I met a man named Paluku...

Hey folks hope and pray everyone is well. Just wanted to send a quick note and story.

The FHC Congo team is here and is doing very well.

They are having a great time.

They have been hanging out with students and kids all over Beni Twon, Still working on a few people to try the goat, but other than that mostly everyone has ventured into the unknown well.

Thanks for the prayers.

So...

I met a man named Paluku. God is so alive in this one man it is quite possible for him to change the whole of Congo. Most would pass this man and think he is just a crippled man that is handicapped to the point of the inability to speak or think. Looking upon this person would be difficult for many. He travels around with a walking stick and crippled gander that is humbling for others to see. His sandals are barely hanging on to his disfigured feet and are covered in dust. At first my heart hurt for this man because I had little idea of his story and felt bad for a man in his condition in the DR Congo. This man made me desire the gift of healing so I could help him to live a more “normal” life not confined to a crippled life style or impeded speech. But me, of little knowledge and faith, wanted to take something away that was ultimately defining this man’s spirit. The first few interactions with this man I would be praying for healing, and for his mouth to work and feet to function like a “normal” person. But Normalcy is what God is trying to get rid in us. He doesn’t want normal people who do normal things he wants us to be different, like Paluku. I usually catch him standing on the corner of one of the streets down from my home, waiting on someone or something. Conversation with him was and is still difficult, he is speaking Swahili and I know very little and with his speech impediment makes it all that more difficult to decipher. I do try to make a point every time I see him to spend some time with him and just love on him like Christ would. My heart still pulls hard on him, and in my mind, he makes me just want to fix him or ease his pain.

I had seen him sitting from time to time at Dr. Kasali’s home. They would sit and talk with him and give him water to take back home. So this man that I think needs my prayers and time was walking home from in town he was about 2 miles from his home, and is picked up by Mama Kasali. I learned in that conversation where he was coming from. He was returning from a daily prayer meeting. He is a Prayer Warrior. This man goes everyday to have intercessory prayer for those he loves, knows, and those he doesn’t even know, but the Holy Spirit put on his heart. When I heard this I started to tear up. Not knowing that this man all those times I was with him was really praying for and spending time with me and praying for healing. He told mama Kasali that the reason he is an intercessory prayer warrior is because he is handicapped, it is the only thing that he knows he can do well. He said that God didn’t bless him with legs that function right or a mouth that says what he wants. But He said God blessed him with a heart for others and prayer. I also learned that Paluku cannot read, and is currently looking for someone to teach him how to read so he can read the bible. He is on fire for the Lord and can’t even read His Word. This man has a heart of gold, and is on the front line of the spiritual battle.I now wish that I could have the faith and determination of this man. His unique situation and handicapped body is what made him into the man God wanted. I still hang out with this man and just sit with him when I can. I get the biggest smile on my face when I see him. It does my heart good to be with this man. He looks like an idiot to the world but in actuality the idiots are the ones that feel sorry for this man. He is the richest in the Kingdom of God. I have been honored to spend time and get to know this man of God. I met a man of God named Paluku.

Pray for this man and pray for his ministry... whatever it might be.

Thanks for the continual prayer for me here in DR Congo.

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

Entebbe Airport experience.

Hello family and friends.

Hope all are doing well.

Here is a little update of my adventures in Uganda.

kampala was amazing, I had lost my ability to make decisions coming from 8 months in Beni to a huge town like Kampala.

But I got some delicious ice cream, food and some much need pool time.

K enjoy the photos and video.

at this point they said they had it contained... hmmm

watching people walk around like nothing was going on was entertaining, (don't mind the huge flames of death behind you.)

(Ralph Laurn?)

Brandon and his faces, and his mustache is gone as well.

I know don't judge me, it is gone now as you can see above.

This is the pool overlooking Cassio lodge in Kampala.

Ok so I know that i had a ridiculous mustache, It is gone now to the joy of many others

But where and world can you grow a mustache and not be judged?

Exactly! I knew you would see it my way...

But seriously all i could do was laugh about the fire. No one was hurt, just another day in Africa.

I am doing well. classes are underway again for me and going well.

