Pastor Conference

The pastors really enjoyed the conference. They apologized that they had nothing to give us, so they wrote this song...

We were so very blessed!

What a special gift, still treasured!

 

LIFE goes on.....

Here are the latest photos from our churches in the Democratic Republic of Congo;

In Kinshasa church plant;

In Bukavu, Bethsaida where we are members. This is the church that 'covers' us with wisdom, prayer, and cultural wisdom and understanding.  (I think the third baptism this year?);

God is building His Kingdom even in these difficult times! YOU are a part of all that you see here! How does it feel to have a great impact on a people group so far away?

I hope it lifts your eyes and hearts to Heaven today!

 

Thank You our MIGHTY GOD for bringing us through these difficult days! I hope you all feel His presence with you every day! There is nothing greater to wish you. 

Because of Him we can have real LIFE!

Love to all of you.

 

 Together Building Africa is so blessed to welcome our new missionary!

This is Eric, he is an evangelist who has developed a God-love for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo! God used him mightily this year and we look forward to his work in the future. Isn't God great?

Congratulate him with us. Leave him a word of encouragement. Go ahead, don't be shy...

Billy Graham has left us a message.....

 Habakkuk said “Lord please tell me what You are doing?”

And God said “No, I’m not going to tell you Habakkuk. Because if I told you what I was doing. You wouldn’t believe it”

If God told us what He is doing in the world, we would not believe it!

Don’t you think God’s given up, and God’s abdicated, and God’s left the throne. HE HASN’T!

He’s still on the throne!

And those of us that know Him put our trust in Him and Him alone.

I don’t put my trust in Washington. I don’t put my trust in  the United Nations. I don’t put my trust in my money. I don’t put my trust in myself. I put my trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. When all the rest of it fails and crumbles and shatters….He’ll be there!”

Billy Graham

(Can I get an "Amen"?)

Pastor Conferences.....

I am not sure if we can fully understand the importance of this ministry. 

We usually go to remote areas, because there are many services available in the cities, but the greatest needs are in the rural areas. We have had between 80 - 200 leaders attend. Some of them travel through high-risk places to come. These leaders do not have the resources to attend much-needed courses, encouragement, or networking.

Here is a photo to help you understand their point of view.....

Our seminar was scheduled from Monday until Saturday. This man came on Wednesday. Our translator asked him why he came so late. 

Here is his response;

Please forgive me! On Monday my Son died, Tuesday was the funeral, today I am here! 😭

(the truth of his statement is revealed in his face!)

Now you understand.

Repentance

Repentance is.....deciding that you have been told a pack of lies about yourself and your neighbour and your world.  And it is deciding that God in Jesus Christ is telling you the truth.

Repentance is a realization that what God wants from you and what you want from God are not going to be achieved by doing the same old things, thinking the same old thoughts.

- Jesus Mean and Wild

I feel challenged. Do you?

When God looks at me, God sees Jesus because I am in Him! (This is TRUTH! God told us this truth in His Word)

Bear with me as I try something new, I'm attempting to learn a new skill....

OK, so I will continue working on it! (Obviously not mastered yet)

Thoughts?

 

A few years ago, I was in a classroom in the school we assist. As a part of my visit to their classrooms, they ask questions about Canada. This day the questions became very political. I was praying that God would give me answers for their curious minds. 

One young lady had her hand raised anxiously flapping it so we would notice. When we gave her a chance to speak, her question was "Can I touch you?"

LOL! "Of course"! Then quite a few came up to gently touch my hand. 

Precious, they are precious! I love these children!

This is the school where TBA put two water tanks in September. Pictures in a previous post.

 

just a few thoughts....

 People often ask ….. “why are you going so far away, when the needs here at home are so great?”

In our country we can hear the news of Jesus through 24/7 Cristian radio, television, and online. We have Christian bookstores, magazines, free Bibles in hotel rooms, and churches on nearly every corner.

In the D.R. Congo, there are many who couldn’t tell you anything about who Jesus is or what He did. And they have no way to hear. We need to share this too-good-to-be-true Gospel.

