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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