I just gave another assignment for my students and this time they are doing a skit/ sketch of around the house and we had a role reversal. This should be interesting. Most of the students are not too sure about it but i can't wait to see.

As some of you know here the roles for women and men are very different.

I believe that it is important to change the stigma behind that. Not that this assignment will, but also to hopefully change the perception of some students, for the better.

Things you can pray for:

• For students and staff
• The Forest Hill Church team coming in January
• The Town of Beni, and for corruption to end
• And for the Fruits of the spirit

Thanks for the support and prayers always.

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

Kampala, Uganda

Hey folks Moose here.

So I am in Kampala Uganda for a little break from Beni Town in DR Congo.

This place is really amazing. I look around and I see how people are talking and interacting and it is sometimes hard to think that I am still on the same continent of Africa.

Kampala has so much to offer and it is a bit strange when everyone understands you and doesn't stare at you like an alien.

But I have been able to relax and eat some delicious food, sleep in, and swim in some amazing pools. Pictures will come later of one of these amazing pools.

One of the pools i went too reminds me of Wilderness lodge at Disney World. A while back my family went the the lodge and stayed for a week. amazing pools and just cool outdoor lighting.

But since i have been here i have been really being a lazy bum. I am staying in the same compound as a friend of mine that I went to AppState with. Her name is Jill she teaches second grade here at a school just down the road. She is a great host and is escorting us around the city.

The food that we have had has been amazing. oh and ice in my drink has been a whole new experience. You really don't think about things that you take for granted until you have been in a situation where you don't have those things. Then enter into a place that just blows you away and it is a bit overwhelming. a lot like drinking from a fire hose.

The first night we were here we went to this place called Lotis Mexicana, nice little Italian place... haha kidding. The chips and salsa were delicious, and the Chicken enchiladas were even better. We didn't have to wait 2 hours to get our food and it was hot and hit the spot.

We also tried out a place the other day called New York Kitchen. The pizza and milkshakes are amazing and a great place to just sit and feel like your in another world. I also found out that Lotis and New York Kitchen are owned by the same person. A little taste of america in Uganda.

The Pool experience was amazing, this hotel we went to after playing an interesting game of volleyball on a slanted grass court had an amazing view of Lake Victoria and the Kampala City. The pool was amazing. I didn't realize how rejuvenating a pool could be for me. But needless to say i am still on the pool hunt here in Kampala, we found one the other day that is amazing that we are going to spend most of the day at on Thursday.

So things are going well here, getting some great rest and just hanging out. Trying to recharge my batteries. Doing an ok job so far. Thanks for the awesome prayers and thoughts.

Things you can be praying for:

• My head and heart and my job in the DR Congo
• Discernment and wisdom
• the Fruits of the spirit in our home and in me.

Hope your all doing well.

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

Ummm... is it really December?

Hey friends and Family

I am really getting bad at this whole Blog thing.

I just wanted to let you know I am still alive and kicking.

I am amazed to look at my calender and see that it is December, i feel like i have stepped into a black hole. Time is flying by here.

I wanted to put up a few photos that Brandon and I had taken.

also to just keep you in the loop on G Haun.

I am doing ok things are still busy, and classes are going well.

I am taking a break soon, I am going to Kampala for a week to just rest and find a pool.

A friend from App-State is working and living there she is helping us find cheap free places to stay. But My head and heart are so ready for a short break.

Thanks for the amazing prayers that are flowing over this place and my head.

I can feel them daily.

also I just wanted to let you know that I am in communication with UWM(United World Mission) and the Nepal team, I think when my time is done here I am going to be helping produce and film a highlight spot for UWM and the UWM team in Nepal.

What i know now is that God is doing amazing things with their team and fruit is clearly being grown there, and my job is going to be helping get that documented.

when I know more I will let you know.

But you can be praying for funds and the right equipment and ideas to flow like milk and honey.

experimenting with the bulb on the Camera.

Trying to make lunch with 100 kids around not a good idea.

I like throwing things I can't help it.

I love this shot makes me smile, I love these kids.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Blessings on you all.

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

Hold on tight! Here we go again...

My buddy Brandon has safely arrived.

Dr. Kasali on Opening day at UCBC.

Our New flag the waves fiercely in the Congo Wind.

It is standing tall on top of our new welcome Center.

