Service and Outreach Zone News

August 7: Pregnancy Help Centre Update
It has been a month since we started our 3 month campaign to help the Pregnancy Help Centre and the playpen has been emptied once already! THANKS SO MUCH for being the hands and feet of God! If you haven’t already placed something in there, you will find a handy list below for you to take with you the next time you go shopping! Please bring that item to church and place in the playpen. The PHC is so thankful for these donations – easing their burden to help those struggling with the reality of pregnancy! Please keep this centre in your prayers as they reach out to clients that come in their doors each day.  

August 7: Disaster Response Opportunities:
Disaster Response Services Opportunity Link for August 2011
CURRENT NEEDS:
The Long Term Reconstruction Site in Munster, Indiana (floods of 2008) will be closing September 24, 2011. Volunteers are still needed for September 3rd to the 24th. Please call Becky at 1-800-848-5818, if you are able to help, for one or two weeks.

Needs Assessment Opportunities
With all the recent disasters happening in North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri and other states, we are receiving quite a few requests for Needs Assessment teams from various recovery organizations. If you are available for 2 weeks this summer or fall to be on a Needs Assessment team, please call 1-800-848-5818 or email Becky at bpurdom@crwrc.org

Rapid Response Opportunities 
Hurricane season has officially begun, with predictions for an active season. If you are available on short notice to work on a clean up crew for certain 1-2 week periods in the coming months, please contact Art at aopperwall@crwrc.org or call 1-800-848-5818.  

July: Summer Park schedule for The Village Playgroup

July 10: Update from Sheila

July 10: Update from the Vandermeers
Dear Friends,
   “The essence of prayer does not consist in asking God for something but in opening our hearts to God, in speaking with Him, and living with Him in perpetual communion. Prayer is continual abandonment to God. Prayer does not mean asking God for all kinds of things we want; it is rather the desire for God Himself, the only Giver of Life. Prayer is not asking, but union with God. Prayer is not a painful effort to gain from God help in the varying needs of our lives. Prayer is the desire to possess God Himself, the Source of all life. The true spirit of prayer does not consist in asking for blessings, but in receiving Him who is the giver of all blessings, and in living a life of fellowship with Him.” Sadhu Sundar Singh    
   That is the kind of prayer we desire.  Thanks for opening your hearts to God and interceding on our behalf. 

• The IT conference was a blessing to John, and the girls and I were excited to have him back with us after 3 weeks without him.  We are thankful that the Lord kept us from any major troubles during his absence as I was learning in a deeper way to keep my eyes on Him rather than giving way to fears.  Praise His name!
• Sam Wheeler, the American who was supposed to return with John to assist with IT needs, was denied a Congolese visa while in Kenya.  Pray for him as he tries a second time to apply, so that he can come to Isiro in July. 
• Praise that we can finally now begin cleaning, repairing, and moving into a building destined to be a regional Bible translation centre. 
• Pray for John as he faces IT and other technical related tasks.
• Pray for Marian to finish the homeschooling year well and for efforts  to develop a parenting resource as requested by Congolese church leaders.
• Pray for our family as we try to engage the Congolese youth in different activities during their school break. (see www.mightydeeds.wordpress.com for girls discipleship group stories and pictures)
• Pray for Matt, Rick, and Anneliesse, three young people who will come here in July, that they may adapt well as they experience and participate in the work.
• Pray for our three sons in Canada, one working in British Columbia, one in Alberta, and another in Ontario, that their hearts would be fixed on Christ.

Prayer is weakness leaning on omnipotence. -W.S. Bowd
Blessings, John and Marian VanderMeer working in Isiro, DRCongo with SIL  