The task is so big we need “all hands on deck”

Jesus told us to take the Gospel locally and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8) “in Jerusalem, AND in all Judea, AND in Samaria AND to the uttermost part of the earth”

Matthew 28:19 “therefore go and make disciples of all nations….”

Because Jesus came for all….we must go to all.

God’s heart is for the world.

Let it be our deepest desire in life to know God, to hear His voice, and to follow Him!

Les Prophetes.....

....  Is a school in Bukavu that has accepted children who have been refused by other institutions in the past due to extreme poverty.

It is a parent-run school in a poverty-stricken community. For some of these children, one meal a day is a dream. The keyword in their community is "lack".

There is no electricity and no health care within walking distance. 

Ron & Elaine, two of our missionaries have spent time there teaching English, getting to know some of the students, and encouraging the teachers. 

TBA has also sent school supplies when we are able. We believe that a meaningful education can help these children break the cycle of poverty and have a hope-filled future.

This has a long-term impact on the lives of children, many of whom are living in situations most of us can not even imagine. 

Another of the issues facing this school and community is no access to potable water. In September, TBA was able to supply 2 water tanks on the school grounds. They are filled with run-off rainwater. One tank is treated for drinking, and the other for all other needs.

We are so thankful to God for His provision to accomplish this miracle! 

This is one of our Thanksgiving reports!

The teachers.....

 TBA reaches out to pastors in very difficult, remote regions, to hold conferences.

Many of these committed servants are facing starvation, persecution, and trials while shepherding God’s flock on the frontlines.

These “hidden heroes” have little or no training, encouragement, or contact with the larger body of Christ. Did I mention many cannot afford Bibles? But they DO have the Holy Spirit!

In addition to the spiritual development of the people, Congo pastors are actively involved in job creation, education, and medical programs, making them the quickest way to reach the nation.

In keeping with 2 Timothy 2:2, it just makes good sense to invest in equipping them!

Through the years we have been blessed to hold many conferences in many areas. The numbers exceed 1000. 

When the support is strong enough we equip them with the Word of God in their own language.

Would you consider standing with us to continue this mission?

missionary life......

You never know what God has in store for you, where He will take you, or What task He requires.

Like presenting goats to farmers in a rural area....

But it is always such a great honour to serve Him and the people of Congo in any way we can. WE are the ones who feel blessed!

 

to market, to market....

Here is the report from Hiltop Farm;

After a season of work and many sacrifices with the HiLTOP Farm team, we are excited to announce our first crop of Season A 2020-2021 cabbage this Friday.

Psalm 65:10 "You soften the earth with showers and bless its abundant crops"

We thank God for His provision!

 

Tupende Wazee (Love our seniors)

finally, conditions have allowed the re-opening of our Seniors outreach! These widows have been suffering a lot during COVID restrictions. We are so happy to see them together again, being cared for and loved!

This is a project of TBA's in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo. These women have experienced many hardships and are often marginalized in the community. 

They are welcomed in Tupende Wazee, where they are fed, loved, find fellowship, and people who care about them. 

When funding is available, we have the opportunity to educate them on health issues, COVID restrictions, etc.

The ladies have shared how the food and fellowship have strengthened them, encouraged them, and created a 'community' for them.

Very rewarding!

Contact us if you are interested in supporting this program.

 

ENJOY!! [OFFICIAL VIDEO] Sweetest Song I Know - Armor Music Ministry

and church is back on track........

 

In addition to raising chickens and training local youth to farm, the Hiltop farm is growing vegetables. It is looking like a successful venture this year!

 

 there is a physically challenged widow who was living in very poor conditions. When it was raining outside, it was also raining inside!

This will no longer be an issue for her ☔️

You know who you are....THANK YOU!

I would like to honour this wonderful pastor! He has suffered the loss of his dear wife. 

This man has been used by God for many years. His faithfulness and dedication inspired a 6,000 member church!

He has worked very hard and is deserving of great respect. It has been a very very great privilege to call him pastor and friend.

