We are home! We arrived home mid-February and are busy getting back to life in Elkhart. While we were away some exciting advances were made on the SonSetLinkTM remote monitoring system. Tom is part of the engineering team behind this system and one of his colleagues, Cody, and his wife, Emily, travelled to Kenya in January to test the effectiveness of this satellite-based monitor on India Mark-II hand pumps. The India Mark-II pump is the most popular water pump worldwide yet no current system exists to monitor it. Our engineers have come up with a solution to do just that.

For many in Kenya, depending an India Mark-II hand pump like this one is just a way of life.

The ministry partner Cody visited in Kenya uses these water pumps as a door to establish churches in new communities. The partner first installs a water pump in a new community and begins to preach by it on Sundays. Through this sharing of the Gospel lives are changed and people begin to come to Christ. As this continues, a church community is established and a church body built up. After a while a leader is trained up to move to a neighbouring community to begin the process again, starting with a new water well. Through this process the Gospel is being advanced in remote areas of Kenya. We couldn’t be happier to help support this ministry by providing SonSetLinkTM remote monitoring systems to help our ministry partner keep tabs on the health of the water wells. You see, the communities where he is installing them lack the skill and equipment needed to fix them when they are broken. And because they are very remote communities, no cell service is available. Previously, the only way for our ministry partner to ensure his wells, which are his lifeline in establishing the church and maintaining a relationship with the community, are functioning properly is to visit them. However, travel to do so is burdensome and time consuming.

Cody installed the equipment, and showed the villagers how to maintain it and install the next ones.

With the SonSetLinkTM remote monitoring system installed, the partner can easily check the health of wells with his cell phone and spend more of his time on ministry. Now that’s using technology-based solutions to advance the gospel worldwide!

In Other News...

On the home front, the story is Water... Damage. But that's a God-story, too, of our local church walking with us and bailing us out. But that's a story for another day.

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Waaay back in June 2014, we arrived in Elkhart, Indiana to begin our service as full time missionaries. My second day at work (I’m in the office each Wednesday afternoon) we had a payer send off for a shipping container heading to the Republic of Congo. The container held parts to create a 300-foot radio tower and other items requested by a missionary hospital in the Congo. A colleague of mine turned to me on our way back to our desks and said “You will always remember this day. Your first send off. The realization of how truly international our work here is!”

That wasn’t an overstatement.

Fast-forward 18 months. Three colleagues and myself were boarding a long haul flight, heading to the Republic of Congo to rendezvous with that container. Traveling with me were two senior missionaries, on their last mission trip, heading to the hospital to erect that 300-foot tower. That tower would boost the radio signal from the hospital’s Christian radio station by hundreds of miles. I was to assist the hospital with the overwhelming nutritional needs of the patients and community. And the fourth member of our team was to collect impact stories of the mission and gather photos and videos to depict the important work being done on the ground.

Our time in Congo was intense. In a nutshell, I ended up banging on doors and lobbying aid organizations to assist the hospital in feeding its patients. This may have included trying to pry information from a warehouse watchman, convincing a heavily armed guard to let me into the United Nations compound for a meeting that I didn’t actually have scheduled, and dropping in on the country director for the World Food Program (hello fellow Canadian!). These were probably some of the most important weeks of my life. It’s incredible what you can do when you march forward in faith, prayer, and conviction.

By the time I left Congo there was a feeding program in place for the refugees staying at the hospital and promises of nutritional support for undernourished pregnant women and children. These were really great steps for the 10-year old mission hospital that, until this point, had never prepared a meal for patients (see photo below - now it does!)

However, what about those who aren't refugees?

You see, the hospital, like many in the developing world, doesn’t have resources to feed its patients. That care is the responsibility of a family member. But for some members of society – like refugees, widows and those who are outcast because of their illness(such as leprosy, which is prevalent in this area) – this isn’t an option, and has dire consequences. When I was residing at the hospital for those few weeks last year, a man, who was admitted for tuberculosis actually died of starvation while receiving treatment at the hospital.

Unfortunately, due to mismanagement of resources and poor communication, it became apparent as 2016 progressed that the source of food for the refugee program was unreliable. And the risk of unreliability for such a vulnerable population is just simply too high.

In response to this, in September I partnered with Global Outreach Mission to launch a funding campaign to generate resources for food for the hospital. The task was ‘impossible’, needing to raise over $40,000 by year-end. But nothing is impossible for God. He did it. And by year-end!

In addition to the funds, we were able to partner with Ontario Gleaners, a Christian organization that gathers imperfect (yet still edible) produce from grocery stores and food manufacturers, plus donations from gardeners and farmers. They clean, dice, and dehydrate said food. It is packages into bags that, when reconstituted, serve 100 people a meal rich in micronutrients. Ontario Gleaners provides this food for free to missions in developing countries that are in need of it; all that is needed is the resources to ship it.

