Hello everyone,
I have been very quiet these past months, resting up in Australia and working on a strategy for my return. Here in Australia we live in paradise and I am enjoying the luxuries that abound such libraries and spiritual retreats as well as simple things like running water and swimming pools.
Meanwhile the mission in Zambia is continuing; the sponsored students are attending school, Pastor Richard Musoyo visits the area and gives me frequent updates; a missionary couple are using my four-wheel drive car and Praise God the Chief has insisted that the school continue. This alone is a worthy Footprint in Africa. While I am away it gives the people the opportunity to remember what I encouraged them to do and put it into practice e.g. I understand that the HIV prevention committee continue to meet.
This month I have been invited to attend a Landcare Conference in South Africa in order to take the next step in Zambia. Landcare operate internationally to improve the agricultural practices in poor countries with knowledge and sponsorship. This is done by showing local people new practices from around the world, simple measures that will increase the crop yields. I am very excited about this for the people of Mupitanshi eat only what they grow so crop yields are paramount. Negotiations have been ongoing for two years to get this far. Pastor Richard is representing me at the Conference and he also is very excited. Please pray that this is the seed for great things to come.
I miss the people of the village very much. I've came to love them dearly and they are part of my family. Communication with them is difficult because of the remoteness of the area so when I do get news its a blessing. Catherine and Matilda will complete their Grade 12 this year. They are working hard and I am so proud of them. They are setting an example for other girls to go to high school.
It is a great privilege to work amongst the people of Mupitanshi and I praise God for all that has been achieved.
Love and blessings
Durelle
September 24, 2012
October 18, 2011
Embattled
Hi family and friends,
How on earth can I tell you about this week??? I am in a war zone. Rabi has become so furious that he has organised his family into mob violence against me – they want me to go or they will kill me or both. He organised a PTA meeting and invited me but I knew it was a trap so we went to the Police who said don’t go to the meeting. But Rabi sent a ‘friend’ of mine to call me so we got the District Supervisor of schools and against advice attended. The hatred was palpable. As I rushed to leave the room they tried to shut the door but Pastor Richard and I escaped and jumped into the car and raced to the police station. Three police came back with us to the meeting where the people waited. Rabi sat there pretending he had nothing to do with anything… but the Police said, “We know who is behind it all. We know everything.” They now have enough evidence to charge him with stealing K30 million about AUD 8 thousand given by the Council to build 4 teachers houses for the school and also K4 million given to the Women’s Club which he kept. I pray that they will take him into custody ASAP.
Both my teachers are traitors and the Police berated them until they confessed that Rabi called the meeting. Then they went into action. Calm was restored but the police say you must go and asked the villagers to give me some time to relocate. Pastor Richard says if I’d been alone they would have killed me so he and God saved my life. Richard is an ex-army man and together with God we are good strategists. He has a powerful authority from God on his life. I am hanging onto scriptures Like Isaiah 41: 8-14, and 1 Peter 5:10
We went to the Chief who was ashamed of his people and invited me to come and live adjacent to his royal palace. Even his family begged me to “come and bless us” with all you do. The Chief even said he would give me title deeds to the property so no one could ever chase me away again plus he gave me 10,000 bricks already fired to build about 3 houses and 20 iron sheets for the roof AND there will be electricity in a few months. He said, I want to build a school and you could help me.” Amazing. It is a rare event for someone to be given title deeds, for the Chief owns all the land in his kingdom. I believe this is an open door where I will have protection and goodwill to plant a mission site.(Isaiah 54 :2)
Steve Turner and his wife Felicity from my home Church, Goodlife arrive today. It will be good to see folk from home and to have another strategist to work out the way forward. The land I’ve been given has no housing but I’m sure there is a place somewhere that we can stay. I have to find a way to keep them safe as well as Richard and his wife and me of course. The police are phoning me every day but they are 40kms away and have only a small motorbike as transport. We usually have to go and get them.
Rabi’s has convinced his family that I lied about his stealing – he even told them, “If I had stolen that amount of money I would be arrested wouldn’t I” so my soft heartedness has backfired and he is free to incite a riot. He is still on bail for the previous offence so by lumping them together he will be sent to jail for a long time and I will be pleased.
