Making of a Missionary (on furlough):
- We are coming to the end of our winter. Everything that is going to brown is brown and dry now, as you would know it in late fall or early spring. The rains have started and the heat and humidity and lots of mosquitoes are making their presence known. Humidity right now is around 75-80% and really comfortable. Barbara gave me a small thermometer and so now I know how hot I am in Congo! Right now we are always between 76 and 85 degrees. Very pleasant as you do not sweat much--but don't worry, I'll be sweating lots while you freeze. I am grateful I do not have snow since I wear thermals at 70 degrees now!
- A generous supporter had some extra work this summer and paid for me to have a voltage regulator to help avoid burning out equipment. I found a shop with the same quality as another missionary paid $130 and I got regulator and a new little stereo (my little radio was burnt) all for less than $200. I got a discount and a reduction as a missionary--something they rarely do here. It was a "rose" in the midst of my challenges here.
- The stereo is small but very modern. It will even play MP3 if I ever have that. Mostly it plays my worship CD's well and leaves a wonderful atmosphere for all of us. I have it in my office with the window that looks out on the yard and veranda where the boys eat and study. Today is Saturday and they were washing their clothes as is usual each Saturday. I turned up some Praise and Worship very high and the boys all smiled and washed their clothes happily and quickly.
- We had a wonderful miracle last night. Water has not flowed in the pipes of this property for 45 days. As I've mentioned, the boys have to carry buckets of water from a cistern a block a way. It takes an hour and a half to fill 4 of our 100-liter jugs. It has been tough work. I cannot carry a bucket of water that far. They carry them on their heads for better strength as their arms are thin. We still have no pressure for water to flow in the pipes of the house, but it flowed sufficiently in the outside spigot to attach a hose and fill all the buckets and jugs and anything else we could find to fill. They have truly learned water conservation these two months. Water has to be used twice unless we drink it. Bath water and water to clean the house and to wash clothes is used for the garden, compost or flushing toilets for 20 people. We are still waiting for the water company to connect us to the new pipe--6 weeks later!
- I am very excited to report that I have actually taken some showers for the first time in Congo. Daughter Aimee who is a true camper, bought me a camping shower. It is a sturdy vinyl bag that hangs with a short hose and plastic showerhead at the bottom. You lay it in the sun and then you have a hot shower. The other day it was up to 116 degrees! There is a little thermometer attached in the corner. I was so excited! I am actually getting a hot shower even if it is "rigged" a little. I can wash my hair, stand under the shower, and still have water left over. May not be an "American" shower, but sure is better than a bucket bath. Only problem now is we do not have sun many days in dry season. Hot season will be sun all the time except when it rains--then, it will be sunny and humid again!
- I have been having problems with mice in the house and I have NOT been happy. I do not want any indoor pets. Well, Barb killed 3-4 with her peanut butter surprise in a bottle cap. One she killed with her shoes in her bedroom. They attacked my stock of cookies for the boys etc. But what "took the cake" was when they started destroying my Charmin toilet paper! I guard it for special occasions since the t.p. here is like streamer paper you use for celebrations. Very rough in other words. Then, they had a headache and got into my plastic bags of Tylenol. I hope the poison ground into the peanut butter gave them a headache too! They have been a definite one for me--even eating certain paper documents.
Something unusual happened recently. I mentioned this in my report to sponsors of David's House of Refuge. I want you to be encouraged once more by the power of prayer and God's ability to handle the circumstances in your life right now.
A Congolese pastor came from Togo, Africa to my gate three weeks ago. He took training and worked with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) for two years in Togo. He learned of our work a few months ago and he said the African YWAM missionaries have been praying for me weekly. He returned to DR Congo in the last 2 months. I have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA how they got my name or story of our work with street boys! I was shocked and thrilled to learn that God was setting up prayers and workers from so far away. One thing is certain--I can never take credit for this work here. I knew 2 people when I started just over 14 months ago and could speak a little French. Through YOUR prayers--ONLY God can do what needs to be done in this desperately needy place. I am here to Listen and to Obey. Sometimes I don't get my part right and try to run things too. Fortunately, HE lets me run into a problem or brick wall and I quickly get back to prayer and listening and doing what HE wants me to do .
