Travel Blog


	The Last Word October 8, 2008, 9:23 am Thanks for that note Becky. And thanks to all who wrote and encouraged and prayed for us and for the brethren here in Africa. I'm home safely and a week later the "lag" is about to wear off. All my compadres have checked in and they are safe also. We are all busy getting back into the routine of home, getting pictures formatted and traded, and getting reports out. I think Mike has already sent his reports out. I'm not so quick, but I hope to send along a CD of pictures in powerpoint format to make up for it. :-) With this closing note of thanks, I'm going to "freeze" the blog so no more comments will be accepted. However this record will remain on the site, like my Russian one last year, for easy reference. My last word will have to do with the effect of this trip on us all. Although we were blessed to be able to purchase and distribute 7.5 metric tons of food along with the bread of life, that physical food is now already consumed and brethren are hungry again. Mike Divis and myself have pledged ourselves to a continuing effort to assist our brothers and sisters in Christ, along with their children and families. We have founded an organzation to do that with the help of individuals like yourself, one family at a time. All the info about what we're doing can be found at www.OpenHeartsHelpingHands.com. If you were touched, even a little, as we were by the plight of God's family in Africa, please check out www.OpenHeartsHelpingHands.com and come on board. This may be the opportunity you've been waiting for. Thank you again for being such a loving part of the family of God and I pray that what little might have been accomplished in this trip was accomplished for God's glory and in praise of all who took part in whatever way they could. Mac Comment by: Becky October 2, 2008, 8:07 am What a TRIP! I know much good was done while you were there. I hope and pray that it continues. I loved looking at the beautiful pictures and reading the entries. It makes me realize just how blessed I am and makes me want to hit my knees and thank God for all that I have. I pray for your safe return. Comment by: Mike Divis October 1, 2008, 12:18 am OPPS, my last entry was sent too soon. I wanted to also express my deep appreciation, first to the team, and then to all who helped make this possible. A special thanks to Mac McMurray and Mac Payne. This was the first trip for the both of them. They had their eyes and hearts opened to the work of the Lord on the opposite side of the world. Mac Payne has assisted in this work for nearly 12 years. It was good for him to see the work that is being done with his help. May God bless him for his efforts during this trip and for the past dozen years. Mac McMurray has a heart full of compassion, and he did not fail to express it this past month to all of us who were with him. We now have our work cut out for us to encourage brethren here in America to become aware of the situation for our brethren in Zimbabwe. OPEN HEARTS HELPING HANDS, is our deepest desire to find that help the brethren there need. Thanks to all who assisted us in this trip. The list is too long to mention individually, but you know who you are! Your help paid the expenses, bought the food to feed over 800 Zimbabwean Brethren and put a strong work truck for Brewer to use in the Lord's work in Zimbabwe. May the Lord repay you in countless ways. Thanks to our families, especially Nolleen (Mike's wife) and Lorna (Mac's wife). Thank you both for keeping the home fires buring in our absence. To all of you for your prayers and your willingness to see us do this vital work for our Lord. I know many of you were worried about our safety. It was justified, with dangers from the political situation there, the wild environment (wild animals, snakes and spiders), poor food and water, and over 20,000 miles in the air and on the ground. Thanks to the Lord for the Angels that watched over us. Hebrews 1:14. Our team was much bigger then the three of us. Thanks to the brethren who filled out spots in our absence. Those who preached, taught our studies and allowed us to go. We know our local works took a momentary back seat, but I am confident that each one of us hit the ground running and after a few hours of rest we will get right back to what we are called to do. To the elders at Anderson. I know Mac will express to you what he already has said to me, so I will not attempt to speak for his deep appreciation, but let me say to you both, THANKS. To the Lanier brethren, where Mac Payne attends. It was good to see some of you on the film Payne brought with him. Thank you for all your support for brother Payne. To my brehren in Sioux City. I know how difficult it was for you, being a small group, to "keep on keeping on" this past month. Thank you all. Mike Divis Last Word From Africa September 28, 2008, 10:29 am Good Afternoon. Sorry to be so late but the internet was down all over town yesterday. Thanks again for the prayers and kind thoughts but I'm not sure they are deserved. Many more brothers would be doing this if they can, I'm sure. Nevertheless it's great to hear from you. We are safe and in countdown mode for wheels up and our return. We went to Gwanda South for our last preaching trip with confidence. We had been told that those folks were being taken care of by contributions so we spent the last of our benevolence up north. We were greeted by prayers, thanks, and expressions of hunger. Could not believe it! There were about 12 congregations meeting in two areas, representing about 60 total in the area. It appears that the thousands of dollars that have been given are filtering down to approximately $120 Zim dollars to $150 Zim per person. That's about a quarter. You read that right! Since a loaf of bread costs about $1200 Zim, you can imagine the problem. $.25 US doesn't go very far. We were approached by preachers who had never asked for support in 10, 15, and 20 years of preaching... but are now asking for support. They have farmed and worked and now are at the end of their rope for caring for their families. They have no choice but to request support. They are fearful and hungry. I mentioned in my last post that brother Divis and myself had been working on another method of helping our brethren here and that I would be sharing it here. Well, here it is. There is going to be a new website OPEN HEARTS HELPING HANDS that is manned by volunteers, tax deductible for individuals to use and we believe much more efficient than present methods. Every source that we can talk to and plan with on the ground here makes it appear that we can feed a family of African Christians for $40 FOR A MONTH. That is four times more food than the flat rate boxes that only last a week. It is a thousand times more efficient than the $.25 per month presently being distributed from Bulawayo south to Gwanda South. We are not being critical of these methods. We just think that we can do it better. Additionally 100% of donations to the food program will go to buying and moving the food on the ground here. 100%, with a thank you note from every family that gets a month’s worth of food. We have volunteers at the ready, and the application to become a 501(c)3 organization is already moving. We are ready to move on this, but we need our first year of application fees and operating costs. We are estimating that at about $2500, far less than has already been lost in just one month of filtering contributions down to the individuals. We need some help with this. If you know of a few loving hearts that can carry this first year load of $2500, we need their help, now! There will be more info available when the website comes online in a week or two. We should be in-country in about 48 hours and you can contact us personally if you wish. I am reachable at mcmurray@spiritbuilding.com and Mike Divis is available at MikyyyD@aol.com. We are both tired of weeping for hungry brothers and sisters and their children. It is time to act and we hope you will help us. $40 CAN feed one family for a month if it's handled correctly. OPEN HEARTS HELPING HANDS. thanks again, Mac September 28, 2008, 8:54 am Mac preaching in the great outdoors. September 28, 2008, 8:51 am Elegance. African style. September 28, 2008, 8:50 am Best Buds. September 28, 2008, 8:48 am September 28, 2008, 8:47 am The church under the tree, in the Belingwa area. September 28, 2008, 8:45 am Here's another one of those Preacher's Kids you hear about. Brother Newart Ndlovu's daughter. September 28, 2008, 8:43 am Three Musketeers. September 28, 2008, 8:42 am Another happy couple. September 28, 2008, 8:40 am September 28, 2008, 8:39 am The sisters at church siiiinnnngggg out. September 28, 2008, 8:37 am Let me tell you about my grandchild! September 28, 2008, 8:36 am Curious. September 28, 2008, 8:35 am September 28, 2008, 8:33 am Hey There Cutie. September 28, 2008, 8:32 am Mike Divis, preaching the word at Matomba. September 28, 2008, 8:30 am A 72 year old brother Moyo, and his bride, preaching since 1959 without a dime of support. September 28, 2008, 8:28 am September 28, 2008, 8:26 am A group of brothers. Comment by: Mike Divis September 28, 2008, 7:47 am To all that have written us, for the past several days the internet has been down. Welcome to Zimbabwe. Tomorrow we leave here and head home. Thanks for the comments, that were so special to me. I miss you all very much and will see you soon. Keep us in your prayers. Mike Comment by: Sissy September 27, 2008, 5:41 am Good morning Mike & The Team, It is Saturday and a few more days and you all will be home. I just want you to know that I and thinking of you and praying for your safe return. I am sure you all are so very busy with the last few days in Africa. You all are pretty special guys, don't forget that. See you soon, Love Sissy Comment by: Ted September 26, 2008, 8:32 am Wow Carl, I have seen and admired Victoria falls in pictures and the history and travel channels, now I know eye witnesses, looking forward to the pictures with power point The work you all are doing is tremendous, the people of Zim are seeing America's best. I can only imagine the zeal you will have to share with us upon your return. Carl you are missed at Anderson, but our missing you is a small price considering your accomplishments and joy knowing God's word is made available to eager hearts. You guys are the best. Praying for your safe return home. Ted and Peggy. Comment by: Sissy September 26, 2008, 8:15 am Good morning Mike and "The Team", Well your mission is almost to a close for this trip, and I must say I can't wait until you colme home. You all have done such a wonderful thing to help the people in Afica. The mission covered so much with you sharing the word of God, and God showing you the way to find and get the food they needed so badly. Glory be to God for showing you all the way to help these people and for you all to have the courage and heart to give so much. Mike when you get home I know you have a lot to do, but I hope we can talk about getting together soon. I miss you so much and I can't wait to see you when things settle down some. I will be in southern Minnesota October 11th picking pumpkins with Simon & Libby. It is a real cool place and lots to do.., corn maze, pumpkin painting, farm animals, play ground, hay rack rides, a cafe to eat lunch, crafts, tri-cycle riding for adults and children around a mud track, and much more. May be you, Nollen and the grand kids would like to come...just something to think about. It is about 30-45 minute north of