Update from Paul and Marty Law

November 23, 2010 - Thanksgiving Update -- Prayer and Praise

Prayer and Praise:

Dear Friends,

Usually we give you a report of something positive that is happening but let me report what it’s like from week to week here, especially involving our equipment.

About two weeks ago, the Lucas sawmill was working but simply not correctly. It had been in the forest with our team of men. Since it was not sawing like it should Paul brought it into the mission to work on it. After several days of repairs and many Skype phone calls to our home office, it is finally running again as it should. That was a week’s worth of work.

Next on the list of break downs was the truck. It had 2 broken springs and the brakes were giving out so that took several days of repairs. Remember now, we cannot just run to a garage for parts. The workers went from the market to some known mechanics in town and finally came up with another spring from an old truck. The truck is now running again.

The little generator that runs the Jesus Film equipment quit working. Finally, with some effort it was repaired. Then our main generator that operates the shop equipment went out. No matter what was done and no matter the number of Skype phone calls to the company in the states, it still would not carry a load. Finally it was decided that it needs new capacitors which have to be ordered from the States. Obviously, it is not yet operational.

The table saw had to be loaded on to the truck and taken to another generator so that Paul could do some work. We had to pay by the minute so it was expensive. During the trip back to our mission the table saw fell over and broke off the ‘fence’ which subsequently had to be repaired.

I mentioned to Paul about using the old print shop generator that we repaired over two years ago at a cost of more than $500. The wiring for it had been stolen so our men put down used wiring and got it running again. Well, today it burned out our table saw. Now Paul will have to return in January from Christmas in the States with new capacitors for it as well! It is no longer operational.

The table saw not functioning at this time has presented a problem for work on the lumber that is to be used in the water project for the mission in the construction of the dam.

I, too, am having my share of problems with our photocopier. I use it to copy pictures for the children to color after our Bible stories on Wednesday afternoon classes. It looks as though I will need to return from furlough in March with another one from e-Bay!

Even as I am writing this the water barrel in our bath (our only source of water there) has sprung a serious leak! Ahh, the joys of serving in the heart of the Congo!

Paul is trying not to be discouraged so I read to him this morning from several Psalms. We read Psalms 103 and 91 and several others and especially Ps. 8:2. Since this is the week of Thanksgiving, we are reminded to give thanks. We are giving thanks today for the equipment we have that IS WORKING. We are thankful for the delays of months in the repairs of what is yet to be repaired. We are thankful that we HAVE the equipment through the Lord’s provision.

Ahhh, we have MUCH for which to be thankful; for ALL the Lord has provided these last years. We began 4 years ago from zero and now we are equipped. Thanks to each of you who have provided and been His provision. How grateful we are!

We wish each of you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving. May you, too, take the time to sincerely reflect upon His abundance in your lives. Marty and for Paul, too

Note new ministry address!!!

Appointment Congo
PO Box 98764
Raleigh, NC 27624

E-mail: paulandmarty@appointmentcongo.org

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November 10, 2010 - Diengenga/Lodja

Dear Friends and Partners,

"Busy" is hardly an adequate term to describe these days for Marty and me here at Diengenga. Her children’s ministry has expanded to include the local pre-school at the invitation of the Director and the little 2 to 4 year olds are delightful. She is really enjoying working with them, though it is a challenge to simplify the stories to keep their attention.

Our greatest challenge right now, however, is the Pastor’s School program. As you all know we have committed by Faith to supporting this program as our #1 priority. We see it as most directly affecting the future of the Church here, since the Church desperately needs village pastors for its future and growth.

Marty with the Preschool
3rd year Pastor’s School Students	The 2010 First year class

Our first year class is finally enrolled and, while we had hoped for more, we have 15 new students. This is the largest class in more than 20 years and we are rejoicing in God’s faithfulness. The challenge now is providing the scholarships, medical care, the nutritional program and the teachers’ stipends that we are committed too. We need at least $1400 per month for this program. We have enough in the account to take care of 3 months. Many of you have showed interest and supported this program in the past and we need your help again for this coming year! If you would like to help then please send gifts to Appointment Congo marked "DeRuiter Scholarship Fund".

We hope to see many of you during our brief 2 month deputation in February and March 2011. Let us know if your church would like for us to visit. We have some Sundays still open.

Thank you for your partnership and generosity.

In His Love and Grace,

Paul and Marty

This update is also available as a PDF.