Last Day of our African Adventure.  We spent the morning at another village in the bush - Kataybi.  We had about 30 children and 20 adults.  We did a skit about the crucifixion and resurrection.  Guess who got to be Jesus?  We did the skit for all the families and sang some praise songs.  Wish you could all hear them sing in their language.  It is beautiful.  Then Amber, Melanie, Kelsey and Jo Anne took the kids into their small church.  We did our bible verse - Proverbs 3:5 and they learned it in English and native language.  We passed out cross necklaces and some candy.  Jabo preached to the adults while we worked with the children.  Again it was hard to say goodbye but we know we have planted some seeds that will continue to grow.

We leave tomorrow and it is hard to believe that our time here is over.  We love the people we have met here and know that even if we don't see them again on earth, we pray that many will greet us in Heaven where our eternal home will be.  Thank you for your prayers and support during our absence and taking care of our loved ones.  We will see you soon.  By the way, Amber has taken over 1,500 pictures and we will post them someday when we find a big enough cloud to hold them. LOL

Day 10 of our African Adventure was spent going through a wild life park.  WOW is all we can say and will post a few pictures to share with you.

Day 11 of our African Adventure, July 28    We went to church in the bush at Sekute.  They have a building which is rare in the bush.  They hauled in concrete and made their own cinder blocks to construct the church. We are not talking black top roads but sand and very bumpy. (We have the bruises to prove it) We wish you all could have been there to hear them singing, praising God is their language and dancing in the aisles.  If only we could be that bold in our praise.  Jabo preached (awesome) with an interpreter and again God's word transcends languages.  We were able to purchase some bibles in their languages and gave them to Pastor Enoch.  As 
we were leaving, they have a tradition where the first person out starts a line and each person coming out shakes their hand and then gets in line.  When you are through everyone has shaken the hand everyone.  It was very moving.  We were sad to go.

In the afternoon we went to the orphanage for the last time.  We had brought candy and gifts for everyone.  After our bible study time, we had a blast handing out everything.

  It is hard to believe we are almost through with what God sent us here to do.  Keep those prayers coming, as it is what gets us through each day.
Love and miss you all!!!!!!!!

Friday, July 26, day 9 of our African Adventure
We went back to Sekute School that we had previously been on Mon & Wed.  This would be our last time to see the kids.  We told them the story of Christ's Death, Burial and His Resurrection.  And just as He promised He did return and would again one day.  We have been teaching them to trust God no matter what and in a country like this, that could mean; food, clean water, parents, being HIV negative and everything that we take for granted in America.  We were able to pass out bibles to 6th-9th grade and their teachers.  For those who donated school supplies, we left many items here and they appreciated it so much.

Amber with Sekute 2nd grade.

This afternoon we meet with leaders from  2 different orphanages.   They shared their journey with us and we were able to share about Church Under a Bridge in Tyler.  We had various similarities in victories and frustrations.  But we all said that our God has a purpose for each of our lives and when we listen and follow that path, there is no where else to be. Each of us came away with personal stories we will share with you as we come home.  It has been a surreal experience to be with these people who have such a heart for God.  

Melanie and Kelsey with 5th grade at Sekute.

Tomorrow is a fun day for us as we leave 6am to go to the Wildlife Park where we will finally see wild animals in their natural habitat.  We have seen baboons and a peak at a giraffe so we all are pretty excited.  Will get back late tomorrow night so there will be no post for Sat.  Continue to pray as our work is not done and we can see it won't be done even we return to America.  Love to you all.

Jo Anne teaching 2nd graders

Most of the children at Sekute school playing a game with us.

Day 8 of our African Adventure - We went back to the Sekute school we had visited on Mon. Had a flat tire in the middle of no where on the sandy road.  Found out we didn't have the correct lug wrench to get the tire off. Can you say "triple A come help?" NO!!!  So God sends another truck on the same road, which usually has no other cars, and they have the correct lug wrench.  God 1, flat tire (Satan trying to prevent us from ministering to the children) 0.  Go GOD!!! All of our lessons have been on Trusting God and did He supply that lesson for us in a big way. 

Did our lesson with the children at the school.  Jo Anne and Amber had the 2nd grade with no teacher which meant no interpreter. But again God's love knows no boundaries even language.  Melanie and Kelsey did 5th grade and Jaybo and Janet (our host) took 6 & 7th grade. 