Spirit Lake. Well enough of that PLEASE be safe... have a great trip home and know that you all are in my prayers. Love Sis Comment by: Jeanne Sullivan September 25, 2008, 11:33 am Dear Mac and Mike, It has been a joy to follow your progress throughtout this month's journey. It has been an eye-opening, thought-provoking and soul searching journey for me, as well. I read your words, see my sister's and brother's faces and all of the precious children, and realize the Lord's hand is in this effort. I so appreciate your love, concern, efforts and hardship that have opened the door for me and others to see these faces, and to feel their hunger--not only physical, but for spiritual food, as well. Thank-you from the collective hearts of the Lord's family, who indeed owe a debt of gratitude to our Lord for our salvation, and so appreciate His messengers who are willing to go forth into the world and share that message. I have a renewed appreciation for His Food, as well as physical sustenance now. There is a reason for the commands to "pray without ceasing" and "to give thanks for all things". By so doing, we are reminded of our need and dependence on our Father. It is so easy to become isolated in our country. We drive in and out of our garages, without even seeing many of our own neighbors. Effort is involved to form relationships with our own church family. Hospitality-opening our hearts and homes- requires effort, with love as the motivator. When we open our hearts, we are allowing God's love to shine through to others. Satan would prefer us to have a isolationist mentality-keeping to ourselves, with t.v., computer, internet, games, to keep us company. He surely makes it tempting. We don't see as many brethren dropping in to visit others in the evening--the allure of comforts of home or our favorite show- help us to forget that we are "just passing through". When we forget, we close our hearts, and homes, forgetting to set our mind on the things above. Thanks for the needed reminder. We know it, but we don't KNOW it, until we feel your experiences and again remember that Christ died for each and every person in the world, that the message must be shared, that God's love must radiate from our heart to our neighbors, as well as to our neighbors in the "bush". We must remember that our selfish, comfort zone, is not of significance...not when we look into the eyes of the childrn and see their need, or their distended bellies. I deeply thank-you for that reminder. May the Lord bless your efforts in sharing His love. Thank-you for your zeal, and your focus on the things above. Thank-you for emulating our Savior who unselfishly gave to others so that His Father's work could be done. I'm so thankful that our prayers for a legion of angels to protect and minister to you have been answered. May His protection continue throughout a fruitful, long life of service to Him. Love, Jeanne Comment by: Debbie Allen September 24, 2008, 9:43 am Carl, I know this has been a life changing experience and we are looking forward to hearing the lessons that can be learned from a journey such as this. You are such a good teacher! We will pray for your safe return and for the safe return of the team. Our African brethren our in our hearts and prayers and pray we can all be in heaven someday-a place where we will never thirst or hunger. Love to all!! Comment by: Sissy September 24, 2008, 7:25 am GOOD MORNING MIKE AND 'THE TEAM', I am so glad to hear from you this morning and know that you all are OK! I loved reading this blog and seeing the photo's. Mac said he hoped that we could see a little of what you all saw, and I can see some what in the eyes of the children but yet some happiness and smiles and in the eyes of the adults show the sad hard life and worry they must carry everyday but yet thankful you are there to help them and share God's love. I was eatting dinner last evening and told Roger I didn't want something we had because I didn't care for the taste and at that moment I thought how crazy of me when I have food and I don't like the taste???? When my brother is half way around the world trying to find any food he can to feed very hungry people so they do not have to eat leaves and berries. I must say that this blog has opened my eyes more than you could ever realize. This blog has made this event and journy you are on so real to me and I have asked God to forgive me for being such a selfish person. Nine years ago when I was sick with my cancer the thought of dying made me look at life diffrently, but I can tell you the thought of many people dying because of hunger helpes me to understand that life is so much more precious than I could have ever belived. We hear other people talk about hungry people but when it comes from my brother and his Team it is diffrent and real. You guys keep up the good work because I would never know how to do what you are doing and I will keep praying that God's glory keep blessing all of you, "The Team", the people in Africa and people everywhere. There may be alot of crazy things going on out there in the world but I must tell you because of God's grace and glory and a FEW GOOD MEN nothing is impossible! I love you so much Mike, I belive in what you are doing and I am so proud of you and your friends! May God bless you and keep you and always be with you. Love Sissy Comment by: Nolleen September 24, 2008, 6:24 am Thanks for posting the pictures and commits with them. It helps to see what it is like over there and what is being done and what needs to be done. You all have accomplished alot and God has blessed everyone that has contibuted in this effort especially for you guys going over there and helping out. I am glad that you were able to take some personal time and see some beauty that God has provided. My prayers all with you all. An Apology September 24, 2008, 2:59 am I'm sorry. I thought that I had written all for the blog that I was going to write today, but I'm sitting here weeping again as I go through these pics and upload them. I thought I was through with that also. All I can think of is Jesus saying, "Suffer the little children to come unto me." I hope you can see a little of what I'm seeing. love you all, Mac September 24, 2008, 2:55 am September 24, 2008, 2:54 am September 24, 2008, 2:51 am September 24, 2008, 2:51 am September 24, 2008, 2:49 am September 24, 2008, 2:47 am September 24, 2008, 2:44 am September 24, 2008, 2:43 am September 24, 2008, 2:41 am That swelling belly is not swelling from eating so much of our meal, we were assured. It is one of the signs of malnutrition. This little one is one of the children of the saints here in the north that is simply starving. September 24, 2008, 2:38 am Many of the preachers hiked in from long distances to attend the Leadership seminar. One even hiked in about 20 miles, over the binga Mountains to attend. This is the direction to his house in the bush. September 24, 2008, 2:35 am About fifty preachers attended the leadership seminar that was organized by Mike. Thanks were plentrous as well as assurances that these lessons would be preached and re-preached. September 24, 2008, 2:30 am The compound next door to the "meeting house" where we held the preacher's leadership seminar and preaching. September 24, 2008, 2:28 am Thoughts from the Bush, by Mike Divis September 24, 2008, 2:28 am Dear Brethren, Thanks so much for the comments. As I read your comments today, I wondered how I could respond to all of them. I will simply say thanks and a few personal words. Manfred, Mac has told me about your homeland and we have discussed that consideration. My heart is here in Africa and that would include your homeland. Susan, I was not able to take any of my honey with me (Not Nolleen and not what the bees make). Honey is one of those food items listed that is not allowed. :( Sissy, I almost ran to the internet cafe to see what you wrote. What a joy your notes are to me. Thanks. To all the brethen, Thanks seems so shallow. We do not deserve any glory for what we do. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to do this work. Many brethren here in Zimbabwe are kin to my heart. It was great joy for me to see them again. What we do is by the grace of God and He must be glorified. Those of you who helped in our coming, finacial support, time away from you and prayers, must be the ones thanked. You all made it possible. Your collective effort paid the price of air tickets, fuel for the bakkies, food for our team, food for our brethren (Brewer is picking up the 8th ton today, which has and will feed 800 starving Christians which our whole team has looked into their faces), God's protection as a result of your prayers to Him. Thanks so much. We have returned from our trip to Binga, Whange, and Vic Falls. We had a demanding trip of preaching and teaching. The Sun was hot in the day and it was cold at night. The food was sufficent (barely). McMurray told me he was tired of eating food with sand in it, I agree. The water was usually hot and distasteful. These comments are not a complaint, our God is an great God. We had a nice trip to Vic Falls (I hope you enjoy the great pictures brother McMurray took). We all were completely exhausted after a day on the Zambezi River canoeing. We left Vic Falls at about 6 PM Yesterday for the 5 hour trip home. We filled the cab of the Bakkie with all the spiritual songs we could remember all the way home, to keep brother Brewer awake. What a joy it was for this tired preacher. About the last 80 Kilometers, I drove and McMurray talked to me about our work here, our past experiences together and what the future holds. We made it through the road block with out the officer asking to see my driver's license (I wondered if he had ever seen an Iowa Driver's icense) :). McMurray kept me on the left side of the road. We made it back at about 11 PM. Mac will give you the finer details of the trip (Like the pictures). We are about to rap up our trip. Just one more assignment to complete. We will travel tomorrow to Gwanda south. We will meet with three or four churches on Thursday and Friday and head back to Bullawayo on Friday evening. Saturday will be a packing day, Preach on Sunday in the Bullawayo area and then head home on Monday, arriving in US on Tuesday. Take care all, and keep praying. Your prayers work. Mike Divis September 24, 2008, 2:26 am September 24, 2008, 2:25 am One of the sisters who helped with the cooking at the meetings. After thanking me profusely for the food, she was showing me the leaves that she picked where she found a small growth on the underside of the leaves that she ate. I never could decide if it was vegetative or insect growth but she grinned and told me, "It tastes like biscuit. Taste it!" Thanks but no thanks. September 24, 2008, 2:20 am Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River during the dry season. It is the widest Falls in the world on the fourth largest river in Africa. September 24, 2008, 2:18 am Here's a couple of the monkeys that were running around Victoria Falls the day we were there. Mike Divis and Mountbatten Brewer. Countdown Week in Bulawayo September 24, 2008, 2:14 am Good Morning, Well, we are back from Binga, Whange, and Victoria Falls. We were preaching, sharing our food, and holding a leadership seminar for the preachers in the north here, concerning Leadership, Elders, Deacons, and Evangelists. Also had a down day where we walked the Falls and canoed down the Zambesi River. Back in Bulawayo today collecting ourselves and one last ton of mealie-meal for the brethren. Tomorrow we head south