We are reminded that the "work of God is Faith", Jesus said. Let me tell you that can be a BIGGGGG work for most of us--as I am sure you can agree for all the troubles, trials and tribulations you have to go through yourselves each month. For example, I worry about these boys and take some things personally just as I did when I was raising my own children. I simply try to help God along sometimes........I guess I think He needs a "break"! What I am trying now to do is to "give Him a break" from my unbelief and to Trust and Obey as I know I am supposed to do.
• I also discovered HORSES in Kinshasa this month. The veterinarian who helped me with my dog Benediction, used to work for a place in Kinshasa. It was set up by the French and is still run by them. They have English saddles and do Jumping Competitions with obstacle courses. They have a regional and an international competition between October and November. I am going to find a way for the boys and I to go at least one night. One is no charge. The other will be 1000 francs a piece or $2.60. They also have 60 hectares of wooded area, which is roughly 150 acres for pleasure riding. It is $25/hr. but you have to buy it in blocks of 5 rides/$120. This is not in the budget but it was sure great to discover this. I had not seen a horse in Congo and still haven't seen a cow! I was just plain THRILLED! I really enjoy riding horses and competitions. I looked for ways to ride horses as an adult. I ride my daughter Aimee's horse every chance I get. I used to take my children to some free quarter horse and Arabian competitions in Kansas. The jumping competitions are fascinating. I saw one in the 1980's when I was in Switzerland for some graduate work in counseling. I can't wait to attend the competitions here.
David's House of Refuge
As you can imagine our home is busy most of the time with 14 boys. We have had a problem with a few more running away and a couple doing so much sorcery and witchcraft that we had to put them out. We had some things happening on the property that I will not mention. Harry Potter may be cutesy and interesting to you--but it is ABSOLUTELY horrible to be a part of the real thing! Americans are intellectual and naïve. Other nations know this and capitalize on it immensely. I'll use Sept. 11 th as starters. We are too sophisticated to believe certain things; and other things we are just too "politically correct" so people are allowed to gather and to destroy us. If I sound concerned, I am! In my travels over the past two years, I have heard and seen several anti-American things in Israel (Palestinian side), Spain and here in Congo--that trouble me deeply. Yes, we have a significant Al Quida element here too. US Embassy gave the report.
Moving on....We start school this week here. COPI sent a number of navy shorts sewn by a volunteer. A church sent over 30 white tshirts with the logo of a young African boy and the words: I am special as God does not make junk! We will start a uniform like the public schools and they are excited. A friend Marcie also gave 10 tshirts with a logo for sports or school. Barbara bought them all very nice tan sandals, and we bought them all winter coats and jackets. I have spent the last couple of weeks getting them all ready and their school supplies including notebooks and pencil cases and crayons and scissors etc. for all.
I bought a copy of the national program for education so we can follow what the government requires, yet, teach them more along our private educational methods. Most students do not read here until 5 th or 6 th grade. Catholic schools here do well, so they are a resource for me for directions. I am teaching them how to use phonics when teaching them to read. None of the boys read very well and most read very little. What I discovered recently is they read well only what they have practiced on the blackboard. The teachers are grateful for the assistance. They said they knew their national program was not sufficient, but they did not know how to solve it. I will have several training meetings with the teachers to help them. Another school who teaches orphans has asked for help too.
We are still waiting for connection to a new pipeline. As for renting this house, I have no idea what is going on with the proprietor. Went to the Chefs (like a mayor) of the Quartier and Commune offices as I found out he needed to file a formal document for me to leave. He and his attorney have been trying to avoid filing the document because they must pay one month's rent. As a nonprofit (ONG) here in DR Congo, I also have 6 months (not three as for individuals) to find another place. Both Chefs have said it is illegal to send soldiers. They have told me to call and they will send the police (they have guns remember and not most soldiers). Also, my security agency has been informed and they are visiting our property daily and are on higher alert. Just pray I do not have my own little mini war outside my gates!
I am looking for a new place. I need space for the boys and my chickens, a small annex for storage and veranda or large covered space for them to eat a study. I know my house is waiting, I just have not yet found it. OH it will be nice to have calm electricity and running water! Haha
SEE BELOW OUR CHRISTMAS PRAYER LIST FOR THE HOME AND THE MINISTRY.
