1.21 Gagigga watts

Hello people,  I feel like back to the future here sometimes. I am Michael J fox (Martie) and i had to go back in time and i have to help change the future.  I just need Doc and 1.21 Gagigga Watts.  

Just wanted to say a quick hello and try and post some pictures. Things are going really well here, and Jesus is keeping things interesting, and very exciting. The Build crew is here with the architect  and the framing of the roof is coming together smoothly, I have been going down and helping with them a few hours every day, I have been learning a lot form the builders and one older Gentleman name Bob aka "Bob the builder" He sure does run a tight ship, it is funny to see how the dynamics of the team that has come works.  I can always use a teachable moment and learn something new.  I will send some photos of the progress of the building soon. 

My class is going well, I gave my first quiz last thursday and the students freaked out cause of the length. I laughed to my self, thinking that I am a teacher. It is just crazy for me to see my self in this position.  On the whole the class is going well, we are starting to talk about editing and different types of editing.  They will be working with me on the next project for the University to produce a piece for the Scholarship program.  They have come up with some great ideas so far and i am looking forward to seeing how it will come out. 

I have had some time at our home here to pray and think and just listen, it has been an enjoyable time to just be, and hear from the Lord. Again i hope that you get a chance a few times a week to stop what you are doing and just BE! for my self when i lived in Charlotte I would go up to the airport over look and just watch planes land.  You know the funny thing here is that the air strip is just right down the road and i go sometimes to watch the plans land and take off. God does have a since of humor.  But use that time to pray and lift people up that you are thinking about and need to be prayed for, might be co-workers might be your children, might be your neighbors, and if might be someone you don't care for to much.  When I am at the University and i try to go out for a walk to have some quiet time, it always is taken over by children coming out from the tall grass, they must have a six sense around here for Wazungu! but I learn Swahili from them in my broken swahili as it is now, but just spending time with children and loving on them like Jesus would. There really is something about Children here the grab your heart and you don't want to look away.   I will put a picture of two particularly cute kids that are around here a lot.

Well Jesus is teaching me a lot, and keeping our spirits high here. I am learning to be fully reliant on God and it is very exciting. Blessings to everyone and I am going to have a post soon of just photos. Thanks for the prayers. 

P E A C E from the M O O S E

IN HIM 

Hi people of the world.

Hello beautiful people. 

Sorry for not updating as much as you would like. and I would like.  I wanted to share just a little of what is going on here and this upcoming month. It is hard to believe that it is already June.  Really the time here is flying by. But this month is going to be busy, in a great way. The Kasali's are coming back form their trip to the states. And another person (muzungu){that is a white person} is coming here from Goma to help with the Women's center.  The 16th or so a couple of guys are coming from UNC Chapel Hill to work and volunteer here for about 6 or 7 weeks. and just Before them a construction team is coming to help put a roof on the new building that is being built in unbelievable speed.  So great things are ahead in the month of June.  

Swahili classes are going really well, i am starting to understand most conversations that as somewhat slow.  It is very exciting. But I also wanted to tell you how amazing God is. I know some of you know that my camera (still Photo) was stolen. It might have happened at the University but really i have no idea. But God is amazing and in providing the tools that i need some amazing supporters heard about this and wanted to help.  I now have a Camera that is on its way here via the Kasali's and that way I can show you more of what is going on. So Not that i need to explain why you were not getting pictures but I just thought you should know that God provides when we least expect it.  

I know a few of you know the story that happened the other day while i was driving through Beni, but It is just too good not to share again.  It is a crazy small world here in Beni, DR Congo believe it or not. But I would love to know how certain things get here.  I saw a man walking that had on his head an Appalachian State University Hat, I mean i have seen the big normal schools that you would expect. But for APP STATE to be in Congo just blows my mind.  You will see the occasional brett number 4 floating around and some other big American Footballs jerseys, but you see all kinds Baseball, NHL, NBA, it just amazes me how things get here.  But I was happy and sad at the same time when i saw the App State hat cause i was happy to see it but sad to think i was not the first of a representatives of App State.  I have a look out with my video camera ready so i can ask the guy where and when and if he even knows what he is wearing. 

So I did finish Wild Goose Chase and it was great, I have been passing it around the house and people here have had a similar reaction in loving it. So I do hope that you have treated your self to a good read and bought it. I am about ready to read it again. But right now I am reading a book called Tribes.  It is a smaller book that is just about how we as humans gravitate towards some sort of tribe, we want to belong to something that is bigger than ourselves. It talks about people in History that are tribe leaders and how they had a vision and a God sized dream and went out and fulfilled that.  My Dad says that our family is a tribe family, I guess he was saying that we go to a different beat of a drum than most. But if you know us Haun's you probably already know that.  

