Coming Home from Central Africa

Well, we made it!

We are now back in the capital city of Bangui.  Tomorrow night (Thursday, March 25) we leave at 11pm (6pm OH/PA time).  This will probably be my last message from the CAR.  Thanks to all who have faithfully prayed for us.  It has been an adventure the last two weeks but God has been so gracious to all of us for sustaining us as well as challenging us. 

We all have seen and experienced more than we will be able to describe, so be patient with us when we come home.  There is a process we go through, we are ready to come home but we have been deeply impacted by what we have experienced here and it takes time to adjust back to American life.  This is called reverse culture shock. 

All we have seen for the last two weeks is extreme poverty.  We have seen people who survive day to day, there savings account only includes goats.  Having enough food to eat is a daily struggle that sometimes doesn't work out and one goes hungry.  Most live without what we would consider necessities: electricity, tv, internet, video games, toilets, running water in your house, cups, and etc. 

When we come home sometimes it is a shock to see how much we waste as Americans or what Americans complain about.  Our perspective has been changed. 

But we also bring lots of stories of hope that only comes from God working through people who love Him to help those who are the forgotten.  We have seen the hope that comes through drilling a water well, planting fruit trees, digging lattrines, radio programs, rescuing orphans, and just showing that you value everyone.  A simple wave driving past a village brings smiles and shouts of thank you, thank you.  Simple acts of kindness goes a long way.

Our two weeks is coming to an end but ICDI's work continues so please join us in supporting ICDI with your prayers, finances, skills, and other resources.  We have had a small glimpse into the challenges of this ministry. 

In fact, even today we found out that the drill team that is drilling in the northern part of the CAR was being held in a village at gunpoint.  They were told "you can leave as soon as you drill us a well".  Unfortunatey that village is not scheduled to get a well because of limited funding. 

How would you handle today's dilemna?  There have been other major dilemas happening while we have been here, this is not easy work.  Please pray especially for Jim Hocking as he feels the weight of these situations. 

I am glad we serve a big and awesome God whose wisdom is unmatched and who we can "cast all of cares on Him because He cares for us."  No problem  is too big for God to handle.  This however doesn't only apply to those working in Africa, this is the same God that can work in your life in the midst of your daily struggles.  Trust Him, read His word and pray to Him!!

It has been great to get to know John, Kevin, and Sonny from Hanover, PA.  Thanks to all of there friends and family for reading this blog and praying for all of us.

1Peter 4:7-10 says,"The end of all things is near.  Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray.  Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.  Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various form."

Serving Jesus Christ

Tim Harley