for a couple days then back here for Sunday to get ready to head home on Monday. What seemed like such a long time off 3 weeks ago is almost rushing upon us. Can't wait to get home to see my family and my family at Anderson. Thank you so much for reading this travel blog and commenting. It has really meant a lot to each of us to read your feelings and the love and prayers you have outpoured on behalf of us and the brethren in Africa. Special thanks to Mark Hudson and Alayne Hunt for the technology and web savvy to make this possible. I will also thank you for your kind words about our work on behalf of the Lord's people, but it would not be possible without your support in every way that you have poured out liberally. In every work on your behalf my first prayer is always to please the Lord, but hard on its heels is my prayer that we might do you proud also. This is your work. Mike said he was going to write some about the past week, so I'll let him tell you about it and I'll just try and upload some more pics. Don't forget to stay tuned to this blog later. Mike and I have been working on a way to go even farther with real help for this desperate need and I'm hoping to have it formed up enough to introduce it soon. Missing all at home, Mac ps... Some have sent me some personal emails outside of this blog and I just wanted to tell you that those have been appreciated also. What an encouraging bunch you are! Comment by: sarah b September 23, 2008, 2:05 pm hello guys! we miss you so much here mac. we know that you are being put to good work over there by people who need you, so we are willing to share. charlie and I were amazed by how much progress you guys have made over there. We think God every day for you guys and we can only hope for more progress. keep up the good work, and come back to us safely. with love the bortons Comment by: Manfred Agbor September 23, 2008, 1:25 pm Great work Mac and team. Thanks for the courage and the love you have for the people of Africa feeding them with the word of God. I am not surprised with the level of starvation these people have been buried into. Me just returning from Africa a few months ago, I was touched by the level of suffering the majority of people in my home land. There is NO LORD's Church in my country but had 78 people turned out to worship with me at my resident during my trip. Many doors are opening in other parts of Africa particularly in Cameroon and there may be even more kingdom opportunities. There are more women who are struggling to make ends meet, while the men are not to be found. Many people in the hinterland are eating leaves just to fill their stomach. I was told that many brothers and sisters have simply starved to death in this area over the past few years due to difficulties and depression. It is an overwhelming sadness that comes upon me and I wept as we drove home to the city where I was residing. Many thanks all the brethren who made this trip a success. Please, your prayers are needed more than ever before. Cameroon will be next. Thanks Mac Comment by: Cathy September 23, 2008, 1:21 pm Hello to "The Team"! I just want to let all of you know that I still think of you and pray for your continued success in teaching more of God's word, and for your safety on this journey. I, too, greatly enjoy reading of your progress at each stopping point. You talk about how you guys look forward to getting to an internet cafe to read the latest; I picture you all huddled around a small table embellishing every word that it typed. We are as eager to hear from you, and this blog makes it all possible. I can only repeat what you have read many, many times; you guys are really special!! A HUGE 'ATTA BOY' to all of you!! You all are an inspiration to me far more than than these words can begin to express. As we all look forward to your safe return, there are MANY more that will miss you when you leave. I am sure all of you will not be soon forgotten! With Much Christian Love, Cathy Comment by: Sissy September 23, 2008, 11:46 am Hi Mike, It is Tuesday and we have rain and cooler weather today. The trees are turning yellow, orange and red now and I think that means it is getting closer to winter. Milo did not like the rain this morning and just wanted to go out and play, but he would run right back in the house when he got wet. He just doesn't understand. He is on my desk watching me e-mail you as if to say can we go out and play now. I hope your journey is going well today and all of you get the work done you have planned. I know you will probably go beyond your goal because that is who you are. Please be safe, take good care of you, and know that you, "The Team", and all of the people in Africa are in my prayers. I look forward to more stories from you all, and can't wait until you come home. May God bless you and keep you and always be with you! Love Sis Comment by: Lisa September 23, 2008, 6:26 am Mac, your pictures and comments are amazing. The photo of the sunset in the bush looks straight out of the Lion King movie. I agree with Sarah that the stories of starvation and need make me feel like we've failed somewhere along the way. I'm glad you and your traveling companions are able to assist in that effort, and I look forward to hearing more about your longer-term aid ideas when you get back. Things are flying by for me here at Ball State. I can't believe I'm down to less than a month here. We're each involved in countdowns of one form or another. Today I'm taking some time off to go to a ladies' luncheon at Jill's house. Lorna did a great job with our ladies' class last week, and it was fun going out with her and some of the other girls afterwards. Brace yourself (and your tailbone) for the pothole roads. We continue to pray for you! Comment by: The White House September 22, 2008, 10:19 pm Mac, Mike, and Mac Payne, I am so thankful for special men like each of you! THANK YOU for making the many trips to the bush to deliver the much needed supplies. Sounds like we all need to be much more grateful for the opportunities we have in our country. It is just hard to imagine that there are places around the world that are so difficult as what you all describe. As Lorna said, "We are all truly SPOILED!" Just know that you are missed and the heavens have been filled with many prayers not only for you who have traveled such a long way but for all the God fearing brethern in Zim. Please tell them we will continue to lift up prayers on there behalf. May God grant them a great season to be able to grow a quanity of fresh vegetables and much grain to give them much strength to take the Gospel to another. I sat with Grace last Wednesday night and she asked me about you and when you would be home. I forgot to tell Lorna that she had ask me that when she got home. Lorna really neede a break that night and I was glad to be there. Grace had been quite busy that day and I had taken my ladies class lesson to work on and so I read the whole lesson out loud to her. She sat through and put up with my slow reading and had lots of agreement of the lesson. Every little bit I would stop and we would discuss some of what I had just read. Of course Grace never had a problem of showing hospitality her example was the best! Lorna has taken to her mothers ways by the example she has set since you all moved here. Please be safe and we look forward to your return to our family! Mike did you take any honey with you? The kind that bee's make not Nolen. HA! Susan Comment by: Troy Divis (Canoe Trip) September 22, 2008, 7:46 pm I can still remember 13 years ago when we had a one day break out of a month long trip to Zimbabwe. Dad (Mike) and I were looking over what to do for the day after taking a night long traing from Bulowayo to deliver a package to a local preacher. Dad tried to convince me that we should do white water rafting, one problem, if you tip over there are Crocodiles around. Luckily he went for the canoe trip. It was beautiful as we turned and looked to the west as the sun went down. We saw wild Crocs, Elephant and Hippos. Truly Vic Falls was a relaxing day after weeks spent in the 'bush' (term the Zim's use for what we call "country") Dad-Not sure Jeremy knows about the blog but will send it to him, Mom visited this weekend and has been traveling back home today. It was great to see her. Grandma Johnson physical health is going well but her mental health is a concern, please keep her in your prayers. Sam is riding the tricylcle you and Mom bought him last year. We took it around the pond today and he had a blast! He can't wait for you to visit. Well its late and I have work tomorrow but hope to hear from you soon. Miss you and YES I do miss your voice so get home and visit Indiana :D Comment by: Kyle A. Marks September 22, 2008, 1:36 pm Mac, I have been following your progress through the month and wanted to tell you are doing a great service for the Lords church.You have been and continue to be an inspiration to myself. I along with the family at Anderson will continue to ask our Father in prayer for your continued protection and safe return as you continue to complete his work. God Bless you and all our brothers & sisters in Zimbabwe. Comment by: David & Dana Carrozza September 22, 2008, 12:34 pm WE are praying for ALL of you. Thank you for helping our Brothers and sisters in Christ. Seeing you pass out the food is humbling. We are packing food this very afternoon to send. Just wish i could have them ALL in my home to serve them for a feast...with Jolly Ranchers... that picture was precious!! Comment by: Vernon September 22, 2008, 11:25 am Wow, Victoria falls, can't wait to see your pictures. We have been reading excerpts from your blog, showing pictures and offering prayers for you and our brothers and sisters in Africa. Many heartfelt thoughts and motivational comments by the brothers have been inspired by the struggles you are observing. Know that we are hungry for your comments as we await your return. Comment by: Sissy September 22, 2008, 10:33 am Mike and the Team, I just rec'ed your e-mail and went to the blog. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for writting when you had a moment. It is so good to hear from you and know you are OK. I can't wait until you come home and tell me all the stories in person. You keep up the good work and I will keep on praying for you all to complete your work and come home safe. I love you Mike. Love Sis Vic Falls from Mike to US September 22, 2008, 8:41 am Today we finished our preaching in Binga, where we had preacher training classes, then to Whange on Sunday morning, then on to Vic Falls for Sunday evening services. Today, Monday, we preached at the Airport church in Vic Falls and finished at around 2 pm. We are now spending time relaxing. We just finished seeing Victoria Falls. It is call "Mosi Oa Tunya" in their language, which means "The smoke that thunders." On November 16th, 1855, David Livingstone stood on the bands and saw for the first time the curtain of water that spanned over a mile, falling to the earth below in a great canyon. He named it Victoria Falls after Queen Victoria of England. What a sight. I remember 13 years ago and a few months that Troy and I walked the same paths. Carl McMurray is not able to upload the pictures here in Vic Falls, but he will when we return to Bulawayo. Tomorrow we will take a canoe trip on the Zambezi River. It will be a down day and I talked the men into the expense of it all. They will enjoy it. TaLyn, What a joy it was to read your comments. Grandpa loves you very much and I miss you so very much. I wish you were here to see what I see. Keep writing, it helps me to read from people back home and especially you. Keep working hard at school. Grandpa. Son, Troy, thanks for the notes. I thought you would never miss my voice. Say hi to Shar and give Sam a kiss from PaPa. I miss you all very much. Dad. PS: Tell you big brother to write. Sissy, I just couldn't wait to get to the internet cafe to read your blog notes, cause I knew you were writing. I miss you. Mike Nolleen, I have not heard from you. Let me know you are ok. Write me. I will see you in about a week from now. I can't wait. Mike Stacy, I guess you have not seen the blog. I miss you and the kids. Give them a hug and love from PAPA. I can't wait till I get home to see Adalyn's face when she sees me. She has never seen me in a beard and it is all white. Your "OLD MAN" comment twenty years ago has come true. Love DAd, Write me Monday Afternoon September 22, 2008, 8:30 am Good Afternoon from Victoria Falls. Well, we've finished meeting up with the churches up here in the North and had a few hours off this afternoon for the almost the first time in three weeks. We went out to Victoria Falls for a couple hours and we're finishing up the day here. I don't have any pictures for you this time. I've got them, but since we were not expecting to hit an internet cafe I don't have the stuff with me to upload them. Promise I'll try and get some more for you to check out when we get back to Bulawayo. Not sure you'll want to see them though. The condition of brethren up here in the North is the worst that Mike says he has ever seen in 8 trips. They are hungry. I even got a couple shots of a young girl with her belly starting to swell from malnutrition. Hard to sit and watch them sing and know that one reason they may be happy is that we brought food for the meeting. This is a terrible thing brethren and we are making some plans to do something about it, to the extent that we are able. I'll share that with you later. The new truck (actually a '99) is humming along and Brewer seems to be tickled with it. I'm tickled at riding inside the quad cab instead of bouncing on the truck bed for 5 hours under the hot bed cover. What was that? Oh yeah, my tailbone is thankful too! I think we're in countdown mode now. We're all thinking of one week away and the trip back home. We still have another ton of meal to deliver to the south this week after we get home. That will make 8 metric tons delivered plus cabbages plus all the food we provided for the meetings. I am thankful to God to be able to help brothers and sisters just a little bit in this way. Thanks for letting me share in this. It seems that everytime I get on here I just want to thank everyone for keeping in touch. It really means a lot. Thanks to Derrill and Vernon for the extra time in coming over here. Thanks to my bride for taking over all the chores at home by herself. Forrest, thanks for weighing in with comments son. It's great to hear from you and your sweetie. I'll be thinking of you deer hunting this week. I was wanting to join you this year. Sarah, thanks for your recommendation on the camera. You really know your stuff. This thing is amazing and I love it. Good to hear from you also Dad. And Stacy, and Steve& Ann, and Teen, and Lilliana and everybody else. I know I'm missing some, but your ARE appreciated on this end. I'm just running out of time. I miss you all at Anderson and I miss you Lorn. Love you. Comment by: Sissy September 22, 2008, 6:41 am Good Morning Mike & The Team, It is Monday morning and I just want you to know you are in my prayers, please be safe, take good care of you and all the people you can over there. Can't wait to hear from you again, love you so much!!!! Sissy Comment by: Amanda Allen September 21, 2008, 8:35 pm Wendell and Chris did a good job teaching today, but we still miss hearing you too, Carl! Debbie was glad the kids enjoyed the sweets. We're still praying for you all and the church there. It's wonderful how the power of God's Word works. Comment by: forrest September 21, 2008, 5:30 pm Hey pops i'm going deer hunting in the morning, wish you were here. Keep up the good work though. Comment by: Steve& Anne September 21, 2008, 4:47 pm Mac, you really need to get back here soon. Wendell gave the A.M. lesson and Christopher the P.M. You are facing some serious competition... Hope all is well and you are enjoying the country as well as your work. God's speed Comment by: Talyn September 21, 2008, 10:14 am hi grandpa i hope your safe.how is everything.i miss you still. Comment by: Talyn September 20, 2008, 9:00 pm hi grandpa I miss you so much!!!school is going good all of my teachers are nice I can wait to see you!!!I hope everything is ok!!your a cool grandpa I love you so much!your sweeter than honey Love,Talyn Comment by: mollycoddle September 20, 2008, 7:51 pm So I have learned how to comment properly now... Name and everything. Thank you for taking the time to communicate to us the situation there in Zimbabwe. Sometimes it is hard to grasp that not every culture is like us. As I read I am struck by the incredible differences between these reports and those you gave from your trip to Ukraine. Given my love of food and the fact that my life currently revolves around learning how to cook a variety of foods a variety of ways, it is almost incomprehensible to me that there are people eating leaves and berries.... Not for sustensnce but merely to stop the hunger. Be safe and keep feeding them... Comment by: Sissy September 20, 2008, 3:33 pm Mike and The Team, It is Saturday evening and I just wanted to say hi even if you don't see it for a few days. I hope your mission is going well and you all are safe. How is the ride in the new truck? Can't wait to hear from you again and know that you all are in my prayers. Love Sis P.S. Hi Troy I bet this blog brings back alot of memories for you. Hope you and your family are doing well. Love Aunt Georgia Comment by: Troy Divis September 20, 2008, 10:02 am Mac, Are you enjoying the singing over there? If you haven't heard the song 'wha thanda izwe kangana' you will have to have them sing it for you. It is the most beautiful song ever! Hope you are enjoying your mission. Comment by: Troy Divis September 19, 2008, 8:35 pm Hey Dad-Glad to see you continue in your work. Hard to imagine it has been 13 years since the summer of ’95. Keep it up and know I can’t wait to see you at home and give you a hug. Love you Dad, miss your voice, and be safe. Comment by: Liliana Williams September 19, 2008, 6:38 pm Hello Mike and Mac, I hope all is well with you all. This blog is amazing. So glad to see the new equipment. God is amazing as we all know. Thank you Mac for this blog to share the Lord's work. I was so thrilled when Nolleen sent me this internet blog. I have missed everyone for so long that it was great to see you both and see the Lord's work you continue to do. God Bless each and everyone that is work with the mission. In Christ's Love, Liliana Comment by: Sissy September 19, 2008, 10:06 am Mike. I will address this only to you because your friends may not see the humor in it, but I thought you would get a kick out of it! Maybe you all could use a little humor from the good old USA. These are real statments from real people. My daughter went to a local Taco Bell and ordered a taco. She asked the person behind the counter for minimal lettuce. He said he was sorry, but they only had iceberg lettuce. From Kansas City, KS When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up our car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the drivers side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. "Hey," I announced to the technician, "its open!" His reply, "I know. I already got that side." This was at the Ford dealership in Canton, Mississippi. I live in a semi rural area. We recently had a new neighbor call the local township administrative office to request the removal of the DEER CROSSING sign on our road. The reason: Too many deer are being hit by cars out here! I don't think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore. From Kingman , KS I hope you have a wonderful day and 10 days in the bush! I love you so much! Sis Comment by: Sissy September 19, 2008, 8:26 am Good morning Mike and "THE TEAM", When reading the messages last evening from "THE TEAM" I could not even find the words to write a message back to all of you. The only word I could find was WOW! What a blessing you all have given the the people in Africa, the love, the sharing, the guidence, the word of God from your voice, from your work, but mostly in your actions. Not only have you given so much of yourself to them but you have given to all of us back here at home, the life they live each and everyday. A hard life, a sad life, and yet the photo's show a smile, real people, doing real things, and I must wonder how lucky we are to live in such a diffrent world and we take for granted each and everyday the blessings we have. How selfish most of us are until I read messages of a few good men "THE TEAM" in Africa making this HUGE diffrence to real people who need them so much. It makes my heart so happy to know that my brother and his friends who asks for nothing are half way around the world giving your all to bless these people and to share with them the word of God and that there is hope, faith, and love to be given to each and everyone of them and us. I know that this may sound silly but I told God you guys need an extra star because you are shinning so bright in a lot of peoples hearts right now and that your shinning will last forever. Right now I am so proud of you Mike and "The Team" and I know that it really doen't matter what I think but I want you to know your amazing and don't you forget it. Please take good care of all of you and be safe. Know that I have you all in my prayers each and every moment I can. May God bless you and keep you and always be with you. Love, Sissy Comment by: Katina September 19, 2008, 6:06 am Hey Mac, Just wanted to send a short note and say I appreciate all the work that you and others are doing there. The pictures are really cool. Hope to see you sometime soon after you return. You and others will continue to be in my prayers. Keep up the great work :) Good Firday Morning from Zimbabwe September 18, 2008, 11:31 pm Good morning to all our loved ones back home. Mac and the Team are out buying food for trip to the bush today. We are headed to Binga, Vic Falls, Lupane and then back to Bulawayo. This trip will last nearly a week, so our postings will be suspended until then. Mac asked me to update you all on what we headed for in this next bush trip. We will see a new part of this country, with the intentions to spend a day viewing the falls area. We have scheduled preachers' classes at each place. The new truck has been transfered and we will take it to the bush this trip, which will be a real joy for those of us use to riding in the back of pickup truck on the bush roads. The rest of the team had the pleasure of riding in the new truck on the last trip, but I rode with Brewer in the old bakkie (bush term of pickup). It is a quad-cab (Nice). We request your prayers for our team, as we do the Lord's work. I want to express my deep appreciation for all you who have supported us in this work. A speicial "Thanks" to the elders and brethen at the Anderson church, the brethren at Lanier church and my brethen in Sioux City. Thanks for all the comments. It brings home a little closer. We love and appreciate you all. I am convinced that brothers McMurray and Payne