It is a bittersweet victory because Rabi’s family are harassing the people that love me and that I am caring for– an old lady of 78, a young orphan, a man with leprosy, the headman because he believes in me and refused to attend the meeting even tho he is a relative and numerous people whose lives I have saved from HIV and TB. They are being insulted every day. The old lady uses my old walking stick and they berate her for that. Can you imagine!! At least the hatred is out in the open now. Its been gaining momentum for months. Rabi is furious that I stopped him going into parliament, he’s furious that I had him arrested, he is jealous that I have brought a Pastor to the village who has my confidence, the same confidence he used to have. The underlying tension and intimidation has been daily and constant and very stressful and I am battle weary but I’m not running yet. Even now I have diaorrhea probably because of witchcraft or poison in my water-can that I trustingly left outside. They sent some poison to Richard in the form of a local drink but he knew to throw it out because they did that to him in his last Church.
The life of a missionary – take up your cross and follow me, Jesus said. We met a missionary from Malawi yesterday as we bought some bibles for our literacy classes - a lovely African man who was telling us about his daily battle with Muslims and witchcraft and ignorance. He was battle weary also. We encouraged each other to stand firm.
Oh I miss the peacefulness of Australia and NZ, the education and knowledge you all have and the amenities but I know that Satan is running, he’s just clinging and trying hard to get me out of that place for the people are ignorant, steeped in witchcraft, lying and cheating are normal and darkness is everywhere and he wants to keep it that way. But Gods light is shining thru my small footprints and He is mighty so He can save the people. That is my prayer.
Please continue praying for our safety and for a wonderful outcome where we can enlarge our territory for God in a peaceful manner. Peace - shalom – mutende (local word) In Genesis God said go and fill the earth. In spite of all this drama I love serving God and will continue to do so. Thank you for your love and prayers and support they sustain me and urge me forward.
Durelle
How on earth can I tell you about this week??? I am in a war zone. Rabi has become so furious that he has organised his family into mob violence against me – they want me to go or they will kill me or both. He organised a PTA meeting and invited me but I knew it was a trap so we went to the Police who said don’t go to the meeting. But Rabi sent a ‘friend’ of mine to call me so we got the District Supervisor of schools and against advice attended. The hatred was palpable. As I rushed to leave the room they tried to shut the door but Pastor Richard and I escaped and jumped into the car and raced to the police station. Three police came back with us to the meeting where the people waited. Rabi sat there pretending he had nothing to do with anything… but the Police said, “We know who is behind it all. We know everything.” They now have enough evidence to charge him with stealing K30 million about AUD 8 thousand given by the Council to build 4 teachers houses for the school and also K4 million given to the Women’s Club which he kept. I pray that they will take him into custody ASAP.
Both my teachers are traitors and the Police berated them until they confessed that Rabi called the meeting. Then they went into action. Calm was restored but the police say you must go and asked the villagers to give me some time to relocate. Pastor Richard says if I’d been alone they would have killed me so he and God saved my life. Richard is an ex-army man and together with God we are good strategists. He has a powerful authority from God on his life. I am hanging onto scriptures Like Isaiah 41: 8-14, and 1 Peter 5:10
We went to the Chief who was ashamed of his people and invited me to come and live adjacent to his royal palace. Even his family begged me to “come and bless us” with all you do. The Chief even said he would give me title deeds to the property so no one could ever chase me away again plus he gave me 10,000 bricks already fired to build about 3 houses and 20 iron sheets for the roof AND there will be electricity in a few months. He said, I want to build a school and you could help me.” Amazing. It is a rare event for someone to be given title deeds, for the Chief owns all the land in his kingdom. I believe this is an open door where I will have protection and goodwill to plant a mission site.(Isaiah 54 :2)
Steve Turner and his wife Felicity from my home Church, Goodlife arrive today. It will be good to see folk from home and to have another strategist to work out the way forward. The land I’ve been given has no housing but I’m sure there is a place somewhere that we can stay. I have to find a way to keep them safe as well as Richard and his wife and me of course. The police are phoning me every day but they are 40kms away and have only a small motorbike as transport. We usually have to go and get them.
Rabi’s has convinced his family that I lied about his stealing – he even told them, “If I had stolen that amount of money I would be arrested wouldn’t I” so my soft heartedness has backfired and he is free to incite a riot. He is still on bail for the previous offence so by lumping them together he will be sent to jail for a long time and I will be pleased.
