprieve from the hectic life of traveling the country telling their story, but then I too am just like all the other hosts who want to "pick their brain" to learn from them.   Last night there was a table of 10 of us sitting around our table getting to hear some of their stories, but oh, through the night I thought  "wish I'd asked them this; wish I'd asked them that."


Am I different?  They spoke briefly at our church last night and our pastor asked them to stand at the front after church to greet people.  I was surprised but am surprised that I am surprised  (if that makes sense) by how few people stopped by to greet or had questions.  But then  I've been in the Wegener's home in Zambia, met  their children, met those with whom they minister, listened to David teach, read their very well done newsletters, prayed for them when they shared deeply personal struggles with all those who receive their newsletters.

So, I guess I answer my question "Am I different?" by saying, YES, OF COURSE, I am different, because I have had DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES that keep on keeping me connected with this continent.


AND SO, I think that means that I write this blog because I think it might be another link in the chain that inspires some of you to either stay focused, get focused, or return to focus.  Get on their mailing list is one suggestion I have, or if not the Wegeners, the Wannemachers, the Sprowsons, the Haase's, Tanya (in a sensitive place)  the Magambis.  Oh, shoot, no reason to make a list of possibilities.  There are countless people, some I know, some I just know by reputation who are pouring out their lives in stretching situations for people we will never know but who need to know the God we do.


How do we keep focused?  Yes, reading newsletters that are well done like the Wegeners is one idea, but besides that, visualize one situation they tell about and focus your prayer on that.  Write them and ask about that after you have joined them in prayer.


And yes, GIVE!  I know, everyone tells you that.  Fundraising is at the core of what most people think when they think of African missions.  It is a sad reality that money is needed from food to educational needs, but you know, THIS IS WHERE I THINK I MIGHT DIFFER from "some".  Don't just GIVE!!!!  Please, please, please, watch carefully where you give.  Make sure that you are educating yourself on your recipients of the donor gifts.  Make sure there is accountability, integrity, a track record. 


READ GOOD BOOKS on missions philosophy.  Be willing to change your mind.
I think I might have given more then just a "FEW IDEAS" of how to stay focused.


Now, let me see if David and Terri will let me take their picture.  If so, I'll share that with you.  Print it and place it in your "focus corner".

TRANSFERRING LOYALTY came out of pain!

Wellington tells his story as only  one can who has such a story.  I can't add to it, but I can share it.

Please take the time to read this.

What a reminder that delayed gratification can sometimes give us so much more than

what we asked for in the first place.

Through his experience of seeing that placing faith in God

surpassed that faith in his father,

Wellington

is much better prepared today as a leader in his country.

When the Earthly Father Departs

When I entered senior high before my graduation, my father died. This brought a major set back at all fronts in my educational, social, mental and spiritual growth. I wonder up and down thinking that all was lost in life. I concluded that high school education was my end because there seems to be no way out. When I finally graduated from high school, I never had the slightest thought that I would enter any higher institution of learning. I opened my little table market and there were my world begins and ends. My wife and I and our kids thought the whole world had ended for us as we strive around our little table market with no hope of a better educational career beyond high school for my self, children and wife. 

However, I was making a big mistake to think that untimely and painful departure of earthly father would be the end to all of life. I have now learned the practical way that departure of the earthly father does not in any way makes the Heavenly Father to forget His plan for my life. Through the great encouragement of my mentor, I went and took LICC entrance with no idea of where the funding will come from and how. Even as I began working on my application to you, I was still not visualizing what the Eternal Father was doing. Finally, I found myself reluctantly walking to the Liberia International Christian College to register. Then the day came with the breaking news, “You have received a partial scholarship to cover your tuition and fees” and the church, your mentor and family will take care of the remaining ones. I cried unbelievably for God’s favor and grace to such a person from very low economic backgrounds that thought all was lost. As I complete my second semester here at the Liberia International Christian College, I have now come to the reality that when one’s earthly father departs, the Heavenly Father loving hands continues to demonstrate His love and care. I say thanks to the family of EAFC for giving me the opportunity to receive the training and preparation I need to serve the Lord.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

It is my joy to be able to share with you, my friends, "some" of the words we hear on a regular basis from those with whom we have relationships. Now you know when I say "those with whom we have relationships" that this statement is in the context of this blog those are people we relate with from Africa, whether they are new students, church leaders or sometimes even those who train them.