When Tom and I were in Ontario late November to renew our work visas for the USA, we had the honour of meeting with Ontario Gleaners and had a tour of their incredible facility. As a nutritionist who has seen so much malnutrition in the developing world, the barrels and barrels of dehydrated nutritious produce for those who need it in the developing world make my heart leap and soul sing! What a beautiful way to redeem ‘imperfect’ food and make it available for those who are less fortunate. I thank God for this organization!

And of course, because the world is so small, or because God is so amazing, the gentleman that gave us the tour is from my small home town of Dauphin, Manitoba. (The string of events that have happened over the past year are just so incredible!)

Using the funds generated by the funding campaign, we applied for and were approved for a shipment of two pallets of dehydrated produce for the hospital. These shipments are currently en route to the Republic of Congo for the hospital.

How great is our God!?!

Now, don't get me wrong. There is still much to be done. We need to purchase additional food in country, create a distribution system, train the cook, and assess the suitability and sustainability of the program. But, hey! These steps will be worked out in time. For now let's do a happy dance. And stay tuned regarding the next step in this amazing answer to prayer.

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A few week after starting at the Technology Center, a container full of radio transmitter parts, hospital equipment, and relief supplies was sent to a rural hospital in Congo.

I was at work the day we prayed it off. Praying for its safe journey across the ocean, prayed for its clearance through African customs, and prayed for its ultimate arrival at Christian Pioneer Hospital.

A colleague turned to me, on our way back to our offices, and said 'You will never forget this day. Your first send off... The realization of how international this organization is and how far of a reach our work here has.'

Months later, we received word that that container did indeed cross the ocean safely, cleared African customs, and arrived at Christian Pioneer Hospital.

Little did I know then that I would be part of a four person team sent to rendezvous with that container. Two colleagues to set up a permanent transmitter tower (from parts in that container), one to capture stories of our and Christian Pioneer Hospital's work, and myself, to assist and provide consult on nutrition-related concerns that the hospital and local people face.

Indeed our organization is very much international. Our work, when combined with those of our supporters, prayer partners, and colleagues, goes far. Being part of God's incredible plan and amazing family is an honor.

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Three colleagues and I are set to travel to Impfondo, Congo to serve at an rural hospital in January. We leave in just over two weeks.

The plans are set, the vaccines have been injected, the plane tickets are purchased... But we are still waiting on visas...

Our paperwork is with the Congolese Embassy in Washington, D. C.  We have already surpassed the usual turn around time, but are suspecting that the holidays are slowing the process down. For me, as a temporary resident of the US, I'm kind of uncomfortable not having my passport in my possession (for example if there was an immediate need to return to Canada for some unforeseen reason, I couldn't go). But not only would I like that passport back, but with a visa to the Congo in it as well! If you be the praying type, please join us in praying for the quick return of my passport and, Lord willing, provision of a visa for Congo!

UPDATE (December 30, 2015) Passport and visa received!!!!! THANK YOU for praying!

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It's so close I can almost taste the bagels, smoked meat, and Rockaberry pies!

Yes, we are MONTREAL BOUND later this month! If you are in the area, we'd LOVE to see you!

There will be a gathering at Lakeshore church on September 30th, at 7:30pm, to give a group update on what we've been up to. There will be stories, pictures, videos, and refreshments and we hope to see you there! If this time doesn't work for you, or you'd like an additional get together while we are in town, just let me know and we'll make it happen 🙂

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This video says it all: Radio and healthcare.
Enjoy.

 

 

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In the wee hours of June 27th, a team of eight departed Elkhart, Indiana for O'hare International Airport in Chicago. The two hour drive was followed by a flight to Lima, Peru via Miami. The stark contrast between home and Lima is breathtaking.

 

 

 

The team of eight, brought together by People's Bible Church of Goshen, IN, were there to serve Kids Alive International (KIA), a mission organization that reaches out to the underprivileged children and families of Lima. KAI is also the organization we served along side in Haiti this past November. You can read about our adventures on the ground in Haiti, here.

 

 

As you can see on Kids Alive's website, they have many ministry sites in Peru. We visited and served at the Oasis Center in Manchay and the Juniper Tree Children's home in Pachacamac.

I was tasked with providing nutrition and health workshops to various groups throughout the week. Using a felt board, handouts, my weak Spanish, the Holy Spirit, chocolate and a translator when needed, we broke the ice, covered a lot of material, learned from each other, and had a lot of laughs; all with the primary goal of honoring God and improving the nutritional status of families living in poverty.

 

In addition to the workshops, I did some one-on-one nutrition counseling, worked with the leadership of KIA to address concerns regarding intestinal parasites, and joined the team's activities when time permitted. The team helped with sponsorship packages (if you sponsor a child somewhere, you probably periodically receive a picture and letter from your child... I'll tell ya, those are a lot of work to put together for a load of kids!), helped with maintenance and repair of the facility (who knew my home-improvement skills would come in handy?!), put together gift baskets to bless families in need, and supported and participated in the women and children's ministries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The week flew by and it was time to return to our precious families. My valiant husband held down the home front (with help from my awesome parents so he could still be at work while I was away). I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve with KIA in Peru. May God bless them and all of those their ministries reach.

