Dear All,
From so far away it is difficult to know what to say about Betty, except that she is in the hands of her Loving Heavenly Father and only He knows the whole situation and His plan. As I think you are aware, Betty had a G-tube inserted, someone had said that after that, with proper nutrition, she would "bounce back" - but, the reality of the situation is that after an initial slight improvement - her situation seems to have deteriorated.
She is in severe pain, is on heavy medication for this but even so, the pain is not being relieved, because of this, it is becoming more difficult for her to be propped up for her feeds. We have very little explanation, at this point, as to her real situation. Heavy sedation and a bacterial infection are making it more difficult for her to talk.
We thank you for praying for her and for us.
On this side - we do praise the Lord for answered prayer and for the tremendous help and support the counsellors were in the camps which have just finished. Also, every one of the speakers turned up in good time. We certainly have much to praise and thank the Lord for. Especially, are we thankful, for those whose lives were touched and changed - and we continue to support and pray for them. Thankyou for your great part in the Lord's work here. School exams are just about to start and following that of course, is the wonderful job of marking - being as these are the largest exams of the year!
Assembly wise, Don has many responsibilities, do pray regarding the assembly here - and for Don and the one brother who have been left with a great load. Much spiritual grace and wisdom is needed.
I thought the poem by Henry H. Barry, in the Counsel Magazine was very appropriate -
He Leadeth Me.
In "green pastures"? Not always;
sometimes He, Who knowest best,
in kindness leadeth me
In weary ways, where heavy shadows be,
Out of the sunshine, warm and soft and bright,
Out of the sunshine, into darkest night,
I oft would faint with sorrows and affright,
Only for this: I know He holds my hand;
So, whether led in green or desert land,
I trust, although I may not understand.
Beside "still waters"? No, not always so;
Oftimes the heavy tempests 'round me blow,
And o'er my soul the waves and billows go.
But when the storms beat loudest, and I cry
Aloud for help, the Master standeth by,
and whispers to my soul, "Lo, it is I."
Above the tempest wild I hear Him say:
"beyond this darkness lies the perfect day;
In every path of thine I lead the way.
"So, whether on the hill-tops, high and fair I dwell,
or in the sunless valleys where The shadows lie,
what matter? He is there.
And more than this; where'er the pathway lead,
He gives to me no helpless, broken reed,
But His own hand, sufficient for my need.
In the One who is working out His perfect plan,
thanking you for your great part,
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
College Camp
We will be off to the College camp Thurs 12th. Thanks for praying. Teachers and student teachers, plus other of ex students and workers hope to be attending. Don and John Langfeld will be sharing the sessions - and their subjects are from the book of Hebrews.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Photos
I have had my first, but unsuccessful attempts, to upload photos on to this page - too late to try any more tonight!!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
So much has happened!
Hello everyone - What a long silence from us - well, some have been receiving little snippets along the way - but as you know, nothing has appeared on this site!
For all of the year - we have been on very restricted electricity = however, eventually, the inevitable happened, and we were plunged into a total blackout - not only no electricity, but also no water. After about 10 days the water supply was reestablished - on rations, but the absence of electricity continued. The Lord had made provision for us to be able to purchase a small 5 KVA generator and we had done this in May - we were so thankful to the Lord that we had done this and therefore were able to run this in the evenings, thus managing to do all the necessary printing and communications for the camps which we were running.
In addition to this - during this time, Don's sister Betty was admitted to hospital - seriously sick and concerns were also being expressed about the welfare of Richard and Katherine's little daughter. Thankfully, due to the generator, we were able to keep in contact and on one morning learned that Betty was to have a G - tube inserted (viewed as more or less permanent due to digestive failure - ? further complications of radiation) and this would be how she would be fed, and that little Elysha, had multiple heart complications that would require immediate surgery after birth and at least 2 other surgeries during her first year of life D.V. We are thankful to report that Betty, now able to receive proper nutrition, is beginning to improve but still in hospital and that Katherine, is being given excellent care and attention and already, at this early stage, the specialists have planned out how they will proceed. They (and we) have had a lot of information to process - but ultimately, in all this, we all recognize that Our God is Sovereign and is working all things together, in love, for His Glory.
We are thankful to report that we do now have electricity again - although still rationed but a better supply than we have had throughout 2007.