FIRST let me tell you about THREE NEW STUDENTS we call PROVISIONALLY ACCEPTED.  Once we get acceptance agreements from their church restating our agreement, they will become CURRENT STUDENTS.
In their PASTOR"S OWN WORDS,  "WE have 1. Royd Nonde  2. Alfred Sakwiya  3. Lewis Mumba.   We interviewed many more and then sat down to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each case.......
Royd is by far the most proven of these young men.  His leadership qualities continue to be witnessed right across our country wherever he has gone.  Even as he is presently studying medicine, he has been chosen as the leader of the evangelical Christians on his university campus..... He has already gone into the most rural of areas to provide medical therapy to the poorer of the poor.
Both Alfred and Lewis are very involved in the church's life..... They are both playing some leadership role among the youths of the church and also in the electronic media ministry


Now, let me jump across the continent by sharing a big THANK YOU from one of our church partners.
Christian Zarweah from Liberia writes, " I am thrilled with joy as I composed these words to you in the blessed Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ..... I write on behalf of the ULIC-Ganta Congregations to convey our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to you for serving as the bridge of hope to equip these young men and a woman for the ministry of the Lord here in Liberia.  Some of the recipients would not have ever entered higher education had you not intervened.  Some are from very poor backgrounds and some are the first from their community to enter college.  Your intervention continues to serve as great motivation to us here in Nimba County, Liberia....... I can sense the Lord's special anointing on these young men and a woman as some have greatly demonstrated in leadership skills at their various institutions and congregations........It is only Eternity that will reward you."

WE DID IT!

You know applying for these scholarships is a LEARNING EXPERIENCE.  Those who apply must follow directions; if they don't no matter how qualified they are, they won't get selected.  If they don't turn in a complete packet on time, they lose out to others who do complete all the parts required.  If the church really does want them, they have to write more than a 3 line recommendation. (and there has to be TWO recommendations.)  They must put effort into communicating and yes, communicating outside their culture.  IF they want to work with EAFC the church must demonstrate their accepting the responsibilities of a partnership.  God has given all of us resources; we can't just take and not give when we have something to give.  Jesus showed that "amount" isn't the criteria, but a heart attitude is.  


Sometimes though good men and women have dreams that are outside of our ability to even dream with them.  When they live in West Africa and want training at an expensive university in East Africa, someone has to pay for airfare to cross the continent.  EAFC is just "part" of their solution for needs.  THEN we've discovered that the cultural adjustments for a West African in East Africa can be significant too.  The expense of living in Nairobi, for example, can put strains on them when they are in a part of the world away from their mentors.  Once they get established within a church and the international community, they seem to be OK, but those adjustments are real and painful.  


All this has to be factored in.  Do we choose 3 or 4 who need a lesser amount or put lots of resources in the one who needs a lot?  How many post graduate degrees do we participate in?  Do we accept those who have just finished one degree and then apply immediately for a second one?  See what a learning experience it is for US TOO?


So, we learned about them as we read, evaluated, emailed back and forth.  Now, the office will communicate with those who have been provisionally accepted, sending out agreements that demonstrate that all parties understand what we can do to help.  Once the church understands how much we are offering, they have to determine whether or not that is enough for the student to go forth.  We don't want to send money just to have it insufficient to complete what they have begun.  After they return acceptance agreements, they move from being provisionally accepted to  being CURRENT STUDENTS.


This is the PROCESS.  In time, I'll give you names and small biographies of our newest members of the EAFC family.  Maybe you can pick one or two of them to pray for and get updates on.


For now, it feels good to be able to say We DID it!  We selected a new class of EAFC students!

A WORLD Full of NEED

A world full of need!  What touches one heart but not another's is often I think based on your own life experience.  If your personal history has included opportunities to EMPATHIZE with certain needs then that's the spot in which your heart pulls its strings.


But wait a minute.  I am one of those people who thanked my parents to the best of an 18-22 year old's ability to say thank you for paying the bills for my university education.  I tried to say thank you with the grades I made, but it took YEARS for me to realize what a gift they had given me.  THEN it was my husband who paid the bills for my master's degree.  Once again, I thanked him but did I really know how to say THANK YOU?  I don't think so.


Generally I am not the typical "mother" who just feels with and for her children and gives into them out of a Mother's heart.  I don't know whether that's good or bad. I know I'm not the typical though. As I look back on my life, memories will engulf me with moments of regret.  "Oh, I could have shown more empathy, gotten inside their shoes better than that."


I tell you this because I am really quite surprised that I became involved in raising money for scholarships in Africa.  The interest in Africa doesn't surprise me because that goes back to the theory I began this post with.  MY PERSONAL HISTORY has always collided with THAT CONTINENT.  As a 10 year old kid, my parents enrolled me in a program for memorizing Scripture..  One of the rewards for memorizing certain amounts was books.  Mine was called Radio Pals in the Hands of the Mau Mau.  I didn't even know there really WAS such a group of people called the Mau Mau in Kenya, but my imagination was lighted with books like that one.


Now, my circular thinking might get the ends to come back together.  For whatever reason, my heartstrings have been plucked, but with this world of need I don't know how to tell the stories I'm collecting in a way that draws others into sharing this experience with me.


We've tried taking people with us to Africa, and there we often find that while their hearts ARE DEFINITELY touched, they don't necessarily give so that our students can be instructed with knowledge and skills to be LEADERS in THEIR OWN COUNTRIES.


