Leaving Niger State was a whirlwind, packing, tie up loose ends, and the difficulty of saying good by. We needed a little time in Jos to recover and people were gracious, inviting us over for meals and fellowship. The mission community was just great and we thank them. This trip was a study in contrastsContinue reading ““God saw all that he had made, and it was very good””
Author Archives: cgvan
Letting Go!
Letting Go! Life is full of change and most of us have to let go of things; jobs, houses we have lived in, people we have known, and favorite things we have hung onto for too long. It seems like missionaries have to let go more than the average person. We let go of ourContinue reading “Letting Go!”
The Importance of Willingness
Not long ago, after we retired someone asked me: how does one in ministry finish well? My answer: Be willing! Be willing in ministry and be willing in retirement, ministry does not stop. Last week we were looking forward to have our Pastoral Care course in Momo when we became aware of the continued healthContinue reading “The Importance of Willingness”
Volumo
Before going to the launching at Volumo on Sunday I was asked to preach at Mahula in Hausa so I need to reflect in English on Luke 15:11-32, the parable of the lost son, and/or of the compassionate father. We have come to know this parable as the parable of the Prodigal Son because ofContinue reading “Volumo”
Moworo
On Sunday I was asked to officiate at the communion service being held at Moworo where Obadia and Briskila are stationed. They participate in the Mahula pastor’s course. Rev. Likita was scheduled to preach and he brought an extra pastor’s robe for me. The church building is small so we had the worship service outsideContinue reading “Moworo”
Zuru
Saturday we went to a wedding at Zuru about 1 hr.1/2 North of Mahula. We were invited but we were also asked to drive the groom and bride back to the groom’s place in Uva’di which is near Mahula. The wedding ceremony was to be held at the ECWC (Evengelical Church of West Africa) inContinue reading “Zuru”
Water Wins
We have been talking about the need for water and for the need for wells and pumps. The organization that supplies clean water, spiritual water and other development is: http://www.waterwins.com The pictures you have seen about that work and the pictures with this post are people from that organization at work. Check out their webpage.Continue reading “Water Wins”
Mahula Course
Two weeks a ago the course at Mahula raised the question: How do new Christian converts interact with their relatives who are Tradition African believers? The issue comes up because when there is a death certain sacrifices are carried out. Sometimes the ceremony is postponed until an opportune time or until it involves more thanContinue reading “Mahula Course”
Idaci
This week Sunday we are going to Idaci, we have been there only once but it is a growing place with a large church and a school. There is also a school in Maretu and Mazame where Bill and Alie Hart lived and worked. Dave and Jan Dykgraaf spent many years living and working in Idaci. Today IContinue reading “Idaci”
Maretu
Friday, 3/26 Case and I with a carload full of happy women and children drove to Maretu for the Women’s Revival Meeting. Can you picture this, one man, thirteen women and 6 babies all loaded up in the pickup to drive for 2 1/2 hr over bumpy ,dusty, hot roads to a little villageContinue reading “Maretu”
Heavenhigh 