Meeting Ursulla Dewensse...

On Wednesday afternoon, I finally got to meet Ursulla.

Our family "sponsors" her as an orphan child through a ministry called Vision Trust - very similar to the ministry of Project Hope and Charite' toward orphans - helping her get food, clothing, and basic life needs met... while also helping her learn about the great love and salvation God offers through Jesus Christ.

I got to spend about an hour with her.  They think she is between 4-6 years old.  She lives with her mother in a house with lots of kids.  Her mother works all day, trying to sell peanuts and other things to be able to get food. 

Ursulla was sweet, trusting, and a little bit shy during our visit.  I shared some gifts with her, including the yellow stuffed bunny that she absolutely loved.  With the help of the translator, I was able to tell her about my family and how much we love her and pray for her.  I played a sound clip of Allie and Luke saying hi to Ursulla.

We went for a little walk, took lots of pictures, and sat together on a swing.  I didn't want to overwhelm her, but I did want to communicate that I was a safe person and that I care for her.  Our family has been praying for her for months and months now. 

The whole "helping orphans in Africa" thing just became a thousand times more personal, more urgent, and more in-my-face REAL when I got the chance to meet kids and hear their stories and witness the needs in their lives.

Multiply that by the investment of time, prayer, and money that our family is making... and the chance to meet this precious little girl who was born into a life without hope...

Then, to think that God may have blessed me with the opportunity, the responsibility, and the means to be an "agent of hope" in the life of a child on the other side of the world? 

All thanks and credit to God, and praise and prayers for the work he's doing in Ursulla's life... and the work he's doing in mine. 

Update from Bangui...

As we’re getting ready to leave to come back, my mind and heart are on overload. 

 

The past few days…

 

It’s now Thursday around noon, and we’ve checked our bags in at the local “Air France” station.  I am bringing home two big trunks (checked bags).

 

The past 3.5 days have been so FULL of meetings, conversations, travel, impressions, stories… it will take months, maybe years to unpack my mind and heart. 

 

Monday – camping trip to Bangui, stop at Boyali, Bossembele 2, Bossembele 1… camping overnight at Bossembele 1.

 

Tuesday – camping at Bossembele 1, visit to Bossembele 2, travel to Boyali again for lunch.. travel to AMAZING Boali waterfalls… do a google search.  It was like being at Niagara Falls Without all the commerce and people.  From Boali Falls we came back home, showered, ate… team time, etc.  Went to Café.

 

Wednesday – early breakfast @ Café’ with Dave Collins… We are Café’ junkies here.  Then to Sakpa church for school visit and presentations of gifts.  We were there at least 2 hours.  Came home, had lunch (burgers) and cole slaw and “ngunja” (their homemade stuff that looks like spinach but it’s not).  Wednesday afternoon – team time, and then at 4:10 pm, Christophe from ICDI brought Ursulla here along with her orphan supervisor/caretaker, Marie.  We sat and talked for about 20 minutes, and then I brought out the pics and gifts for Ursulla.  I showed her pics of our family, and played the audio files of Allie and Luke saying hello to Ursulla.  We went for a walk, sat on a swing, and she held my hand the entire time.  She let me hold her and took pictures together.  It was tremendous.  She LOVED the stuffed bunny. 

 

Immediately after Ursulla left, five of us went to the African artist’s market.  It was a blast to negotiate with all of the vendors there.. and I was glad we had help from the other missionaries. 

 

After that, we ate dinner (all leftovers) and then packed our bags and trunks for home.  Probably 5 hours a night the last 3 nights.  I’m sore and tired, but my heart and mind are overflowing with all good things. 

 

Thursday (today) – Breakfast here… then Dr. Francois Ngoumape from the Seminary here (Dean of Seminary in Bangui) and his wife came and picked me up and brought me over to speak to the seminary students and professors in their Chapel.  I spoke from Matthew 4:18-22 about the “Come, Follow Me” passage.  It was awesome to see all of those men and women preparing for ministries and churches that need them.  Part of that visit was to meet Pastor Yalimon Joel – who is the father to Girard, and pastor of our Bossembele Center 2 Church.  He is called “Joel.”  I did an audio interview with him and there was an instant chemistry and gratitude between us. 

 

After that, I talked with Dr. Ngoumape in his office, he prayed for us, and had me sign his guestbook.  Very cool.... 

 

When we got back to the Missions Center, several people were waiting to see us before our trip to the airport… one of them was Pastor Tizokoe of Sakpa… who had  brought a few things that I left accidentally at Sakpa (earplugs, hand-written notes, and – yes – sunscreen!).  IT was GREAT to see him again, but tough to say goodbye again.  Also tough to say goodbye to Immanuel, who is the coordinator here of the Hand in Hand program.  He’s basically the “superintendent” over all the teachers that are employed in the program… HE is the one who keeps up with how the schools, teachers, and churches are doing and visits them constantly.  They have 30+ schools like this to visit.  Currently, three do not have sponsors.

 

Okay, I have to get off the computer… thanks, you guys, for praying and reading along… I will have even more to say in these next few weeks if anyone cares.  This has been great, to say the least!

 

 

 

Uhhh... Camping Updates from Africa?

Well, I just spent the last 30 minutes typing out a GREAT update for you about our 2-day camping trip here in Africa.

I went to upload it and lost it.

Unreal. I gotta get sleep.

I miss you guys and look forward to telling you about some unbelievable sights, some huge-hearted people, and some unforgettable moments just in these last 48 hours.

In another 48 hours, I get back on that plane to Paris.