I am sorry for it being a month since I have posted last.

Things are going well, Classes are underway and starting well.

I am going to be teaching a Conversation class, I am not sure of details of my communication course yet but I believe that will be happening again.

UCBC staff is returning and making the staff room a little more full. It does do my heart good, Most of you know me very well and know that I like being around a lot of people.

Our home which we call Nyumba ya Amani (House of Peace) is filling up and is filled with more laughter and happiness. Community is building, and God is working in me. He is doing great things.

I will be Honest, I am in a low patch right now. I have a lot on my plate and I know that I have to trust God even more when it gets to that point. You can be praying for my head and heart and that I can continue to shine for Christ no matter what.

I would definitely say that I am in a refining period. God is sticking me in flames, the white hot heat (for all those blacksmiths). I love the definition of Refining it is simple:

To Remove Impurities or unwanted elements.

I so need that and my human nature wants to run away and not look at my self and challenge my self with what God is putting in my path. It is a difficult thing to do. But I know it is of God and it is going to make me a better man, brother, friend and someday a husband and father.

well that is Grant Michael Haun being transparent. I think it also helps me to do write this too you so you know how to better pray for me. God is doing big things and I need to run to him and not away from him daily. I sometimes think it is a sprint, but I need to think more of a cross country race.

I hope and pray that everyone is being blessed daily.

I am really being stretched and I am so excited to know that God is developing me.

Other things you can be praying for:

• UCBC staff, right teachers, enough teachers
• Clear communication
• Community for staff and students
• Continual support and fund raising for Student scholarships
• For the Fruits of the Spirit to grow in this rice Congo setting

Thanks for being a great support team

Much love

FROM

THE

M O O S E in A F R I C A

A snap shot...

So here are a few shots of what is happen around here. I have been enjoying some rest before the next semester of classes start, i have been running, working out have great fellowship with students and learning so much. It is Crazy to think that i have now hit my six month mark. well i have on my visa, I am currently getting a new one. But it does mark the longest I have ever been our of the country. Well honestly i hit that mark after 17 days of being here. hahaha But some would consider Boone, NC to be a different country at times. So here are a few shots, more will come soon. I am going to try and load as many as I can.

Doesn't look like much right now, but this building will add sixteen more classrooms and a radio station and eventually a amphitheater that will seat 1600.

God really does favor us at times. well always but sometimes we are paying attention, These are the Rwenzori Mountains that we share with Uganda. The Sokomutu (Gorillas) live close to these. I love that I get to wake up and see the mountains even here in Congo.

The construction is a breathing growing organism. This is going to be the welcome center.

I love the detail on the outer edge that my camera picked up.

You know the moons made out of cheese. haha that is all i could think as i took this one.

The Queens of Africa... I don't know how they do it but i am pretty sure if women of Congo stopped doing what they do, life would stop here in Beni.

I see this little guy everyday that I walk into school. Always smiling. This day he was walking to get water.

This is one of the side roads coming from Matongé, it is a market where we get the obscure things such as Peanut butter, and cokes, and a few other tasty treats.

This was in a church this little girl was pondering while looking out the widow. I snapped this before she noticed me, after that the window wasn't as cool as the Muzungu (white guy) sitting behind her.

So thanks for the continued amazing support and prayers. Jesus is alive and well in DR Congo and I am doing very well. Tomorrow I start teaching English classes. I am helping teach conversation English. oh my favorite part watching movies in English so the students can start to understand different speeds and accents. My heart is doing well. People are starting to return from the states and students are coming back into town. I hope and pray that everyone is doing well.

Prayer request:

• UCBC, staff, students and teachers.
• For safety of everyone return for the next semester.
• My boss Kevin Mason and Brandon Holmes are coming in this month, on the 23rd. Pray that it can be a a smooth transition for Brandon, and continue to lift him up.
• Beni, DRC. This place is changing rapidly, pray that the right government officials are put in place and that the corruption that is here starts to move away or end.
• and you can pray for my head as I start teaching and doing some more videos for UCBC. and the strength to keep loving people, no matter what.

K thanks for being a awesome support team. talk to you soon.

IN HIM

G R A N T M O O S E H A U N

Simple is Best...