May God strengthen him as he walks on alone. 

 

they year of COVID-19

A song cover of “Still In Control” by Jesus Culture and Mack Brock

May our daughter be a blessing to you today! A great messeage!

 being a missionary means there are people you love on both sides of the ocean. 

No matter which side you are on, there are people you are missing.

What a great blessing it is.....

I was supposed to be doing a celebratory dance with the village ladies. I found myself rhythmically challenged by comparison! But it made them smile so that's ok.

Congo is a place of great beauty!

The rainy season was just ending.

a view from our travels.

The latest report from my home in Congo is that starvation is increasing due to COVID closures. Jobs are always a problem, but now it has become an urgent situation!

Please join us in praying for them, that God will ease their suffering, and we will be effective in responding!

Thanks, friends of Together Building Africa!

during isolation time....

Bethsaida Church saw the baptism of 20 young people! Including new believers! What a celebration!

I thought you might enjoy this photo of missionary Eric 'learning' the drums? 😄

On a more serious note, this guy was a tremendous testimony and witness during his time in Bukavu!
We look forward to hosting him again!

the farm....

Last fall, the farm we support suffered a devastating blow when all the chickens in that area caught a killer disease!

In the interim between then and now, they have been disinfecting and preparing to start again. Hilary is the visionary for this project and has written an update I thought I would share with you.

Here is a picture from before the blight. Things were going very well....

This photo is current....

Here is a word from Hilary;

"At this time our community needs, more than ever, projects and initiatives that will stand in the gap and train young people on values that would change lives and tell a different story to a generation.

During this period of COVID-19, the community has suffered a huge impact, with no schools opened and activities paralyzed. This has caused an increase in the level of poverty. We have invited school children, grades 6 and above, who have been staying at home, to come and learn about poultry farming and farming at large.

Knowledge is power! We believe that this generation will change the story of DRC.

Through HILTOP Farm Group you can bless a life......join us and let's change a generation!"

TBA is a supporter of this great vision.

Tupende Wazee (Love our Seniors)

This has been an extremely trying time for these widows. They were poverty-stricken before Corona further devastated the economy!
TBA gathered them to extend survival items to send home.

Here is their greeting to you....

Packages of food were given....

they brought empty bottles they had saved or found in the garbage to hold some precious cooking oil.....

Again, I ask you to realize that this is your support reaching the destitute and giving life! I always receive their appreciation to pass on to you. 

And so I do.....

THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

You have reached across many many miles and touched these lives!

some of the ladies from our Wezesha post....

We had a chance to go to Mudaka and visit a few of the ladies supported through our micro-finance post - Wezesha.

This group of ladies shared testimonies of rising above the severe poverty of the area!

They and their children now have food to eat and the children attend school. 

This great achievement is an outcome of their commitment to the program, and their hard work.

These are women of courage and dignity and it is a great blessing to see their progress and their joy!

There are 60 women in the group.

"It is possible to have the kind of faith in Christ that even when life doesn’t make sense, and even when I don’t understand things in the Bible, and even when I can’t explain everything about the way faith works, I am not believing in something, I am trusting in Someone…….. I know whom I have believed in

Missionaries are all normal people. They simply serve an extraordinary God."

Such true words! Sorry, I can't remember where I copied this from.

it has been a long time.....

DRC is facing an escalation of the virus now, and we have been trying to address some of the needs as they arise.
The first issue is starvation. Bethsaida, through the cell groups, has identified those in greatest need in each area, and sent supply. Many, many people are suffering greatly. They face conditions we can not imagine!

TBA was blessed to be able to offer some assistance and equally saddened that we could not do more.
The care provided by Pastor Raha & Mapendo kept me safe, loved, and provided for while in isolation! May God bless them for their generous spirits!

Seven days ago, I was in Bukavu carrying on as usual. On Monday, we heard of a  charter flight taking ex-pats from Goma to Ethiopia on Thursday. Poor Pastor Raha ran and ran to get the documents needed for permission to leave, and permission from the governor to enter North Kivu etc. It was a daunting task! I had only packing etc to do, and could not manage the stress! Moment by moment, we thought...we can make it.....no, we haven't enough time, it may not work.....we can....we can't......as I said, stressful!

