11 August 2008

National Conference

Well I spent my first few days in Likasi trying to get my house fixed up. I still have some more windows to clean and floors to scrub but its coming.
It has been wonderful to be back and see everyone. I was especially looking forward to seeing Baba Banza and his wife. They speak some English and were always at the church serving in some capacity. I was shocked to see they weren’t at church on Sunday and when I inquired was further shocked to discover he has brain cancer and isn’t expected to make it. He is currently in Lubumbashi but is trying to arrange to see some specialists in the capital city of Kinshasa. I’m begging please pray for this family. They have young children and are just the best people you could ever meet. They love Jesus so much and are so serious about the things of God. Please believe for a miracle on their behalf. God’s arm is not too short to save.
In addition to keeping this family in my prayers I prayed for the National Conference. It was so wonderful to meet the people. There were 4 pastors who had traveled 120 miles on their bicycles just to attend the conference. Their dedication is unbelievable. Everyone is asking me to visit their churches and villages. Please pray that I am able to go to thee places. I will have to arrange transportation (there are often no roads in Congo) as well as interpretation. I was sad that no one came to the conference from Kasai province but happy when the church leadership mentioned the need to go there and their desire for me to go as well. Really the only way to get there is a 2 day train ride. Kasai Province has really been on my heart so please pray I have the opportunity to visit soon.
I was also please to meet several of the young people from Lubumbashi churches who served at the conference in various capacities. They were wonderful in helping me to get back into the habit of using Swahili and French. I met with the youth leaders from around the area and am excited to work with them and get some things started. It breaks my heart that nearly everyday I meet people in their 20’s who have given up on church. Where will this country be if the next generation turns their backs on God? I believe we need some new strategies and the Holy Spirit has been speaking to me. Please pray for these new projects.
I am supposed to begin house to house evangelism again this week. Please pray for that ministry as well. The Conference really helped my brain to use French and Swahili but I really need help from the Holy Spirit to minister in them. Thanks so much for your prayers God is moving!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hi Sheri!! I Am so excited about what you are doing. I wanted you to know that I consider it no light thing to be praying for you. I am lifting you up daily here at Ihop and I look forward to coming to see you with my family. About the new strategies, I am praying Eph.1:17-19 and Eph.3:16-19.Love You