Tomorrow, I might give you bios of some of the ones that tonight the scholarship selection committee will choose.  "God funds what he favors."  This must be my mantra!
It has not escaped his notice, not one single one of these needs.


Maybe I wrote all this as a part of my own self therapy, to work out my fretting, sadness for those who will get denial letters tomorrow.  God knows; God cares: God will provide, if not through EAFC through another.

My Son and Mother's Day

My son is quite creative. as he has been jogging he has listened to podcasts. One of them told about 31 days to finding your blogging mojo. Now I am not at all sure I know what mojo is or if I want it once I find it, but I do like it that Rob thought about me. He came by and put the app on my iPad so I can learn. He does know his Mother likes to always be learning.

 This blog is a intended to be self limiting.  I named it about how I am growing through my interactions with Africa so that friends would know what to expect when they clicked on the link.

( Last night Mike Huckabee though showed his new Granddaughter on his show. Why? He said because he could,)
 Well, I guess  I can talk about Rob too just because I can. Ha!

Joseph, Claire's 2nd son born March 1

 OK while I'm on this roll, let me talk about Susan and Claire too. Claire invited me to Hattiesburg to go to church with their family and them out to lunch. Both her boys were dedicated to God at their church today. How special!
 Susan called on her way home from celebrating my oldest granddaughter's 13th birthday. I get to go to lunch with Susan tomorrow. Now, can I connect this with growing through Africa? I think I can.

Four out of five of our nucleus family lived in Africa in 1996-97 and that Christmas even Susan and her new husband, Joel got to come visit us. Now, I wait for the PRIVILEGE OF BEING ABLE TO INTRODUCE GRANDCHILDREN TO THE CONTINENT I LOVE. Will it happen? I don't know, but I can pray that all their hearts are turned toward people with challenges that are foreign to the challenges in our part of the world. I want them to want others to love Jesus and think outside of their own peer group.  I want all TWELVE of them to love and serve Christ.

  Ok since I am taking liberties with this blog today, let me see if I can post pictures of our newest grandsons, born March1 and May 7.

Our son Rob and his 5th child, 2nd son Jonathan

Is it Naivety, Forgetfulness that causes Prayerlessness

This morning I am struck by news I received yesterday from Africa that hurt deeply.  I hurt for those I love.  The ripples from the rock that ruffled what appeared to be calm waters has potential to be a tsunami.

OK so now I pray?  Yes, I am convicted that it takes shocking news to wake me from my complacency and belief in the goodness of man.  If only I knew my Bible better; I mean REALLY knew it.  If only I applied what I know.
"The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked; who can know it?"

Just recently I watched John Piper, retiring pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minnesota preach to fellow pastors at the Together for the Gospel conference.  This was held in Louisville, KY in April.  Go to T4G.com  if you want to watch John Piper tell about his amazement that he is still a Christian.  I "thought" I understood when I watched him preach, but this latest news has made me question how thoroughly I appreciate my own sin and how far I can still fall if not relying on Jesus.  I excuse my "little sins."  WHY do I do that?  hummmm gets back to that Scripture I just quoted, doesn't it?

I guess it doesn't matter much whether I am naive or just plain forgetful if the end results in that I don't pray.  Will you join with me in recommitment to praying for our brothers and sisters, missionaries, pastors, church elders, friends, family who name the name of Christ?  There's a lot at stake.  We live in uncertain times, and this has been a wake up call to me.  Will you join me in prayer?

PLEASE don't forget!

Forgetting is human nature, isn't it?  Maybe that's why God told us in Scripture over and over and over again not to do it.  Forget none of His benefits.  So as I write this update, I am reminding myself of some of those as they relate to this journey I'm on, growing through Africa.

A Kenyan EAFC alumnus was helping us out by answering questions for students at a university who were interested in a scholarship.  What happened though was that our friend felt like he was put on the defensive in the meeting.  When he told me about it, I naturally "came to his defense" in my communication with the administration at this university.  But did I do it in prayer?  Did I consider the differences in our cultures and how I might word my communication in a way that might lessen tensions or possible misunderstandings? Did I REMEMBER?  I wish I could say I did. But I'm determined to be honest in this blog.  I'm not going to try to deceive anyone.  I still after all these years  (since 1996) of interacting with Africans still make so many mistakes.

"How'd it turn out? "you might ask. I wish I could say that in spite of my bumbling efforts that there's perfect restoration and understanding, but once again honesty beckons me to tell it like it is.


I wrote the lady in administration who took issue with my words.  I apologized for what I've just admitted to you that I did.  AND YET!!!  There's more to this than I have told.  You see, the leaders at the university called my young friend back to "defend himself" which culturally he didn't feel like he could do.  If I am a straightforward woman, which I am, even in a very independent and straightforward culture, my friend is at the other end of the spectrum.  If these people really wanted to UNDERSTAND rather than defend, they'd realize that I haven't spoken out of a vacuum.  I had something behind my desire to take up for my friend.  But I doubt that clarity will come to this particular situation.

