Pentecost is a national holiday in Congo. This year Pentecost was celebrated on Memorial Day, May 27. So while in America we remember those who fought for our country's political freedom, here in Congo we remember how God sent His Spirit to give us spiritual freedom.
Our primary reason for being in the Congo at this time is to study French, the official language of our host country. We were recently made acutely aware of the importance of knowing French well BEFORE beginning our medical ministry to the nationals. Armand works for us as a guard at night. One night he asked if Joe could give him some medicine, as he was suffering from a bad head cold. Joe offered him some long-acting sinus medication which is supposed to be taken every twelve hours.
Maybe because of the fluid in Armand's ears, or more likely because of Joe's poor French accent, Armand heard "deux" pills every "deux (2) heures" instead of "douze (12) heures." A significant difference! After taking three and a half times the maximum daily dose, it's no wonder Armand's cold symptoms were completely gone when he returned to work the next night. The only problem--his eyes were spinning and his thoughts were racing. Joe explained the mistake to Armand, we prayed together, then Joe hit the books researching the treatment for the potentially dangerous overdose. Thankfully, Armand was back to normal within a couple days, with no permanent ill effects.
Thanks to God's answers to your prayers, we are now well settled into our new home and daily routine. We are beginning to understand and appreciate more of the Congolese culture. We also have had running water some days, and when it's not running, boy have we got that bucket system down pat! One day there was enough pressure for us all to take a warm shower, which precipitated the above quote from precious Olivia.
Praise God, we received our one year visas just in time to travel to Pointe Noire for Spring Break! We had a wonderful week of relaxation in this small city on the Congo's Atlantic Coast. Standing on the shore we could almost see you all just over the horizon. We returned home with a fresh perspective ready to dive back into our studies. Long Islander that she is, Mom was especially thrilled to breathe the ocean air again.
Becky's pregnancy is progressing well--so well in fact, that her sundresses are too tight! We are looking forward to a safe delivery here at our home in Brazzaville the end of July. Thank you for your prayers toward this end.
In our last newsletter, we asked you to pray for us "to establish rapport with the medical community, missionaries, internationals, and our Congolese brothers, sisters, and neighbors." We asked you to "pray that God will use us to bring healing and revival to the missionaries, church leaders, and internationals in the Congo." Little did we know God was going to begin answering every aspect of that prayer with a single event.
On March 6, 1996, Mr. Gary Dawson, a missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators, was transferred to the Central University Hospital in Brazzaville after having an emergency appendectomy the week before in a remote village. Joe was called upon to coordinate Gary's medical care on his arrival. When Joe got to the hospital he found the patient lapsing into a coma from an extensive, life-threatening antibiotic-resistant infection, with no resuscitation equipment or medication or supplies available.
The situation seemed hopeless, but the embassy and missionary community sprang into action. Miraculously we were able to get all the medicine and equipment that Gary needed in his serious condition. We were even able to arrange for a medical air evacuation team from South Africa to come.
After the initial sense of panic, a time of prayer with Gary's wife brought God's peace and strength, which enabled Joe to lead the team of 5 doctors and 5 nurses from 6 different countries who worked through the night in a unified effort. When the evacuation team arrived, we began to think how great it was going to be to tell you all about Gary's dramatic recovery.
But, despite all of our efforts and prayers, his condition went from bad to worse, and it became obvious that he wasn't going to survive the flight to South Africa. Mr. Dawson died eighteen hours after arriving in Brazzaville, leaving his wife and three young children behind, and the Teke people without the Bible in their own language. Gary lived his life pointing people to Jesus Christ. God in His infinite wisdom, allowed him to do the same in his death. He died at age 33, with his side pierced (from the original surgery), and his arms outstretched (on an operating table), as we were preparing him for surgery.
Joe had the privilege of bringing the message at the funeral service, which was attended by the Minister of Education, the US Ambassador, the President of the Evangelical Church of Congo, leaders of the Catholic Church, as well as missionaries, family, and friends. Because of the powerful testimony of Gary's life and death, about 100 people stood to confirm their commitment to serve Jesus Christ, and one person stood to testify that she was accepting Christ as Lord and Saviour.
We very much appreciate the prayers, cards, letters, e-mail, packages, and financial support that keeps coming our way. "With such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Hebrews 13:16).
Your Servants,
Joe & Becky, Olivia, Claire & XY?
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