It is a bittersweet victory because Rabi’s family are harassing the people that love me and that I am caring for– an old lady of 78, a young orphan, a man with leprosy, the headman because he believes in me and refused to attend the meeting even tho he is a relative and numerous people whose lives I have saved from HIV and TB. They are being insulted every day. The old lady uses my old walking stick and they berate her for that. Can you imagine!! At least the hatred is out in the open now. Its been gaining momentum for months. Rabi is furious that I stopped him going into parliament, he’s furious that I had him arrested, he is jealous that I have brought a Pastor to the village who has my confidence, the same confidence he used to have. The underlying tension and intimidation has been daily and constant and very stressful and I am battle weary but I’m not running yet. Even now I have diaorrhea probably because of witchcraft or poison in my water-can that I trustingly left outside. They sent some poison to Richard in the form of a local drink but he knew to throw it out because they did that to him in his last Church.
The life of a missionary – take up your cross and follow me, Jesus said. We met a missionary from Malawi yesterday as we bought some bibles for our literacy classes - a lovely African man who was telling us about his daily battle with Muslims and witchcraft and ignorance. He was battle weary also. We encouraged each other to stand firm.
Oh I miss the peacefulness of Australia and NZ, the education and knowledge you all have and the amenities but I know that Satan is running, he’s just clinging and trying hard to get me out of that place for the people are ignorant, steeped in witchcraft, lying and cheating are normal and darkness is everywhere and he wants to keep it that way. But Gods light is shining thru my small footprints and He is mighty so He can save the people. That is my prayer.
Please continue praying for our safety and for a wonderful outcome where we can enlarge our territory for God in a peaceful manner. Peace - shalom – mutende (local word) In Genesis God said go and fill the earth. In spite of all this drama I love serving God and will continue to do so. Thank you for your love and prayers and support they sustain me and urge me forward.
Durelle
October 11, 2011
Pastor Richard Musoyo
Footprints in Africa welcome Pastor Richard Musoyo and his wife Felishi who joined us on 1st September 2011. They are a wonderful asset to the team.
Richard is a graduate of the Theological College of Central Africa. (TCCA) He has a diploma of Theology majoring in Pastoral Care. Here in Mupitanshi he is involved in Leadership training, Literacy classes, Counselling, Bible Study, HIV and AIDS training in the community, Bible in Schools, preaching, and visiting the sick. Richard also gives pastoral care to the surrounding Churches as all of them are led by lay people with no formal training.
Felishi has a Certificate in the Wives Programme from the TCCA which she gained in training with her husband. At Mupitanshi she is involved with homecraft, women’s health, sewing, crochet and embroidery and Bible Study.
Please continue to pray for the Footprints Team as we are operating in an area which is known for witchcraft, adultery, drunkenness, illiteracy, stealing and lying - a real stronghold of Satan.
Richard is a graduate of the Theological College of Central Africa. (TCCA) He has a diploma of Theology majoring in Pastoral Care. Here in Mupitanshi he is involved in Leadership training, Literacy classes, Counselling, Bible Study, HIV and AIDS training in the community, Bible in Schools, preaching, and visiting the sick. Richard also gives pastoral care to the surrounding Churches as all of them are led by lay people with no formal training.
Felishi has a Certificate in the Wives Programme from the TCCA which she gained in training with her husband. At Mupitanshi she is involved with homecraft, women’s health, sewing, crochet and embroidery and Bible Study.
Please continue to pray for the Footprints Team as we are operating in an area which is known for witchcraft, adultery, drunkenness, illiteracy, stealing and lying - a real stronghold of Satan.
Hotting Up
Hi family and friends,
Things are hotting up here literally. We have had rain – the first since April and it was good to run out and play in it. The temperatures are hot now. The stealing and intimidation continues – there is a group who want me to leave so there is no one to call them on their bad behaviour.
I am having trouble with my teachers at the school. They don’t seem to take school seriously here. My head teacher is AWOL. Yesterday a young girl in Grade 1 turned up with her baby sister on her back – I sent her home. I mean how can she be expected to learn with a baby to look after!! We continue to feed the children every day – I thinks that’s the only reason some of them come.
Zambia has a new President and he appears to making good changes. I am praying he will cut down on corruption in Govt . And Pastor Richard Musoyo and his wife Felishi have joined me here at Footprints. What a blessing they are. Just to have a friends to talk to is a blessing and they are already involved in literacy classes, sewing and needlework, preaching, and helping to visit and pray for the sick.
