Report from Team Ondangwa
Saturday our team took a much-needed day of rest. We were up at 7AM to head out to Oshakati to see what that town was like. There are a lot of markets and a big mall with lots of stores. We had hoped to find some T-shirts for Nate but did not find anything but soccer team shirts. We checked out some of the markets and Nancy and Paula bought traditional Oshivambo dresses. We then drove back to Ondangwa and picked up a few things at the grocery store for a late lunch. We sat outside at the Fantasia and ate and chatted about how our week will go and about the worship services we would be attending on Sunday. We were able to connect with Jesse and the band to give them some more specific directions that Nate and Jim went out to figure out. It was a relaxing day.Sunday was an eventful day. Cross-cultural worship services are different, as we expected, so the service was longer than at home. The singing is great even if you don’t understand the words, lots of energy praising and worshiping. Both Nancy and Nate spoke at the first service we attended at the Haimbili’s home. I video taped some of the service and took pictures. Just after noontime the van headed north to Oshigambo a village 10km north of Ondangwa. If you have been a regular viewer of the blog back a few months ago you’ll remember a story about flooding. This village was hit with floods. Our hosts there for the church were hit hard loosing just about all their home. We gathered in a large room open to the outside but with the roof still over it and some portions of the wall. Before we worshiped our hosts served us a traditional African tribal meal like we had Friday night, but with no worms! Nate and I were disappointed because we have grown very fond of the little critters. I did take pictures of the food this time because there was better lighting.
Diina spoke the message and “preached it brother”; hell fire and brimstone. In the end several people came forward to receive Christ. Our team was asked to come and pray over them that they don’t backslide and grow in the faith. We were also asked to lay hands on our host’s mother because she was hunched over. We joined them to lay hands on her for healing.
Today, Monday, we went to the school for our morning teaching. Nate in 1st Peter and Nancy spoke on prayer. We made our infamous PBJ’s for lunch and now are preparing for the band to arrive. Boniface had radio spots announced about the band and posters have been put around town. Paula has taught some of the songs they will be singing to the students so they can sing along. John, Boniface, Saara and possibly Diina will share their testimonies this evening. Please keep this in your prayers for many to come and their hearts to be open to the Lord. The concert will start in about 5 hours from this posting or 18:00 (6PM) Namibian time.
Jim and Paula’s luggage is still lost, probably for good. Please pray we can let go of these earthly possessions and not let it bother us at all! Satan would love to distract us from the tasks at hand.
Nancy says: Again I say, what a team! Church for about seven hours in one day—even laying on hands for healing in there. They still haven’t mutinied. I am having a great time. We are looking for the band to arrive any time now and anticipate an exciting evening with them tonight. Hi, to you Vern. Glad to hear things are going well at home. Thanks again for the computer. It is working great. Love you.
From Paula: Ellen: I am so glad you could use our car! Thank you so much for helping with the house. It helps to not have to be concerned at all about it. Luv you A, Z, & N!
posted by Jimmy C @ 10:02 AM