I wish I had some thing else to tell you for right now but, God doing what he is doing and blessing this place in the Congo is sufficient enough for me right now.  I do hope to have a post of just pictures and on Facebook to get some things out that you just have to see. Hopefully one day in person.  But Thanks for the support and prayers. God is really working in my heart and I am tuning my ears to listen to him. The people that I am surrounded by here are great, the staff of UCBC is really an encouragement, I am very excited for the return of Dr. David Kasali so i can pick his brain and understand the heart and vision of this man. 

As for Prayers for the MOOSE:

• Continue to lift up my good buddy Brandon, he is at CIT and is loving it. God is speaking to his heart and is preparing him for an amazing road. 
• Pray for the travelers and visitors that are coming in this month, for safety and great time here.
• Pray for my heart as I am learning how to do things differently and really trying to be fully reliant on God all the time. I want to think no matter what " it is ok God is in Control" I am loving life here. so what ever you all are praying is working wonders.
• I have some friends that are traveling in Africa now. they are Charissa, anna, ashley, Brittany, and anna. 4 of them are in Kampala, Uganda serving for some time at a place that helps children and young women, called Empower a Child Mission, you can check it out here. http://www.empowerachildmission.com/Home_Page.php
• and the other one is in Malawi, she is working with an orphanage there that is really changing people and kids.  Pray for health and safety and works to have spoken through her. 
• The University is going well students are about to start preparing for exams, and then a break for summer. Pray that everything here gets taken care of with finances and this place is really blessed. 

I hope that you are finding time to stop and just be quiet and listen to what you might be missing.  as of recently I have been getting very excited and overjoyed with the thought of the God of the Universe is really caring about me. I am amazed every time i spend time and the feeling that mack talks about in the shack about when Sariyu is singing and he is overjoyed and feels it in his body, that is what I am feeling at times here.  I do hope and pray things are well. I will be sure to update you went I get some new pictures with the new camera. Blessings. 

P E A C E from the M O O S E

Wise words from a Wise man

Hello Friends and Family

Hope and pray you are all doing well.

 

Today is a great day, God has been speaking to me through a lot things here and it is an amazing experience.   I want to share with you one of things that he has been speaking to me.   My father before I left gave and charged me with reading this Book called “Wild Goose Chase” by Mark Batterson. I have mentioned this before to many of you and have even written about it on my blog, But this book really is speaking some amazing truth that I have missed.  And It tells me this: What we all have to say(tell others) may it be something hard that we have endured, survived, ridden out, come through, and even something we have loved, family, pets, funny story, Gods amazing grace and provision.   What ever it is, it is something we must share, (yes some of those things are meant for just you and God that is fine or someone who asks and is in need) But God brings us through things to learn something and we all have our own path that we take.  No path that someone else has taken has been like ours or will be like ours. Yes it might be similar but we are dealing with whatever it is because God is teaching us something. And are we listening? Are we paying attention when we come out of the fire like Paul did after his divine shipwreck and snakebite in Malta? Are we giving thanks to even when things are not falling apart because God is in whatever it is we are doing? SO with that all said of what I am thinking this is what spawned that thought process and really do your self a favor and treat your self to an amazing read that is short and simple. Honestly as soon as I am done with it I want to start it again and do it all over again.

 

This section is in a Chapter “Sometimes is takes a shipwreck” and a sub Chapter called  “A sense of Destiny”

 

“ The Church I serve as Pastor, National Community Church, may one of the most disoriented churches in the country.  That’s because 70 percent of NCCers are single twentysomethings who are navigating the quarterlife crisis.

            The third decade of life is full of spiritual, relational, occupational, and even geographical disorientation.  Twenteysomethings are making the decision they will manage the rest of their lives.  What do I believe? Who should I marry? What should I do with my life? Where should I live?  Those are tough decisions with lifelong ramifications.  And that is why the quarterlife crisis can be so disorienting.

            My cousin-in-law Dave Schmidgall was navigating some of those quarterlife issues a few years ago when we invited him over for dinner to talk through some of the decisions he was trying to make.  He was experiencing disorientation on all fronts.  He wasn’t sure what to do with his degree. He loved living in DC, but he was thinking about moving back home.  And he wasn’t sure where his relationship with is girlfriend would or should go.  We talked for several hours.  Then I prayed one of those unscripted prayers where you aren’t sure exactly what you’re saying until after you’ve said it.  “Lord, thank you that you want us to get where you want us to go more than we want to get where you want us to go.”

            We actually quit praying and started laughing when those words came out of my mouth because we weren’t sure what I had just prayed.  It took a minute to decipher the riddle, but once we did, we felt a tremendous sense of relief.  All the stress was taken off our shoulders when we reminded ourselves of this simple truth: God is for more concerned about your future than you are.