It is my real desire though that in the BIG picture, I will grow from this experience.  "SLOW DOWN, Val."  REMEMBER what you've learned.  Don't forget!!!!!  Keep your eyes on the prize. Remember that Jesus left a perfect culture to come and live among us with so many flawed cultures.  He understands, will guide and teach.


ONE LAST thought before signing off today.  Scholarship selection is May 21.  Will you be in prayer that we LISTEN to God, sense which applicants are the ones He wants to bless through THIS ministry?  Thank you, my friends for reading this and for praying with me.


Forget not all His benefits!!!!!!

T4G just got real personal

I have read David Platt's book Radical and highly recommend it. Tonight I finished WATCHING him via video deliver a message intended for pastors, but I promise you, THAT if you take the hour necessary to watch this, you will be PROFOUNDLY MOVED. What implications are there for us, the sheep in the pews? Well, as he suggests, we can all pray. Yes, I know that almost sounds like a cliche. It almost sounds like another one to say we can go on short time trips. And yet what I am suggesting is hardly easy! If we really grasp the seriousness of the topic, if we do see the Lamb that was slain in a deeper way than our almost yawn brought on by the familiarity, if we take the time to listen to this message and then meditate on its implications for our own lives, then I truly believe that we will know God and be known by Him in a more intimate way. I think my good night prayer tonight is about to change. Tonight there is Jacques, Tanya, Bishop Augustine, Bruce and Barbara, Charissa and William, Eleazar, Musa, Franklyn, Thomas and Hauwah to name a few that I will pray for differently than I have in recent days.

An Incredible Illustration; please read

SPEAK of Growing Through Africa, NOW HERE is an incredible example of what it means to me to do just that.
BACKGROUND:  Innocent Magambi is from Burundi.  He's lived in at least 4 refugee camps.  But in the providence of God, he was "discovered" when a pastor (who is now on the EAFC board) was working in one of those refugee camps in Malawi.  Through Pastor Joseph's knowledge of EAFC, Innocent became ONE OF OURS.  This pastor married Innocent to Florisa and a year later, Mwiza was born to them.


The genetic problems this precious daughter had I don't begin to understand, but I do know that through EXCELLENT updates from Florisa, we've kept on praying.  What I have copied into this post is the announcement I just received, describing Mwiza's home going.  I have never read a more beautiful description of that process.  


"‎Innocent Magambi and I feel so incredibly wrapped in love from so many people, in a way that is special and rare in one's lifetime. Mwiza is the one who has brought us closer, what a bringer of blessings she has been. To all the families out there who are still caring for kids with HPE, I send you much love. One day all the senseless suffering, exhaustion, questions, anger - all of it will acquire a different value. I salute you sisters, don't give up. Like a butterfly, our daughter has shed her cocoon and left it behind, and is flying high in a swirling around in glory!"


I close now whispering a prayer not only for this precious family (who by the way are expecting another baby) but praying for me, you and all of us touched in this process of Growing Through Africa.  May that process never stop.

INSIGHT INTO America

quote from someone living within our borders as a visitor!
"Well I worked hard and bought a used van (Chrysler, town & Country) from a car dealer but he sold me a bad car. It heats and breaks all the time. So, I decided to take back to him and the agreement I signed was "as is basis". I have told him if he does  not give me another one. He should consider it a donation to his company. I have never been embarrassed with the car before and I never want to associate my family with poverty. This is what I have grown fighting."



I responded to him that just as I needed trusted friends in his country, so will he while living here.  But it does make us pause and look at ourselves, doesn't it?

What Communicates Better?

I have a Growing Through Africa Friends (group) on Facebook.  I started it so I could get people to comment on ideas I bring up on this blog.  Is it working?  It's hard to say.  I DO get a few comments and indications that people are reading them.  But does that mean they are reading THIS?  Am I deluding myself that anyone has time or cares to read anything I have to pontificate about?

WELLLLL,  a few of you seem to be reading this since I get a "number count" from week to week.  So, I guess when it goes to 0 I'll stop. ha!  But maybe I do this JUST FOR ME/ therapy, you know?

TOMORROW is the LAST DAY I get to be with "MY STUDENTS" at JSU.  I've truly come to love these kids.  Boy, I can't tell you how much I will miss them, but then, that's how it goes.  ONE SEMESTER WITH ONE GROUP of YOUNG PEOPLE who need instruction in a course called Speech Arts.  They finish Persuasive Speeches tomorrow and "some" will take an optional vocabulary test, which I MUST admit have stretched their teacher as well.

I gave my students 6 options of topics to research in their attempt to persuade.  Several chose the option of KONY 2012.  April 20 is supposed to be the night that volunteers put up Joseph Kony posters all over America to try to inform people who he is.  BUT Video Part 1 and 2 have probably done as much as any pictures of Kony could do.  Invisible Children have really HELPED!  And my friend James Oonyu from Uganda agrees with me!!!!!

