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!