Chicken Project
In this cooler climate the chickens do not lay daily. I have roughly 15-18 eggs a day from 32 chickens. Last night, Christelle, my director told me that Barbara used to "preach" to the chickens that they had to do their part and to be a blessing to the ministry. Guess that is why she got 20 a day on average. Or else they miss her and are "chicken-cotting". I am selling several plateaus of 30 eggs. Price is great and quality super. Thank you Lord. I need to pay for the expenses of the project with the eggs and then some to pay some other expenses--in other words, a little income for the Home. It would be an answer to prayer to have 20-25 plateaus or flats of 30 eggs/month.
Women's Conference
As I mentioned in an update, I am doing a conference for 3 evenings, the end of August and September 1 st . This takes much preparation and time for prayer. As I mentioned in the update, I am going to be challenging the women on their prayer life and reading of the Bible. Will also be looking seriously at Intimacy with Jesus and our Prayer and Faith life. I will use Galatians 5:15-25 (Living a life in the Holy Spirit and the FRUIT of the Holy Spirit), and, John 15 (Jesus is the Vine, the Father is the vinedresser and we are the branches called also to BEAR MUCH FRUIT). John 17 is VERY clear. We are either Disciples or believers--Jesus prays for both. A believer is just that--a person who believes in Jesus and attends church. Disciples bear fruit and have concern for others and their life for Jesus. They support missions locally and internationally. Disciples are person of prayer who know the importance of prayer and want to see "the Kingdom of God come and His Will done on earth as it is in Heaven!" That is the challenge to each woman attending--to be "A Woman of Excellence and Honor", which is the theme of the women's conferences I give.
Trip to Equator Province
I am seriously planning a trip to the Equator Province which is the far northwestern province of DR Congo. Barbara and I were in town July 5 th to shop alone and we could not get a taxi home. We were standing along the side of the road when Pastor Bofio stopped with his red jeep. He spoke some English. He said he was concerned for our plight as most Americans or Europeans have a car. We have spent a couple of other times together, and he has visited the boys at the home twice. I always invite pastors to come and to visit with the boys and to encourage them and teach them. He brought a pastor from Equator who was visiting in Kinshasa and attending church leadership meetings. Pastor Bofio himself used to live in the Equator and is now the director of Development for their denomination.
At the same time one of my doctors who works for the UN and assists me with CRVF came to visit and stated he was returning to Equator where his wife and children are. He put me in touch with the Chancellor or Bishop of the entire organization of churches known as C.E.U.M. They are founded and connected with Evangelical Covenant church in Chicago. Before the war and pillage there were over 60 American missionaries in Equator over a period of years. They are perhaps the largest protestant denomination in that province with numerous churches in other provinces as well.
It was the doctor and Pastor Bofio who arranged the meeting with Dr. Sanguma, their Chancellor. He just returned in January after completing his doctorate at Fuller Theological Seminary in Los Angeles. He and his wife speak perfect English. Dr. Sanguma asked many questions to determine my integrity and training. When he realized I had ridden bicycles and small motorcycles in the bush of Kenya, he determined I could handle the villages and trips on unpaved roads in a pickup. He and his team are enthused about setting up training for his leaders. I will be training their regional leaders in 5 of the major cities in Methods and Practices for a Fruitful Sunday School Program for Children. I spent over 1 and ½ years training the little children in my church before coming to Congo--not to mention my training of my own children.
It will be quite a big trip for me. I will fly in a Boeing 737 or Airbus to Equator. Then the trip will be by pickup. Each city is 200-350 miles apart. Some roads are paved--most are not or only part. I will be 2-3 weeks in Equator the end of November and first part of December. They begged me to come for Christmas there for some village celebrations, but I just cannot be apart from my boys this first year for Christmas. Please be praying for this trip and expenses which are $400 round trip.
