Motos, Water Towers, and Persecution

    I’ve found myself a bit hectic recently;  my “routine” is all but routine.  Currently, it’s been a struggle to know how to prioritize:  station maintenance vs. working with my team vs. making new tools vs. training new skills vs. reorganizing and future planning.  At the end of the day, the workshop is a mess, the to-do list has grown instead of shrunk, and we’ve repaired thing #1 just to find out that thing #2 and #3 are broken.
        Proverbs 14:4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,
        but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.
If I’m interpreting this verse properly, God acknowledges that productivity comes with messiness – he provides grace for the “poop” in our proverbial “ox pen”.  I was thinking that this would be the perfect verse to hang in the workshop.
    Dale Johnson (long term missionary here) has a Honda 250cc motorcycle here.  It’s a perfect “bush bike”.  It sounds small to most Americans, but it’s twice the size of most bikes here (like mine – a 125cc Sanili).  It had been broken (a broken rocker arm) ever since I’ve been here, but just this past week we got it up and running again.  I plan to outfit it with a hitch so that it can pull our well drilling equipment.  The little Sanili has some struggles when I tow our equipment with it (see picture below).
    I was just out with Timothee – the supervisor for the “Survival Garden” projects.  I rode with him on his moto to a number of gardens this morning.  Those that we started last year are looking great.  We’ve been getting great rains recently (thank the Lord) so I think that’s made it “easy”.  The real “test” will begin when the rains stop.  The practice of growing fruits and vegetables during the dry season is new to many of the families.  Perhaps the good produce now will encourage those tending their relatively young gardens to continue caring for them throughout the year.
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(...continued) Motos, Water Towers, and Persecution

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    Oh, I nearly forgot.  A team from the Church of the Open Door recently came out.  They came to search out how they can partner with the ministries here.  Amidst their work (sorry for the many things that I'm leaving out), I hi-jacked one of their team members (Pete, though he was very willing) who is an expert in concrete construction to help the local mason (Duali) setup a water tower.  This had been on the medical dispensary's to-do list since I got here.  It's not yet finished, but Duali and his team are doing wonderfully with the guidance that Pete offered.  Thanks.

   It wasn’t long ago that I asked for prayer for Ali – a worker who has difficult choices to make as he wants to become a Christian, but his family is Muslim (as he is from the Fuhlani tribe).  I’ve been praying for discipleship among the team members who work with me as well.  I’ve been encouraged.  Bouba (another worker who is from the Fuhlani tribe) is a Christian, and whose father wants to force him to marry a Muslim girl.  I say that I’m encouraged because I believe God is giving Bouba an opportunity to face a difficult trial – and I think this is a great opportunity for discipleship as Ali will be watching.  If you think of it while you’re praying, I’m sure Bouba and Ali would appreciate you’re petitions to Our Father for strength and guidance.

(The internet has been weak for some reason - I'll do my best to post some pictures, but we'll see).

June Happenings

I woke up last night to a storm and got up to lean my motorcycle against a tree so that it wouldn’t fall over if the ground became soft.  However, since it was already raining I neglected to bring my laundry in from the clothes line.  I’m a bit spoiled because Howa – a local Fulani woman (Christian) does my laundry – and I have learned to get my clothes pretty dirty.

It’s been a fairly typical day.  This morning I met with the guys:  Tadua, Daniel, David, Luana, Ali, Tiabli, & Duali (Bouba is busy planting).  5 of the guys went out to dig a well.  This is our first well that is for a general community member (rather than a “project” well).  They just hit water around 6m.  We will plan to drill to about 11m, so I’d say we’ve got about 4-7 days left of drilling depending on what kind of ground we hit before we mount the pump.

I had asked prayer for Ali in the past.  He said that he was taking 4 months off of work so that he uphold his obligation to work at his family farm.  I asked prayer for him because he wants to become a Christian but is afraid of his family’s reaction (Muslim).  He is afraid to go to church, so I think our morning Bible Study is one of the few ways he hears God’s word.  Hence my prayer request would be that he would somehow be encouraged in his faith as he wouldn’t be coming.  However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see him come back to work.  He said that he’s rearranged his schedule so that he can work on his farm from 5-7 AM, and then work with me much of the rest of the day.  So thanks for your prayers.

Vacation!  I recently took somewhat of a break from my regular work.  My dad came to visit me for 2 weeks.  It was so great to spend time with him.  People asked me if he wanted to come out and see the work that I’m doing here.  My dad’s response to that was that he simply wanted to come see me.  The other stuff would be nice, but secondary.  My dad is good at making people feel loved.