April 14: Update from Sheila

February 20: Update from the Vandermeers
Dear Friends,
   This month's focus will be on our missionary colleagues who live in Isiro.
   The Raymonds are an English couple who have lived in Africa many more years than we have and on whom we look to for wisdom and guidance.  Tim is presently our in-country leader and Liz is a translation consultant, working particularly with the Mayogo and Ndruna translations.  The difficulty for us is that they will be leaving Isiro near the end of March for furlough.  They hope to return to DRC in October and are praying about what roles to fill and where to be based. Pray that we will finish our time well together.  We will sorely miss their presence.
   Bettina Gottschlich is our only other colleague here.  She has lived and worked in this area for 25 years as a single missionary.  We work with her on projects relating to Scripture Use, such as the AIDS Kande recording and Scripture recordings.  In January, Pastor Modibale, President of church that we work under, a godly man whom we have much respect for, informed  us that he had asked Bettina to marry him!  Wow....we have joined them in their excitement and anticipation of an August wedding.  A very interesting engagement ceremony was held this week, another cultural eye-opener for us!  Pray for God's protection around this couple, as they are both well known and influential people, and the marriage of a Congolese Pastor with a white is a first in the Isiro area!
   Denny Noble, a Wycliffe Associates member from the U.S., spent the week with us, working with John on inspecting the buildings given by different churches to use for Bible Translation and Scripture Engagement activities. Denny and John then made drawings for the repair of these old buildings.  Pray for wisdom and much grace in this huge task ahead of us
   And, finally, an unusual request: The wife of a Mayogo Pastor whom we work with, told me of a 'Mamas' (=women's) meeting to be held 100 km away from here later this month.  A large group of ladies will WALK there.  I have been asked to supply medicine for their aches and pains and ailments that are sure to come!  Pray for the Mamas of Congo, especially that they would know the presence of Jesus in their daily lives.  

Blessings,
The VanderMeer Family serving with SIL in Isiro, DRCongo  

January 31: Update from Sheila

December 26: Mission Note: Timmermans
Christmas holiday greetings come from the Timmermans in Russia:  “Warmest greetings for the Christmas season and wishes for a happy New Year 2011 to all the members of the congregation!  Let God’s blessings of peace and goodwill among the saints in Christ be yours, from our family and from our Russian brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we will celebrate the coming of Christ the King, who reigns anew in our hearts and lives across many lands!”
CRWM has added a Missions Project shopping link to www.crwm.org, just in time for your end-of-year gifts.  Over 60 Missions Projects to choose from!  See details in the latest Russian Realm from the Timmermans on pages 5 & 6.  
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Gary and Galya!  

December 26: Notes From the Deacons
Thank You: The deacons would like to thank Evelyn Oudyk with helping us provide food for the seasoned souls luncheon and Pauline Kaldeway and Marja for their help with the group home luncheon.  Without these women helping us these events would not have been as successful.
DEACONS FUND: The deacon’s fund is used to help people in our congregation and in our community who are going through a hard time. In the past month we have helped people with groceries and rent. We also had a luncheon for our seasoned souls and for the young men in the group home that meets at Hope Fellowship for school. We were also able to give each student a small gift. January and February are usually very busy months, and we thank you in advance for helping us to help more people through your offerings.  

November 14: Mission Report: Vandermeers
As John will be celebrating his 50th birthday on Monday, Nov. 22nd, we'll focus on him!

These are priorities that you can join us in prayer for:

• His walk with God, as all other relationships depend on this
• His relationship with his wife (me!)
• His relationships with each of his children
• His relationships with his colleagues
• His relationships with other Congolese men that God puts in his path, to encourage them in their responsibilities before God
• Wisdom in the technical work he is called to do

   I praise God for the 50 years He has given John, for the privilege of being his wife and following him where God has called our family. The road has not always been easy, and we have often fallen, but God keeps picking us up, challenging us, and moving us on. I would not trade it for an easier life.
   John's challenge this week and next is to check for viruses and to fix any other problems on the computers of 8 language projects coming together in Isiro for a Paratext conference, beginning on Monday, the 22nd. The Congolese translators coming will be learning how to use an updated version of Paratext which will enable them eventually to communicate and work remotely with a consultant to check their translation progress. Technology is amazing! Yet, this technology keeps John too busy and we are praying for someone, of whatever nationality, with a heart for building God's kingdom to come alongside and help him.
   John has not seen this email as I'm requesting that anyone who wants to send him birthday greetings, return a message and we will present them to him on Monday (remember that we are 7 hours ahead of you!).
Blessings,
Marian for the VanderMeers working with SIL in Isiro, Democratic Republic of Congo  

