In Remembrance

We received word this week that Rev. Jacques Vernaud, long-time missionary to Africa, passed away while visiting in South Africa. He leaves a legacy of ministry that has impacted men, women, boys and girls for eternity. Gaylord and I had the privilege of ministering with him at his church, La Borne A/G, in the Democratic Republic of Congo in January of this year. 

Each week approximately 8000 people attend one of three services, and many others join by radio or television broadcasts. As you watch the video clip below that was taken during one of the morning services, you will hear the choir sing in French "You Deserve the Glory" as the congregants worship the Lord.  May we rejoice at the home-going of a servant of God and pray for his family and friends.

A Load of Bicycles

At our recent General Assembly, 200 pastors received a bicycle, and each division received a motorcycle – thanks to the generosity of First Assembly of God, Griffin, Georgia. Pastor Randy Valimont was the keynote speaker for the meetings, and the church was encouraged and challenged by his ministry.

In a country were the majority of people walk, bicycles are a real blessing. To the many pastors who walk 30 kilometers on Sundays to preach at one or more churches, bicycles are a real blessing. This national church and this missionary team say thank you to Pastor Valimont and church family. YOU are a real blessing!

Marines to the Rescue

      

       You never know what slogans or business or  

       organization names you are going to see on

       t-shirts in Africa.  We were recently conducting

       a medical clinic at a church where we had just

       constructed a tabernacle.  I looked down and

       saw this little guy and couldn’t resist taking his

       photo. 

       Malawi has had some political and economic

       challenges lately.  It is good to know that there

       is a junior g.i. marine standing ready to serve

       and protect.  I feel safer already.  Semper fi!

And That’s How to Tie a Chitenje

In Malawi a 2-meter piece of cloth is known as a chitenje.  A chitenje has more uses than you can imagine, but one of them is to tie a baby on your back.  Now the little lady pictured below improvised on that function and, during the middle of Sunday song service, struggled to tie a shoe on her back.  Over and over she tried and failed, until finally mission accomplished.  What a cutie!  Thanks for the lesson.