Here goes the upload attempt. Did I make it?

Sunday @ Sakpa...

This morning, I woke up early feeling actually really good.  We were headed to Sakpa church for Sunday morning services there.

 

First, I got dressed here at the mission house and had some coffee.

 

Then, our team had some time of prayer and singing.

 

Next, we went to a local café and had breakfast.  Much to my surprise, the place had something that absolutely made my month.

 

Can you guess what it is?

 

Here are your options:

 

(1)     Air Conditioning

(2)     Free Wireless Internet Access

(3)     Awesome food

(4)     All of the above.

 

Did you guess?

 

As they say here… “oh la la…. ooh-shooh” – Number FOUR, baby.  All of the above. 

 

I was able to cool off in the A/C.  Even though I was ready and sweaty to preach – an already warm day only insulated by the pastor’s coat, dress shirt, tie, and long pants I was wearing.

 

I was able to download e-mails, check facebook, check the weather, and send a few notes.

 

I got some more to eat and it was a great vanilla cream torte.  Yowzers.

 

Okay, so then we made the 25-minute drive to Sakpa.

 

Pastor Tizokoe was out in the front to meet us, and several of the deacons were with him.  They ushered us into a side room to talk and pray.  And to feed us ANOTHER BREAKFAST!  Hot omelettes, bread, and fruit.

 

And I have to say, yet again, a phrase that has become all too familiar to the Underwood family and to readers of our blog…

 

“Man, these bananas are good!”

 

I took lots of pictures of the pastor, the building, the surrounding area, the many groups of kids who were waiting there.  The previous pastor died tragically several years ago, but his wife still faithfully attends the church and is somewhat of a matriarch or grandmother to the rest of the church family.  She was thrilled to see her picture after I got a snapshot on the digital camera.  Thank you, Meijer store, for a wonderful camera that works well even in Africa.  No, they didn’t give it to me for free, but the pics we’ve got here are priceless…

 

At around 9:30am, worship service started. 

 

Pastor Tizokoe welcomed everyone and set the tone for our morning.  Two choirs sang, both with drums and rhythm and people of ALL ages.  They had a battery-powered electric guitar.  They had drums.  They had sweet voices.  They had hymnals.  They had great smiles. 

 

I hope they didn’t mind me holding up my “recording device” and getting the sounds of many songs and things they said.

 

Pastor read the Scripture.  Deacons took the offering.  Tradition here is to walk forward and place your offering gift in the basket with your right hand. 

 

Barb Wooler translated for me as I preached from Matthew 4:18-22.  I’d speak a few words in English, and then she would repeat them in Sangho language.  Every once in a while, I’d sneak in a Sangho phrase just to play with them.  “Mingi, Mingi” means “many many.”  “Balao” means “Hello.”  I told a story about shopping at the African market yesterday, and that was probably their favorite part of the message.  At least they laughed and nodded a lot.  I was told that my humor would not be able to translate to them, but apparently that notion was quelled for a brief moment of speaker-relating-with-audience-bliss.

 

The message was 45-50 minutes, and we had a great time.  I was sweaty because of the heat was good.  Nice – I just found out that I’m missing a team meeting. 

 

I love you guys, and thanks for reading…

 

In Christ,

Gary U

Saturday Morning Questions...

Well, I get to type a quick blog entry after having my first shower in six days!

 

Just kidding. 

 

This will be a long blog entry.

 

It’s Saturday morning here in Bangui, and it’s already the hottest day during our time here.  We’ll probably push 100 degrees Fahrenheit today.  I bet you can Google it and find out.  I cannot.  You can, though.  But I can’t.

 

This morning, some of our team members are visiting with the orphan children that they personally sponsor.  What an awesome opportunity.  Most members of our team sponsor an orphan child through this Project Hope & Charite’, and some are visiting them at their homes. 

 

Our family sponsors a child through Vision Trust and ICDI.  We are working to schedule a time for me to meet Ursulla and her mother.  Ursulla is probably 5 years old now, and lives in the Boy-Rabe village here in the city.  On Thursday when we were driving through the city, I did see a street sign that basically said, “Boy-Rabe >>>”  so her village was probably out that direction. 

 

I think I posted her information and a brief testimony/commentary about her in a previous blog post, probably in mid-September.  Dave Martin (from our church in Delaware, OH) was here in September when Ursulla and her mother were brought over to visit, hoping to meet me here. 

 

I look forward to meeting her and seeing her smile.  We are grateful for the opportunity to help her and her family out in this way.  Certainly, I believe it is worthwhile, and it’s the right thing to do.  At the same time, we pray for God’s blessing on her life and her family.  We pray that she would know the great love, compassion, attention, and rescue offered by her heavenly Father.  We pray that she would grow to be a healthy, cared-for, growing and learning young woman… but that she would see and love God’s hand in all of this. 

 

Interesting… we pray the same thing for Allie, Luke, and Julie.  If we try raising our own kids without God’s help, strength, guidance, wisdom, and love – is there any lasting or significant value in that?  The same goes for Ursulla, if we “sponsor” her, but don’t prayerfully seek and encourage God’s Spirit to guide, protect, love, teach, empower, and lead her…

 

Sponsoring a child does feel good.  It is the right thing to do.  Food, clothing, shelter.  We all should do these kind of things – not to make ourselves feel better or less guilty or whatever… but because OTHER PEOPLE REALLY NEED IT… Even more, I strongly believe God wants us to do it.  Even more (?!?!!) is the belief and opportunity that this sponsorship is part of God’s eternal work in me, and part of His eternal work in her – Ursulla Dewensse. 