God granted all the documents and Wednesday we drove to Goma. It took many hours. Thursday found us at the airport waiting for our flight. I was given this;

So I learned it was an evacuation flight. There are so many stories involved in this 'evacuation'. I will spare you the details. But here are some photos;

On the way to Goma;

Arrival in Ethiopia (this is where they took us);

When we entered the international airport (almost empty);

I was facing a 16-hour flight, but God took care of me. This was my seat. I put the armrests up and had a bed of sorts (plus 3 blankets, and 3 pillows);  

I think I survived better than my luggage! What do you think?

I requested a "fragile" sticker to apply to my forehead, but in hindsight, I am thankful they refused!!

(although I do feel a bit the way my suitcase looks)

As we landed in Ethiopia, there was a huge fleet of jumbo jets lined up, just parked! It was quite a sight! There are fewer and fewer flights. Before we received news of this flight, it was looking like September before there would be any option available!

God is not restricted by anything! He made a way for me. I thank Him!

Lord Your name....

is higher than the Heavens
Your Name is higher than all created things
Higher than hope
Higher than dreams
the Name of the Lord

this is a time of many broken dreams and unmet hopes My time here has not been what I had hoped for or dreamed of. Perhaps you can relate to that today?

but....the NAME OF OUR LORD
- must be higher
- should be what we seek
- is always faithful
- never changes
- knows our needs, our wants, and HE CARES!

He sees us. As we put our trust in Him, He will lead us through these dark days.

So I pray to You
God of my salvation
Lifter of my head
Teach me how to live oh Lord
in Your righteousness

I pray that each one of you will find refuge in the Name that is above all Names! JESUS!

lots of love from the Congo,
Doreen

(lyrics from Hilsong 'One Thing')

As human beings, we should always be learning.

I would like to share with you my lesson today. 

Perhaps it will help somebody else?

It is difficult to fully explain those times when God speaks to you, but I will try.…

Yesterday, as we drove back home, we passed a young boy on the side of the street. He was dragging himself through the dust with one leg trailing behind him…..

I was the passenger in an air-conditioned vehicle! My eyes remained fixed on his progress as we passed by. The contrast wreaks havoc in my heart and leaves my mind with such images. I think you can imagine how disturbing that can be. 

One refuge is that through TBA and supporters like you, we have been able to respond to many, many of those who are suffering.

Of course, we are unable to reach everyone, and it is heartbreaking!

Today, I was sharing this with Pastor Raha. He responded by telling me that we must allow ourselves to have joy! Such wisdom!

Gal 5:22 says: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…”

Joy isn’t something that is just nice to have. Joy is a necessity. 

But, this joy is not a response to circumstances. This is a joy greater than what is going on around us.

Without joy, circumstances can crush our spirits.

Nehemiah 8:10 “……the joy of the Lord is your strength”

I need strength! So I need joy also!

Could you use a little more of this joy in your life? Have you been relying on your circumstances to keep you feeling good?

Don’t let circumstances steal your joy.

Give yourself permission to have joy!

=========

Please do not think that means turning away from the poor. NO! The opposite is true, it gives strength with which to respond.

In John 12:8, Jesus said, “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” 

He was revealing the fact that the very next day, He would be crucified. 

He was certainly NOT, NO HOW, NO WAY giving a life sentence of poverty to the poor.

He was quoting Deuteronomy 15:11

The disciples would have been very familiar with the Scripture, and therefore would have known the REST of the verse....

“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.”

The biblical response to poverty is openhandedness. 

The persistence of poverty is not a reason to ignore the plight of the poor but to draw near to them with generosity.

You are successfully reaching the needy through TBA! 

Thank you so much!