            We put so much pressure on ourselves, as if the eternal plans of almighty God are contingent upon our ability to decipher them. The truth is, God wants to reveal them more than we want to know them. And if we think one misstep can frustrate the providential plan of the omnipotent one, then our God is way too small.  Not only does God want us to get where God wants us to go more than we want to get where God wants us to go, but He is awfully good at getting us there. He may mot always reveal His plans how or when we want Him to.  But when we chase the Wild Goose, our future becomes His responsibility.  “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”

            Do me a favor. Stop reading for a moment and take a deep breath. Now let it out.

            A deep breath recalibrates us physiologically.  It relaxes us.  The sovereignty of God has the same effect on me spiritually.  When I’m reminded that God is the one ordering my footsteps, it helps me relax.  God is in the business of positioning us in the right place at the right time.  And that ought to give us an unshakable sense of destiny even when we feel disoriented.”

                                                                                    --Mark Batterson—

So that is what I read today I think 3 times.  And the previous statement is how I feel when I read things like this.  The reason is because Mark was given an experience for others to benefit from.   Like our personal stories are given to us from God to help us get through something and also tell others what had happened. We all have stories that are these moments of revelation an AHH HAAA moment. Us being silent about what God is doing is at times hurting others from hearing something God needs to be telling them through us.  Put that in your pipe and smoke on it. What is God telling you to share with others that is going on in your life?

Thanks for the amazing prayers from everyone. Even if it a quick one when you think of Africa.  Blessings to you all.

Things you can pray for:

·      UCBC and to get materials they need still.

·      Brandon Holmes he is about to go to CIT for training and then to hear so pray that his support continues to come in.

·      Our team and our house.

·      For some of the students who have malaria, their names are Ralph and alfonz. They are still in the hospital.

·      Shanga Rosa she is not doing well health wise she is the older sister of Dr. Kasali

 

K until next time…

P E A C E from the M O O S E

 

Oh and do something different today just for the fun of it. Be spontaneous. Take a friend lunch or buy someone some food that doesn’t have any. And you might have to go out of your way but it will make your day.

 

 

OK for real final thought(s):

GO GET THE BOOK!

And “I think some of us want to know the will of God more than we want to know God.  And it short-circuits spiritual growth.  You can’t do the will of God if you don’t have the heart of God.  And that is where shipwrecks and snakebites come into play (Paul in Malta).  They don’t just get us where God wants us to go; they help us become who He wants us to be.”

What starts with "P" and rhymes with Nylon?

The work load is starting to "Pile on" for me but it is still low and that is good. I am still getting used to being here and getting in the swing of things. Right now I am currently working on a video for Dr. Kasali so he can update people while he is in the states. 

It is Wednesday Morning and things are going well, just hanging out at CI-UCBC, the weather is overcast today but still warm. The shade does provide a very nice coolness.

So i have been reading Wild Goose Chase and i wanted to share this. there are a lot of applicable things in this so i do recommend you read it. i am not done so if you don't like it, Pole sana! 

"We Turn our responsibilities into excuses. And that is when our responsibilities actually become a form of irresponsibility.  Our responsibilities become the cage that keeps us from chasing the Wild Goose. And the only way out is responsible irresponsibility.

Sometimes the will of God feels downright irresponsible. You are called to make a decision or take a course of action that seems to make no sense. And if you do it, the people closest to you may think you are crazy. Even Jesus' family felt that way about him. But responsible irresponsibility means refusing to allow your human responsibilities to get in the way of pursuing the passions God puts in your heart."

-Mark Batterson-

This is so true, we get so carried away with what is required and our responsibilities that we forget what God does put in our hearts, and it gets in the way of us pursuing those passions. One thing that i am learning here about that is really easy because of something called Africa time, really things happen here at a different pace. I love it. I think i was on this pace before i even came to the Congo.  But take time to really think about what God is putting in your heart and what your desires are and what you are passionate about. Be in-tuned with Gods voice.  and from time to time go on a walk and ponder, (as my father would say) Walking and Pondering is a lost art.

(Just a thought when was the last time you pursued God like you pursued your wife your husband,  girlfriend, boyfriend.) 

This morning for chapel the sang trading my sorrows. and Honestly for the first time i see people who are really doing what they are singing. They daily trade in the sorrows, their pains, their sickness. and they are doing it for the Joy of the Lord.  

Just some other verses i have been looking at:

• Psalm 37:4 "Delight your self in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."
  
• Job 12:10 "In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."

Things you can be praying for:

• My buddy brandon holmes God is providing so well and blessing his process of support raising and will continue to do so.
• pray for the team here and the health.
• Pray for the Congo that the right leaders are in place to run this country.

blessings to you all hope and pray things are going well. Jesus is alive.

Na mapendo ya Mungu, Na ushirika we Roho Mutakatifu Ukae Nanyinyi wote. Amina

(May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy spirit be with you all. Amen)

P E A C E from the M O O S E

Jambo, Habari Gani?