 

So… two prayer requests.. (1) Pray that I’ll get the chance to meet Ursulla, encourage her, and be some small reflection of Christ’s love and compassion to her.  (2) If you would be so bold… pray about how God may want you to do something for somebody else… ask God to sharpen your heart to the needs of others, and to help you develop a generous and compassionate heart like His. 

 

And, back to the beginning of my e-mail… I was kidding about the shower.  The truth is, I did indeed take a shower.  However, I have indeed showered more than once in the last six days. 

 

With love from Africa,

Pastor Gary

 

 

 

 

Day 2 - Hand in Hand Visits, Dinner with Missionaries...

I don’t have much time to type this…

 

But today was amazing.  My heart was full… thrilled with the chance to finally meet our friends at SAKPA church and school today.  It was fun, thrilling, emotional, rewarding, and beautiful.

 

As we drove up the rocky, red, dusty road on this sunny and 90s humid day, I saw kids and adults of all ages waiting for us.  Cheering for us.  Smiling at us.  Thrilled to meet us. 

 

I recognized Pastor Tizokoe and Teacher Hortence immediately, and jumped out to greet them, shake their hands, talk with them for a few minutes… it is an amazing church with a true heart to reach and serve the poor and orphans in their community. 

 

I got to meet all the kids, shake their hands, talk, play Frisbee… our entire team was there (all the short-term team, and several missionaries) as a part of this 90 minute visit to Sakpa.  First of three visits.  Church on Sunday is coming.  Next Wednesday we visit for the whole morning and will give out gifts to all the kids. 

 

So thankful to sit in the classroom and talk with Pastor Tizokoe for a while.  Dude has 8 kids.  Unreal!  All of their deacons were there, helping put up the walls and cement the outer layers of the pastor’s office there and the extra room.  Deaconnesses were there, preparing lunch for all the kids…

 

Before we left, the ladies of the church presented our team with lots of HUGE FRUIT.  Bananas, papayas, and a bunch of other things.  I actually got to belt out the phrase, “MAN, THESE BANANAS ARE GOOD!”

 

Hortence has been teaching our kids for five weeks, and on all accounts she is doing a great job.  They do a lot of interaction with the teacher.  She asks questions, and they all answer in unison.  They sing the alphabet song.  They sing praise songs together.  They shout out their multiplication and addition charts.  They take turns sharing verses or texts that they are memorizing and then share with the class.  The students are learning how to write on their own little chalkboards – learning their printing and their cursive.  The Hand in Hand directors here were VERY impressed with the teacher and the students, and how much progress has been made in just five weeks. 

 

It is an unspeakable thrill to see the body of Christ in action.  Many of their church family (adult volunteers and leaders too) were here today to celebrate the school, eat together, and meet our team.  Just thinking about these moments and these opportunities makes me cry.  For one, I am tired.  For two, I am humbled, honored, and growing more passionate about actually BEING the church – in Delaware, Africa, and anywhere else… but just BE THE CHURCH.

 

Get off the sidelines and into the game.  Stop saying “one day, I’ll do something big for God.”   Just start doing it.  Start really praying.  Really giving.  Really going.  Really allowing God’s heart for the WORLD to become your heart for the WORLD.  This trip is part of a process God has been doing in my life – it is not just a ten-day thrill ride that is quite a privilege… it is connected to a past, present, and future of how God wants me to embrace HIS burden and passion for people.  These people are precious to Him.

 

Delaware Grace?  I love you guys.  I am so incredibly proud of God’s work in you and through you… you have given far beyond what we initially hoped for… I’ve only visited ONE school for barely over ONE hour.  And every prayer, every thought, every dollar, every conversation, every moment of this… is part of God’s Spirit carrying on a GREAT WORK..  Please don’t close your heart.  Please don’t embrace comfort or hope someone else will do it. 

 

WE are the body of Christ… WE includes Delaware Grace, it includes all of my/our brothers and sisters in Christ in Ohio, in the US, in Africa… and to the very ends of the earth. 

 

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”  (Matthew 5:6). 

 

This was indeed a righteous day.  A first meeting for our church and theirs (Sakpa), and just a taste of God’s kind of filling – his kind of progress and blessing – in our lives together.  Whatever it takes, I hope God keeps me hungry for more of this…

 

And man, those bananas are good.  Thank you, Pastor Tizokoe, Hortence, deacons,deaconesses, and our kids in the Sakpa village.  You guys rock! 

 

Thanks for reading.  If we had Facebook out here, I’d be posting pics and videos like nobody’s business. 

 

With love in Christ,

Gary U

Update #2 from Bangui... (Thursday night)

Well, it looks like we’re sending out all of today’s e-mails in one bundle at the end of the day, so you’re getting two updates at the same time…

 

We spent the afternoon at the Project Hope & Charite’ orphan care center. 

 

Two words: Amazing.  Amazing. 

 

After about a 20-minute drive and some nasty roads with huge potholes… we made it to the center.  Kids were running after our white SUV/Bus to greet us, and then – no joke – about 200 kids in the playground area welcomed us… All wanted to shake hands, say hello, smile, take pictures, sing, and make conversation. 

 

At first, one of their teachers led them all in a rally with some shouts and claps in rhythm… very cool.  Yes, I have video.  No, I cannot post it from here.

 

Yes, it was surreal – 200-300 orphans there today at the school.  Amazing to see this… to meet them… to talk with the teachers… to take lots of pictures…

 

It’s not just something we show pictures or read about.. these are real kids, with real families, real lives, real stories, real needs, real eyes. 