have now joined me in leaving a little of their heart in Africa. I send a special expression of my love to my wife, Nolleen, Sissy, My children and Grandchildren. Please keep reading the blog and sending the notes. Each one of us men can't wait to return from the bush so we can run to the internet cafe and read the notes from home. Bye for now. Mike Divis Comment by: Stacy September 18, 2008, 10:18 pm Tonight was Ladies class, and Lorna did an excellent job teaching as usual. She talked about some of the customs in the bible concerning hospitality, so I thought it was very interesting to hear of the goat and other food the women had prepared for you there. How has the weather been there? We were thinking it was the end of winter/beginning of spring there, but I'm guessing it must not be snowing too much considering the way everyone is dressed. Have you seen any lions? If so, I hope you got a picture. I didn't even realize it was possible to get 6 flat tires on the same vehicle in one trip and repair them yourself. Brewer must be the true McGyver. We are continuing to pray for you daily, and can't wait to hear more! love, Stacy Comment by: Sissy September 18, 2008, 5:42 pm Mike and all, I just have a moment to write and I will write more later, but.......WOW..WOW..WOW!! What a story and what wonderful pictures. I LOVE THIS BLOG because now I can see where you are and what you all are doing. I love the new truck and God has blessed you all. You just keep up the good work and I will keep on praying. I will write more soon. Love Sissy Comment by: Christie Posey September 18, 2008, 11:44 am Hi Mac, Thank you so much for the information and hard work. I check your blog at least 10 times a day for new pictures and info. If we can help with money on your return count on us. Please let us know what a good plan is for getting our parcels through. We have sent 26 boxes and I don't think they have gotten very many, if any, of them. Jenny Eddy thought they were at a main post office and no fuel to get them to them. Thanks again, In Christian Love, Christie Comment by: Shannon September 18, 2008, 9:40 am Mac, Wow, what a trip! Makes the trips I've been on sound easy. I have been reading all the reports and talking to the family about how much we are blessed almost every time we sit down to eat together. All the reports are great to read and then pray about. Keep up the good work. September 18, 2008, 1:14 am September 18, 2008, 1:12 am September 18, 2008, 1:11 am Thursday Final September 18, 2008, 1:09 am Well, that just about winds me up for today. It's a down day for me I think. Brewer and Mike may go to Botswana for groceries, tires, and mail and Mac Payne may ride along. I'm thinking I may hang out here in Bulawayo for the day. We'll see. Sometime soon we will head north and when we do, I'm not sure how regular my communication will be. Ha, I find myself wanting to rush down to the internet cafe whenever we hit town though. It is irksome that they close at 5pm each day. I long for your posts and prayers. It is such an encouragement to read your thoughts and intercessions I hope you know that this would be a completely different ballgame without you. My elders and family at Anderson who pulled an extra two weeks out of the hat to let me gone a month. Thank you so much. Lorna who is always an encouragement along with Forrest, and my beautiful daughters Sarah and Terri, thank you for your support also. Should I admit that I pour over every sentence that everyone writes. Yesterday, at the second place we visited where four or five churches had gathered together, almost every single Christian that shook Mike's hand told him that they they had been hungry. They appreciate so much the food that has been paid for by churches and Christans and is being delivered to Christians. David Posey, I spoke with Christy via email before I left and I DID ask at Hillside church about the food packages. They ARE "filtering" through, I was told. I spoke with Jenny Edy and she said that some of them are taking 5 and 6 weeks to get here. Some may not be making it, but it appears that many, if not most certainly are. They are appreciative and thankful but the mail is so horrendous here in Zim that is is believed that most outgoing mail (thank you notes?) are just dropped in the trash. We may have come up with a little better method and better accountability for the future, but that is something we are presently working on, and we can discuss it later if you or the ladies there in CA are interested. I'll try to load a few more pics of the faces of Christians who are attending the meetings. You might notice more sisters than brothers. You can lay that at the feet of the photographers bias or you can know another fact about this area. Most of the men, especially the young ones, have left the area to go to South Africa to work. Most of these men are not heard from again which adds to the difficulty heaped on the sisters left behind with the children. No provision and no provider, except a merciful God. Thanks for reading, Mac Comment by: Mike Divis September 18, 2008, 12:53 am To all of you back in the states, thanks for the prayers. Word travels fast, notes from Richard M in texas and many others, even my grandsons. I love you Samuel, Ethyn and Dalyn. Please keep writing and grandpa will write when I have more time. Sis, it is a real joy to read your blogs to me. Nolleen, what can I say, but I am miss you the most and hope you read my email. We are headed out for about ten days so we will not be able to send any messages for a while. We will be in Binga, Vic Falls and Lupane the rest of the week and part of next. Thanks for the note brother Darrell, I have not found any bees here in Zim. but I am looking. Take care all of you and we will be back in the states in about 2 weeks. Love you all and miss you all. Mike Divis September 18, 2008, 12:50 am Some villiage kids watching the baptism. September 18, 2008, 12:47 am September 18, 2008, 12:46 am September 18, 2008, 12:44 am There were five baptisms on this trip. We praise the Lord for those who open their heart to the power of His word in spite of outward circumstances. Of course, when you need to bury someone in water in a dry, arrid land, that means someone needs to start pumping. Five gallon bucket by five gallon bucket, the donkeys are chased away from the drinking trough and enough water is pumped to bury someone. Btw, these villiage pumps are voice operated. Some guy hollers, "Pump" and all the kids go to work! :-) September 18, 2008, 12:38 am Some of the lunch ladies were more shy than others. :-) September 18, 2008, 12:29 am Oh Look, it's the lunch ladies. :-) We provided all the food for all the meetings in addition to that which was handed out to Christians. But in every meeting there were these great sisters who cooked the rice and meal and goat over open coals. Just wish they had more water to wash with, instead of sand. The goat was getting a little gritty yesteday. :-) September 18, 2008, 12:23 am Being mobbed by young'uns (and their mothers) for "SWEETS!". Much thanks to Debbie Allen for the bags of candy. They don't get much fun stuff out here and it made almost losing my hand worth it. Thursday, cont. 2 September 18, 2008, 12:19 am At the first meeting on this last trip we took turns preaching inside the hut to the ladies and holding a class outside for the men. That was our leadership series that I mentioned in Anderson that we would be preaching here. This is the first time in the trip that we have hit on this, but in our journey north to Binga and Vic Falls I believe we are supposed to hit on this more. Till now I've been wearing out that lesson on the Red Sea crossing that we studied in Anderson. The feeling of being trapped but knowing God has a plan and will never forget about his children, along with the extra material that we studied together really seems to hit a chord with them. Thanks for that suggestion Lorn. September 18, 2008, 12:10 am Flat number 4 or 5, I lost count. Thurday, cont. 2 September 18, 2008, 12:07 am The trip into the bush was extra-ordinary this time. It usually takes about 3+ hours to go around 140 kilometers to where we're going. This time it took 6+ hours going and the same returning. Unbelievable. The old truck had SIX flat tires. Mike says five, but when one that was fixed goes flat again, I'm sticking with my story, SIX. When Brewer runs his tires to threads it seems that he put tubes in them and keeps going. It's quite an experience to get replacement tires, tubes, or patch jobs in the bush...BUT THEY DID. How cool is that. I won't bore you with multiple repeated pictures of us staring at ANOTHER flat tire or trying to figure out how to use two jacks, rocks, and assorted wrenches to lift that little truck in the sand, loaded with over a ton of meal, cabbages, and baggage but here is at least a shot of our first experience. September 17, 2008, 11:58 pm Thursday, continued September 17, 2008, 11:52 pm Well, I mentioned that we combined trips this time into the bush. That is, we took both trucks, two metrick tons of meal, and six preachers. What a trip. I don't think I've mentioned the roads. Mac Payne describes them as potholes held together by just a little asphalt. That's being pretty positive I think. :-) Those asphalted potholes only get us half way however. After that it's washboard gravel till we get beyond that, to the powder sand and brush. When the brush and thorns start scraping both sides of the truck and there is elephant dung down the middle of the trail we knew we were almost there. Gotta love it. Thursday in Bulawayo September 17, 2008, 11:44 pm Good Morning, We are back from the bush again, last evening. This was a shorter trip, but that was ok. We combined trips and I'll explain. From my last writing you'll remember that we were in search of a new truck for Brewer. He has put over half a million miles on his little diesel and replaced every part in it several times over the last 8-10 years. We thought we had the deal done and then we lost touch with the seller. We became suspicious of the salesman and since Brewer knew where the seller worked, we just drove out of town and paid him a visit. Long story short, instinct was correct and the salesman had been trying to pull a fast one and get us to buy a higher priced vehicle. We got the truck, for our price, and had enough left over that we can go though Brewer's old truck completely and re-fit it. That really excited him for two reason. One, was that he has worked on his old truck so much over the past few years that he absolutely hated to lose something he could wire together with glue and string! The other reason Brewer liked the idea is that now he will have a back-up vehicle. If his truck goes down, his brothers and sisters won't have to just wait hungry for a week or two for repairs. He can still go to the bush. We also thought that with his son-in-law, Solomon, preaching and working with him the way he does, two trucks to the bush will deliver twice as much food in half the time. Some of you mentioned your prayers for that truck. Thanks for that. Let me tell you that last Saturday Brewer was in a hurry to make another trip to the bush with food that evening. The problem was that he couldn't find diesel. He walked all over town and there was none to be found. We have found plenty of diesel since, and plenty before but none that day. That day he could not leave for the bush and that day, after all the previous searching we did, we got a call that there was a truck available. It was only available for us to look