You may recall us asking for prayer regarding the camps and we are thankful to say that the Lord has answered those prayers - Don was so encouraged at the previous Boy's camp - as some of the younger counsellors have shown such responsibility and care so that, while other of our missionary colleagues are not around to help this year - the work has gone ahead with a wonderful working relationship and recognition that the work is being done for the Lord. We are thankful for those who have come to the Lord and others who have been challenged and strengthened. The last of the school camps is currently in progress (Grade 11 & 12 Boys) and we value prayer for this weekend too. Following this, in July, we have a College and Careers Camp and there has been a lot of interest expressed by various of the student teachers who are currently in school for their teaching practice. In line with this too, has been the encouragement through the interest in the Tues evening Bible Study at our home where this same group is catered for - Don has been going thru Romans - and so much interest has been shown - and we are thankful for the Lord's working in the lives of a number - from a J.W./Traditionalist, to a Unversity Graduate - all beginning to realize that indeed, before the Lord we are ALL Guilty and undercondemnation - we long to see them humble themselves and accept the solution. One other young man - after asking a question and receiving the explanation regarding our position and acceptance in Christ, exclaimed, something to the effect of, "wow, that IS amazing Grace!" Grace is such a foreign concept and seems so hard to grasp - everyone is very ready to accept the fact that they must work for salvation or to keep their salvation-even although they will admit that they fail - so an exclamation such as this - really brought tears to my eyes!
Thankyou to all who pray for us - your prayers are so valuable - we appreciate them. Please continue and especially we would ask that you would pray that we would have, or avail ourselves of, the needed grace to cope with the frustrations of rising corruption and interruptions to established programs in school. These two factors make teaching so much more difficult. Pray that we might be faithful to the commission and recognize the great responsiblity and opportunity we do have to share the wonderful Gospel of Grace with so many.
Another very major prayer request is for the local assembly here - pray too for grace and wisdom as problems are faced and dealt with - that in all the Lord's name might be honoured and glorified and as a result His people encouraged and strengthened in their faith.
Time is short - the devil knows it - may we all go forth with courage knowing that the victory has already been won - we are on the winning side - may we honour the One who is the Victor!! Also, may we press on towards the mark................................
For all of the year - we have been on very restricted electricity = however, eventually, the inevitable happened, and we were plunged into a total blackout - not only no electricity, but also no water. After about 10 days the water supply was reestablished - on rations, but the absence of electricity continued. The Lord had made provision for us to be able to purchase a small 5 KVA generator and we had done this in May - we were so thankful to the Lord that we had done this and therefore were able to run this in the evenings, thus managing to do all the necessary printing and communications for the camps which we were running.
In addition to this - during this time, Don's sister Betty was admitted to hospital - seriously sick and concerns were also being expressed about the welfare of Richard and Katherine's little daughter. Thankfully, due to the generator, we were able to keep in contact and on one morning learned that Betty was to have a G - tube inserted (viewed as more or less permanent due to digestive failure - ? further complications of radiation) and this would be how she would be fed, and that little Elysha, had multiple heart complications that would require immediate surgery after birth and at least 2 other surgeries during her first year of life D.V. We are thankful to report that Betty, now able to receive proper nutrition, is beginning to improve but still in hospital and that Katherine, is being given excellent care and attention and already, at this early stage, the specialists have planned out how they will proceed. They (and we) have had a lot of information to process - but ultimately, in all this, we all recognize that Our God is Sovereign and is working all things together, in love, for His Glory.
We are thankful to report that we do now have electricity again - although still rationed but a better supply than we have had throughout 2007.
You may recall us asking for prayer regarding the camps and we are thankful to say that the Lord has answered those prayers - Don was so encouraged at the previous Boy's camp - as some of the younger counsellors have shown such responsibility and care so that, while other of our missionary colleagues are not around to help this year - the work has gone ahead with a wonderful working relationship and recognition that the work is being done for the Lord. We are thankful for those who have come to the Lord and others who have been challenged and strengthened. The last of the school camps is currently in progress (Grade 11 & 12 Boys) and we value prayer for this weekend too. Following this, in July, we have a College and Careers Camp and there has been a lot of interest expressed by various of the student teachers who are currently in school for their teaching practice. In line with this too, has been the encouragement through the interest in the Tues evening Bible Study at our home where this same group is catered for - Don has been going thru Romans - and so much interest has been shown - and we are thankful for the Lord's working in the lives of a number - from a J.W./Traditionalist, to a Unversity Graduate - all beginning to realize that indeed, before the Lord we are ALL Guilty and undercondemnation - we long to see them humble themselves and accept the solution. One other young man - after asking a question and receiving the explanation regarding our position and acceptance in Christ, exclaimed, something to the effect of, "wow, that IS amazing Grace!" Grace is such a foreign concept and seems so hard to grasp - everyone is very ready to accept the fact that they must work for salvation or to keep their salvation-even although they will admit that they fail - so an exclamation such as this - really brought tears to my eyes!