In fact, James took time to write several of my students back who asked him specific questions about what he thought of this effort AND Invisible Children in particular.  On the FACEBOOK group, I copied and posted a lot of what he said.

Later I'll give ya'll an update on the speeches I hear tomorrow.  I have HIGH hopes that they've learned a lot.  Now, whether or not they can communicate what they've learned.  well?????


We'll see how good a teacher they've had!

Remember Kisses from Katie; Well, Here's ANOTHER ONE to FOLLOW

MEET WHITNEY!

This picture was taken in Hattiesburg in August, 2009 at EAFC's Jubilante Africa event.  

(We were trying to help Christians in Hattiesburg to "GET ON BOARD the AFRICA EXPRESS" and learn how EAFC operates in more than one country in Africa.)

But when this picture was taken, it was SECOND time I'd met Whitney. And here she was manning a table for us at our event!

I'd first met Whitney on a chance encounter in Nakuru, Kenya.  We both were staying at the same guesthouse which is an easy setting for making new friends.  First a young lady from some state far like "Michigan" greeted our team.  When we told her where we were from, she told us one of their team members was from Mississippi.

It was WHITNEY, who  we THEN discovered  knew our nephew, Pate. Small world, right?

When we got home, Whitney wanted to help us with our special event, and now 2 years later, having finished her first year at William Carey University, she wrote me,

"I am beyond excited to be writing you to inform you of what the Lord has been doing within this past year...... God has been stirring my heart for international missions again.  After going to Kenya two years ago, I have had a longing to go back to Africa to be a part of what God is doing there.......God has called me to be a good steward of my time, and I have a summer that could easily be wasted away.  But God has called me to make the most of my summer......... I've been led to an orphanage in Uganda...... I have been accepted as a volunteer at EKTSA orphanage for special needs children in Uganda.  I will be going to be the hands and feet of Christ this summer for 2 months."

THINK I "might" find some coins to send Whitney?  I think so!

And while communicating with her, I'm telling her about Kisses from Katie, about another young woman who has been willing to forsake the "normal" American life to impact children, yes, ALSO in Uganda!

It'll be fun to follow what God does in Whitney's life this summer, won't it?

With so much to consider

I keep writing AGAIN, BUT WHY?
Gaining traction, moving hearts from "that's nice" beyond is something that I doubt I will ever master.
I went by the EAFC office today to work on student renewals and whether or not to encourage everyone who has expressed an interest in EAFC in applying.
What I found though, was that Deidra is joyfully the keeper of information about the progress of our students. While there she showed me lots of pictures that current students have sent in. One was even a picture of his entire church congregation. There were updates, challenges, victories that any one of us could identify with

I would love to figure out what pulls heart strings. Invisible Children seems to. A country getting a Christian radio station is another motivator. People seem to get connected with ONE FRIEND, be his/her name is
Joyce, James, or Japhet. But what about all those we will never get to MEET PERSONALLY. Can we VICARIOUSLY IDENTIFY WITH THEM TOO?

I want us to love those whether we ever get to to meetthem or not! Am I alone in that?

EVERYBODY WANTS TO HELP WHERE THEY CAN, right?

(THIS MORNING some of you, MY FRIENDS, got an email (from me) forwarded to me from someone I trust.  If you liked it, you have now sent it on.  WHAT was the email forward about?


It regarded something WE ORDINARY PEOPLE COULD DO ABOUT GAS PRICES.  The email listed those companies that buy gas from Saudi Arabia and those who don't. ( Yes, you guessed it; I have a  tiny bit of stock in one of those BAD companies!)  At least I now know and can make a choice as to whether or not looking for gas stations in the "good" camp is something I want to do. right?


Now, WHAT in the world do those two paragraphs have to do with my desire (and I hope yours)  to grow through Africa?


Here's the connection!!!!   IF you LIKE, REALLY LIKE a ministry that is unique because it focuses on RESPECTFUL RESPONSIBLE, RELATIONSHIP building WHILE trying to train LEADERS in LOTS of countries in Africa, THEN I want you to copy and paste this post to TEN of your friends!


On MAY 21 our SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION Committee of Educating Africans for Christ will meet to select recipients for 2013 scholarships.  We try to combine FAITH with OUR BANK ACCOUNT in deciding how many we can take.  The "formula" isn't perfected. That's why I am asking you to forward this email to TEN friends that you think "might" just "might" want to help us take one more student that we'd have to turn down ONLY because of the bank account/ faith formula we use.


YOU CAN SEND MONEY THROUGH Paypal.  Go to www.eafc.net  It's REAL easy!  ALSO you could mail a check to
EAFC
PO BOX 5303
Jackson, Ms 39296


(or email admin@eafc.net for more information)


Now, I think I'm going to try to copy and paste this myself, and email it to TEN.
If it doesn't work, I'll let you know!  Otherwise, WILL YOU JOIN a CAMPAIGN with ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE?