at THAT day because the owner worked so far out of town during the week. That ended up being the truck that we purchased, at our price, and the one that was most favored by brother Brewer. Uh huh, remember that angel I asked for? Thank you for your prayers. Here's the new equipment. Comment by: Amanda Allen September 17, 2008, 7:42 am Hey Carl! It's so good to hear about brethern in other countries doing God's will. And they have such zeal even in their struggles, I really admire that about them. It's good to have brethern like you and Mike who have a great zeal to go help them over there too. We all miss you here and pray for you daily. Take care. :-) ~Amanda A. Comment by: JJ September 17, 2008, 6:52 am Mornin' Mac, so moved by your words as I read this a.m. May God use you in any way possible during the rest of your trip. If you spend more $$$ than you have, we'll help out when you return. You'll walk our soil with a deeper appreciation than ever before when you return. When returning from my first trip to Romania, I kissed my washer, dryer, refrigerator and the manager of Publix! May God bless your every moment...JJ Comment by: Debbie Graham September 17, 2008, 6:17 am Hi Mac! We are reading also. Great pictures. Thanks for sharing. Like you we didn't know of them or their situation. We are praying for you and for all who are over there. It is so great that you can help them! Remember us when you are looking for support. Be safe. Love ya. Comment by: Robert Allen September 16, 2008, 5:06 pm I can not Thank you enough for what you are doing. It means so much to see the Pitures and read of the good works that you are all doing. thank you and you are in our prays. RCA Comment by: Steve & Anne September 16, 2008, 4:11 pm Anne and I both were in tears when Brother Derrill read part of your message concerning the plight of our Brothers in Africa. We can only rest in the promise of eternal peace and goodness when we are finally at home with the Lord. Take care, give our regards to Mike and all the Brothers there. Comment by: Sissy September 16, 2008, 6:00 am GOOD MORNING TO YOU ALL! Just a note to say Hi and let you know that I am thinking of you all the time and you are in my prayers every moment. I love to read your blog (about 10 times a day) and see how you all are doing. Please... all of you be safe and thank you all for the courage and love you share with the people who need you so much for your spirit, your faith, your work, and for the love of being the Christians that you are. May God bless you and keep you and always be with you! Love Sissy Comment by: Beatrice Ogomo September 15, 2008, 8:19 pm I live in Nebraska but I'm from Zimbabwe. Al and Genevieve are like my parents here in the US. I just wanted to say thank you so much for the work that the Lord has sent you to do. I wonder what the people that you are helping in Zimbabwe would have been doing had it not been for your help. Many people are dying of hunger but this is truly a blessing that you are able to step in with all the chaos and many other things that are happening in Zimbabwe. May the Lord bless you continually. Comment by: Christopher September 15, 2008, 7:25 pm Finally I remembered to get on here and catch up on what is going on over there. Mac you are most definitely missed here in Anderson. We have had some very fine lessons while you are gone, and it is my sort of sad duty to tell you that you will miss hearing one of my lessons that you have helped me with. Uncle Derill called tonight and asked if I would be willing to preach part of the evening sermon for this coming Sunday because of having to rearrange who was preaching. So I will be splitting the evening lesson time with Brian Hardin. I am sure you know this, but just to remind you, you and the others with you are ever in our prayers. And I am sure it would be uplifting if you could tell our Brothers and Sisters there, that we pray for them as well. We are so proud of you being able to take time and go over there to help spread the word and bring more souls to Christ in a land where so many our open to being taught of Him. We look forward to your safe return. Christopher Comment by: Teen September 15, 2008, 6:22 pm Hey Mac, what can I say.... I told you it takes a special kind of person to be able to do the kind of work you guys are doing right now! Thanks to all of you for what you are doing. May the Lord continue to watch over you and keep his loving arms around you - blessing the work you are all doing. Oh yeah, you are doing a great job with the pictures, keep it up. The pictures help us to see and understand more of what you are doing and what you are seeing. With all our love, Dennis and Tina Comment by: Pat Blythe September 15, 2008, 6:11 pm Carl, Mike, and others, I am keeping up on your trip from here in Iowa. We continue to pray for you and everyone there. The pictures are wonderful and we continue to be amazed at the reception the Word receives there. It almost makes me ashamed of us Americans. You take care and we will be looking for a full report when you arrive back in the good ol' US of A. Comment by: Derrill September 15, 2008, 4:29 pm It is so encouraging to read of your activities in support of our brethren in Zimbabwe and to feel a bit of ownership in that effort. Your church family in Anderson is behind you all the way! The power of the Gospel is amazing! Our prayers continue for safety, success and open doors for the Word! And "Keep on Truckin'" the meal! Has Mike found any bees over there? :) Comment by: Hollie September 15, 2008, 11:35 am Greetings from Southern Indiana...I just read your blog and was so moved by what you wrote. I will be praying for you and all who are there. You are doing a wonderful thing. May God bless you and keep you safe. I will pray for your family as well while you are away. Be Safe!! Hollie Campbell Comment by: Cathy Amick September 15, 2008, 10:57 am Hi Macky Mac! I just want to drop a quick line to let you know that I will be praying MUCH more fervently for you and the brethren than I had been. I had not accessed the blog, and the words Darrell read to us before services on Sunday went straigt to my heart; to say the very least. I am proud of the work you are doing, and to hear of the souls that are being added to the church!! We miss seeing your mug, but it is great that we can hear your voice as we read your words. I agree, kudos to those who made all this electronic communication possible! God bless to all of you! Cathy Comment by: Richard Martinez September 15, 2008, 8:40 am Mike , just a note to tell you our prayers are with you both. Here's an update for you. Young Abamba has retired and moved back to his village in Nigeria this past summer. He's now in Arlington for the wedding of Snyder and also one of his daughters. We'll Talk later brother. God bless you. Comment by: Nolleen September 15, 2008, 8:33 am Mike, It was good to hear from you on Sunday. It is good to hear that food is being delivered to the needy and by the time you get this the truck will be bought. It is good to read up on what you all are accomplishing over there and the pictures are great. Thanks Mac for having this available for all to read. I have been sharing it with everyone at the congragation hear in Sioux City and with people at work. Mac P. I hope that this experience is a good one for you. Have all of you and the breathren there in my prayers. Nolleen Comment by: Mother & Dad September 15, 2008, 8:26 am Mac, Have been following you on the blog with great interest. Appreciate all the great work you are doing there. Words can't express the love and pride your mother and I have for you, and for the great work you are accomplishing. Be safe and will continue praying that God will watch over your work there and your safe return to your family. Love you, Mother & Dad Comment by: Sissy September 15, 2008, 7:24 am Mike I forgot to ask you if you sing to the children there, the songs and funny noises you make to your grandchildren? I think they would like that and then they could see the silly wonderful man that you are. I love you so much! Sissy Comment by: David Posey September 15, 2008, 7:22 am Hi Mac; thank you for all your good work there. My wife Christie has organized an effort to send quite a few boxes of food to two or three families at the afternoon Hillside church. We've also sent some from Zim Products. We have not been able to find out whether those packages have been received/delivered. We have more to send, but would like to know if they are getting there. Is there a way you can check on these? Thank you! Comment by: Sissy September 15, 2008, 7:14 am Mike, Mac, & all in Zimbabwe, What beautiful pictures. I am so happy to see the photo's and where you are. It is nice to put a photo with the stories. The children are so sweet and the have such beautiful smiles. The best picture is seeing you Mike, and seeing the work that you are doing and the work of all the others too! But your picture is pretty cool. Please take good care of you and I will see you when you come home. You all are in my prayers! God bless you all!! I love you so much, Sis September 15, 2008, 12:17 am Gilbert the bricklayer shows off the level that Mike brought him. September 15, 2008, 12:14 am Yee Haw! September 15, 2008, 12:11 am Children are the same all over the world. September 15, 2008, 12:10 am A brother with character inscribed all over his face. September 15, 2008, 12:07 am The teen age class meeting at Nikita 7 congregation. September 15, 2008, 12:05 am Suberbia, mud hut style, in the bush. September 15, 2008, 12:03 am loading time again! September 15, 2008, 12:01 am Mike and Montbatten catching their breath afte loading. Monday Morning September 14, 2008, 11:58 pm Well it is Monday in Bulawayo now. Yesterday was a pleasant experience. The weather was cool. Mac Payne preached at Nkita 7, Mike preached at Macgwegwa congregation, and I preached at Hillside. All the brethren in all three congregations seemed to appreciate our presence and our efforts and we certainly got a lot out of praising God for his goodness and eathing the body and blood together. I hope your service of worship was equally uplifting. Saturday night Montbatten Brewer made another delivery of another ton of meal to the bush. Mike accompanied him. Last night, Sunday night, Mac Payne went with him on another run. It is a 3 hour + trip, one way, so it usually brings him home around midnight. We have two more metric tons of meal sitting in the living room, for delivery. Mike and Brewer are out right now trying to seal the deal on a used little diesel truck to replace the one Brewer is using to go to the bush. btw, you might be interested in knowing that he has put over 700,000 k on some of the roughest roads I have ever seen. Without stopping to figure it out, I'm guessing that this is near half a million miles. They guy is a wonder, but his only comment on the situation is always, "Well, I must. They are my brethren and they are hungry." We're hoping this all plays out well. If we get the truck, we may make a caravan trip using both trucks to finish the job of distributing 7 metric tons of meal to hungry Christians. That boils down to 700 bags, 10kg each, for 700 hungry brethren. Thank you for allowing me to come and help in this, and for handling the cost of this trip. Every bag of meal I touch has your fingerprints on it brethren. Your prayers are comments are so uplighting. Thanks for that also, especially from my family. You have always supported me in these trips and that means so much to me. This is also Mike's first