Next, we went to one of the pastor's home where his wife had cooked (over an open fire) lunch for us.  It was an experience we will never forget.  They were the most gracious hosts. 

Then we went back to the village where these children have stolen our hearts.  We had taken individual pictures of the children and put them in a frame.  After our bible story, we gave them the picture and a bag that had underwear and some toys.  It was Christmas in July.  It was hard to leave as this was the last time we would see them. Hugs and tears were plentiful.

We feel your prayers as the days are long and being tired is always on the agenda.  BUT OUR GOD supplies all our needs and gives us just what we need to "get ur done" We love and miss you all.

Amber teaching at the school.

Melanie getting the children at the village to come to bible study

Monday, July 22 of our Africa Adventure-We went to a school today in the bush where we did our bible study in the classroom.  What a great idea!!!! Too bad we can't do this in the USA.  They were so excited for us to be there and reach their kids for Christ.  The kids were very shy at first then warmed up to us and we were old friends by the time we left.  They shared a game with us that was similar to "duck, duck, goose" but involved throwing a shoe.  Glad it was a flip flop.
We left there and had a picnic in the bush.  Very relaxing.
Our next stop was the village that we had visited before so the kids were very excited to have us back.  Having to have everything translated is hard but it is always easy to translate God's love.  That has no boundaries.  
Continue to pray for us as we continue our ministry here.

Sekute school - 2nd grade

Sekute school playing with kids

Mahelituna Village Bible Study

Kelsey is in the right place with all these children.  They love her!!!!!

Sunday, July 21

Today is Sunday and we went to church in one of the villages.  They had a small congregation but were so welcoming and friendly.  Lots of women and children but few men.  That is the same problem in America.  They sang songs and then gave testimonies about different healings that had occurred.   Jaybo preached with an interpreter.  As always, God spoke through him.
Then we were asked to pray over a women who was sick and a little boy who had something wrong with his fingers.  God will finish the work we started here.

We had a lazy afternoon and went to one of the curio markets.  Lots of beautiful stuff.  We spent the evening getting ready for a very busy week.  We will do 2 VBS each day along with finding time to visit homes.  

Again, please continue to pray that God will work through us to reach this part of the world for His kingdom.  AIDS is rampant in this area and there is lots of hopelessness.  

July 20  day 3 of our adventure.  Yesterday we went to a small village and had an small group of kids that we sang songs with, played games and just had a ball.  One of the ladies showed us her home and we can't describe it but will send pictures.  They are a gracious people who have welcomed us with open arms.
Last night we finished our training on healing as an evangelism tool.

Today we went out with a local church to invite people to their church and to pray for the sick.  Again they welcomed us in their homes.  In the afternoon, we went to an orphanage and gave our first bible study to group of 45 kids.  Fun was had by all.  The director gave us a tour and it is amazing how all the children work together to have this amazing place they call home.  

Trying to add pictures; hope they come through.  Continue to pray for us as we feel your presence every minute. 

In His Grace and love.

We made it to Livingston, Zambia about 5:30 a.m.  It has been 2 and 1/2 days of traveling and changing planes, etc.  Glad to be here. Melanie got sick the last day of travel but is feeling better now. We visited their new home which will be complete in about 2 months.  They will be able to host more groups.  We also heard Butch teach on the power God concerning healing and will continue with that study tomorrow.  Will post more tomorrow but for now we are ready to lay down in a bed and sleep.

IN AFRICA!! YEA!!!

Latest update, at 9:54 a.m. on July 18, 2013 central time it it 4:54 p.m. in Zambia.  Mel sent a note that simply said, "Made it to Africa!!!"  This is the latest update.  So, it sounds like all is well and they are close, very close. Please continue to Pray for the CUAB 5!

Where in the world is the Mission Team?

Good morning.  Well, our mission team should be in Africa at this time and probably in Livingston.  Upon checking the flights and flight schedules they should be close to their destination at this time.  Just a reminder, they have been on a plane, flying at night and "sleeping" on the plane.  About 20 hours in flight, trying to sleep.  Pray for their rest and renewed vitality so they will be well prepared to do God's work once they arrive.
   The schedule they were given they will not have very much "down time" but carrying God's word to all who will hear.  Pray for a "quiet time" so they will be able to commune with God and hear Him speak to them and follow His direction.  Also, pray for their safety when moving about.  Continue in pray for all, our mission team, my church, your church, and the world to return to God.  
    More info when we have it.  IN GOD WE TRUST!