Thank you so much for your help!

IS LEARNING fun, hard work or both?

Finding balance between thinking about deep and important issues while wanting to spend a Saturday just enjoying God's beautiful world is on my mind as I write. Since I'm waiting for Comcast to come after waiting all yesterday afternoon for a scheduled appointment they missed keeps me from being totally free right this minute though.


So, while I wait, I reread ACTION International's newsletter.  I've know ACTION missionaries before and trust what they send me.  They work in urban areas with street children, the poor, the disenfranchised. When I saw their topic was UGANDA, I took notice.


Here are some quotes from Keith McFarland of New Hope Uganda.


"While the West tends to simply view Kony as a terrorist who can be brought to justice through military power, the reality is that BEHIND Kony is deep Satanic bondage and power.  Kony is in a line of witchcraft- using children-abusing 'warlords' who love POWER-demonic power, material power, and power over people through fear.  There is deep and serious spiritual bondage here, beyond the simplicity of a simple 'Let's go get him!' This satanic ritual did not begin with Kony, but was passed on to him from his predecessor in the 'use fear to control people' line of control."
I'll just let those words peculate in your minds for a while before we later touch that troubling topic. OK?


MOVING ON!
I read "While most of us here in Uganda understand the need for GOOD schools and education that has the ability to touch and impact lives, education must be seen in the context of the needs that are much GREATER and DEEPER in the lives of hurting children.......Education cannot replace family, and independence (a characteristic of the orphan heart) leads to self-reliance, isolation and ultimately death.


HOW THIS CONNECTS WITH EAFC PHILOSOPHY
"Support is good, but partnership is best.  Find out how you can truly partner.  The book When Helping Hurts  has some good insights into this discussion.......


"Check financials of any ministry you are considering working with.  If only 30% or 50% of the money given is actually getting "on the ground" or directly to those in need, you should step back and re-evaluate."


There is soooooo much more, videos and all, I could have passed on, but my attempt here is to shrink, to reduce so much of the available information out there.  If there's information overload, then the potential good has imploded on itself and you won't be able to take what you could have learned to others for whom You are opinion leaders!


Stay with me, please!  Do the necessary hard work but shoot,


LET"S ENJOY TODAY, WHAT A GIFT!

Two Days Later What I'm Learning

Two Days Later my students could still tell you the basic content of the presentation they had heard by Chimamanda Adejie on Tuesday.


And yet!!!
When they began to brainstorm over topics they might like to explore for the informative speech they are assigned to give, their topics revealed that they haven't yet grasped that
THEY ARE WAY TOO OFTEN LIVING THE SINGLE STORY.


We've talked about worldview throughout the semester.  Good form is a component of public speaking that many think is "the whole ball of wax" and yet Hitler was a masterful "presenter" with lots of charisma.


MOST in the thinking world today refer to him as a mastermind of evil.


So SUBSTANCE has been emphasized as a major component that I wanted them to develop.


And yet!


"We need to be sensitive to the fact that we're not all at the same level of understanding in this." (The Message 1 Corinthians 8)


Am I making a stretch in relating this post to Africa?


You'll have to decide!  
I guess I am discussing how much more we have in common in the two worlds than we are different.  We ALL struggle with living with "singleness" (stereotyping)
We all tend to be insensitive to others' understanding and expecting others to "see things the way we do." to learn what we know and to do it at our own rate of learning.  


A friend whose 5 month old grandson is in a children's hospital told me, "I'm amazed by all the level of suffering going on with families who have very sick children up here."  


Out of sight, out of mind  isn't just something for my friend to learn, but all of us who seek to get outside our comfort zones, must explore with and pray for others different from us!

The Temptations We Face with Single Stories

Oh, I am so hoping that you, my friends, have by now taken time to watch Chimamanda Adejie's "the problems with the single story."  If not, please do!  
After class today, I'll have watched it all the way through 4 times and taken notes once.  Get the idea I think she's had something to say?


So here goes my analysis:
"but sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds.  We never really know enough until we recognize that God knows it all."
That is taken from The Message, 1 Corinthians 8.


Here's more.
"If it becomes everything some people end up as know-it-alls who treat others ad know-nothings.  Real knowledge isn't that insensitive.  We need to be sensitive to the fact that WE 'RE NOT ALL AT THE SAME LEVEL OF UNDERSTANDING IN THIS."


I have been guilty of living the SINGLE STORY when I "thought" knowing was everything and I was a know-it-all.  When I have that attitude, then others become (to me) KNOW-NOTHINGS.


No one is a know nothing.  That, my friends, is an example of my living as though the single story is the whole story.


I'd love to hear your thoughts!