November 11: Update from Sheila

October 31: Update from Brenda, Serving with Urban Promise
Dear Hope Fellowship;
   Our after school program has started and I am excited to see what the year has in store, to see children’s lives changed and to grow myself.
   I am working with girls aged 9-11. They are filled with energy and have huge hearts. They always want to help out and serve others in any way they can. They have many questions about God and always want to learn more. I love these girls so much and I see the great potential they have. I pray that they would be able to love each other and show kindness to one another and that God could use me to show them how great they are and how much they are loved.
   During one of the bible studies Keandra told me that she had never prayed before. I encouraged her and told her that God doesn’t care how you pray he just wants to hear from you. The next day everyone was in the gym and we asked who wanted to come up and pray for snack. A few of the kids raised their hands and went up to the front. Then Keandra got up to pray for the first time. She said a simple prayer but I know to God that was the most beautiful thing in the world. I pray that she would continue to pray to God and build a relationship with him. I also pray that all the other girls would do the same and know how much they are valued.
   Once again I would like to thank you all for your support and prayers. I am so thankful for this opportunity and thank you for being part of it. Your support is truly a blessing to both the children and myself. I will be sending out monthly newsletters so you can see what I am up to but if you have any further questions feel free to contact the church office for my email address.  

October 17: Mission Report: VanderMeers
Greetings from Isiro,
Sorry for not writing since August 13th. Time goes by too quickly.
Praise and Prayer:

• Wycliffe International just completed meetings in Singapore, where they discussed the "reinvention" of Wycliffe. They are looking for better ways to face the challenging goal of beginning a translation project in each of the 2,000 plus languages needing the Scriptures by 2025. Pray for God's guidance as the structure of Wycliffe faces changes.
• John will leave Isiro Oct. 8 and return Nov. 2nd, primarily to spend two weeks with his mother in Holland. She will be turning 75 and he, 50. En route, he will be working in Bunia on the computer lab for the Bible translation department of Shalom University. Returning to Isiro, he has several big projects to work on that he would appreciate prayer for.
• Congolese colleagues of ours have been showing the Jesus film in different languages in and around Isiro and will continue doing this every Saturday till December. Pray that God will use the film in a mighty way in the hearts of those who watch--many who have never read the Scriptures for themselves--and that there would be lasting change in their lives.
• Pray for myself and the kids as we have started another homeschool year. Pray for our interaction with Congolese and the different ministries we are involved in, that they would bear lasting fruit, specifically in Bible studies to encourage women, a discipleship group for girls aged 11-18, and the beginning of a discipleship program for young men. Pray wisdom for John and I in the continuous requests to help pay for medicine, school fees, and food.
• Have a wonderful Canadian Thanksgiving! We continue to be humbled and SO thankful for all that God has given us. One cannot help but be so when living among many who have so little. Yet, our greatest gift is Christ Himself--We can go through life without a lot of "things" but not without HIM. Praise His name!

Blessings, Marian for the VanderMeer Family 

October 17: Pregnancy Help Centre Update
The 2nd Annual Drive for the Pregnancy Help Centre is over. A total of 2 ¼ playpens full of baby/ toddler items were dropped off. A big THANK-YOU to all of you who donated. Your response to the needs of needy families has been overwhelming. God is good! The last of the items were dropped off the first week of October and the PHC staff were very thankful for everything that was delivered. This has been one way that we , as a church community, can make a real difference in the lives of parents that need to know that someone cares and their children. God bless you.  