Be blessed!

reports from home groups;

- "home group training was like manna from Heaven"
- "for sure this was God's leading"
- all groups have multiplied, one group rapidly became a gathering of 30
- "we are so thankful for this teaching"
- one family who had abandoned the church have been restored to fellowship
- there are people coming to faith
- at least 20 requesting baptism
- "for sure we have seen the hand of God and He has been with us"


I hope you are seeing the results of your prayers on our behalf!

Glory to God!

a poster here in Bukavu.....

if you look carefully, there we are.....in the bottom right!!

Still no more cases of the virus here in Bukavu. However, we are using masks, and staying distant from one another.

The borders of D.R. Congo and Rwanda remain closed. The Kigali airport is closed (my exit route), and of course there are no flights.

While waiting for things to change, I am so well provided for. Everyone from my homes on both sides, advised that this is the safest place to be for the time being….just be patient.

God’s got a plan! I don’t need to know what it is, I just need to trust Him!

I just wish patience was FASTER to learn! LOL

Tomorrow we meet with 5 of the home group leaders, to see how things are progressing, and address any problems.

This is my first venture out of the house and into the church. It will be so good to hear reports and updates from home groups.

Today, we had an amusing incident. We were trying to purchase popping corn. (I am an avid fan) We stopped at many shops… to no avail. Not only did they not stock it, they did not know who does.

We ended up at a small shop where the staff were sitting outside enjoying the air. Raha went to ask them if they sell popping corn. They made sounds of great sympathy accompanied by the words “Oh no, oh no, poor mazungu (white person) she must be missing home! She needs something from home!”

(not spoken in sarcasm, but in genuine sorrow for the plight of the ‘poor’ mazungu!)

So kind, and yet so funny! We did eventually find a market selling it and bought a large bag. Only to return home and find that the tiny store across from our house carries it!!

Thank you for all your prayers, and standing with us in this moment of history.

Love,

The ‘poor’ muzungu

Update

God is good, all the time. Even when we don't understand what He is doing.

So far we remain at 3 cases of COVID-19. Two have recovered and one is improving. No further spread.

However, the isolation order is causing famine. There is food, but people cannot get out to purchase it. Please pray for us.

We received a request yesterday from a pastor who runs an orphanage. The police delivered a 1 1/2-year-old to him. They found him abandoned in the street. His mother had tried to end his little life! Starvation causes people to do the unthinkable.

The pastor was requesting our assistance. This tyke had no clothes, was starving, and probably in shock. Heartbreaking really!

Pray for him also please.

After serving joyfully for 2 months, Eric has left to try repatriating to Canada. He has been a wonderful servant of God to the people, who loved him a lot. He will be missed.

I cannot accompany him. Some requirements of the journey are only manageable for the young! Apparently, I don't qualify :(
Funny how that stage passed without notice. It's like going downhill on a mountain when you don't remember hitting the top!
But, make no mistake, downhill is still enjoyable.

Thank you to all of you who take a moment to remember us in prayer. There is no greater weapon!

God will take us through this, and His promise is that He will remain with us always!

sending love from D.R. Congo.....
Doreen

thoughts from lockdown.....

We are not advised to leave the house. So that leaves me in my room, just me and my God (never mind the grammar). It is just the two of us. What a Companion, Comforter, and Counselor!

Oh Lord, 

THE GOD OF ISRAEL, 

may You be praised 

forever and ever! 

Yours, oh Lord, is;

……the GREATNESS, 

………the POWER,  

………….the GLORY, 

………………the VICTORY, 

…………………..and the MAJESTY!

EVERYTHING in the heavens and on the earth IS YOURS, oh Lord, and 

THIS… IS….YOUR….. KINGDOM.

WE AD😍RE YOU 

as the One who is over all things.

WEALTH and HONOUR 

come from You alone, for You rule over everything.

POWER and MIGHT 

are in Your hand, and at Your discretion people are made great and given strength.

(1 Chronicles 29:10-12)

May this bring you joy and peace today! Blessings my friends!

Good Friday........