Only a few women are brave enough to come to our literacy class but it will grow. I have been visiting a young man who was hurt in a car accident, paralysed from the waist down. The hospital said go and buy a wheelchair and take him home there is nothing more we can do. He has had anti-inflammatories for one month that’s all. The family can hardly afford food never mind buying a wheel chair. Pastor and I went this week and we sang him his favourite hymn. Tears came into his eyes (that could have been my bad singing but I think it was God's spirit touching him).
I have to brush off the rat dirt to sit on my toilet these days. The rats want to get out of the rain, but the garden is flourishing. I’ve been planting cotton trees amongst other things.
I engaged a lawyer to deal with my last employee and his stealing – it was so funny to see the Chief Labour officers face. She was sorely afraid. Last time we met she intimidated me but the boot was on the other foot this time. The sweet lawyer (is there such a thing) didn’t charge me for his advice and muscle.
We are looking forward to Steve Turner and his wife coming to visit. They arrive on the 18th October. This is our first visit from an Aussie and I am excited. Will he understand my funny accent? I am hoping he will have some good ideas to impart.
Thank you for those of you who pray for me and support me in so many ways. I feel you are here with me strengthening me. Sometimes I am like Jeremiah saying, “Lord I’m too young(old) to do this” but God gives me the strength and your intersession for me gives me courage.
Be blessed
Durelle
Things are hotting up here literally. We have had rain – the first since April and it was good to run out and play in it. The temperatures are hot now. The stealing and intimidation continues – there is a group who want me to leave so there is no one to call them on their bad behaviour.
I am having trouble with my teachers at the school. They don’t seem to take school seriously here. My head teacher is AWOL. Yesterday a young girl in Grade 1 turned up with her baby sister on her back – I sent her home. I mean how can she be expected to learn with a baby to look after!! We continue to feed the children every day – I thinks that’s the only reason some of them come.
Zambia has a new President and he appears to making good changes. I am praying he will cut down on corruption in Govt . And Pastor Richard Musoyo and his wife Felishi have joined me here at Footprints. What a blessing they are. Just to have a friends to talk to is a blessing and they are already involved in literacy classes, sewing and needlework, preaching, and helping to visit and pray for the sick.
Only a few women are brave enough to come to our literacy class but it will grow. I have been visiting a young man who was hurt in a car accident, paralysed from the waist down. The hospital said go and buy a wheelchair and take him home there is nothing more we can do. He has had anti-inflammatories for one month that’s all. The family can hardly afford food never mind buying a wheel chair. Pastor and I went this week and we sang him his favourite hymn. Tears came into his eyes (that could have been my bad singing but I think it was God's spirit touching him).
I have to brush off the rat dirt to sit on my toilet these days. The rats want to get out of the rain, but the garden is flourishing. I’ve been planting cotton trees amongst other things.
I engaged a lawyer to deal with my last employee and his stealing – it was so funny to see the Chief Labour officers face. She was sorely afraid. Last time we met she intimidated me but the boot was on the other foot this time. The sweet lawyer (is there such a thing) didn’t charge me for his advice and muscle.
We are looking forward to Steve Turner and his wife coming to visit. They arrive on the 18th October. This is our first visit from an Aussie and I am excited. Will he understand my funny accent? I am hoping he will have some good ideas to impart.
Thank you for those of you who pray for me and support me in so many ways. I feel you are here with me strengthening me. Sometimes I am like Jeremiah saying, “Lord I’m too young(old) to do this” but God gives me the strength and your intersession for me gives me courage.
Be blessed
Durelle
September 25, 2011
Resting My Feet
Hi everyone,
Some of you will be wondering where I have been. After someone hacked into my laptop I lost all my newsletter connections and have had to reload as many as I can. Please accept my apologies for any rude emails you may have received – it truly wasn’t me but some crazy hacker who gets pleasure from upsetting people.
Life has been very hard here. I have been betrayed again but God is good and I’m back fighting. Last week we took a woman to hospital in Labour – the baby was dead but we at least saved her life. I believe she may have taken some African herbs. Another young girl here took the same herbs and aborted a baby girl at four months. They don’t know what they do. Many of the people are Christians in name only. Many only hear Gods word when they go to Church but even if they had a the bible they couldn’t read it. So many are illiterate, So the exciting news is that we are beginning literacy classes on 5th October. This will be in the vernacular language and next year we will add an English class
Come on you TESOL teaches come and help!!