October 3: Mission Report
   Years ago, when missionaries left their home countries to serve God, their families could only receive news a month or more after it happened. Sending mail overseas was the only way they could let their families know how things were going in their new home. When our oldest daughter went overseas several years ago, we were lucky to talk to her on Sunday afternoons our time, early evening for her. Even then, many times our phone calls would be dropped and we would spend a frustrating amount of time trying to get our phones to connect instead of actually talking to her. Fast forward a short seven years and there are so many more options to connect with people – email, facebook, and skype are all so instant. Last Sunday afternoon Gary and I were installing Skype on my computer so that I could have a “date” with Sheila Dykstra, who works for Christian Reformed World Missions in West Africa. While we were setting things up, we received a call from Wiebe and Jackie Brinkman, also members of Hope Fellowship who are currently in Jos, Nigeria for their second year. We were able to not only talk to both of them at the same time, but we could see each other. The picture was fuzzy, but it was definitely Wiebe and Jackie! We were able to let them know how things are going here in Courtice and ask them about their lives as well. They talked freely about life in Jos, with its traffic problems, and the frustrations of not being able to do work in an efficient way. They also talked about the joys of being there – the beauty of the country, the opportunity to see things that sound very exotic here (they hope to travel in Africa for Christmas). One thing that came through very clearly was the loneliness they feel at being short term missionaries. While you miss your family and friends tremendously, it is difficult to form new relationships in such a relatively short period of time.
   It took until Thursday before I could connect with Sheila. The five hour time difference makes it interesting to find a good time. Sheila has recently admitted to dealing with homesickness and one of the ways she is trying to fight that is by moving in with roommates. It has been great for her, but the cultural differences are highlighted when you live in such close community. One small example of that is as follows: Sheila and her roommates were planning a party together. Her roommates insisted that they could not serve rice unless there was meat to accompany the rice. Sheila said that had never been a problem before for her because she was a foreigner, but her roommates would lose face if they were involved. She has also mentioned traveling a lot and she gave one example of what traveling is like for her: recently she was traveling a distance equal to a flight from Toronto to Calgary. She had one flight, then had to wait an entire 24 hours before her next flight, which took an additional eight hours! On top of that, her second flight was cancelled and she ended up waiting three extra days for the next one.Traveling is a large part of Sheila’s job, so she spends a lot of time like this dealing with this type of delay. She said it is actually easier to travel from Africa to Canada than it is to travel inside of Africa.
   Sheila is very excited about a new opportunity in Guinea, where she will be working with teachers in the local Christian Schools. Since Guinea is a French speaking nation, she will get to polish her French skills, which makes communicating a bit of a challenge.
   One of Sheila’s supporting churches got together and raised enough money for her to fly home at Christmas, so she will be visiting with her family for three weeks. Though Hope Fellowship is her home church, she is not sure she’ll be able to come here in that short period of time. However, Sheila begins a six month home service next summer and we will look forward to welcoming her then and hearing more about the work that our Lord is doing in West Africa. After talking for 45 minutes Sheila and I agreed that we needed to chat more often. There’s so much to tell and never enough time to do the telling.
   It’s fun to get a glimpse into the lives of our missionaries, and it is good to be aware of some of the things they struggle with. It’s a great reminder to always hold them up in prayer too.
- Evelyn Oudyk 