experience with a travel blog. For those of you who are commenting to him, HE LOVES IT. :-) He is off trying to buy a truck, but he asked me to be sure and tell him if you were reading. To my family at Anderson. I love you and miss being with you all. Glad you White's enjoyed your time in the mountains and I look forward to getting back home and listening to you sing. love you all, Mac Here's a sunset in the bush. Comment by: Liliana Williams September 14, 2008, 8:37 pm Hello Mac and Mike, The work you are doing is beyond words. Please know that your mission and safety will be in my prayers daily. In Christ love, Liliana Comment by: sarah September 14, 2008, 7:07 pm hey sir, I just wanted to tell you to keep up the good work with the photography. I know how tough it is to be involved in something, & be trying to document it at the same time; but the pictures are very moving. I was horrified to hear that some of our brethren have actually starved to death. I can't help but feel there has been a tremendous failing on our part somehow. I'm very glad you're able to help. Love your daughter. Comment by: Ted & Peggy September 14, 2008, 5:21 pm 9-14-08 pm. It is so good to hear you all are safe and having so much success. We pray every day God's word will fall on receptive ears, the blessings for the opportunity to teach, your continued success and safety. Reading of your experiences and hearing of the faith of our brethren in extremely difficult living condition is sobering. Carl thank you for sharing your emotions with us. We appreciate you all's hard work and love of God teaching others. We look forward to your safe return, you are missed. Comment by: Samuel September 14, 2008, 5:05 pm Papa, I want to come see you in Africa. ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYandZ, Now I know my ABC's haha I miss you! I had my swim class yesterday morning and I didnt use a life jacket. Mommy took me to the store today and buy some clothes for school. Thank you for the money Papa. Love you and Daddy bought me a red car and a green car and a orange car with a #3, 3 Like me! Comment by: Jill Hardin September 14, 2008, 2:13 pm Mac, We missed you this morning.(sort of) :) Seriously, we are praying for the good works to continue and for your safe return. Love, The Hardins Comment by: charlie sarah nevaeh September 14, 2008, 10:20 am Hey mac and mike, glad to here of all the good works happening over there and just want you to know that we are praying that even more baptisms will done and that you will all be safe and return home safley. Comment by: Katie September 14, 2008, 10:14 am Mac, I'm so glad that you and your fellow companions arrived there safely! The work you are all doing over there is amazing. Thanks for posting the pictures; it adds to reading about it. Derril read your last post out loud to us at church this morning, and it REALLY makes you think about how fortunate we are here. It's wonderful that God is using you and the other men to go out and preach to and help those less fortunate. Be safe! You're all in my prayers! Katie Comment by: Stacy September 13, 2008, 2:43 pm Mac, Thank you for posting pictures of the brethren there. Nolan was fascinated that you were preaching outside, and we talked about how he and one of the boys in your pictures were probably about the same age. I'm really considering my attitude as I see how happy all the people are in your pics. I will be so happy to be home with the Anderson Church tommorrow. We'll miss you not being there. Continued prayers for you and our family there. love, Stacy PS We saw 4 bear while in TN, and Nolan happily threw thousands of stones into streams. I'm sorry to say there will be no pictures of the bear even though I took about 20. They all came out black,so you are going to have to start the McMurray school of photography! Comment by: Jack and Janet September 13, 2008, 2:08 pm We are praying for you! Comment by: Nolleen September 13, 2008, 10:58 am I am glad to hear that all of you are safe and that the Lords work is being accomplished. Our prayers here in Sioux City are with you all. Comment by: Sissy September 13, 2008, 7:13 am Dear Mike, Mac, and the Zimbabwa area, It is Saturday morning and I just got to the computer. I am so glad to read your message and know that you are safe. I am sad to hear that it is so difficult this time and will pray that God will guide all of you and all of us in helping the ones that need us so much. May God bless you all, keep you all, and always be with you! I don't know what to say so I will write more later on this. Mike;I am at Mindy & Josh's now. The babies are doing great and so much fun. Mindy & Josh are great too, and say hi and take good care of you. I will write more later this evening. God bless you Mike and know that you are such a special person and I am so proud of you. Love Sis Comment by: forrest September 13, 2008, 7:07 am praying for you Comment by: Lorna September 13, 2008, 6:50 am Mac,Glad to hear that you are ok. I cried as I read about the situation there and thought about it especially while I was eating breakfast this a.m. We will continue to pray that you will be able to get all that you need for the Christians there to help them both physically and spiritually. We are so spoiled and so easily discouraged in our lives of comparative luxury - like weak, selfish babies. It would be good if many brethren here could see and experience what you are seeing and experiencing - seeing Christians persevering in desperate situations. May God go with you and all there. I love you and am proud of the work you are doing. Note From Mike Divis to family and breth September 13, 2008, 1:31 am Dear Nolleen, Sissy and all. We are doing fine. Just returned from the bush and things are very difficult for the Christians here. Many are hungry and have not ate for three or four days. Some are eating leaves and small berries, which taste really bad. We have delivered almost 4 ton of mealie meal and will purchase and deliver another 3 ton this next week. I miss you all and I am glad to read your messages on the blog. Please let all know we are safe, feed and have collected our bags, with nothing stolen. Love all of you. Mike September 13, 2008, 1:23 am September 13, 2008, 1:21 am September 13, 2008, 1:20 am September 13, 2008, 1:18 am September 13, 2008, 1:17 am September 13, 2008, 1:16 am Some of those who were assisted by our efforts in the Lord's name. September 13, 2008, 1:14 am September 13, 2008, 1:13 am Back from the Bush September 13, 2008, 1:10 am It's Saturday morning here and we are back in Bulawayo. It is great to read all the notes and comments that have been left since I last wrote. Thank you so much for your love, prayers, and concern. Ha, And to my beautiful daughter in law Terri, oops, Sorry. I knew as soon as I pushed the "send" button that I had messed up. You're so sweet and forgiving however I know you'll forgive me. I miss you too! :-) This was an experience for me. All I can say is that that I'm glad we returned after three days. Perhaps future trips are going to be longer but for this first trip it was enough. By the third day I was being overwhelmed with sadness. We have been greeted at each villiage by brothers and sisters singing gospel songs. As we would proceed into the hut to start each session there was more singing, before and after. As I would sit waiting my turn to speak, by the third day, I would be weeping as I watched and listened to brothers and sisters and children singing with gusto, knowing that for many of them the first meal that they had eaten in several days had come from the food that we had delivered the day before. Many are eating leaves and small nut-like berries to fill thier stomachs. I was told that many brothers and sisters have simply starved to death in this area over the past few years of drought and difficulty. It is an overwhelming sadness that comes upon me and I wept as we drove home yesterday and as I sit here typing this in the internet cafe. That these are not just hungry people, somewhere in the world, but brothers and sisters in Christ, starving to death. It is unbelievable. I had to get that out and I apologize if it is depressing, instead of happy news about the trip. There IS good news. 18 souls have obeyed the gospel on this trip and been baptized. That was great. 3 tons of food have been delivered. A 10 kilogram bag of meal each for 300 Christians in this area. And for those who have been praying for our truck search to help brother Brewer as he continues to deliver food to those in this part of Zimbabwe who are starving, thank you so much. Don't stop. We have a handshake deal on one finally, but that handshake must last until Monday when proper papers can be put in order. Please pray that the seller will be a man of his word and not change his mind in some way. Little diesel trucks and verrry expensive here for a variety of reasons and are therefore difficult for common folk to use. Brewer could really use this one. We may have a line on more food and there are at least two more areas where it is needed. If that comes through we will be back to the bush next week. We are still planning on our leadership series also for the city churches later on. I note that now 10 days into this trip we are one third done already. Thanks again for the loving communication. Whoever thought of this blog idea MUST BE A GENIUS! :-) i miss dearly being with my family at Anderson and appreciate your comments. Hungry for them in fact. Of course I miss you too, Lorna, Forrest, Sarah, ...and... TERRI! I love you much. Great thinks to my online assistant Alayne Hunt also, for keeping the store and all this technology going. Thanks Laynee. I'll try to upload some pics now which is always an adventure. cya Comment by: Lisa September 12, 2008, 12:52 pm Today's my first day to be able to check the blog, but I'm so thankful to know that you, your luggage, and lots of food made it safely. The girls in my Bible class are always quick to ask for prayers for you before we begin our study. On Wednesday, we studied the building of the Temple and how it took 7 years to complete. We were all relieved that our building didn't take so long! Are you ready to host a Survivorman episode now that you've been in the bush for a few days? I look forward to hearing about more adventures. Take care! Love, Lisa Comment by: Mac September 12, 2008, 8:59 am We pray for travelling and safety mercies from the Lord who created us all! Please let our African brethren know how much we love and pray for them. May God bless each of you in this effort, and forgive us for all we take for granted. In Christian love, Rex and Cari Comment by: Sissy September 10, 2008, 6:02 pm Mike, Mac and all in Zimbabwe, Today is Wednesday and I know you are out working hard and doing your work. I just want you to know when you get back that I am thinking of you and praying that you are safe each and every day. God bless you all and keep you safe. Take good care of you little brother and know that I Love You and miss you too!!!!! Sissy Comment by: Lewis and Bonnie September 10, 2008, 8:21 am You're missed here at church, yet we know that they are truly thankful for your being there with them. We pray for the safety of all there. Planting seeds can be very difficult at times, the seeds that you are planting can result in salvation, bless all of you and the glory goes to God. We,ll see you when you get back. yours in Christ, Lewis and Bonnie Comment by: Sissy September 9, 2008, 5:46 pm Hi Mike, It is Tuesday evening about 7:45 and I am thinking of you and