I now have a Pastor working with me which lightens the load. I am in Ndola at present having a good rest. I’ve had a series of hard knocks so it’s good to be out of the village for a while. Our school is going well and we’ve added Bible in Schools to our curriculum, the ladies are sewing once a week, and we have begun a community project to take care of those who are HIV positive. Some follow up HIV training is to occur in the next few weeks. My soccer team is still winning their games so I love them. My garden is taking shape and I’ve prepared holes for my banana plantation ready for when the rains come in November.
Pastor Richard and I hold prayers and bible reading every morning at 7.30am and every day someone new arrives to share with us. I love this ‘family’ time. It is very hot here all of a sudden. No rain since March so the ground is very dry and dusty. The death rate here is high: on average there is one death every week in my vicinity. But good news - we have finally got rid of the incompetent nurse in the local clinic after advocating for a couple of years. We now have Peter a young male nurse who is lovely to chat to as well as a good nurse. I am often amazed that one woman and God can make a difference but our God is big. I have just returned from worship in a Baptist Church filled with 300 or more Africans worshipping in English. It filled my heart. The Pastor talked about living a life of love as Paul exhorts in his letter to the Ephesians. We sang that beautiful old hymn “Have thine own way Lord “– it brought tears to my eyes, tears of gratitude and rededication.
I say a big thank you to those of you who pray for me and those who support my work financially. I am often tired and lonely but I renew my vow every day to serve God in this place and I can't image doing anything else now. May you all be greatly blessed and may your foot one day stand in this Footprint here in Zambia dedicated to Jesus and His love.
Durelle
Some of you will be wondering where I have been. After someone hacked into my laptop I lost all my newsletter connections and have had to reload as many as I can. Please accept my apologies for any rude emails you may have received – it truly wasn’t me but some crazy hacker who gets pleasure from upsetting people.
Life has been very hard here. I have been betrayed again but God is good and I’m back fighting. Last week we took a woman to hospital in Labour – the baby was dead but we at least saved her life. I believe she may have taken some African herbs. Another young girl here took the same herbs and aborted a baby girl at four months. They don’t know what they do. Many of the people are Christians in name only. Many only hear Gods word when they go to Church but even if they had a the bible they couldn’t read it. So many are illiterate, So the exciting news is that we are beginning literacy classes on 5th October. This will be in the vernacular language and next year we will add an English class
Come on you TESOL teaches come and help!!
I now have a Pastor working with me which lightens the load. I am in Ndola at present having a good rest. I’ve had a series of hard knocks so it’s good to be out of the village for a while. Our school is going well and we’ve added Bible in Schools to our curriculum, the ladies are sewing once a week, and we have begun a community project to take care of those who are HIV positive. Some follow up HIV training is to occur in the next few weeks. My soccer team is still winning their games so I love them. My garden is taking shape and I’ve prepared holes for my banana plantation ready for when the rains come in November.
Pastor Richard and I hold prayers and bible reading every morning at 7.30am and every day someone new arrives to share with us. I love this ‘family’ time. It is very hot here all of a sudden. No rain since March so the ground is very dry and dusty. The death rate here is high: on average there is one death every week in my vicinity. But good news - we have finally got rid of the incompetent nurse in the local clinic after advocating for a couple of years. We now have Peter a young male nurse who is lovely to chat to as well as a good nurse. I am often amazed that one woman and God can make a difference but our God is big. I have just returned from worship in a Baptist Church filled with 300 or more Africans worshipping in English. It filled my heart. The Pastor talked about living a life of love as Paul exhorts in his letter to the Ephesians. We sang that beautiful old hymn “Have thine own way Lord “– it brought tears to my eyes, tears of gratitude and rededication.
I say a big thank you to those of you who pray for me and those who support my work financially. I am often tired and lonely but I renew my vow every day to serve God in this place and I can't image doing anything else now. May you all be greatly blessed and may your foot one day stand in this Footprint here in Zambia dedicated to Jesus and His love.
Durelle
September 23, 2011
Zambian Elections
On Thursday youths fought running battles with riot police in the towns of Ndola and Kitwe, setting fire to vehicles and markets.Durelle was in Ndola on Thursday, but is safe and well.
July 28, 2011
Victory is Sweet
Hi Everyone,
Words are inadequate to describe what has been happening here in the last ten days. Many of you already know that one of our staff has been stealing especially from the teachers. Ever since I came here I have been watching Rabi closely and this month he sent a receipt to David in Australia to say he had paid the teachers. Knowing they were complaining of non-payment we knew then that it must have been forged. David sent me a copy and I could tell immediately the signatures were false for I have a copy on file.