September 19: Update from Wiebe & Jackie Brinkman
   Hello People  
   Thank you all for your prayers and other support, we are blessed knowing you are behind/with us. This finds me sitting at my (T.V.) computer pecking out the first letter of how and what we are doing here, Aug 2010.
   It was a whirlwind trip , home and visiting with family and friends. I was even shuttled out to B.C. by the next elder of the family. Thanks Dirk!! I did not know the deep feeling of missing all of the B.C.ites, till I actually saw them and had the good feeling of a hug from them. We have plans in the future to extend a time of visiting with them.2011
   The project I was involved with has trimmed down to kitchen cupboards, great room floor and outside patios concreted eaves trough [which I made from aluminum roofing sheets] installed,  etc. mostly small stuff.  I have been given a list of other jobs to do on the SUM, CRC. Compounds here and at Abuja and Niger State.
   Also the well drilling rig is out of commission and I would like to help there again. That’s a twelve hour trip to Niger State, where there is also one of the Mission stations that needs work done.  
   Election time is coming up and everyone is wanting to see if the current president Goodluck Jonathan is going to run in the elections which may be held as early as Jan. 2011.  
   Right now in our area things seem quiet and hopeful for a peaceful election.  
   We have security and with vegetation growth the way it is in rainy season growing up and over the compound walls it’s necessary to machete the brush and tree limbs to discourage 'easy ' access. That is what three of my workers are up to today, probably a 3 day job.  
   One of the frustrations of being here for Jackie is she cannot just go out for a walk out and about the city, unless accompanied with myself or a Nigerian.  Part of that fear is the crazy traffic noise and exhaust fumes, especially as the chuba motorcycles add extra oil to their fuel for the extra power it gives them and of course extra clouds of smoke.   You can imagine the honking as they come up behind you to overtake you as they 'tell you they are coming', regardless if there is room or not to pass. This plus all the taxis who are signalling ,with their horn and hand waving that "They are coming ," and would you, being one of the 50 or so people who are waiting to cross dodge over between the traffic, like a ride??   Now the general driving public has adopted this annoying  method of "I AM COMING" to signal that they are also a part of this mix. It is a cacophony bedlam of noise. Therefore the sign on the back of large trucks "Horning if overtaking" is not a spelling mistake!   
   We have connected with some of the friends we have here. We also connected with a 74 year old surveyor who loves to take groups out for a tour to some of the areas that he found especially striking, seeing as he has been in this area 25yrs plus many other places. You know the saying " Old men have plenty of wisdom, it’s just a matter of time getting it out of them' . Well this one is eager to share, and it gives us a guide and excuse to "get" out. Which is what we did Saturday for a 6 hour day trip .    
   Jackie has 15 students this year and at school the practice is, for each child, to have 'the teacher' over for supper. Now I like this because I get to come along, see their places ,talk to men who are in business, such as architects, Doctors, Pastors and some who are hardly ever home. Of course get to EAT a lot of different foods. {maybe we can get them to do it two times instead of one?]   
   Its been a blessing talking to the different parents, listening to their "take" on the upcoming election and their HOPE for a quiet and fair election, peace to the country, and their sadness at some of the situations that have been happening here.   
   So lots of love to you all ---- till the next time. --- Wiebe 'n' Jackie
Wiebe & Jackie Brinkman, members of Hope Fellowship, are serving in Jos, Nigeria, where Jackie teaches at Hillcrest School and Wiebe works for Christian Reformed World Missions  

September 19: Deacon's Update from the Pregnancy Help Centre
WE MADE IT! The deacons hoped to fill our play pen twice this summer with donations for the Pregnancy Help Centre. Thank you for your help in making that goal. We have a couple of weeks left until the end of September, when this drive will end. Can we double what we gave last year? Let’s fill up the play pen one more time to bless parents who are struggling in the Durham Region!  

August 22: Deacon's Update from the Pregnancy Help Centre
   The first playpen load of baby items was dropped off on Tuesday and the volunteers at the Pregnancy Help Centre (PHC) were amazed at our donations. They were glad to see so many baby wipes since clients had come in that day to get some and PHC didn’t have any. But now they do! Lots!!! Thanks to everyone for donating. If you haven’t put anything in the PHC playpen yet, there is still time!! This drive continues until the end of September. Lots of time to help out a needy family or single mom/dad.
Here is a list of items needed:
   Formula (desperately in need of - only 2 cans left) 
   Diapers – especially sizes 4, 5 and 6 
   Baby Food – cereal, jars, etc.
   We’ve already collected one playpen full – we’d like to collect another and pass last year’s amount donated. (That was one and a half playpens full). 
   Myth: Only pregnant and young parents visit the Centre. 
   Fact: Families visit with children up to 4 years old.

August 22: Update from the VanderMeers
Dear Partners,
   We trust you are all enjoying the warm weather of summer, as we are enjoying slightly cooler weather in our "winter" here, a time when it's not unbearable to sleep under a sheet! Isiro is becoming a busy place!
   Please pray for the following visitors:

• Our visitors two weeks ago are in leadership roles for Francophone Africa. They were here to see firsthand the situation in Isiro and to give John and I a shortened seminar on Crisis Training. Pray for them as they make decisions and give counsel that aims to benefit Bible Translation in all of Francophone Africa.
• Matthew, the 17 year old son of a missionary pilot, spent six days with us, helping John in some of his technical work, pray for him as he considers working as a 4th generation missionary to Congo. His great grandfather came when this was the Belgian Congo;
• a BELT team (Biblical Education and Leadership Training), composed of people from several different continents who will lead a three week seminar for local pastors using Scriptures in their mother tongue and other languages, arrived on August 12th. Pray that this seminar would impact the lives of these Pastors as they learn new ways of communicating God's Word to their congregations.
• Two Kenyans will arrive to give training in the 3rd week of August to school teachers for the Elementary School Bible Curriculum which members of our group have been instrumental in writing: Choose Wisdom and Choose Life. Pray that these materials would be well used in the schools to impact many young lives for Christ.
• Doug Wright, here since July 14th, hopes to finished checking 2 Corinthians with the Logo translators, before returning to the States today. Doug believes that the project is facing, and will face, increasing spiritual battles as they look to finish the New Testament by 2013. Pray for perseverance.
• As our family are the stable unit here in Isiro, we will be involved in different ways in each of these visits, either by sharing our home, or preparing other lodging, helping with technical needs, and so on.

Thanks so much for your participation with us in this work. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Phil. 4:23
 - Marian VanderMeer, Serving in Isiro, Democratic Republic of Congo

Aug 8: Update from Brenda
   It is a great opportunity to work for Urban Promise.  I am constantly growing and learning more about myself.  It is so fun to work with the children and build relationships with them.  Each child is special and benefits greatly from being at camp.  Supporting Urban Promise will give children hope and opportunities to grow and have God in their life.  You can support in many ways.  A big way is to pray.  Prayer is a powerful thing!  Pray for the children at the camp that they would see God throught the leaders and to build relationships with the leaders and God.  Pray for me and that I will continue to grow in my faith and rely on God in every situation, because without God you can do nothing.  Pray that I will continue to build relationships with the kids and other leaders.  Lastly, pray for Urban Promise, that they will have the money they need to run the camps successfully.  Another way you can support is financially.  We have been blessed so much by God and we should use those blessings to bless others.  The money will go to the right places and help kids that need it.  Thanks for remembering me and camp in your prayers.  Thanks you for your support.  God Bless, Brenda

July 25: Update from the VanderMeers
Dear Friends,
Praise God that:

• John returned grateful after completing a 2 week IT training in Nairobi, Kenya which will prove useful in the coming months.  En route for home, he spent 5 days in Bunia DR Congo setting up a 2.4 m satellite dish to give Shalom University of Bunia a better internet connection.
• After he returned home to Isiro DR Congo, he spent three days training two Congolese men, Kama and Calliste, in the use of digital audio recording, editing, and producing master cassettes.  Pray for these two men as they return with new equipment and skills, that they may make quality audio recordings to promote use of Scripture in everyday life.
• Jodi Bagge, the universtity student who stayed with us five weeks, is now back at home in the States.  The Lord answered our prayers over and above what we expected.  If interested, you can read her report on her blog: www.jodiinwonderland.blogspot.com  Pray for Jodi as she processes and communicates what God allowed her to see and experience while here.
• On June 30th, we celebrated 50 years of independence for Congo.  Although there was much rejoicing on that day, there was also much soul-searching by others, and some despair.  A colleague of ours wrote: "As you well know, fifty years of independence in DRC have seen injustice, corruption, conflict, widespread theft of natural resources, a collapsed economy and infrastructure, and a failing state.  There have been calls in DRC for days of national fasting and repentance leading up to the Jubilee."  She also noted that Congo's First Lady had called for a Day of Prayer.  So, we continue to pray that God will restore and heal this great land.
• On July 6th, Maaike and her Congolese friend, Ana, began a discipleship group for girls aged 10-17.  Maaike and Ana have spent many hours in the last four months studying the material and translating it not only in the local language but in a manner which can be used and understood in this culture.  If anyone would like to pray specifically for this ministry, please contact Maaike at vdm_kids@kastanet.org.  The group will continue to meet till the end of August.
• We are finally nearing the end of our homeschool year.  Pray especially for an open heart to God's leading for Jonathan as he continues to make decisions on his post-secondary activities.  Jeremy, as well, in Waterloo, ON, will need to make decisions about his next work term.  Pray that Michael, in Alberta, would finish well his construction job before returning to Calvin College early to train to be a Resident Assistant.  We marvel at God's provision for each of our children.
• We have something wonderful to rejoice in:  "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice."  Phil. 4:4.  Pray that each of our hearts would be continually rejoicing in Him.
• Wycliffe Canada earned an A rating in a new Charity Grading system.

