Countdown to Congo

For the Congo team, it's the night before the big flight to Paris, a waystop on the trip to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

The main checklist is really a prayer list:

• Pray for Cal, who has a ticket, but not a reserved seat, on the leg from Paris to Kinshasa. He is considering alternative routes.
• Pray for Linda, who has been afflicted with a nasty virus and is feeling very tired.
• Pray for the families of those who are going. It's hard to say goodbye to a loved one, even for a few weeks, when the destination is so distant.
• Pray for finances ... at the last minute airfare went up $500 unexpectedly. Donations have been coming in but the team is still just a little bit short.
• Pray for all those important last-minute details to fall into place.

Our prayer meeting at the Schlomers' Monday night was a great time of unity in the Spirit. Thanks to those who attended for supporting the team.

Linda writes:

"I am resting in God's peace. It's a good place to be. I realize we are going in Jesus' Name, in His strength and power, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, protected by His angels, His Word on our tongues, His message written on our hearts, full of love for His beloved people in Congo, we are dressed fully with each piece of the Armor of God, lifted up by prayer by those that love us the most, following His footsteps.

"We look forward to coming back and sharing what He will write upon our hearts, sharing the vivid images of Our Father at work in Africa."

The team leaves Seatac Airport bound for Paris early Wednesday morning, so lift them up in prayer as they wing their way across the U.S. then the Atlantic. It's a long flight. Pray for rest, good fellowship, safety, and the opportunity to share the love of Christ with fellow passengers.

This blog is going to be very active over the next three weeks while the team is away. The team will be sharing reflections, photos, and possibly video and these will be posted here. We will post the trip itinerary, maps, and prayer requests.

Also be sure to be with us at Elim for Sunday morning worship, this Sunday and next. This Sunday morning we are hoping for a live videoconference during the service with the team after they arrive in Gemena (the main town near Tandala Hospital in the northwest part of the Congo).

And the following Sunday we will attempt to touch base with the team by cell phone. We have been told that if they stand just right under a certain tree on the hospital grounds, they can get a cell phone signal.

So be sure to join us as we unite the Church of Jesus-worshippers on opposite sides of the planet!

Also feel free to use this blog to share your own thoughts, best wishes, and prayers with the team. Click on the link (at the bottom of each posting) which says "# Comments" in order to leave your comment for the team. They will try to respond to each comment as soon as they are able.