 

Each one has a story… a testimony… being orphans, many of the stories are tragic.

 

One of the teachers introduced us to a group of the high-performing students.  We went into their classroom and each one was introduced.  We asked the kids some questions too.  The questions evolved from “what’s your favorite game?” … to “what’s your favorite Bible story?” …. to… kids just standing up to share how grateful they are for us…

 

One girl shared that she lives with her aunt and uncle, and they have their own kids as well, and that they don’t ever have much food.  When they have food, it goes to their immediate children first, and sometimes there is nothing left to feed this girl or the others who are not part of the immediate family.  She asked us to pray for her and for her family.  Not a dry eye in the place – from our team members…

 

Several other kids shared similar stories. 

 

Maybe this trip will help some of my desires become burning passions.  Maybe it will fuel a flame for future ministry or help in different places in the world.

 

I love seeing Project Hope & Charite’ actually do BOTH – give actual water (physical needs) and also living water (spiritual needs). 

 

Quite honestly, I am tired of the criticism and bickering between Christians in the USA about some of these things... As in… some get focused on the spiritual needs to the neglect of the physical… and others get focused on the physical needs to the neglect of the spiritual… Unfortunately, we kid ourselves if we think this is an either-or battle here.  As always, it’s faith PLUS deeds. 

 

I’ve even heard some of that feedback on the “Beatitudes” series… as if “Blessed are the poor in spirit” is only a reference to spiritual.  Luke 6 seems to indicate otherwise – the same sermon quoted by Jesus with just “blessed are the poor.”  Please stop acting like it’s one or the other, and start doing both.  Our Christian faith is not just teaching truth, it is LIVING that truth with our good-deeds life as well.  I think we all have time to do both.  Do we have time not to? 

 

Okay, enough venting… but it is great to be on the front lines and see heroes of the faith loving and teaching these kids about Christ.  Feed them, clothe them, love them, pray for them, give them a family… do it all in the name of Jesus.  Don’t waste time criticizing people who don’t do it like you would.  Spend that time, instead, making a difference while you can, where you can.

 

I am so serious.  =).  I love you guys and am praying for you… thanks for praying for me on this great adventure!  More tomorrow… heading to Sakpa, and can’t wait… Can’t hardly stand to wait. 

 

Before I close, an update on logistics here: Note to large mosquito flying by as I type – get outta here, buddy. 

 

 

Rested, but ready?

After a day in Paris, it is time to get to Africa.

I expect a huge contrast from France to CAR, and I think that's a
tragedy. People in CAR may speak French (if trained)... but can
certainly not eat French or spend French.

I ate a meal and wrote in my journal for several hours today, at the
foot of the Eiffel Tower. Thus the pics are coming!

I really wanted to get rested and acclimated to the time zone on this
side of the Atlantic. France is just one hour different from the CAR.
So glad j was able to sleep all night last night, almost 12 hours.
That's after 2.5 days of no sleep, so I truly needed it...

Loved the challenge of finding my way around Paris by myself today. I
enjoy learning my way around a foreign city and picking up a little
bit of the language and culture from my own perspective.

I finally had real French coffee, and it was pretty good. Now let's
see if it will keep me awake too long tonight...

Flight leaves at 10:50 France time, and arrives in Bangui at 5am or
something. Very eager to meet the rest of our team, so I should end
this blog and go find them!

Au Revoir! (oh-vwah)

Sincerely,
Gary

Arrival in Paris

I landed in Paris about 90 minutes ago. Couldn't read or sleep in the
plane.

Actually, I did read a lot about Paris and how to get around the
city. People say that the French are not friendly... so far, that is
not true. I am grateful and excited to visit the city briefly today
before I crash.

Ready to sleep and get my body clock in tune with Africa!

Sincerely,
Gary

Connecting flights...

Flight to Paris about to take off. All French crew, this should be
fun. I love hearing and learning other languages! I will try to say
more than "Bon appetite" and "creme brûlée".

I can also say "euro" and that is a very important word! Time zones
are the big thing right now. Paris is about six hours ahead of us...
Before daylight savings time... Okay, hope I can sleep.

I am hoping to journal and also read some from a book called "The End
of Poverty" by Jeffrey Sachs. Heard of him? Will present a unique
perspective on current world poverty since he's visited over 100
countries on the last 10-15 years... Special focus on Africa, China,
India, and Russia.

Update from trip: Dave Martin says not to wear sandals in Africa so
that your feet don't get parasites. Sounds like a helpful tip,
wouldn't you say?

Deja Vu

I'm writing from the Columbus airport, just about to head to Atlanta...

Boarding in Columbus...

> I just found out that the best way to update my blog in Africa is
> through email... Here is a test from the Columbus airport, where I
> am waiting for my first flight.
>
> It all feels like Deja vu. Wearing the exact same outfit! Free
> Starbucks tall pike place in hand...
>
> Thanks again to all of you. It was extremely hard to say goodbye to
> Jennie and the kids today. We have never been apart for this long...
>
> Sincerely,
> Gary

Check that... Good things come in THREES!

A couple of days ago, I wrote a blog entry about the thrill of "good things come in TWOs and stuff."

Well, apparently, this time, the good things come in threes.

On Friday, our support-raising for Hand-in-Hand orphan schools approached the amount needed to support a third school.  I received an e-mail from a friend in our church saying, "If we decide to go for it, I will help us get there."  And so you have it.  Three. 

At left, meet some of the children from Bossembele.  Our third orphan school in the Central African Republic, Bossembele Centre 2.  I was thrilled to find out that our Africa trip will visit this previously unsponsored school and church on Tuesday, November 17th. 