Blessings, the VanderMeer Family in Isiro, DRC.
Wycliffe Bible Translators, 4316-10th Ave. NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6K3

June 27: Update from the VanderMeers
   Greetings from Isiro, Congo, "For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband, otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy," 1 Cor. 7:14
   What a verse! What a challenge to translate into Mayogo! It is rare that we write to ask you to pray about specific Bible translation challenges, but this week I had the opportunity to sit in for two hours as our colleague, Liz Raymond, discussed three verses in 1 Cor. 7 with Mapuma, a Mayogo translator. At that time, I realized what a fascinating, yet terrifying task it is to translate the Word of God. As Liz said, "We need to be careful or all kinds of heresies can arise regarding marriage and divorce."
   For example, another local language had translated verse 1 of chapter 7, which says, "It is good for a man not to touch a woman" as "It is good for a man not to marry a woman." Liz has many years of experience in Bible Translation in Congo, yet she said that 1 Corinthians 7 is THE most difficult chapter she has ever had to deal with.
   In verse 14 above, we had much discussion over the word "sanctification". What exactly does it mean in this context? The Mayogo translators had translated it to mean "child of God". As Liz felt that that phrase would give false confidence to those not saved, she suggested the word used in the rabbinical translations: legitimate.
   However. Mapumu told us that his people understand "legitimate" to be that all bride price payments had been fulfilled. Only then, is a marriage legitimate. We finally settled on a Mayogo phrase literally meaning that God showed the unbelieving husband/wife his good stomach--the Mayogo phrase which expresses the meaning of "grace".
   Two of the three Congolese translators were not present at this checking session, which was a major disappointment, because the session had previously been cancelled and now had to be cut down to only one day of checking.
   Please pray for wisdom in encouraging the team to dedicated service to this important work.
   Pray for Liz as she tries to press on, yet continues to be hampered with delays.
   Pray for translators in all languages that they would be humble and open to the leading of the Spirit in this fascinating, yet terrifying task.
   The VanderMeers are all doing well, despite the absence of John for another three weeks. We appreciate your continued prayers. Blessings, Marian  

June 27: Update from the Deacons
   Summer has arrived so it's time for Hope’s annual donation drive to support the Pregnancy Help Centre (PHC). This drive will run for the summer months until the end of September. We are hoping to surpass last year’s total of 1½ playpens full of baby and toddler items. Last year the volunteers at the Centre were really happy with what we collected. So this year shouldn’t be any different!
   PHC’s clients visit the Centre bi-weekly to pick up things they need to care for their children, such as baby cereal, formula, jarred food, diapers and wipes, and baby furniture. They also get emotional, spiritual, and financial support along with someone who mentors them.
   Look in the foyer for our display next week! Take a copy of the PHC list and see what you can donate to support the Pregnancy Help Centre. Clients need things like baby food, cribs, strollers, high chairs (sorry no car seats), clothes up to Size 4. One big need is large sized diapers—Size 4 or 5 or 6.
   Join with the deacons and commit to donating one of those items during the summer, bring it to church with you and place it in/at the display. Every time the playpen gets full we will deliver it to the Centre.
   Let’s show our support and encourage needy parents, who use the Centre, in a very real and meaningful way.

Myth: Only pregnant and young parents visit the Centre.
Fact: Families visit with children up to 4 years old.  