Thankyou to all who pray for us - your prayers are so valuable - we appreciate them. Please continue and especially we would ask that you would pray that we would have, or avail ourselves of, the needed grace to cope with the frustrations of rising corruption and interruptions to established programs in school. These two factors make teaching so much more difficult. Pray that we might be faithful to the commission and recognize the great responsiblity and opportunity we do have to share the wonderful Gospel of Grace with so many.
Another very major prayer request is for the local assembly here - pray too for grace and wisdom as problems are faced and dealt with - that in all the Lord's name might be honoured and glorified and as a result His people encouraged and strengthened in their faith.
Time is short - the devil knows it - may we all go forth with courage knowing that the victory has already been won - we are on the winning side - may we honour the One who is the Victor!! Also, may we press on towards the mark................................
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
A Humbling Experience
Some weeks ago, we visited a small assembly, which we had not visited since our return in January. We learned that an older brother in that assembly was unwell, so after the meetings we passed by his village in order to greet him and see how he was. We found him quite weak and unwell and Elva was able to help him with some medicines. This dear brother is quite deaf and you would suspect, often misses things because of that. He was so delighted to see us both, and the first thing he asked Elva was, (note that he hadn’t seen her for 5 months), “How is your father? I have been praying for you and wondering how you were and how the father is. Just yesterday I learned that you were in Kabompo, but no one could tell me his condition.” What an encouragement and how humbling, that a brother who is so unwell himself, and so frail, could take the time to pray for us, even although he hadn’t seen or heard anything for all that time. In addition he proceeded to say how happy he was that we were both back together, as he had been feeling sorry for Don and praying for him, during the time that we had been separated. It was a challenge to us as we asked ourselves about our own consistency to pray for others in their troubles, especially when difficulties seem to mount up in our own lives. Don proceeded to try and tell him, what he had shared with the believers that morning but his deafness made this almost impossible. Then this brother told us of what he had been rejoicing in that day, the intercessory work of our Lord – which had also been part of Don’s message to the believers. How wonderful that the Holy Spirit was bringing to his mind, the messages that his brothers were receiving, and even although physically unable to hear, he was being fed and led, by the Holy Spirit!
We have just returned from the Senior Girls’ camp where we had 99 girls from grade 11& 12. We had a 4-day weekend where they were presented with many “Choices” and given examples from the Bible of good and bad choices and their consequences. We do thank the Lord that they listened well, did very well in their memory work and there was a good atmosphere amongst both the campers and the Counsellors. We thank the Lord for those who came for one on one counselling and for those who expressed a desire to give their lives to the Lord. Thank you to all who have prayed – please continue to support them and us in your prayers.
We have been going through a trying time of late and so much appreciate the prayers of the Lords people.
We have just returned from the Senior Girls’ camp where we had 99 girls from grade 11& 12. We had a 4-day weekend where they were presented with many “Choices” and given examples from the Bible of good and bad choices and their consequences. We do thank the Lord that they listened well, did very well in their memory work and there was a good atmosphere amongst both the campers and the Counsellors. We thank the Lord for those who came for one on one counselling and for those who expressed a desire to give their lives to the Lord. Thank you to all who have prayed – please continue to support them and us in your prayers.
We have been going through a trying time of late and so much appreciate the prayers of the Lords people.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
David Boyd Long - called home Feb 4, 2007
David Boyd Long SaKambamba
Coming from “down under”, my first introduction to David Boyd Long was when, as a young nurse at Chitokoloki, I came down with Hepatitis and in order to recuperate, went thru to Loloma Mission to spend some time with Charlie and Ann Geddis. While there, in order to pass the resting time and gain some refreshment, Agnes MacDonald gave me audio tapes of teaching on Revelation, by David Long. What a joy and indeed a refreshment, to listen to such wonderful clear teaching on the book of Revelation – thought by many to be a “difficult” book, but explained so beautifully and simply by such an able teacher. There followed other tapes, equally clear and uplifting. So, it was a joy, at a later time, to have the pleasure of beginning to know this dear brother personally, when he paid a visit to Zambia. Later, in 1975, when my future mother in law was dying, and it was decided that, rather than a wedding in Zambia, Don and I should go to Canada so I would have the pleasure of meeting Don’s mother, we did just that. In August 1975, while a stranger in a strange land but knowing Mr Long, he acted on behalf of my father and gave me away at our wedding. I was honoured to spend my last night, as an unmarried woman, in the home of David and Eleanor Long and enjoyed Mrs Longs sweet hospitality. Subsequently I always affectionately referred to Mr Long as Dad and enjoyed letters from him. When in later years, he revisited Zambia with his new wife Barbara, we were happy to be able to entertain them in our own home in Kabompo.