Hey there folks hope and pray you are well. It has been a while since i have update the blog... But I am doing very well. I am still here in the Congo it has been very quiet but great. I have been able to work on my quiet time and prayer time with Jesus. My relationship with the students and more of learning about Congo, and a side note (I have also been able to work on my handstands, it is going really well.) The students are on break for about a month more. I have been working on stories for Congo Initiative, it has been going well. We are in a program called Kipepeo which is butterfly in Swahili, They are raising support for the scholarship funds for the students. You can pray that God spreads the word about UCBC and that it finds some great supporters.

So i have also loaded a video or two onto my Facebook page. It is really difficult to get videos online here but a few were able to go through. One of them was a video the students help me do. It is how they want to change their world and that they are not here at UCBC only for themselves but for their community. He is preparing these students for something great and I am proud to say that I have been a part of that. God is alive and well in the Congo and is getting ready for the start of a new year of teaching.

So recently i after returning from Budapest I have started running, it has now been grafted into my work out that I do here. It is interesting. for the first time in my life I have a desire to run. And believe me it is still weird for me to be saying that. I mean coming from being a thrower and living by the motto "Why run and puke when you can throw and eat!" is a huge change, But Congo is changing me in every way of the word. I do believe that it is a journey that God has me on and it is a great journey. Honestly sometimes it makes me want to skip to the end of the book or movie just to get a preview of what God might have up his sleeves.

I have been here for almost 5 months now and it has flown by... really I am asking my self where has it gone. I can only imagine what it is going to be like when my time here is finished and i look back at all that I had done and just sit or stand or whatever it is that I will be doing and be amazed. I really am learning to just be and as a friend of mine recently told me "don't wish it away, you will be back before you know it, and your in a pretty amazing place." So that is one thing I am working on.

As for the others I am working on. I have read through the Gospels and they are great, I am thinking I am going to read through them again. I am pretty sure they are like a good movie that you could just watch over and over again. Well i guess in this case a good book that you can read over and over again. But as most of you know I am a movie minded person. But back to what I have been working on: I have been thinking a lot about the men in the Bible that Jesus called to do works and how they got those done. Is it something they realized during or not until they had finished what ever it was they were called to do. The Holy spirit is something really special and is one thing i believe we will never fully understand. But It moves when God says move. I also have read the story of Samson the last few days and it really does get me fired up. I just love the story of this man that was the muscle for God(not that he needed a man to do it) and was willing to be used for anything. another side note. I have decided to grow my hair until i return to the states. As of now it is close to the longest it has ever been. So we will see if i am blessed with super natural strength. But if not, it is all good because I know God has something else special for me. Finally i have been thinking about how sometimes we get so caught up in trying to think like a philosopher or like a great mind of our time, But i realized that a lot of us have forgotten how to think like a child( at least I have). We think we are being more Christ like by explaining things that are difficult or using big words, but sometimes i find the best answers are from children, they think simple. We love the idea of make more work for ourselves. Sounds strange like that because your probably saying " no i don't why would I want to do that" But I think we tend to make more work so that we feel that we have done something with our life, we can feel some sort of completion because we can look at all the great things we said or did. But I read from another great book Called Streams In The Desert say "sometimes living a life of faith often requires us to leave things alone." Think simple and think like a child.

SO there you have it what has been going through the mind of the Moose in Africa. I truly am blessed. I have an amazing support team, and amazing friends and family that care for me, and on top of that all an AMAZING God that loves me for who i am.

Things you can be praying for:

• UCBC- to get the right people and staff in place to educate these students.
• for the leadership here that it can be blessed and given wisdom and a passion for the Congolese people.
• For my buddy Brandon Holmes I think he is going to be here in October. Pray that he can be encouraged and know that he is raising funds for the furthering of the kingdom.
• For the travels of staff members coming back into town from the states where they have been raising funds.
• A shipping container or crate that can be filled and sent with supplies and equipment for the new building that is coming together.
• My heart and mind that i can stay focused on what is in front of me and not what is behind me and what Christ has for me.

K that should do it for now. But i do hope and pray you are all doing well. Thanks for being great and supporting the M O O S E IN A F R I C A.

PEACE,

GMH