A Pastor friend Richard Musoyo arrived that very same day to come and work with me for a week as a trial with a view to becoming permanent. He was thrown in the deep end and I have to say a huge thank you God for sending him for he has been a tower of strength. We decided to go to the police because Rabi was very belligerent and we now had evidence. When I confronted him about the salaries he lied and when I said so he tried to assault me but he hit my assistant instead and he threatened the teacher, “you better lie for me and say you have been paid, because if I go to jail my family will kill you.”
The police said, "A crime has been committed lets go pick him up." So 3 policemen hopped into my car and I drove to the village to get him. So now my Footprints car is a paddy wagon!! They asked questions and Rabi fell into their trap with more and more lies. The police kept asking questions, Godwin, the teacher and Rabi kept telling lies, and I kept shouting, "Lies, Sir, throw them in the cell." I had told the police and others gathered that if the men would tell the truth I would withdraw the case. The men were inches from the cell, shoes off and handcuffs ready on the table, but still they lied. I held out for the truth, the only one in the room! Everyone else was crying, "Sister have mercy" and "Forgive him", but I just said, "Throw them in the cells till they tell the truth." The cell is a 4'x6' room with no window, no bed or toilet, cold and dark. Finally after 4 hours they broke, Godwin first, saying, "Mama I’m sorry I am lying" and then finally Rabi walked across the room to me and said, "Its true I am guilty of all that you have said." Praise God. Now rehabilitation can begin. It was my plea as his 'mother' to come back to God that broke him in the end. He threw his arms around me and we sobbed together.
And so ended another day in the life of a missionary in Africa. Next morning at 7am I was called to a help woman in early labour, Nelson came for physio on his foot, a woman came with a huge breast abscess etc. We serve an amazing God who strengthens us to do all things. Isaiah said:
The spiritual tension in the village is palpable so I am in Ndola for a rest. I bought hand lotion and shampoo and girlie things this morning. The community are shocked at my actions. No one has ever stood up to Rabi before. As a Councillor they are afraid of him. But they are happily shocked so we must build on that and promote leaders of integrity. The people here now know that I stand for truth.
In amongst that we have elected a committee for Channels of Hope and they are busy forming their constitution so they can register as an Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). Already this week the Church elders are beginning to reach out to vulnerable people and help. This is very exciting. Even in the chaos good things are happening.
On the way to Ndola we called at a Methodist Mission station where they make carts for the disabled so we could get a cart mended. It belongs to Jairos, a very jovial young man who cannot use his legs. Whenever he sees me he comes crawling through the dirt very quickly to take my hand. They are going to repair it for me and then Jairos, and I are going to have a race!
I have learned that I badly need an assistant. To facilitate meetings in a foreign language always relying on interpreters is not the easiest. Richard is a solid man of God, living the Word. He is 55 years old, married with 5 children, is an ex-army captain so doesn’t run from trouble. He is well trained in HIV awareness which is our main thrust at present. He is connected to families hereby birth, has counselling and administration skills, understands micro-enterprise and he can drive. He sees our centre as a place of learning. Please pray with me that God will send the money so I can employ him. He would like a salary of K1.8 million per month (about AUD450 per month). None of the Churches here can afford a pastor so in keeping with my vision I would love to employ him to help with educating the people, to train Church elders and to preach. Not being attached to any one church means he can help all church elders which is in keeping with Channels of Hope where 12 Churches have united. Eventually I see that this NGO will employ him but I would love to begin now so if anyone can help let me know.
In building a community there is always good and bad. Sometimes the old buildings need to come down and new ones erected. Its like that here. I believe that we have released the evil to make way for the best God has in store for us.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I can’t work without that. You are my partners in this work. I wish you could meet these people. People like Jairos, and others whom I love dearly. My dream is you will all come and visit one day. Bono said:
Blessings
Durelle
Words are inadequate to describe what has been happening here in the last ten days. Many of you already know that one of our staff has been stealing especially from the teachers. Ever since I came here I have been watching Rabi closely and this month he sent a receipt to David in Australia to say he had paid the teachers. Knowing they were complaining of non-payment we knew then that it must have been forged. David sent me a copy and I could tell immediately the signatures were false for I have a copy on file.