However, it should be noted that his tape ministry was not only in English but many teaching tapes were also produced in Chokwe. These tapes, together with the hand wound cassette players produced by Gospel Recordings, were left at small assemblies in this district here. Sometimes, when visiting these assemblies, they would tell us that “Sakambamba is sick, he is not talking to us – we ask him how he is but he doesn’t answer us” – of course, they were meaning that the tape player was not working and we would have to take it back for repair. They were and continue to be delighted when Sakambamba is well enough to continue his ministry to them. During his visit to Zambia with Barbara, mentioned above, it was a thrill, for some of the Chokwe brethren, to be able to meet, in person, the one whose translation work and spoken ministry, they had appreciated and benefited from for many years.
We have both been honoured to have known and benefited from the ministry and fellowship of Bro Long –( Don’s association with him and the family is much longer than mine), and we do extend our sympathy to Barbara and the family. However, with them, we rejoice that he is now free from the limitations of a failing body and mind and face to face with the One whom he served and testified about, for so many years. While he is no longer physically present here, yet be assured that his clear ministry will continue to be appreciated and will benefit the assemblies here for years to come, if the Lord leaves us here.
Elva Brooks
Coming from “down under”, my first introduction to David Boyd Long was when, as a young nurse at Chitokoloki, I came down with Hepatitis and in order to recuperate, went thru to Loloma Mission to spend some time with Charlie and Ann Geddis. While there, in order to pass the resting time and gain some refreshment, Agnes MacDonald gave me audio tapes of teaching on Revelation, by David Long. What a joy and indeed a refreshment, to listen to such wonderful clear teaching on the book of Revelation – thought by many to be a “difficult” book, but explained so beautifully and simply by such an able teacher. There followed other tapes, equally clear and uplifting. So, it was a joy, at a later time, to have the pleasure of beginning to know this dear brother personally, when he paid a visit to Zambia. Later, in 1975, when my future mother in law was dying, and it was decided that, rather than a wedding in Zambia, Don and I should go to Canada so I would have the pleasure of meeting Don’s mother, we did just that. In August 1975, while a stranger in a strange land but knowing Mr Long, he acted on behalf of my father and gave me away at our wedding. I was honoured to spend my last night, as an unmarried woman, in the home of David and Eleanor Long and enjoyed Mrs Longs sweet hospitality. Subsequently I always affectionately referred to Mr Long as Dad and enjoyed letters from him. When in later years, he revisited Zambia with his new wife Barbara, we were happy to be able to entertain them in our own home in Kabompo.
However, it should be noted that his tape ministry was not only in English but many teaching tapes were also produced in Chokwe. These tapes, together with the hand wound cassette players produced by Gospel Recordings, were left at small assemblies in this district here. Sometimes, when visiting these assemblies, they would tell us that “Sakambamba is sick, he is not talking to us – we ask him how he is but he doesn’t answer us” – of course, they were meaning that the tape player was not working and we would have to take it back for repair. They were and continue to be delighted when Sakambamba is well enough to continue his ministry to them. During his visit to Zambia with Barbara, mentioned above, it was a thrill, for some of the Chokwe brethren, to be able to meet, in person, the one whose translation work and spoken ministry, they had appreciated and benefited from for many years.
We have both been honoured to have known and benefited from the ministry and fellowship of Bro Long –( Don’s association with him and the family is much longer than mine), and we do extend our sympathy to Barbara and the family. However, with them, we rejoice that he is now free from the limitations of a failing body and mind and face to face with the One whom he served and testified about, for so many years. While he is no longer physically present here, yet be assured that his clear ministry will continue to be appreciated and will benefit the assemblies here for years to come, if the Lord leaves us here.
Elva Brooks
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