Hello friends and family.

The moose is in Africa.

This is an amazing place and God is blessing the people so amazingly well. It is Wednesday here about 11:10 am and the students are all getting together for two more classes and then lunch.  I am so thankful for the patience that God has given me, Africa time is so amazing. i seriously could live here you get to things when you get to it. when things happen or don't happen some people say this is Congo. I LOVE IT!  

I got a funny story to share with you, some would think not so funny but here in Africa you have to keep things funny or find something to laugh about at times.  So i was taking a shower and after i was finished i was putting away all my clothes and i heard this noise that sounded like a metal cup hitting the floor, It just so happened to be the turning knob for the shower. Water started coming from everywhere. the shower head, the spout and where the handle had broken off. So i start trying to put the handle back on and stop this small water fall from spilling into the house. i was successful, well it thought i was.  Some time passes and i hear laughing and a racket coming from the hall which is now 4:30 am and " SHOOT GO GET GRANT" i walk in the hall and water is about ankle high. HAHAH the girls down the hall from me their room was flooded and everything was wet. SO i said " SHOOT GO GET JUSTIN" we finally had to call a few people and get the water shut off. Talk about a wake up call. But it was funny we had a good time all being wet and battling back the tidal wave of african water.  The houses here are built to look nice but the pluming and drainage is not so good.

But I hope and pray everyone is well. thank you for the prayers.

things you can be praying for:

• UCBC- all faculty and students
• The construction here 
• All the teachers here now
• Brandon Holmes he is is the middle of raising support, and starting training soon. then coming here.
• my health that it stays in good shape.
• My Swahili learning to be great and productive. ( it is already)

My Mwalimu (tracher) is retired but still helps out people that come to work at CI-UCBC.

He is very good at what he does. He does not speak english so you can imagine that it is a little slow but i am slowly picking up enough Swahili and body language to get him.

K love you all. 

P E A C E from the M O O S E 

Update from the Moose

I am starting to feel a little different, the day of my departure is closing in.  I leave Charlotte airport at 4ish on the 13th of April.  I have a few more things to take care of till then.  I also have taken care of my shots. my arm is still a little sore, and I am sending my passport and a lot of other information to DC to get it stamped for my Visas.  I now have to work on packing and getting everything together for a year.  I have never had to pack for a year before so this should be interesting.  I still have some funds to raise for my duration in the DRC and i also have a conference in Budapest Hungary that i have to also raise for, i know God will provide, He always does.  

Be praying that i get everything done in a timely fashion and have my head on straight when it is time for me to leave.  

other things you can pray for:

• Brandon and his support raising
• the rest of my money to come in.
• For the DR Congo, Beni. For the truth to be told and understood. 
• My language learning. (French, and Kiswahilli)
• Meredith my team mate that is still training and that she can prepare and feel prepared. 
• Wisdom and discernment for when i am in the field.

Things that i have been reading in the Word:

Zephaniah 3:17  " the Lord your God is with you He is might to save. He will take great delight in you , He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

1 Peter and really trying to understand what Suffering and Persecution means.

2 Corinthians 4:1-12 and how we as humans are fragile as clay pots that we tend to think that we are at the end of the rope but Jesus reminds us that we are not at the end of hope, Christ will never abandon us.

8 we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not is despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

They are waiting on our arrival in Beni, and it makes me a little nervous.  There are a lot of expectations on both sides. I just pray that God will provide me with the set of tools i need to further the Kingdom and serve him.  and not to mess up.  He is in control. 

LOVE you all. 

P E A C E from the M O O S E

The Moose is Loose from CIT

Hey people so I am done at CIT.  It was a blast it was overwhelming at times, but totally worth it.  God has been teaching me a lot.  So what is next; I am currently working on getting an account together to register my extended stay in another country with the government so they know that I am there.  Working on getting my visa stuff in a row. and trying to pack a year worth of clothes into as few bags as possible.  I have purchased my ticket which is a huge step.  No turning back now, not that i would, but just to clarify.  I am planning on getting my shots and making sure that i have enough malaria medicine.  I have a few things that I have to buy before i go; camera gear, batteries, other random equipment that i don't know i need yet.

I have my plate full and things are starting to happen.  I feel that i have been talking about this for so long and I can't seem to convince my self that it is going to happen in less than a month.  My Flight leaves April 13th.  

I am also praying that God will provide the little bit of funds that I need.  I also have to raise an extra little for a conference in Budapest, Hungary.  It is recommended by the people that i work with.  From what I hear about it, it is amazing.  

Keep praying for me and the country i am going to, also for my buddy brandon, he is done with orientation and is now raising support pray that it comes in quickly and things are getting taken care of.  

This is a short up date, more will come later as i know it.  Thanks for your love and prayers. until next time. 

PEACE from the MOOSE

Bwana Asifiwe