A Pastor friend Richard Musoyo arrived that very same day to come and work with me for a week as a trial with a view to becoming permanent. He was thrown in the deep end and I have to say a huge thank you God for sending him for he has been a tower of strength. We decided to go to the police because Rabi was very belligerent and we now had evidence. When I confronted him about the salaries he lied and when I said so he tried to assault me but he hit my assistant instead and he threatened the teacher, “you better lie for me and say you have been paid, because if I go to jail my family will kill you.”
The police said, "A crime has been committed lets go pick him up." So 3 policemen hopped into my car and I drove to the village to get him. So now my Footprints car is a paddy wagon!! They asked questions and Rabi fell into their trap with more and more lies. The police kept asking questions, Godwin, the teacher and Rabi kept telling lies, and I kept shouting, "Lies, Sir, throw them in the cell." I had told the police and others gathered that if the men would tell the truth I would withdraw the case. The men were inches from the cell, shoes off and handcuffs ready on the table, but still they lied. I held out for the truth, the only one in the room! Everyone else was crying, "Sister have mercy" and "Forgive him", but I just said, "Throw them in the cells till they tell the truth." The cell is a 4'x6' room with no window, no bed or toilet, cold and dark. Finally after 4 hours they broke, Godwin first, saying, "Mama I’m sorry I am lying" and then finally Rabi walked across the room to me and said, "Its true I am guilty of all that you have said." Praise God. Now rehabilitation can begin. It was my plea as his 'mother' to come back to God that broke him in the end. He threw his arms around me and we sobbed together.
And so ended another day in the life of a missionary in Africa. Next morning at 7am I was called to a help woman in early labour, Nelson came for physio on his foot, a woman came with a huge breast abscess etc. We serve an amazing God who strengthens us to do all things. Isaiah said:
"Clear the road make a straight path for my children. Remove everything that is blocking my people’s path."It feels like we are clearing out the rubbish so truth can prevail and the light can shine here in Mupitanshi. I love these people and want to help bring them into Gods light so that they can receive the blessings of God. There is so much evil and corruption here.
The spiritual tension in the village is palpable so I am in Ndola for a rest. I bought hand lotion and shampoo and girlie things this morning. The community are shocked at my actions. No one has ever stood up to Rabi before. As a Councillor they are afraid of him. But they are happily shocked so we must build on that and promote leaders of integrity. The people here now know that I stand for truth.
In amongst that we have elected a committee for Channels of Hope and they are busy forming their constitution so they can register as an Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). Already this week the Church elders are beginning to reach out to vulnerable people and help. This is very exciting. Even in the chaos good things are happening.
On the way to Ndola we called at a Methodist Mission station where they make carts for the disabled so we could get a cart mended. It belongs to Jairos, a very jovial young man who cannot use his legs. Whenever he sees me he comes crawling through the dirt very quickly to take my hand. They are going to repair it for me and then Jairos, and I are going to have a race!
I have learned that I badly need an assistant. To facilitate meetings in a foreign language always relying on interpreters is not the easiest. Richard is a solid man of God, living the Word. He is 55 years old, married with 5 children, is an ex-army captain so doesn’t run from trouble. He is well trained in HIV awareness which is our main thrust at present. He is connected to families hereby birth, has counselling and administration skills, understands micro-enterprise and he can drive. He sees our centre as a place of learning. Please pray with me that God will send the money so I can employ him. He would like a salary of K1.8 million per month (about AUD450 per month). None of the Churches here can afford a pastor so in keeping with my vision I would love to employ him to help with educating the people, to train Church elders and to preach. Not being attached to any one church means he can help all church elders which is in keeping with Channels of Hope where 12 Churches have united. Eventually I see that this NGO will employ him but I would love to begin now so if anyone can help let me know.
In building a community there is always good and bad. Sometimes the old buildings need to come down and new ones erected. Its like that here. I believe that we have released the evil to make way for the best God has in store for us.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I can’t work without that. You are my partners in this work. I wish you could meet these people. People like Jairos, and others whom I love dearly. My dream is you will all come and visit one day. Bono said:
"15,000 Africans are dying needlessly every day – every day, from preventable diseases for the lack of drugs that we in the West would never tolerate. Deep down if we really believe that Africans are our equals we would do more to halt this terrible tragedy."I beg you, come and visit, see for yourselves these beautiful people who have nothing, who are the least blessed of people in the world, who live every day with the threat of death. Every week in our village is a funeral. A child of 2 this week. Last week a Grandfather. Next week? Do come before its too late.
Blessings
Durelle
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