Africa team in London

Just heard from the Africa team.  They just landed in London.  Sorry my times were off.  They were supposed to be in London at 6:00 a.m. and then leave shortly after noon our time.  Zambia is 7 hours different from us.  At this time it is 9:18 central time and Zambia it is 4:18 p.m., in London it is 3:18 p.m..
   I will update when I hear, and the team will be updating as they can from Zambia.  They only have dial up internet, it is expensive, and they will only be on for short periods to blog.  No emails, etc.
  Thank you for your continued prayers.

Trip to DFW

Okay, here are some pictures of our adventure trying to send our people to Africa.  First, the Carpenters (not the singing group) loaned us their Denali, which was very comfortable and we thank them.  Then, when we were close to Forney and FM 740 an exciting event happened.

Boom! flap, flap, flap, flap

However, even with the rain coming down on us, this did not dampen our spirits.  The tire was changed, went to wal-mart, got  another spare and off to the airport.

Putting our ??heads??? together.

Africa Mission Team with a "little bit" of luggage

Mass movement to check in counter.  Any carry ons?

Flight Information

Here is the information on the flight if you would like to keep up. They will arrive in London at 1:56 our time, it was a 7 hour lay over, now only about 5 hour layover, then another 10 hour and 40 minute flight.  Whew!  They will be glad to get there.  They are flying British Airways which is also American Airlines (I found this out - lol).

DepartureAmerican Airlines
Boeing 777 jet

Departing from	Dallas Fort Worth
Departure terminal	D
Scheduled departure time	21:20 (Local time) Tuesday 16 Jul 2013
Updated departure time	22:29 (Local time) Tuesday 16 Jul 2013

ArrivalAmerican Airlines
Boeing 777 jet

Arriving at	Heathrow (London)
Arrival terminal	3
Scheduled arrival time	12:25 (Local time) Wednesday 17 Jul 2013
Updated arrival time	13:56 (Local time) Wednesday 17 Jul 2013

July 17, 2013 - The Africa Mission Team should be in London, England at this time.  Their plane was to leave at 9:20 p.m. on July 16th; however, at 10:30 they had not left and were waiting.  The trip from Tyler to DFW was eventful.  At FM 740 / Forney exit the trailer had a blow out.  Fortunately we did have a spare, then we traveled to Balch Springs (off I-20), went to Wal-Mart, replaced the tire and back on the road.  Sounds easy, however, we had been traveling through rain and were out of it. BUT, before we could get the jack under the trailer and change the tire a monsoon hit us.  Yep!  However, the 2 men changed the tire and the women were supportive.  Fortunately, Amber had some ponchos so we only got a little soaked. lol
   As soon as the pictures come in I will download them so you can see the massive luggage that was taken for the group.  Pray for their flight to be safe, enjoyable, and fun.  19 hours on a plane really does not sound like fun, but at least they will be fed and get a movie (or movies, lol).
    At approximately noon our time, they will be flying from London to Johannesburg, then a puddle jumper plane to Livingston.  Please continue to pray.  More to come soon.

Traveling to airport today

Hello!  Today is the day we take our trip to the airport and begin our journey.   We will be adding pictures and information as our mission progresses.  We ask for your continued prayers for safety, sharing Jesus, and bringing the good news to many who have never neard of Jesus.

Two days before we board for our trip to Africa.  We are all excited to get so close to this trip we have prayed for and planned for several months.

Africa trip by Church Under A Bridge ministry team

Please tune in daily from July 16 through July 31 to see how our team in Africa is doing.  We ask for your continued prayers. The team going are: Jabo, Jo Anne, Amber, Melanie, and Kelsey.
   They will be involved in vacation Bible school, witnessing, and leading people to Jesus and salvation. Many have never heard the Good News of Jesus; our team will carry the word to them.  If you would like to support the team please offer your prayers.
   To learn more about Church Under A Bridge go to: cuabtyler.org
   Again, please pray for our ministry team. Thank you.
In His Strength,
Ministry Team