Smith Blog

In the middle of the Dry Season this past week we received heavy rains on 2 consecutive days.  It’s been wonderful to see things ‘perk up’ around us.
Other blessings:  We got to spend time as a team in Karawa and catch up with Paul Noren and Marta Klein who returned from Cameroon and C.A.R.  Marta starts up again at Karawa Hospital while Paul has already headed back to join Sheryl in C.A.R. for ministry with the Fulani for another 3 months.  GREAT to have time together and share about all God’s been doing.
Thank you for your prayers for all of us – for good health and safe travels.

The Congo Covenant Church has new leadership!  Thank you all for your prayers for us and for our church here as they went through their annual meeting and elected Rev. Jules MBOKA as the new church President and Rev. Jacques VUNGBO as the new Vice-President.  All went so very smoothly – Praise God!
We had a wonderful time with our guests from the U.S., as well as with delegates from all over our church regions.
Our travels back to Gemena also went well.  Time now to unpack, wash clothes and linens, and return to routine.
Again, thank you for your prayers.

It’s been an exciting week here in Gemena, DR Congo as we join our Congo Covenant Church in preparation for their Annual Meeting and election of a new Church President (Jan. 12-22).  Several hundred of us are gathering at INERA Bongabo, about a 3 hour drive outside of Karawa.

It’s been great to see old friends/delegates as they pass through Gemena on their way to the meeting site.  Rev. Curt Peterson and Debbie Blue are coming from HQ in Chicago as well.

Our missionary team are going a day early to help with set up. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS in the coming days for the Holy Spirit to bind His church together in love and unity as they make key decisions for the future of this
ministry.

Blessed Happy New Year, Blog Readers!  Welcome to our site!  With this New Year our hope is to keep you better informed of our life and ministry in Congo so that you’ll know better how to pray for us.
Thank you for your prayers!
Sunday, January 1st, we joined our Congo Covenant Church folks in the Gemena/Bokonzo Church for a 5 hour service of praise to God for all His blessings in 2011.  Over 1,500 were in attendance for a wonderful celebration!
Looking ahead-there are MANY exciting things on our calendar for the coming year ie. Tim-continuing discipleship of men, Helen-beginning to teach English at the Ubangi Protestant University, hosting visitors from WA, CA, IL, possibly Canada as we facilitate several projects (More on that later!)
Praise God – Though we are a lot slower now than when we started here 30+ years ago, we continue to see God working in and through us….to HIM be the glory!
God bless you as you continue to partner with us to help others know the Savior and build up those who are ‘young in their faith’.

We invite you to listen in as we bid farewell to all of you in the States.  We want to share what God has done and what ministry we joyfully anticipate as we return.   Just click on the link below and enjoy!

Smith Farewell

Who needs technology when God is at work?  Hear how God reached out to a Pygmy group in Congo.