Yes, I can't wait to meet them!  We announced the good news this morning at our worship service, and the place erupted in applause.  Praise to God and His generous kids here in Delaware - we are excited to help make a difference in the lives of so many in Africa.

Three partner churches.  Sakpa, Bossangoa, and Bossembele.

Three orphan schools.  Three teachers - Hortence (Sakpa), Jonas (Bossangoa), and Girard (Bossembele).  This link has a profile of Girard and our third school at Bossembele Centre 2.

Several friends here at Delaware have gone shopping to get gifts for these school teachers.  We put their backpacks full of gifts on the stage for second service this morning.

Thanks to many of you for praying.  Tomorrow, as I leave, it represents the chance to meet 150 orphans that our church has set out to help - education, supplies, teachers, equipment, food, and most importantly - CHRIST JESUS!  These kids are learning the three "R's," but also the truth and love of Jesus. 

Does it get any better than that?

I submit that it does not.

Then again, as God continues to bless, and people continue to respond... I believe it can get even better than this.  Don't let anyone tell you that following the adventurous life and leading of God's Spirit is a boring deal.  It's not.  It's a wild, wild ride. 

Two days till takeoff...

We spent part of today packing for my trip to Africa.  You should know that we're sending some gifts along...

- School supplies (crayons, coloring books, pencils, note pads)

- Food (candy, snacks, gifts, and breakfast bars).

- Toys (tennis balls, stuffed animals, and a couple of small backpacks).

- Clothing (some to give away, some specific gifts for our sponsored orphan, Ursulla).

Thanks also to some of our Delaware Grace volunteers who have helped me get gifts for some of our friends in Africa. 

Once again, I'm feeling mixed emotions.  It will be hard to spend so much time away from Jennie and the kids.  Allie (age 5) has been drawing pictures for me all day, and writing "I love you, Daddy" many times on the pics.  Our baby girl, Julie, seems to learn a new word every hour, and is extremely cute trying to say each one.  I hate the thought of leaving Jennie for a day, let alone a trip like this.  Please pray for our family as this is a challenge, but it is very worthwhile.

Personally, I am eager to get a personal experience with real life in Africa.  I've seen the pictures, I've heard the stories, I've read the websites.  I'm just ready to get there. 

I'm curious to see how God is at work in so many ways in such a tough place to live.  I wonder how the poverty and different way of life will affect me.  I enjoy learning new languages and new words, but I know nothing of substance when it comes to Sangho and French.  This will be a humbling experience, and I'm excited about that, too!

While we're studying Matthew 5 at our church, I'm curious to see the overlap in actual lives...

"Blessed are the poor... Blessed are those who mourn... Blessed are the meek... Blessed are those who hunger and thirst (for righteousness)..."  No doubt this will be an eye-opening experience, but I am eager to see what sort of "soul-opening" takes place. 

Thanks for reading along... I will update as frequently as I can! 

Trip to Africa... take 2?

Just four days away, it's "Underwood in Africa" - take 2.

Let's try this again.

Sometimes, good things come in 2's.

So, on this 2nd attempt to get to the Central African Republic, I wanted to do a blog entry about some of the 2's about this trip.

For starters, I'll head to Africa representing a church with 2 partner churches in C.A.R.  One in Bangui (Sakpa Church) and one in Bossangoa (Center 1). 

Over the past few weeks, our congregation has accepted the challenge of sponsoring two schools, raising well over the $8,000 goal to do this.  That's for 2 schools, 2 locations, 2 buildings, 2 churches, 2 teachers, and 2 exciting reasons to get to C.A.R. as soon as I possibly can! 

I'll be praying and learning about 2 orphan schools at those locations with 2 teachers.  At left is a picture of Jonas, the teacher at Bossangoa.  If you want to follow updates on the Bossangoa Hand in Hand School, click here.

Incidentally, if you want to read more about the Sakpa Church and Orphan School, click here.  The teacher there is named Hortence, pronounced (I believe) - (Or-tonce).  She's there, on the right.

Sakpa Church is near Bangui, and our team will visit there (Lord willing) on Friday, November 13th.  Yikes.  But, as I told the program director, Barb Wooler, "I'm not afraid of that (Friday the 13th).  Let's do this."  For two months, we have heard about and prayed for the people at Sakpa Church.  A week from Sunday, I'll get the privilege of preaching in their worship service on Sunday, November 15th.  The sermon will be straight out of Matthew 5, and talk about the love and blessings of God in our lives.  It's part of a current series at our church. 

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."


"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."


"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."


"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

That was Matthew 5:3-7.  Great verses to memorize, pray over, and reflect about.  I hope these will be encouraging words to our friends at Sakpa.  I fully expect, though, that they will inspire and challenge my faith much more than I will do for them. 

Sakpa and Bossangoa. 

Two wonderful churches in sub-Saharan Africa.

Two partners in Christ serving and educating orphans in their communities.

Two servant leaders named Jonas and Hortence, giving time to build into the next generation.

Two flights across the Atlantic en route to Africa for me, and I'm quite certain this "mulligan" was always in God's plan and for His purposes.  Both for Delaware and for Africa.  Can't wait!

Sakpa Church & School Updates...

Yesterday, I received this picture in an e-mail from Ginger Hock, who is on location in the Central African Republic.

The kids are part of our orphan school in connection with SAKPA church in the Central African Republic.  Praise God for Project Hope & Charite', and the opportunity to support and educate these precious kids!