Easter always reminds me to check my 'baggage'! (No, I am not packing to fly back to Canada)
I mean......I think about Jesus hearing the mocking voices, enduring horrendous abuse, and forgiving completely! No one was apologizing. No one was offering any remorse, and yet, He forgave them.

So then......what am I carrying around that should also be left at the cross? May I be more like Him....forgive everyone......without waiting for apologies.......just forgive! Just that!

Forgive completely with all my heart.

Thank You, Jesus, for showing us how to live, even while You were dying!

So far, in DRC, our virus cases remain very low. However, we are observing best practices as indicated by the gov't: less than 15 people at a time gathering, reaching out with encouragement through WhatsApp, keeping 1m distances etc. The city has become very quiet. Fewer walking about, fewer businesses running etc.

All boats and planes have been 'grounded', and our borders are closed. There is no option of returning to Canada at this time. I am happy to have no doubt that I am where I am supposed to be for once. LOL This was not my plan, therefore it was His! This simple missionary prays to be used  in whatever way will bring Him glory!

We are praying and planning for ways to serve the people He loved so much that He gave up His life to protect them (and us)!

We need His peace, His love, His strength to continue, and His DELIVERANCE. That is all summed up by saying we NEED HIM, more now than ever before!

I pray people will realize He is offering what we are looking for!

Wise men seek Him still.

lyrics by Matt Maher;

Without You, I fall apart
You're the One that guides my heart
When I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus

I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You,
my One Defense, my Righteousness,
Oh God, how I need you!

It is well with my soul!

Thank you so much, those of you who are concerned and keeping in touch with us here!

The virus has accelerated slightly in the west, but no cases here on the east. We are trying to observe cautious guidelines.

We are seeking God for His wisdom in reaching out to encourage and unite the church family. If we had consistent power, it would be so much easier. We are exploring another option that we pray will work with our limitations. Pray with us, please.

In other news, we had a 2-second earthquake. Very minor, but another reminder that God's hand alone can hold us.

If any of you are trying to face this anxious time alone and afraid, please know that there is One who is for you, who loves you faithfully, and wants to hold your hand right now today. He invites you daily to come home to Him. Please, come home.

You will find He is greatly to be praised!


"To love the Lord our God is the heartbeat of our mission;
Give me grace to be a servant
Give me mercy for the lost
Give me passion for Your glory
Give me passion for the cross"
(Steve Green)

How AMAZING is our God!!
This past week, we had a seminar on how to do home groups.
We moved at a fast pace to pass on info needed for home groups to work successfully. On Thursday, we named the group leaders and locations and passed out material to teach.
Thursday evening we heard that gatherings of more than 20 people are no longer permitted.
The President has asked believers to pray.
The home groups are up and ready for prayer services tomorrow!

Thank You Lord for your leading, wisdom, and Your presence with us!

the same scenes repeated around the globe........

The sign is, of course, announcing closure of services. So sad. 

In Congo, I believe there are less than 10 cases, many of whom are 'suspected' at this time. All of them are on the west side, and we are on the east currently.

Like you, we are being as careful as possible. 

Like you, we trust in God to see us through these troubled times. He alone is our Refuge!

Let's just keep praying and encouraging one another.

greetings from D.R. Congo......

So sorry for the delay! We had 6 days with no power. Now we wait daily for a moment when there  is power & internet.
We are all fine, and feeling the prayer support!

Eric has been doing early morning Bible Studies (6:00 am!) He is well-loved here and doing a GREAT job!

Today we visited the Tupende Wazee (to love our seniors) Group. These are a very vulnerable and needy group of widows living in untenable circumstances. We try to build community among them, feed them, and meet small needs.

Today they each got a bag of staples like beans, sugar, tea, rice, etc. and also some cooking oil. They brought bottles from wherever they could find them and they were filled with oil.

Also shared from the prodigal Son. Our Father waits daily for His Children to return. His invitation is always open...."come home, return to my side, let Me walk with you"

PROVISIONS;

COOKING OIL;

PACKED UP READY TO TRAVEL HOME;

Thank YOU for meeingt their needs in the Name of Jesus!