May 16: Update from the Vandermeers  "Rejoice in the Lord" (Phil 3:1)
Dear Friends,  
  On May 3rd, we celebrated 24 years of marriage.  When walking down the aisle that day in Whitby, neither of us imagined that  we would be here in the Congolese rain forest, raising a family while serving Wycliffe.   We have had challenges along the way, to be sure, but we thank God that we are where we are today. Because of God's faithfulness these 24 years, we can face the future with confidence. 
  We thank God for the 4 months our oldest son, Jeremy, could spend with us.  He came as part of his university co-op program and was a big asset to the technical work we are involved in.  He interacted well with the Congolese, and was quickly involved in several activities in the community. He has started his engineering studies this week.  Please pray that he will adjust well and not forget the things God impressed on him while here.
  This morning during the weekly prayer meeting, we were again reminded by our Congolese colleagues that there are still areas of unrest in this country.  They also raised concern of the coming elections to be held next year.  Please join us in praying for safety and security for all people in this great country of Congo.  Pray that the leaders would lead with integrity.  Also pray for the next generation, the youth of Congo.  May they find hope and purpose as they seek to live lives honoring to God.
  After the prayer meeting, John began training Caliste, a Congolese colleague,  in the making and editing of digital audio recordings. Later, a second Congolese man in a different region will be trained for the same thing.  The goal is to further the powerful impact of the Kande story, a Christian response to the AIDS problem, and to start making audio recordings of Scripture.  John is very excited about this new work but asks for prayer to understand the material well and to communicate it well.
  The work of Bible translation in the huge country of Congo is divided into east and west. We have been requested by the group in the west to come and sort out the solar system of a large Bible translation centre.  If possible, John would like to travel in the coming weeks.  But the logistics of getting heavy batteries to this location is not easy.  Please pray that a quick and lasting solution can be found. 
  The guest room never seems to be empty long in our house.  We would ask if you can remember Jodi who will arrive from the US in 2 weeks.  She is studying linguistics in university and considering future work in Bible translation..  She is very excited, having wanted to come to Congo since the age of 5!  Pray that the five weeks she spends with us helping with homeschooling and participating in different aspects of the work of SIL will confirm in her heart in which direction God is leading her.
  Thanks to each one of you for your important part in the team bringing God's Word to Congo - John & Marian VanderMeer and Family

May 16: Food Bank Update
  We have a great staff of 20, who do a marvellous job each week of ministering to our clients. From January to March of this year we saw a constant increase in clients and served 648 walk-ins with a total of 1,180 people fed for this period of time (a 10% increase over last year).   In April we have seen a slight decrease in numbers indicating that our economic times are slightly improving. We are very thankful for all the support given by the people of Hope Fellowship, including the ongoing food drive by our Church School children. At this time of year our funds are usually low, but due to our increased needs our funds have reached a critical point. Our deacons have scheduled an offering for June 6 and we ask you to prayerfully consider supporting this ministry to the needy in our region.  Marie for the Foodbank Team.

April 18: Haiti Update from CRWRC

April 18: Update from Rachel van Oostveen
Dear People of Hope,
   I na kwana (good morning)! I only have six weeks left in Nigeria, I figured it was time to write another update. Since I last wrote, I have taken part in many different Nigerian traditions including a wedding, a funeral and several send-forth ceremonies. In some ways our cultures are quite similar to each other – we celebrate and mourn the same things. But in other ways, the cultures are very different, and I wouldn’t even know where to begin to describe these differences. However, I know that I am learning a great deal about Nigeria and its people. I have also seen that the Holy Spirit is alive and well here in Jos. The Christian body is very strong in their faith and believe that God will do great things through them. I hope that we would always be as passionate as the God followers here!
   I also have had the opportunity to travel throughout the country and even go to the mountains that span across the border of Nigeria and Cameroon. It was full of trees and rolling hills/mountains that I no longer felt like I was in Nigeria because it is so different than the rest of the country that is dry and brown. It was beautiful and a wonderful time of refreshment!
   As I go into my last weeks of work at the school and hospital, I hope that I can leave some sort of mark or impression on the two places. I am thinking of organizing some sort of conference for the teachers at Open Doors to meet with teachers from Hillcrest (ie. Jackie Brinkman) to discuss and learn various teaching methods. For the hospital, I will be preparing some pamphlets that we can give to patients to teach them basic in-patient exercises to improve function and mobility later on in their recovery. I hope to accomplish these things as well as continue to build relationships with Nigerians and missionaries alike so that I will have contacts for if/when I return to the country. Please continue to pray for the city of Jos, the safety of its people and for the local and federal government. Greater things have yet to come for the county of Nigeria! I hope you are all well! I miss the fellowship of Hope!
In His Grip, Rachel van Oostveen