 

For a full album of our service trip, follow this link. 

 

 

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The cost of travel for mission work can be overwhelming. My trip to Haiti this past November and the upcoming trip to Peru in June puts a squeeze on our already short-funded ministry account, but instead of focusing on finances and dollars, I vow to focus on the impact we can have on the lives of others. Because that is priceless. And no matter what it does to our support account, we will continue stepping out in faith and trust the Lord to provide for our needs while we continue to provide for the needs of others.

Below is a short story written by a colleague of mine on the impact health care ministries can have on the life of an individual in another country.  It is a true story and a true reminder of how priceless our call to love our brothers and sisters is.

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Emmanuel (God with us) used to go by another name. His name today reflects a change that has come about in his life. But he did not always believe that God was with him.

He was afflicted with a disease known as “elephantiasis” characterized by massive swelling of the arms, legs or trunk.

Emmanuel had been suffering with elephantiasis for years. His leg was swollen and the skin had broken down causing a huge open wound over the bottom third of his leg. Emmanuel believed that it was caused by evil spirits.

When I saw Emmanuel for the first time, he was waiting with all the other patients under the hot sun to be seen by a doctor. I saw that his lower leg was covered with filthy rags so I decided to go ahead and clean it up to make it easier for the doctors to see what the problem was.

As I took the rags away, my heart sank at the sight of what looked to be a huge open sore on Emmanuel's leg and foot. “Necrosis” usually needs to be surgically removed and I was fearful that Emmanuel would lose his foot. However, as I gently cleaned the wound, I realized that the black appearance had to do with local remedies and leaves that had been applied. There was a huge sore there, but maybe this leg could be saved.

Abandoned by family and friends because of this horrendous condition, he had nobody to take him to the hospital and nobody to help pay his bills.

We praise God that at Reach Beyond we have donors who care about people like Emmanuel and so we agreed to pay for his dressing changes. The local Ghanaian church agreed to pay Emmanuel's bus fare to the hospital each week.

Two months later, the missionary doctors who treated him went back.  His leg was healed and through receiving love and kindness from the local church he listened to the Word of God and had committed his life to Christ. He was transformed!

Now no longer in fear of the spirits who he thought had attacked his life, he changed his name to  Emmanuel, God with him—all the time!

Was it worth it?  All that expense to take a team to Ghana? All that time and energy?

Ask Emmanuel.

 

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When solar-powered radios leave the shipping dock in Elkhart, Indiana, the impact they have in other parts of the world may never be known in this lifetime. Not so with Mbutu. His story returns with great encouragement and determination to those who help design (that's Tom!) and ship these little portable missionaries at SonSet Solutions.

Mbutu’s story begins when he walked for two days to reach a remote radio station in the Democratic Republic of Congo. But his journey was worth every step. When he arrived at the station, he shared his amazing story.

Mbutu was a village witchdoctor who practiced black arts. His life was devoted to casting spells, trying to control natural elements, and offering useless cures to those who were sick. But something happened to him that changed his life forever.

Months earlier, staff from the radio station had provided SonSet^® radios to people in the village, including Mbutu. SonSet Radios are solar-powered so there’s never a need for batteries. They are also fix-tuned to the local Christian radio station.

As he listened to the gospel through his own radio, he learned of the One who really controls the universe. More importantly, he learned about the love of Jesus and His offer of forgiveness and redemption. Mbutu was so touched by the message, he became compelled to give up his life as a witchdoctor and become a follower of Jesus Christ.

Today, Mbutu travels from village to village teaching other witchdoctors the truth of God’s Word. And because of his encounter with Jesus through a small solar-powered radio, many former witchdoctors are now pastors in new village churches.

This, people, is a true story about life change via SonSet radios. This is why we do what we do. This is why we relocated to Elkhart, IN: To be part of the amazing work at SonSet Solutions! This is one of many stories, and the radios is only one of many projects, that touch lives around the globe. And this is why we ask for support - so we can continue to propel life-changing ministries! Learn how you can help us continue to do what we are doing! 

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We've been praying a lot, and asking so many of you to do the same, about all the intricacies of this move down to the States. One of the big things, this time of year, is taxes, and that's something you just don't want to get wrong! We need help, and there is only One who can provide.

I mean, who would know how to file the 5 or 6 tax returns we will have to this year? If we get it wrong, there could be big penalties. And I don't have the foggiest clue as to US taxes... I even struggle to get the Quebec ones done correctly!

After stressing and searching, I've been coming up empty. Then He drops the perfect answer in our lap: expertly qualified, and a brother in Christ.

This God guy is good, are so are His children that He's asked to walk with us... And I'm giving thanks that, in His mercy and grace, He yet again is providing what we need.

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