In the back (left) is Hortence Siodong, our school's teacher.  Ginger was there earlier this week, taking this picture.  She says we have exactly 50 students in the school, and they are off to a great start. 

Personally, I can't wait to be there and visit the school.  I can't wait to meet the pastor of the church there, Tizokoe.  I can't wait to talk with Hortence and meet some of the kids.  I hope we have a good interpreter, that's for sure! 

Details of my "return" trip to Bangui were finalized yesterday.  I will fly out on November 9, 2009, and be in Bangui from November 11-18, 2009.  It takes some time just to get there, and to get back!  But I will have eight days "on the ground" in the Central African Republic, with a team of believers from the United States who are all part of partnerships like these.

Africa: Let's try this again...

Here's picture of the Hand in Hand school started by Marysville Grace Brethren.  Pastor Clancy Cruise (Marysville) is a good friend of mine, and a member of the previous Engage Africa Trip.

As many of you know, I was a part of this team at one point.  Obviously, God had other plans.  On September 30th, I received a phone call from our youth pastor, Dave Pacheco.  One of the previous blog entries here describes a tragedy that happened in our church and community (Delaware, Ohio), and the decision to return home instead of going on to Africa.

Shortly after my return to Ohio, I received word that Project Hope & Charite was taking a team to the Central African Republic in November.  At first, I wasn't in a place (emotionally, physically, mentally) to really consider it.  However, just over a week later, this opportunity to visit the C.A.R. became clearly too good to pass up.

From November 10-20, 2009 (Lord willing!), I will join Project Hope & Charite on a team specifically designed to visit our partner churches and orphan schools in the Central African Republic. 

In the meantime, our congregation's generosity had significantly exceeded our original goal of sponsoring one orphan school near Bangui.  As people continue to share love and concern for the poorest of the poor in Africa, we embraced the chance to sponsor a second Hand in Hand school far north of Bangui, called Bossangoa Center 1.  We still need to raise nearly $1,500 to have all the funds for two schools, and will have a special giving opportunity this Sunday. 

It's a thrill to see God's people come together, pray, give, and prepare to serve people who are in desperate need.

It's a privilege to have God open another door and opportunity to "return" to Africa.

It's going to be exciting to see how God builds these friendships and ministry opportunities as people from two different continents join together to help the poor.

So... I'm starting this blog up again.  If you'd like to pray and follow along, that would be awesome.  Let the countdown to November 10th begin!

A few updates from Africa and Delaware (Ohio)...

Yesterday, the pastors and missions leaders arrived home from the Central African Republic.  Check that - Dave Guiles went on to Argentina.  Busy month!

Anyhow, thanks to those of you who have been praying for our church in Delaware. 

Not only have we been called to encourage a hurting widow and family and face the shock of a young man's suicide... we have also discovered that this friend, brother, husband, and son was not who we all thought he was.

Today's Marion Star gives more detail about the twisted deception of Joe Russell.  Please read this link.

I ask you to pray for Megan Russell and her daughters and her family.  I ask you to pray for our church, our community, and our law enforcement leaders here in Delaware and Marion.  I appreciate your prayers for our church staff, and for our entire community.   Thanks to many of you for your words of encouragement and empathy during a rough week.

I also ask your prayers for God to continue the work He's doing in our hearts, and that we would be open to any and all of the lessons and spiritual work He wants to do in our hearts through difficult times.  On Sunday, I am grateful God gave me some direction on how to address our congregation - here is a link to Sunday's sermon.

I look forward to giving you updates on the Africa trip, even though I didn't quite make it.

To that end, please pray for God's wisdom and timing about a "second attempt" to visit Africa.  I have already learned of an opportunity in November, but am praying about schedule, timing, and details...

Obviously, God's comfort and leadership has been clear to me and to our church family in some very turbulent days.  Thanks for your partnership and love in Christ Jesus!

Sincerely,
Gary Underwood

Keep praying for the Africa "Engage" tour with Pastors...

Dear Friends,

Just 2.5 more days remain for the pastors' visit in Africa. 

Even though I was called home to Ohio, I can't wait to hear stories and specifics about God's work during this week's trip to the Central African Republic.

We have a wonderful team of Christian leaders and brothers on site in Bangui, and God is using them mightily. 

Dave Martin, who has returned from C.A.R. this past week, sent me several wonderful pictures of our friends in Africa.  Here he is (left) with Ursulla (an orphan that we sponsor through Vision Trust), and her mother. 

I was touched to find out that they had arrived safely at the Grace Brethren Missions site, hoping to meet Pastor Gary.  Sad that I could not meet them yet, but so thrilled that Dave and others had the opportunity. 

Still in Africa?  Pastors Dave Plaster, Clancy Cruise, Dan Allan, Kevin Pinkerton, R. Green, David Lawson, Dr. Sherwood Lingenfelter, Dr. Mike Yoder, and GBIM director Dave Guiles. 

Still to Pray For?  Continued clarity, passion, and openness between the African pastors and the American pastors as they pray and discuss needs and options for ministry.  Leadership training.  Supporting churches.  Spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ as effectively as possible!

Still pray for the health, safety, and travel of the Pastors' team as they begin the journey home on Thursday afternoon.  I hope to post updates and pictures from these guys as well, as I get them.

Thanks again for reading, praying, and staying in touch!  

Sincerely in Christ,
Gary Underwood

Unfortunate prayer request...

Dear praying friends,

After a wonderful visit with Rob & Nicole Plaster (missionaries in Paris) and the whole pastoral/missionary team headed to the Central African Republic..

