We have returned from a wonderful 3 week visit with our Church Family in Equatorial Guinea.
We thank God that we got to connect with so many during this time. Many have gone through trials since we were last with them in March 2008 but we see clearly that the Lord has helped them mature in their faith through it all.
Tim preached 8 times in the 3 weeks there. The last Sunday was at the big, central church and Tim got to preach in English, translated by a fellow from the church who had gone to S. Africa, married a S. African, and was visiting back in E.G. for the first time with his wife, daughter, and mother-in-law. Both men did a terrific job. Tim was very straightforward with challenging the people to change native traditions that are contrary to the Bible. He also shared his vision for E.G. to be a “missionary nation” and to start by preparing to share Christ with all their ‘neighbors’ who will be coming for the Africa Cup soccer competition in 2012.
We enjoyed getting to spend time with several in the missionary community. In Bata we stayed at the European Baptist Mission with our sweet Spanish colleague, Sara. In Evinayong we had a wonderful time with the Ulibarri Family who are with Pioneer Missions .
Going through our things left in storage was quite a chore; sorting and selling a few things, packing down a few things for our return, and giving away quite a few things. We traveled back to Cameroon with 8 trunks, 5 solar panels, and our little Chinese washing machine to take on to Congo.
We had NO hassles on any of our travels…praise God! Tim would greet all the soldiers and policemen at barriers in Fang explaining that we were missionaries and just about everyone would say “How nice you speak our language!”
The most special thing on the whole trip happened in Eq. Guinea about 75 miles from the border. Just as we were entering a town after a police barrier a motorcycle zoomed up behind us honking the horn repeatedly. Tim recognized Manuel, one of the guys from the first 6 converts in Evinayong. He had joined the military and we’d understood he was based at the border town.
Well, Manuel had been transferred to this town we were passing through and had seen us as we left the barrier. So there were big happy hugs all around and then great sadness as he recounted to us how both his children had died and his wife had divorced him during the past 2 years. Then he told us that he’d recently re-married and hoped that his new wife would come to believe in Christ. He took us to his home in the camp to meet her. Tim didn’t waste any time and started sharing the Gospel with Manuel’s wife, teenage niece, and a neighbor lady who was also there. They told him they understood what he was sharing and then Helen led all three in prayer to receive Christ as Savior! What an amazing God we have, that He would make sure Manuel saw us and prepare the 3 young women to receive His gift of eternal life that day!
We arrived in Yaounde about 4:40 p.m., tired but so happy for the Lord’s care and blessing during our travels.
Friday, July 30th, at 6:30 a.m. we will travel by SIL Mission Cessna from Yaounde, Cameroon to Gemena, Congo.
Thanks SO much for your prayers for us….for a healthy transition physically and spiritually into ministry life in Congo. We know that there is a lot of work and lots of challenges ahead for us. It means A LOT to know you are behind us, ‘cheering us on’ through your prayers and support.