After he arrived, we went to a 3 day SIM Prayer Conference right away – which was a great way to start a vacation.  When we got back to Mahadaga, I spent time with my dad either working on projects (fixing vehicles, repairing pumps, and a few odds and ends), but we also got to ride motos to a national park, visit local waterfalls, and enjoy evenings with missionaries here or Burkinabe that I’ve come to know well.  I’m not sure that his time here was “restful”, but it was enjoyable (at least it was for me).

Oh, and my dad and I planted a mango tree.  It's growing quite nicely in the rains we've been having.

Peace.

Brendon

A Day in May

Hi. I’m sorry I haven’t written in a while.   I do better describing the details of a single day rather than trying to encapsulate all of the work…

This morning the workers and I had another Bible Study.  We studied Mark 8 where Peter claims that Jesus is this long awaited Christ.  Then Jesus goes on to describe what this Christ will be like, which is drastically different from what the disciples expect.  This Christ, their friend, Jesus, their teacher who’s become quite renowned among the people, and has been scaring the authorities with his growing popularity, and his defiance at their laws, he’s on target to become the Christ – the one who will deliver Israel.  But now, Jesus is saying that he will be rejected and killed.  He also says that he’ll rise again, but they seem to get lost in the first two truths.  And then Jesus goes on to say that they should continue to follow him – to walk death row with him – because that’s where true life is.  Jesus did it for us, and he asks us to live a life that doesn’t put ourselves first, but rather the Good News.  It was a good way to start the day.

Ali, Bouba, and Tiabli took the moto and went off to continue drilling a well at the garden of a family with a child who has a handicap.  Luana and Paul, who usually make chain link fence (we ran out of galvanized wire), began by moving sacks of cement into a shed at the Handicap Center, and then came back to help me with some electrical work around the Missions Station.

Around noon, I was pleased to get a call from Diada telling me that the transporter had come with supplies that were waiting in Ouaga (the capital city).  With this truck load we’ll be able to a) continue making chain link fence, b) begin fabricating a new set of well drilling equipment (much stronger than the original), and c) hook our moto pump up to an evacuation hose so that the Survival Garden project can hand dig wells to an appropriate depth.

On another note, the weather is changing.  Rainy season is just starting, and with it comes many changes.  Mainly cooler temperatures, and people are beginning to plant.  In fact, some of my workers plan to take a significant time off during the rainy season to tend to their gardens.

Oh, and my dad is coming to visit!  I’m looking forward to seeing him.  That’ll be great.

Well, I’m sure there’s more to discuss.  I’d love to hear how you’re doing – brendon.earl@sim.org.

Peace.

Brendon

Success!

We’ve done it.  We’ve reversed deforestation, brought more frequent rains, and reduced the temperature here in Mahadaga!

In February we experienced a very unusual wind storm which stirred the dust up and cooled much of Burkina Faso.  Soon after, we experienced a very strong rain storm – current generations cannot remember such a rain this early in the year.  And even in March temperatures are strangely mild.

It just so happens that this has been the first year of implementing our survival gardens.  Coincidence?  I think not!

Okay, so maybe we’re not changing the climate.  But there are families who will feel a “change in the winds” so to speak.  A number of families (so far we’re working with upwards of 20 families) are working on developing their gardens – and they’re producing even in the midst of the dry season!  Furthermore, many of them are not Christians, and they are rubbing shoulders with Christians who work with them.  Often the pastor takes this opportunity to go to speak to the families as well.

I should give you an update on a recent decision for which you may have been praying.  I have decided to stay in Mahadaga a few months longer.  I plan to be here until early November.  You can pray for the Walsh’s as they continue get ready to come back (new baby, raising funds, getting things in order for another few years in Mahadaga for their family of 6 now).  They’ll come back not long before I leave, so I’ll have a little time to pass the baton to Matt again.  Thanks for your prayers in this decision.  Also, some have asked if this will cost more.  Yes it will, but your (the Church’s) financial giving has provided a surplus that will cover my per diem, and nearly pays for the cost of a new ticket (I had to buy another one because the return ticket that I had was only good for up to a year).