I found out that a dear brother in Christ from our church in Delaware, Ohio... has taken his life tragically yesterday morning.

After praying and seeking counsel from God, from fellow pastors on the trip, and from several family and friends in Ohio... I have decided to cut the trip short and fly home to be with our church family in Delaware.

While the mission in Africa is exciting, urgent, and heart-filled... I sensed God's leading and provision to make this decision and be at home with family and friends.  Please pray that God's love, compassion, strength, presence, and hope would be our source of strength in getting through this difficult time.

It's one of those things you don't "get through," actually.  You just learn all over again that this life on earth is horrible and heart-breaking, and you learn to depend and long for God more than ever.  My heart breaks for Joe Russell's family.

I covet your prayers. 

I'm getting on the plane to Atlanta.

With love and a heavy heart,
Gary Underwood

Who's Coming With Me?

I really wish I could take these two with me to Africa.           Luke is 3.5 years old, and wishes he could go with me.  Allie, 5 years old, has been making pictures and picture books for kids in Africa.  She is sending some gifts and clothes along with me to give to children there if we have the opportunity.               Our Children's Ministry at Delaware Grace has sent along the following gifts for kids in the Central African Republic:

- Crayons for kids at our orphan school

- Coloring books

- Soccer balls (deflated ones) and two pumps with needles.

- Bubble Gum

- Colored pencils and sharpener, for our orphan school.

- About 75 "bouncy balls" - those little rubber balls that bounce so high...

- Some clothes from Allie, as mentioned before.

- A care package for our teacher at the Sakpa Orphan School - including a tote bag, candy, gum, crayons, and some note cards and notebook.

- Thanks to the Meijer clearance rack, Jennie and I have made a care package for Ursulla and her mother.  Ursulla is the child we sponsor through Vision Trust, and I believe I have already written a blog entry about her.

- I am also taking lots of ball point pens for teachers and pastors I meet.

- I have packed about ten neckties for pastors and leaders there, if they would work as gifts.  We were encouraged to bring ties and ball point pens..

Please pray that these gifts would be small tokens of encouragement and love from Christians here in the U.S.  Even more, that people we meet in the C.A.R. will know most importantly that God loves them. 

Itinerary for trip to Africa...

Tuesday (9-29) - fly from Columbus to Atlanta.  Leave Columbus @ 2:48pm and arrive in Atlanta at approximately 4:30pm.

In Atlanta, I'll be thinking of some wonderful praying friends like the Coopers, Kijankos, Egans, Willards, and the rest of the Coopers.  I'll also be thinking of some wonderful Christian leaders who inhabit the ATL, people like Andy Stanley, Mark Price, Gabe Lyons, Reggie Joiner, and of course, Tim Cooper. 


Tuesday (9-29) - fly out of Atlanta @ 6:00PM EST.  That's just 90 minutes in Atlanta.  Hardly enough time to warrant the triple shout-out to Cooper.  But we fly then from Atlanta to Paris.  From 6pm Atlanta time to 8:00am France Time.  It will be an 8-hour flight, and we'll arrive @ Wednesday (9-30).  Paris is 6 hours ahead of us.  In other words, I won't call home when I arrive in Paris.  It will be 2AM in Ohio.  I'll probably wait until, you know, more like 2pm to call.

In Paris, we have a SEVENTEEN hour layover.  If only Paris was worth seeing.  LOL.
Any recommendations?

We'll be in Paris until 11:20pm departure.  The flight from Paris to Bangui should be about 6.5 hours... and we arrive there on Thursday (10-1) @ 5:00AM Bangui time.  Bangui is capital city of Central African Republic.

Our team will stay in Bangui until Thursday (10-8) @ 10:15pm.  Seven days that everybody says will change my life.  Will they?

Trip Question #1...

QUESTION #1 - WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE TO ACTUALLY MEET SOME OF THE ORPHANS IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC?

ANSWER: A few thoughts on this... Our church has helped promote child/orphan sponsorship through both Compassion International and Vision Trust ministries.  Both of these help link orphans in poverty-stricken nations with sponsor/donors who are able to help financially.  At right is a picture of Ursulla, a young girl that our family has started to sponsor this year.  A sponsorship helps provide food, clothing, medicine, and schooling... Just a wonderful, powerful opportunity to impact a precious young life. 

We selected Ursulla because she lives near Bangui (in the Central African Republic) and because she is about the same age as our daughter, Allie.  If you click on Ursulla's profile, you can read a description of her life and situation. 

While in Africa, I will get to see and meet orphans.  I will meet leaders connected with an orphan school that our church is sponsoring with "Sakpa" Church near Bangui. 

Today, I have also connected with people that may help me get to actually meet Ursulla, our sponsored "daughter" in Bangui.  Our daughter Allie has already set out clothing and other things she would like me to give her.  While I don't know exactly if or when I'll meet her, or what I will take for her...

I do wonder what it will be like to meet a child like this. 

I talked with Lisa from Vision Trust.  Just a few weeks ago, she met her sponsored child in the Dominican Republic.  She helped me think through what could happen in that meeting.  Would Ursulla be too afraid to interact?  Would her mother or other family members be blessed by a gift that I could bring?  Would I be shocked to see that she is far smaller than the average 4-5 year olds that I see here in Ohio?  Will I be overcome with all sorts of emotions, compassion, hope, desire to rescue... you name it? 

I have no idea.

I do know that it would be a powerful moment.  I hope God allows it to happen.  Helping orphans is a priority to our church, our missions team and strategy, and - without a doubt - close to the heart of God. 