missing you too. We just went for a walk and I was thinking about all the times you came over when I was sick and you would take care of me and make me get out for a walk or bike ridding, how about the times we went for ice cream? Pretty fun times for me and the best memories!!! I sure miss you! I can't wait to see you when you come home. Please be safe and take good care of you! I love you Sis! Comment by: Forrest September 9, 2008, 4:54 pm Hey pops, wish I was there with you. Be safe Comment by: daughter-in-law September 9, 2008, 4:49 pm "Lorna, Sarah, and Forrest I love you dearly and am missing being with you." What am I, chopped liver? Love you. Stay safe. Comment by: Sissy September 9, 2008, 10:02 am Mike; Nolleen told me you made it safe and your luggage was found. That is good! I just want you to know that I miss you, and I love you so much and respect you more for all that you do and the man that you are. I pray that God will bless you and keep you and always be with you and the people you are with while you are on this trip. You are such a special man and I am so proud of you. You make such a diffrence in this world and I wish I could be more like you. Take good care of you little brother and I will see you when you come home. I love you, Sis Comment by: Nolleen September 9, 2008, 7:05 am It is good to hear that everyone has arrived safely and luggage was found. It is good to hear that the gospel is well received over there. Tell Mike I said Hi and all is well back home. It's Still Tuesday September 8, 2008, 11:40 pm I'm almost out of time again, so I'm going to cut this off. The foregoing pic was of two tons of Zimbabwean staple food, mille-meal that we managed to find and store for distribution to starving brothers and sisters in the bush. We will be heading out there Wednesday, so you may not hear from me for awhile. Everything is fine however. We are safe and secure and on the hunt for a truck for transporting food to the brethren. To my family at Anderson. Thanks for tuning in. Thinking of you daily. Lorna, Sarah, and Forrest I love you dearly and am missing being with you. Dont give that angel any off time yet. :-) cya September 8, 2008, 11:34 pm Tues continued September 8, 2008, 11:26 pm Ha, got it. Don't get neck strain looking at it sideways. I've not got much manipulation of photo's here. But maybe you can get an idea. Below is myself preaching at the Nketa 7 church of Christ. They are in the process of buidling (a long process), but maybe you can get an idea. Tuesday Morning September 8, 2008, 11:22 pm Wow, it was great to hear from so many of you who are reading this. Thanks for staying in touch. And a big thank you to all those who were praying for our baggage to arrive. IT DID. We were really regretting all the gifts that we had brought for the brethren, but it all got here safely on Monday and we were quite relived. Don't know how I missed it, but we had one baptism on Sunday. Albert claimed the Lord for his own. Let's see if I can upload a shot of that. Comment by: Becky September 8, 2008, 12:02 pm I hope you have located your luggage by now. It is so good to hear that you arrived safely. You are doing such a wonderful work and I will pray for GREAT results in the Kingdom. Comment by: Debbie Allen September 8, 2008, 9:39 am Hi Mac, Good news that God answered our prayers in your safe arrival! I hope your other things catch up with you soon to make your trip more comfortable. Robert and I are not able to make such a trip but so glad you agreed to go in our place. Our family is continuing to remember you in thought and prayer daily. We saw Lorna, Grace and Sarah yesterday and they looked well. Don't give them any reason to worry you hear? We will have plenty of fried chicken for your return. Love, Robert & Debbie & Girls Comment by: Katina September 8, 2008, 8:21 am Hi Mac, Greetings from Brownsburg. Glad to here you and others arrived safely. I will be praying for the work there and also the church family. I hope your baggage gets there soon. Thanks for keeping us posted. :) Comment by: Susan White September 8, 2008, 8:07 am Well wishes from the Smokie Mountains! We will be a little closer to God on the top of the mountains down here so we are praying for great success for you all in spreading the Word and shoring up the faith in those of like faith. May God grant you safe passage to each area you work and worship in on your trip. We had a great time celebrating with Lorna on her birthday. I think it was good for her as well as Grace. Lorna should be smelling good when you arrive back home as we all stocked her up on lots of good smelling lotion and shower gel. We miss you and send well wishes to our chrisitian brothers and sisters in that land. Susan Comment by: Stacy September 8, 2008, 7:00 am Glad to hear of your safe arrival. Prayers answered!! Had a nice time with Lorna on her birthday. I'm sorry that we weren't in Anderson this weekend to enjoy some of the banana cake and to see Sarah. Nolan is officially 4 years old now, and we will be celebrating today by finding a stream to throw rocks into here in the smokies. I hope you aquire the taste for termites. Comment by: Vernon White September 8, 2008, 6:32 am Praying for great success on this trip. We met one of your high school teachers on Sunday. Got all the scoop. Hope you didn't lose any L.Lamour. Comment by: sarah September 7, 2008, 12:54 pm i know you said html won't work on this blog, but i'm trying to post this anyway. it's a .raw image of myself that i just edited using your newly installed plug-in (that i just installed). so-- you can now edit the raw images you already have. & hopefully the new ones you are making in africa. there may be a caveat, but we can discuss that when you arrive back home safely. love your daughter. =a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_sarah_mcmurray/2836570725/" title="camera_raw_works by the_sarah_mcmurray, on Flickr"==img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2836570725_55d64dfdaf_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="camera_raw_works" /==/a= Comment by: Lorna September 7, 2008, 12:33 pm Glad all is well with you. Give our greetings to the congregations there. We are all missing you and praying for each one of you and the work there. Thought of you at Sunday lunch today. Love, Wife Comment by: sarah September 7, 2008, 9:33 am hi sir, we're all praying for you here. and your baggage! keeping mom & grandma company this weekend. you will be sad to have missed the delicious birthday cake i made for her. she requested a banana cake. love your daughter. We've arrived September 7, 2008, 6:53 am I'm noting that whoever told me to eat the termites didn't sign their name. hmmmmm. :-) Good afternoon from Bulawayo. I have not been able to get the phone to dial through, so Hi Honey. I love you and we're alright. Arrived safely Friday evening. We have been meeting with preachers, settling in, and scheduling our time here in Zimbabwe. Mac Payne handled the Bible class this morning while Mike Divis served the Lord' Supper to w wonderful church family here. We were received warmly. I brought the lesson for the morning, a study of the Red Sea crossing and why God brings us to impossible situations. Oh Yes, one thing. Both Mike D. and myself arrived with no baggage! All our food, clothing, camping gear for the bush, mosquito netting, and assorted gifts have not yet made it here. No one, as yet,know where the stuff is and we are hoping that it will yet show up. All of you out there who know me well, stop shaking your head with that silly grin while saying, "He's done it again." Mon and Tues we should be trying to arrange transportation for Montbatten Brewer so that we can take food with us to the bush. Becasue of the sad condition of the economy for the last 10 years there has arisen a very real and present crisis. I will be the first to say that I didn't know it was here until Mike D. spoke for us at Anderson last year, but brothers and sisters are starving here. I feel ashamed to find out so late. Were it not for the efforts of Brewer and others to buy, share, and deliver food to the Christians living here many would be crossing that final line. Please pray for those that we will be taking food to, those whose medical help we are assisting in, and those whose only hope is the family relationship of Christ they have entered into. This was an unscheduled stop so I regret that I didn't have any flashdrive with me to share picture with. But I'm hoping that still will be available. For my church family in Anderson, my bride in Summitville and my children who will be reading this. All is well. We are safe. And I love you very much. Mac Comment by: September 5, 2008, 6:40 am I say, "Eat the termites!" when will you ever get the chance today African termites again??? :0) Be safe! Part Way There September 4, 2008, 11:12 am Good Evening from Johannesburg, Aftica. Mac Payne, Mike Divis, and myself hit J'burg about 4 pm this evening after about 15 loooooonnnggg hours in flight. We are staying this evening with Alan and Sylvia Fox, the preacher and his wife here. Alan was so kind to come get us and put us up for the night, returning us to the airport in the am to catch the flight to Bulawayo. Not sure what the ability will be like to update this blog so I thought I'd use it tonight while I could to say Hi back to those that have commented and are reading thus far. Thanks to those who made this trip possible. Thanks to my elders at Anderson who gave me a couple more weeks this year to make this trip. And thanks to my wife who lets me do these kinds of things and continues to love and support these kingdom efforts. Love you wife. If there is a pic below it is becasue I succeeded in uploading one of Mike and myself standing in front of Alan and Sylvia's beautiful home. Love you guys, Comment by: Donna Heiden September 3, 2008, 9:12 am Mac, we wish you and those you are with a safe and prosperous trip. I'm sure you will be as effective there as you are wherever you go. Comment by: Joanne September 3, 2008, 2:56 am And what is wrong with termites? Hmmm? Excelent protein but I will admit that the wings get stuck in your teeth. Oh? you don't eat the wings? Why didn't you say so! I pray your travel is safe and productive. Still Cranking September 1, 2008, 3:30 pm Well it is about 48 hours till wheels up for J'burg and then Zimbabwe. What a great day at worship services yesterday and what a great send off last evening. It wasn't for me, but it was coincidental anyway that the Seabornes has the whole church over for a cookout so it gave me another opportunity to soak up the "good-byes" and "take cares" and "don't eat the termites." I've made my requests for an angel to be assigned to me and the church family here said they'd do the asking. That shouldn't be too much of a request. He's got legions of them that's part of their job according to Hebrews 1:14. There was grilled burgers, last minute money for Zim brothers and sisters being slipped into my hand and lots of hugs. As we left the party all my favorite group of girls, the teen class came running for good by hugs. Now how sweet is that? The plans are laid, the invitations made, the lesson outlines gathered. My plan is to do some packing tomorrow and spend some time with my beloved. Wednesday morning we are off and running. Check back for the latest news and say hi if you get the chance. Comment by: Kipp August 31, 2008, 7:41 pm God bless you brother as you speak His truth to that part of the world. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. back