It’s been strange.  For some reason I expected to treat issues out here like they were “critical but stable”, but it is becoming apparent (especially as I talk with the missionaries here) that there is a real struggle for survival for many families here.  And we’re a few months away from the hardest times (maybe July into Aug) – when all of the food is eaten from the previous harvest, and the heavy rains only bring a promise for delayed satisfaction – which is tough when you haven’t eaten in a few days.  But as I said earlier, I expected that this was “normal” and that people have adjusted somehow.  But it’s becoming clear that this isn’t “normal”.  In Mahadaga (and surrounding areas), the population has been booming, the land continues to deteriorate.  The mostly barren bluffs used to be a thick forest just 50 years ago.  It makes me look at the situation a little differently when I realize that things are changing for this new generation of Burkinabe.

That is, my work (aside from Bible Studies) has been directed toward developing people who can dig wells to get ample, clean water year round.  I think that’s a good goal.  However, I suppose my eyes are being opened to more of the “emergency”.  (Some of you may say “no, duh”, but I guess I’ve just been calloused to it).  I hear things like 65% of Burkina Faso is run on foreign aid.  65% - that’s crazy… how can you run a country like that?  Sometimes I think that’s part of the problem.  But maybe you’re one of those people (perhaps I’m becoming one of them) that recognizes an emergency, and wants to do something.  If so, pray.  Also, the Johnson’s have recently started a famine relief program of some kind.  I can get the specifics if you’re interested, but in short, I think all of the money given goes to a local church to be distributed to those in need during the upcoming difficult months.

I was just preparing for tomorrow morning’s Bible Study with the workers.  We will continue our study through the book of Mark.  Mark 4 talks about how the person who has much will be given more; and the person who has nothing, even what he has will be taken.  I never understood this well, but I’m pretty sure it’s not talking about wealth.  I’m pretty sure it’s talking about truth – those who are given truth will be given more and more, and those who aren’t told the truth or reject it (the Gospel) will be lost perhaps thinking they have truth, but eventually (in this life or the next) what they hold onto (a false promise perhaps) will be ripped from them.  The following parables in Mark go on to describe the truth of God’s Kingdom in its mystery, its inevitability, and its expanse.  It can be seen as an encouragement to take heart in the growth of the Church from a dead God and a dozen hiding “followers”, to a risen Christ and a growing Community empowered by the Holy Spirit to share God’s truth and love.

If you’re wondering if I’m eating well, Betty just brought me a carrot cake that she made.  Last week Francoise brought be a huge dish of her leftovers a potato cassorole (of which there was about 7/8ths of the dish left untouched).  Last night the Combari family brought me a pot of rice and a dish of meat sauce with veggies.  And the Johnson’s are currently in Ouaga (not here for me to impose on at the moment), but they’ll come back with grocery gifts for me.  So yes, I’m being well looked after.  Thanks to God and the generous people here.

Oh, I nearly forgot to mention that we officially opened one of our water distribution points where a water tower from the Handicap Center provides water to a few taps along the road (see picture).  Three people from the Handicap Center have been trained to sell the water (I think it’s about a penny per gallon).  So far so good.

February...

Hi Friends.

Odd, but it just rained last night.  No one here has ever seen a rainfall like the one we just experienced in the month of February; at least not in recent generations.  In any case, we are all very happy to be blest by the water.

Speaking of water, I think if you asked any chief what the biggest need is for their village within a 100 km radius (or perhaps much of West Africa), they’d say access to water (perhaps there are a couple outliers).

I am working on a project to install a few “water distribution points” nearby, where people can purchase water from the tap.  One of the underground PVC pipes had broken, and I was digging the ground to repair it.  Two curious men approached and asked if they could help me.  We promptly cleared the mud around the broken pipe.  “Technology” said one of the men, who was apparently impressed.  I don’t think of PVC plumbing as “technology”, but they just don’t use it around here (though they do use cell phones and motorcycles).

Regarding well drilling, my team has just recently drilled their first well completely without my influence.  Yay!  And now, we’re working on drilling a well for the 3^rd time.  We just weren’t getting enough reflow rate.  Hopefully we do it right this time.  I should mention that Tiabli’s hands have been bothering him a little.  I’m sure this is due to the hard work.  He’s getting better as he is taking it a little easier, but he’s still working hard, and I’d appreciate your prayers for him.

The reason that my team had the opportunity to dig a well without my influence, was because I was off gallivanting on the other side of the country.  I had the opportunity to join “Friends In Action”, a deep well drilling team that consisted of 7 from Northern Ireland, 1 Burkinabe, 1 Canadian, and 1 American (me).  We drilled two deep wells (30m+) in a matter of about 5 days.  Although I don’t intend to invest in a gigantic air compressor or a pneumatic drilling rig, I did take some notes, and we’ve already successfully implemented a few improvements to our hand drilling operation.