If nothing else, I pray that God will fill me with even more love and compassion for children and families in need...

Destination: Bangui

Thanks to any and all who are reading these blogs.  I am spending most of Monday packing for Bangui.  Bangui is the capital city of the Central African Republic.  Bangui is described as a "sprawled out village" that goes on for quite a ways. 

Here is some information about Bangui, where our team will be staying for seven days. 

Bangui lies on the northern banks of the Ubangi River just below a series of rapids that limit major commercial shipping farther upriver, on the southern border. The navigable Ubangi River turns sharply south below Bangui and connects to the Congo River just south of the equator near Brazzaville as its chief northern tributary. The river marks the border between the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Congolese town of Zongo sits opposite the river from Bangui.

The city centre lies near the river and features a large triumphal arch dedicated to Bokassa, the Presidential Palace and the central market. Lying 5 km further north, the heart of the residential area has the largest market and most nightlife. North of the city lie rolling hills.

The Central African Republic is situated just north of the Equator and consequently throughout the year daily high temperatures rarely fall below the high 80s Fahrenheit.^[3] The rainy season lasts from May until October. Bangui, being in the south of the country and thus closest to the equator, is slightly hotter and wetter than the northern parts of the country.^[4]

Several of the neighborhoods of Bangui are in low-lying areas and are prone to recurrent urban flooding. For instance, severe rains in June and July 2009 left 11,000 people homeless.^[5]

I've Packed the Essentials...

I spent a good deal of time this past week getting things ready for Africa.  This "Engage with Africa" Pastors Trip begins on Tuesday @ 2:48pm.  I'll check a two bags (max 50 lbs each) in Columbus that will go all the way to Bangui (Lord willing!).

One bag will be a trunk full of flashlights, letters, and gifts for friends in Africa.  Friends of missionaries and also missionaries. 

The other bag, I suppose, is the "Gary bag" of my clothes, some food, and anything else I'll need while I'm in the Central African Republic.

I've had all the shots I need, including Yellow Fever, Hepatitus A & B, Polio, Tetanus, Meningitis, and probably a couple other that I'm forgetting now.  I've got malaria medication (which may or may not prevent it...), stomach medication (strongly recommended Imodium and Pepto Bismol, along with some pro-biotics that the lady at Whole Foods said would help my intestines). 

Tomorrow morning, I still need to pick up some sunscreen.  I hear that, when you're staying near the Equator, the heat and sun tend to be a little stronger.  I get a week to test that "theory" out, and should be prepared.

I also need to find some strong mosquito repellent, preferably in wipes.  I don't like mosquitos, and they don't like me. 

Tomorrow (Monday), we'll put the finishing touches on packing and preparing personally and ministry-wise to be gone for ten days. 

Today, however, I was given some tremendous gifts to take with me to Africa.

This morning, our church family prayed for me and the end of each worship service.  Our Elders came forward to pray, along with Jennie and my parents and Dave Pacheco, our youth pastor.  It was a powerful and emotional moment for us. 

This afternoon, we got to celebrate my mom's birthday at home and have lunch and dessert.  Mom and Dad also asked lots of questions about the trip and are excited and praying for me.

Tonight, we spent more than an hour with five special couples from our neighborhood home group.  We prayed, we laughed, we cried... and they deeply encouraged me and Jennie on this Africa adventure we are about to begin.

At the end of the day, my heart feels extremely well-prepared for Africa.  This has nothing to do with the packed bags, the immunization shots, or the final shopping list for tomorrow.

Rather, it has all to do with the excitement, thrill, and encouragement of doing life with an open-hearted community of believers in Jesus Christ.  Our church, our friends, and our family... we are truly blessed.

And, as we began the entire morning with that wonderful song, we must always begin AND end by giving God the glory.

"Not to us.... but to Your Name!"

Seven Days till Liftoff...

Next Tuesday, I get to join a team of ten other pastors and missionary leaders on a one-week trip to the Central African Republic.  This week, a lot of the final details and shopping and packing are the focus.

I would love to be able to update this blog and keep a timeline of all of our events and visits, but I don't know how realistic that truly is.

On a previous mission trip to Argentina, we had high speed internet access for nearly the entire two weeks.  I blogged the whole experience.  However, I doubt that we will have internet access while in the Central African Republic. 

I should clarify - the place that we will be staying "might" have internet access, as long as we have electricity.  Forget about high-speed.  So, updates from Gary while in Africa may number from zero to none.  We'll see.  I'll do my best. 

For now, I'd like to share a few prayer requests for the trip in general.. and a few in specific.

-- PRAY that God would allow each of us to have open hearts, minds, and conversations about what HE wants us to see, to hear, to know, and to do.  Any other prayer requests such as for health, travel safety, logistics... would be underneath the greater HIGHER priority that God would have His way on this trip.

-- PRAY that God would help us hear the hearts, thoughts, words, and feelings of our African brothers and sisters in Christ.  We are going to meet leaders in churches, schools, ministries, and government.  Should be some tremendous time meeting and getting to know leaders in the CAR.

-- PRAY for us as a team of pastors and leaders, that God would give ideas, clarity, direction, connection, and conversation about current and future partnerships as churches in America come together to support churches in the Central African Republic.

-- PRAY for the timing of our flights... to Atlanta... and then to Paris... and then to Bangui... I hear that there's only one flight per WEEK in and out of Bangui.  So... don't be late to that flight in France!  Pray for traveling timing and protection for our team at each stop along the way. 

More prayer requests... and thoughts on travel... coming up in the next few days!  Thanks for reading!