I want to close with this meditation from Oswald Chambers, British WWII Chaplain, from My Utmost for His Highest:
Whenever anything begins to disintegrate your life with Jesus Christ, turn to Him at once and ask Him to establish REST. Never allow anything to remain which is making the 'dis-peace'. Take every element of disintegration as something to wrestle against, and not to suffer. Say--Lord, prove Thy consciousness in me, and self-consciousness will go and He will be all in all. Beware of allowing self-consciousness to continue because by slow degrees it will awaken self-pity. Self-pity is satanic--well, I am not understood; this is a thing they ought to apologize for; that is a point I really must have cleared up--etc. Leave others alone and ask the Lord to give you Christ-consciousness....
May He be in you daily and may you be very "conscious" of His Presence and His help. This is my prayer for you this month.
Rev. Theresa Cox, M.A., C.P.E.
President and Legal Respresentative
CHRISTMAS PRAYER LIST
PRAYER REQUESTS: GOD HAS RESOURCES THAT I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT AND HE CAN DO WHAT I CANNOT! That is why I so believe in prayer and have made my Christmas list !
1)
A good place for the home for the boys and to handle the current needs of the ministry including my office. A good rent and no problems leaving our place or accusations for more money. Moving truck and money.
2)
Easy arrangement and purchase of a generator for electricity and at a good price.
3)
Quick arrangement and purchase of a cistern for water with a good price for it and the motor and a good technician to install it in the new place we will live.
4)
Favor to receive my tax exempt document or Exonoration Paper without extortion of lots of money.
5)
God to bring the boys He wants in David's House of Refuge and that assimilation and healing will go quickly and easily without lots of trauma and difficulty.
6)
For land to buy to begin to have our own place. I have the money, but I need a good and fair price and a place that is safe with access to attach to electricity and water or to dig a well. We are needing two hectares or 5 acres.
7)
For the boys to study well and for the ones struggling to learn, to have their minds opened by the Holy Spirit and to be given the ability to read, to write and to speak French well (this one includes Theresa too!).
8)
To receive $8000 for a used jeep. This prayer includes someone who can be chauffeur/mechanic for the ministry and the resources for gas and basic maintenance.
9)
For an open door to receive start-up monies to begin a pharmacy for income. This will include health and nutrition seminars for women especially. If they attend a seminar quarterly, they will receive a reduction quarterly in the items they purchase at the pharmacy. I know a couple of pharmacists and doctors with ideas for the seminars which will take place in churches or public places.
10)
Increased favor with government officials for open doors to increase the work of supporting family life and parenting training--even monies to begin projects and training seminars which assist CRVF with resources and benefit the Congolese.
11)
Money to rent a small place to begin a library. I sent here while on furlough 13 mailbags of books. Pray for their arrival by December (at least most of them). I need a person to direct this place. I also want to start buying more French books, but many want an English library so they can have good resources and increase their knowledge. It will have practical books and many Christian growth or training books.
12)
Resources for a Cyber-café which could bring in significant income over time and provide research opportunities and some jobs. A photocopy and print shop is also one that brings in money as corporations and churches all use them for their conferences, celebrations etc just as we do in the USA.
Would you choose one or two and commit to praying for this request until the need is met? Please tell me which number(s) you have chosen, so I can inform you when God has met the need or given a new direction for the need.
Christmas Gift Ideas You Might Want to Consider:
- Give an offering for general needs of the ministry, or for specific needs below . Give the offering in the name of a family member or friend. We will send you a card to give to the person for Christmas. Their name will be included on a poster here at the home. Boys will pray daily for their needs and their family in 2005.
- Tennis shoes at $10 each (I have socks)
- Full Bibles in French at $12 each which includes a Bible cover
- Dress Shirts for the boys at $5/each
- Furniture for the house--I have none of these: sofa and chairs for $500, a dresser for $200 (I only have a bed), table and chairs for eating in the house for $300 (furniture is all handmade with solid wengi wood so it will last until the 2 nd coming of Jesus! )
- 3 Sewing machines for the Teen Mom project in Kinshasa for $200/each
- Freezer for $300 for meat and fish we can buy for a cheap price if I have a place
- A washing machine for our clothes--we do it all by hand--$150 (I have saved my Christmas $ from last year of $300 for the rest)--the new place WILL have good running water most of the time!
CRVF is the Congo branch of FLRC, Inc. a 501© 3 corporation. All donations are tax deductible for USA income tax purposes.