GETTING James' Perspective on KONY2012

James has given me permission to copy what he wrote to me on Facebook.  It deals with this KONY2012 that is HOT right now.  PLEASE go back and read previous posts if you're not sure what I'm talking about, or watch the videos.  You'll be glad you did.


 This Kony thing is still very sensitive on the ground. The documentary failed to do one important thing; to involve local leadership and affected community in making this movie / documentary. Usually for success of any project, it is important to have the local community involved to generate local ownership of the idea / project. If Invisible children did this, it would have been this community now defending / talking for them. They decided to do this thing on their own and of course it took the world by surprise and their project is bound to fail. In Uganda today, you can’t show this movie to the public without seeking police clearance because it has generated two opposing sides; those who support it and those against. In Lira for example, some youth mobilized and blocked showing of the movie in a local event organized by one NGO to show Kony 2012. There has also been resistance to this movie from some women activists. I have also watched many negative local remarks from the people of Uganda about this movie. So many questions are being asked; why now? Is it because of money? Why take advantage of the local situation?
I don’t want to reason cheap and rubbish the contributions of invisible children in Northern Uganda. I think they have tried to do great work and Joseph Kony 2012 forms part of this. I am extremely so happy today that at least over 100 million people know who Joseph Kony is today and what he did in Northern Uganda and now what he is doing in Central Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo and some parts of Sudan. If the goal of invisible children was to make this Joseph Kony popular, surely this has been achieved. I am also sure that at least one of the 100 million people is going to stand out to make a difference in rebuilding Northern Uganda and if this happens, the credit of course goes to Invisible Children for highlighting the problem. I come from Northern Uganda, from the time Kony 2012 went online; I have received a number of inquiries about Joseph Kony from many Americans especially who want make a difference to the community he destroyed. They need to know more about him and what the current situation of this region is.

One important thing I want people to know is that Kony no longer operates in Northern Uganda. His rebel group completely left this region around 2007 and this marked the end of the war. This region is so peaceful today and under recovery and rehabilitation. The effects of this war on our community are enormous. A large part of our community today is battling with trauma / psychological effect, absolute poverty, breakdown in education culture, youth unemployment, illiteracy, orphan crisis, disease outbreak, malnutrition and total collapse of social service delivery. And there are every efforts being done to address the problems.

However, part of the disappointment of the people of Northern Uganda is that they see a large presence of development agencies trying to solve these problems but they don’t see their impact on the ground. I have moved around most villages in Northern Uganda and what you see is hopelessness and desperation. This makes me agree that a majority of donor funding is misused and too much is put into meeting operations costs leaving out the intended beneficiary. Invisible Children was attacked by international press about this however, I am happy they came out strong to defend their position. More needs to be done in Northern Uganda. If invisible children is committed to this, I think I welcome them to be supported than being rubbished. I think they have played some positive role in Northern Uganda.

So, You Know a Ugandan?

Just because I have friends in Uganda doesn't mean that I should be listened to, does it?  "Big deal, " you might be thinking.  Your friend "could be" Joseph Kony or someone like him.  The truth is that I have lots of friends in Uganda and many, many who are godly men and women, people of integrity who love me and share with me.  They help me understand their stories so I can tell them to you.
Here's one of my friends!

This is the first time I met James Oonyu!  EAFC had supported him without having ever meeting him.  Since EVALUATION is a BIG PART of what we do, we invited him to join our 2009 Vision TEAM so he could share his country and we could learn from a native citizen's perspective.  


We LAUGH NOW, but when we met him he was VERY, VERY QUIET.  "Oh dear," I thought.  "I'm spending 10 or so days with this man that won't open him mouth.  What will the team think?" BUT MY FEARS WERE SHORTLY LIVED.


The picture I have posted show James at the missionary's home DAVE and DARLENE EBY where we were staying in Kampala.  Darlene suggested that some of the Ugandans entertain us after dinner, and it didn't take James long to get into the fun of it. In the days that followed  we road across his country, and he got to see parts of it that he'd never seen., We got to hear stories  that brought to life all we too were seeing for our first time.

Here's more of James!  Oh, the pictures bring back so many stories I'd love to share, like when he worked all day for the Adam Smith International company in Kampala, got on an overnight bus so he could be in Nairobi the next day to be a part of a strategic planning session with us.  Oh, and the expense to do this was all on him.


Are you beginning to see why I love this man?  He's only one, you understand, but he does paint a picture that could be said about a lot of my UGANDAN FRIENDS.


But JAMES is the ONE I"M COMMUNICATING WITH THESE DAYS.  Actually, he's experiencing our country right now, for the first time.  He got here before Christmas and has already been back to check on "his flock" in Northern Uganda.  I got permission to share with you the story that I will put IN THE NEXT POST, lest this one get ridiculously long!

gems of wisdom: KONY2012 and more

Without permission I don't reveal the person who I am quoting, but the message I can attest coming from a trustworthy person who is native to the Continent we explore helping.  I will underline parts in this quote that to me are important, just my thoughts.


