Introducing the Team: Linda McCoy

The Congo Vision Trip team consists of four members: Senior Pastor Martin Schlomer, Elder Board chair Cal Kierum, and members Linda McCoy and Nathalie Poelman. We have asked each to submit a photo and write an introductory blog about who they are and why they are planning on traveling to the Congo next summer.

Linda McCoy

We had the privilege several years ago of having a young lady named Nessie stay with our family. She was with the African Choir Team, which was touring area churches, bringing the Gospel and encouraging believers in the U.S. Nessie came to us from Mozambique.

The first thing Nessie said when she came into our home was, "You are so rich!" She taught us how blessed we are because our family knows the Lord and can openly worship Him. I will never forget Nessie and the permanent impression she left upon my heart.

God used Nessie to connect my heart to the people in Africa. When I heard how Elim is planning a vision trip to the Congo, I knew, after praying, that He was calling me to participate. What an incredible privilege, to see firsthand what God is doing!

He will write His message on our hearts, and then He will want us to tell His story. We have His message of love to tell those in Africa. Nessie came here. I can go there. It brings things full circle.

Three things come to mind. First of all, according to Luke 12:48, to whom "much has been given, much is required." Gordy and I have been married 36 years, raised our three wonderful children, watched them come to love the Lord, marry the ones God chose for them, and dedicate their families to Him. Our lives are rich ... because of Him.

Secondly, God wants me to step out of my comfort zone. He uses the weak of the world to show His strength (1 Corinthians 1:27), and that is certainly me! The thought of going to Africa without Gordy is huge, but so is the peace He has given us both.

Lastly, and most importantly, will you pray for us? Pray for those in the Congo who are dying of AIDS, even as I write this article. Pray for the children left alone to fend for themselves. Pray for those who are so desperately attempting to minister to broken hearts.

One life can make a difference! Jesus did. So can you.

Because of Him,

Linda McCoy
Habakkuk 1:5

"Leaving Christ's Fingerprints" ... a Christmas Letter From Rachel Martin

A 7-year-old boy lies on his mat in a small hut in Gemena, Congo. He’s shaking with pain and fear. His leg is broken, and there is no way to send him to a hospital. He has already known great sorrow, as his dad recently died of AIDS. What will happen to him now?

Weeks before, his caregiver had been informed that Mohamat was in the test group of 250 orphans for GlobalFingerprints. He could enroll in school, and was called to receive his backpack and school supplies from the Congolese staff working with orphans.

Because of his broken leg, he could not go to get his backpack. But the news spread that he was unable to attend. The director of the AIDS program in Congo sent word that we would bring him and his caregiver to Tandala Hospital, where he would receive the care he needed to heal.

What a wonderful day it was for everyone! Our Congolese GlobalFingerprints staff were so thrilled that they could reach out to Mohamat, a Muslim boy in their community, in this way. They sent word ahead to the church at Tandala that Mohamat was on his way. At Tandala, the AIDS church workers organized meals for Mohamat and his caregiver. The hospital staff received him warmly, quickly operated and put his leg in traction. It will take weeks for healing, but it will happen! The Muslim cleric in Gemena was awed at the compassion shown by Christians to this Muslim boy, and thanked the church leaders. The leaders were overwhelmed and so grateful to be able to offer help in this way, and praised God.

This is what Christ’s compassion is all about. Reaching out to someone in need, and meeting that need. Bringing hope and healing. And God being glorified. Because of GlobalFingerprints, Mohamat will not die of an infection or suffer to live with a crippled leg. No! Mohamat will be back in his village in a few weeks, celebrating life, going to school, feeling loved and special. And he will even play soccer once again! You see, God has a plan for Mohamat, and we have the privilege of being the hands of Jesus, leaving Christ’s fingerprints on his broken leg and heart.

Pray that little Mohamat will understand the simple truth that Jesus loves Him and died for Him so that He could know God. Pray for the other 250 orphans now receiving help through the Congolese church, because of sponsors here who are giving. We are in the process of matching these test sponsors with the children. For those of you patiently waiting, I trust that in January, sponsorship will be open to all. I will let you know as soon as I can, because there are hundreds of Mohamats in desperate need of the touch of Christ.

I did not make it to Congo in November due to unrest following the presidential elections. Praise God, there is the possibility for peace in the Congo. My next scheduled trip is from January 24-February 11.

This is what is happening in Congo: Christ’s fingerprints are being left behind, causing all to praise our Father God. May this be our story here at home, as well.

Jesus reached out and touched our hurting world 2000 years ago, and He is still reaching out; touching and changing lives like Mohamat’s.

Good tidings of great joy ... the Babe ... His name is Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. Let us praise Him together with the heavenly host and our brothers and sisters in Congo.

Introducing the Team: Nathalie Poelman

The Congo Vision Trip team consists of four members: Senior Pastor Martin Schlomer, Elder Board chair Cal Kierum, and members Linda McCoy and Nathalie Poelman. We have asked each to submit a photo and write an introductory blog about who they are and why they are planning on traveling to the Congo next summer. Let's start with Nathalie!

Nathalie Poelman

My name is Nathalie Poelman, and I am a mother of three. Our oldest son, Jonathan, is a freshman at Western Washington University, and he is working toward a business or communication degree. Our son Jimmy is a High School sophomore, and he would like to become a surgeon someday and practice in a third world country. Our little one, Sophie, is in Kindergarten, and she wants to be a cow girl!

I am married to a wonderful man, Hank, that God brought into my life 8 years ago. I was a single mom working two jobs here and there for years, and I am thankful that God has given me the opportunity to be a full-time mother again.

I was not a Christian when I meet Hank, but even then felt God’s calling to find a church where we lived in California. God led us to the First Christian Church in Newberry Park, where we took a newcomers Sunday school class and other classes that followed. I realized how much I needed God in my life and how much of His guidance I had missed all these years. It was a blessing to witness God’s work through some wonderful people in that church, and Jonathan, Jimmy and I were baptized there before we moved to Washington State.

We searched for several months in Puyallup to find a church that felt like home. I remember the first time we came to Elim. Pastor Martin greeted us at the door, and everyone was so nice and welcoming. This nice lady came to us and asked all our names because she wanted to be able to remember us next Sunday. Her name was Ariel. She has since moved to a church closer to her family, and I miss her a lot.

Elim has become my church home, my sanctuary. A place where I know the door is always open if I need spiritual guidance, encouragement or a kick in the behind. I realize that it’s not always easy to follow in God’s ways. I need to work hard every day to become spiritually healthy and become more like God.

The first time I was approached about the vision mission to the Congo I was very excited, and I said yes with no hesitation. I knew in my heart that it is what God wanted me to do! God gave his life for me because he loves me, and I want to go to the Congo to share how precious God is, and to tell others about God’s unconditional and powerful love.

It’s scary to go out of your safety zone, but didn’t God do it to share the Gospel with us? He even gave His Son’s life for us. I know that going to the Congo will mature and strengthen me in my relationship with Him.

All of us have a vision for our children to grow, be healthy and to live in God’s will. I want this same vision for the Congolese children and their families.