Yesterday morning, I offered a Bible Study for those working with me.  The Scripture was from Mark 1:21-22 where Jesus speaks with “authority” in the synagogue, and the next set of verses (23-28) where Jesus orders demons to leave their victim.  Jesus first speaks with authority, then he uses it.  Some of the guys come from Muslim background, where they often consider Christians as “pagans” (which really means to believe in more than one god) due to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  So in talking about the authority of Jesus we also talked about the Trinity, and how each expression of God is made of the same stuff.  I used a visual example of ice, water, and steam… then we added Nescafe to it and had coffee.

My health is good.  Thanks for your prayers.

Sorry, this is a bit out of place, but I just had another small victory.  We have been falling behind making fences for the Survival Gardens because the tools weren’t working properly.  We bought these tools in the capital city (Ouaga).  I spent all day yesterday and all morning today trying to make another one along with the help of the guy whose using the tool here (Luana) and the welder (Umpuganli).   Finally we had success today!  This is great news.  Not just because we have a tool that works, not just because we have a shot at keeping on schedule with the Survival Gardens, but also because Luana and Umpuganli have the knowledge to make and repair these tools.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow.  Yep even this one.

Oh and I am having to make some decisions on hiring other day workers, so please pray for guidance, shrewdness, patience, etc... for me.

Be well.

Brendon

Happy New Year

Happy New Year.

I think 2012 is the year that some people are claiming as the end of the world.  I also think that it’s the year that many Christians aren’t expecting the end of the world – and they poke fun at the false prophecies.  I think God is not constrained to the Mayan calendar, nonetheless, it is another year that we, as Christians, need to keep our wicks trimmed and our candles burning for Jesus’ return.

Thank you all for your support and prayers for me and my involvement here.  PLEASE STOP SENDING MONEY.  You have overwhelmed me with gifts, and I have more than enough funds for my time here in Mahadaga.  But please keep the people here in your prayers.

Speaking of which, please pray for Bouba.  Bouba is an integral part of the well drilling team, and a friend.  Tonight (31 Dec 2011), while he was milking the cows, a cow caught him in the eye with its horn.  We went to the CSPS (hospital across the street) tonight – and Mambagauli (the head nurse) left his News Years Eve party to take a look.  He says Bouba’s eye will heal just fine, and that he’s very lucky.  Praise God.  Please pray that he heals well.

Speaking of Bouba… he is from the Fulani tribe, which is the minority tribe here (compared to the Gourma).  Typically Fulani are Muslim.  I have heard that Christian Fulani’s are made fun of and ostracized from the rest.  Bouba’s mom is Christian, and Bouba is also.  However Bouba has avoided the Fulani church (I think to avoid getting ragged on).  However, he had been coming to the Gourma church that’s near the Missions Station (the church that I typically attend).  He understands some of what’s said, but not everything at these services.  This past month he invited me to the Fulani church.  Perhaps going along with me gave him the courage that he wanted to deal with the social implications – I’m not sure.  In any case, I am so pleased that he’s going to a Fulani church – a place where he can completely understand the preaching.  I may begin attending there more often because the man sitting next to me spoke French and translated the sermon to me in a very simple way.

Regarding the work…

Things are good.  We just finished digging Diada’s bore hole.  It doesn’t have the greatest reflow rate due to the clay ridden soil, but it’s 2.5 meters deeper than their ring well, which is nearly out of water now.  Over the past month and a half we’ve designed and fabricated more tooling:  a taller tripod (4.5m), a spiral auger bit (for clay), a new extension rod set (with the help of the Messiah College Collaboratory – thanks guys), and the well-drilling donkey cart of the millennium, among other smaller improvements.  I’m hoping to hit the ground running in January at a well in Logobou, however, the logistics will pose a new challenge; Logobou is probably about 15km away, and the team members don’t have bikes or motorbikes.

I still haven’t identified someone that is devoted to taking over the well drilling when I leave, but there certainly is a lot of hype.  For example, three people today asked for a well:  the guy who I hired to put the corrugated sheet metal on the roof of the new building here, and both (separately) of the nurses that I spoke to tonight while with Bouba.

May God bless you with the vision to see His blessings of this past year, and may He bless the world through you even more this year.

Oh, I’ll end on a weird thought – the people here have not been on a calendar like ours very long.  It’s only been in the last 10 years or so that they’ve begun celebrating the birth of Jesus on Dec 25, and the beginning of a new year on Jan 1.  It certainly hasn’t been much time to develop traditions.

Brendon