A Busy March
I know there are some seasons, at least I HOPE, where our updates are more frequent and therefore can be regarding a single area of ministry. That is not the case currently, but I am thankful that we are busy with good things over here - for the praise of God's Name!
The picture above shows a recent visitor, affectionately called Mr. D, who came to help and to spend time with the Millers. A close family friend and professional carpenter, he and Josh put up the office, constructed a permanent awning for us, and oversaw the demolition of a storage shed that had served to house building materials ever since the earthquake.
The new office:
Though we paid workers and provided some answers/support, we were mainly hands-off on the building projects - for which we are very grateful!
Our attentions have been primarily on teaching, discipleship, and literacy.
On the teaching and discipleship front, Zach has still been meeting with men each Saturday afternoon. He is able to provide teaching on basic Bible reading and sermon prep. He is showing these men how to read God's Word, think about what it says, and then think about what it means. This month he added a book study to that time. They spend the last portion of each meeting reading through and talking about a book called (translated into English): The Marks and the Character of the Elders (or watchmen, as they say in the trade language) of the Church. It was written by New Tribes Mission.
There has been encouragement here and discouragement. There are some leaders here who have been making excuses and not attending. But there have also been a couple men who have surprised us by their faithfulness and the fruit of their understanding and application to their lives. They are thinking about God's Word, how it applies to them, and about the character requirements of those who will lead the church. Please pray for them and Zach!
As Ellie has moved out of baby stage, my thoughts have turned toward a more formal discipleship class with the women here. So I have been working to write up some lessons - going through Fundamentals of the Faith.
This past Saturday afternoon we met for the first time for Meri Baibel Skul (Ladies' Bible School). Our first class had 10 ladies and was primarily about intentions: I want us to share our thoughts and questions without shame so we can check the Bible and either correct those thoughts or strengthen them.
The ladies seemed eager and attentive and I am thankful for that. Writing and teaching are not areas where I am gifted, but I am thankful for any inroads into spiritual conversation with these precious women. Please pray for them and me!
Literacy is also on the forefront of our minds and schedules right now.
Men from the village of Kongo, who attended our last literacy class, have now built a classroom and are ready to begin teaching nDo literacy in their own village. So I have had meetings with them and have revised and printed all the literacy materials. I spent several hours last week painting chalkboards for them - the difficulty of which pales in comparison to their work of hiking these boards to their village!
They asked if I would be willing to come and be a part of the opening of their first literacy class, so I am also thinking through logistics of a 6 hour hike followed by a 2 night stay in Kongo. The current plan is for us to hike out in 8 days. You can pray that I stay safe, my shoes don't wear out, and for Zach as he holds down the fort with all the kids.
We feel privileged to be a part of what God is doing here and we gain so much encouragement through any good conversations with our Do friends. BUT we also do feel weary. And our kids all need good attention, too, and they can feel the busyness of the season we are in. So we would also love prayer for endurance, balance, wisdom, and joy.