"This Kony thing is still very sensitive on the ground. The documentary failed to do one important thing; to involve local leadership and affected community in making this movie. Usually for success of any project, it is important to have the target community involved to generate ownership. If Invisible children did this, it would have been this community now defending them. They decided to do this thing on their own and of course it took the world by surprise and their project is bound to fail. In Uganda today, you can’t show this movie to the public without seeking police clearance because it has generated two opposing sides; those who support it and those against and the danger of fights are likely in areas where they show this movie in Northern Uganda. In Lira for example, some youth blocked showing of the movie.
I don’t want to reason cheap and rubbish the contributions of invisible children in Northern Uganda. I think they have tried to do great work and Joseph Kony 2012 forms part of this. I am extremely so happy today that at least over 70 million people know who Joseph Kony is and what he did in Northern Uganda and now what he is doing in Central Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo and some parts of Sudan. The beauty of this is, at least one of the 70 million people is going to stand out to make a difference in rebuilding Northern Uganda and the credit of course goes to Invisible Children for lighting the candle. From the time Kony 2012 went online; I have received a number of inquiries about Joseph Kony from many Americans especially who want make a difference to the community he destroyed.
One important thing I want people to know is that Kony no longer operates in Northern Uganda. His rebel group completely left this region around 2007 and this marked the end of the war. However, despite the region being under recovery and rehabilitation, the effects of this war on our community are enormous. A large part of our community is battling with trauma / psychological effect, absolute poverty, breakdown in education culture, youth unemployment, illiteracy, orphan crisis, disease outbreak, malnutrition and total collapse of social service delivery.
Part of the disappointment of the people of Northern Uganda is that they see a large presence of development agencies trying to solve these problems but they don’t see their impact on the ground. I agree that a majority of donor funding is misused and too much is put into meeting operations costs of these organizations leaving out the intended beneficiary. Invisible Children was attacked by international press about this however, I am happy they came out strong to defend their position.
Yes, Kony 2012 is a good project, embrace it and make a difference!"


So, please keep reading and learning and listening and keeping an open mind.  Just because "some" criticize the efforts that might include elements not totally sound does not mean that we throw up our hands.  That, at least, is the message I got from my Ugandan friend!

From Uganda

Today a dear friend from Uganda told me he likes these blogs and that he will send me a CD of his work in Northern Uganda. I look forward to that and will keep you posted of what I learn. Already I know that if my friend is "exposed" he could lose the favor of the government, and they could shut him down. can't wait to find out why!

I hope that many of you have listened to the speech about the problems of the single story by the Nigerian lady. Think I need to learn her name.  I plan to watch it several times, BECAUSE I THINK IT HAS FAR REACHING IMPLICATIONS Not JUST FOR OUR CONSIDERATION OF AFRICA, BUT LIFE IN THE U. S. TOO.

I must admit that I get STRETCHED  (a rather mild word for what I feel) by the number of comments I receive from friends who judge Americans for our ignorance of "their world". Shoot, they are ignorant of ours too!

Today Psalm 94 was the Word that spoke to me. Unless we all keep searching for such words so that the Holy Spirit of God can apply His Word to our particular problem, we will never come together in union. It amazes me that any of us can ever get along. Life is hard! ( oh, that was profound, Val!)

On another subject EAFC wants email addresses so we can send newsletters electronically rather than by a failing postal service.

We want to offer discounts for cool African curios if you will send us your email address.
Send it to admin@eafc.net. Please?

Don't forget that Facebook has growing through Africa friends which allows you to comment easily.
Hopefully soon EAFC will have a more user friendly website too.

Thanks for being my friend!

Don't tell my class about this one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg


Why wouldn't I want you to tell my Jackson State University Speech Arts students about this You Tube video? 
Because if you do, you'll be stealing my lesson plan the day we return to class after Spring Break.


What's so good about it?
This Nigerian novelist (who was introduced to me once again from my Rwandan friend) demonstrates how to give a speech effectively, our next unit of study for this semester.  But oh, there's SSOOOOOO many people who can effectively demonstrate how to give a good speech, like our President!


But I'm a woman who believes that the best form in the world without outstanding substance is wood, hay and stubble that simply won't stand.


This lady HAS A STORY WORTH TELLING.  Her goal is to convince us that the simple story is a story that distorts.  In other words, she shows us how destructive it is to STEREOTYPE.


So, why would I add this to a blog post other than it is an African woman (who I've previously never heard of) speaking?
Remember when I suggested that we dialogue regarding the wisdom of the April 20 thrust to expose the evil man, JOSEPH KONY?
Remember how I've stated how much I don't want to have good intentions that hurt more than they help?
Do we have any traction yet?  Are we coming together?  Can we not see how much more we have in common than what separates us?  Will we get outside our own cocoons and ask ourselves these questions?


I think that if we will, then the time it takes to keep this discussion going will have profited us all.


Remember with me,  "UNLESS the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it."