North West Africa ……………………..
It is already March again when I write this newsletter. Two months have passed in which a lot has happened. Christmas, a 3-week mission trip to North West Africa and, yes, I have been quite ill. As indicated in my previous newsletter, December was a month of preparation for the trip. While the whole base was closed because of the “summer vacation” here and many went home to celebrate Christmas at home, I stayed at home. My roommate was also gone, so I had all the peace and quietness to do all the work.
Christmas was also very special and I have to say I have never had such a busy Christmas. Christmas afternoon a barbecue at a colleague of mine and due to circumstances I was asked to preach during Christmas morning. A church I often visit. Of course I wanted to do that! But it was short notice! So Christmas Eve was in fact a “working evening” for me. Boxing Day I had dinner with friends so my days were filled and I count them very blessed!
Preaching in Zambia! Special!
And there I am! My first sermon on Christmas Day, December 25th 2019 in a full local church on a very special day! There is so much to tell about the birth of Jesus, but I kept it basic. How would we react if we got the message that the Messiah was born here on the OM base in one of the dirty hot storage containers. The only place available. Would we believe it without seeing it, just like the shepherds then? And now? Do we still believe it without seeing it?
On March 8th, I was able to preach in the same church on International Women’s Day. Of course I talked about some women in the Bible! How much influence our decisions as a woman can have on our environment and in history and today!
Training
As indicated, the month of December was all about putting the training together. A new training where it is still searching for the correct content, knowing that you have to be flexible to adapt it again in the country or the place where you are at that moment. Below you see a very small impression of the drawings I made for the instruction booklet. Various stitching which can be used for hand-made items/ garments. In addition, I also made a number of patterns that can be taught.
North West Africa
I did a 3 week mission trip to North West Africa. A trip to a country where terrorism is really happening each day. Many have to flee their villages, looking for a place where it is safe. Looking for a place where they can and must build up a new life. Together with 5 other colleagues, we were able to give various training courses. A trauma training, setting up projects, starting up a business and of course my training in sewing and the Bible study for women. A special trip with a lot of impact. The stories you hear are heart-breaking. Everyone pretty much has got relatives who were murdered, cold blooded. What is it special that you can do something for this group of people. That they get Hope again and can work on their recovery!
“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”
Acts 4:29
Existing Organization
We stayed in a safe location with an existing organization we partner with. In this way, the training’s that have been given can also be multiplied again by them. For me it was the first time, I gave such training and it was quite clear straight up that you need to have a healthy dose of improvising skills to give such a training that is suitable for the group of people in the country or the place where you are. This meant training during the day and preparing assignments again in the evening. But it worked!
I used my support to give them the materials for the items we made, the instruction booklet and a beginner’s set for them to work at home with a par of fabric scissors, needles, thread and an measuring tape. They were so happy and grateful which is so beautiful to see! The Bible study that I have woven into the training was fruitful and now they are able to teach Bible study themselves in the places they live! How good is that!
Sick
The last day of the trip I started to feel sick and it was a challenge to be travelling for 1.5 days to get “home” again. At home I got sicker and to stay safe I took a course of antibiotics for a most likely starting pneumonia. I kept having symptoms and because I have been seriously ill in 2017, I was referred to a hospital in the capital by a local doctor. (3 hours’ drive) Fortunately everything turned out to be fine, only an irritated stomach and diaphragm. Rest and exercise helped me to get completely recovered again.
Thanks for your Support!Give towards the projects which I set up and work on!
Just like the trip to Northwest Africa and also the materials I used have been sponsored with your contribution! The intention is that there will be more trips like this. Would you like to help with this and with the projects?
To contribute, press the button ‘DONATE NOW’
What’s my story again?
Through the mission organization Operation Mobilization I will go and work in Zambia and Africa to give the women Hope and Recovery through lessons in sewing, pattern drawing and Bible study. In addition, I will also coach them and provide pastoral assistance. My salary consists entirely of financial donations. In this newsletter I share with you what happens in my work and life.
Any questions, remarks, want to know more? Feel free to contact me!
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Jannie in Mission 