(For the best English translation, try opening this page with the Google Chrome browser and hit the „Translate“ button)
Habari means "message" or "What's up?" in Swahili.
From generation to generation – Stop or Go (on)
I look around: fifteen women in colorful dresses, some veiled, are singing loudly and with joyful spirits. Traces of pain are visible in some faces, but also a strength and a sense of unity that is unmistakable.
We examine our stories and family trees: What patterns repeat themselves? What strengths characterize our families – and what destructive patterns persist through the generations? Poverty, an orphan mentality, alcohol abuse, curses… these are some of the answers.
A woman begins to sob. She whispers, „Evil spirits, my sister—she is still fighting!“ This is Nivin (name changed). I know her story. She has experienced darkness in a vivid, literally bloodthirsty way. But Nivin is one of those who stopped this generational curse—because she turned to Jesus. She has allowed us to share her story—in the hope that it will make visible what it means to encounter Jesus in a culture of fear and power.
Some women made the decision after the seminar: „This curse will end with me. With God’s help, I will embark on a new path!“
Pastoral care – week in Mombasa
My colleague and I were able to spend a week with the leaders of the DOA in Mombasa and conduct a healing group together.
What is it? A program developed by the Trauma Healing Institute and contextualized in over 153 nations over the past 15 years. It helps people who want to process trauma or emotional suffering – from a psychological and biblical perspective.
Last week, facilitators from around the world came together to share their experiences and encourage one another! Interested? Check out the TH Homepage.
On the Road again – USA
David is currently on a four-week trip to the USA (Lisa joined him last week) to find partners for the hospital projects in Mozambique and South Sudan.
Lobai, the South Sudanese clinician whom David is allowed to advise, has recorded a short video explaining why this project is so important to him.
Financial gaps filled!
In our last newsletter, we reported on a funding gap and asked for more partners. We want to tell you not only about the gaps, but also about the people who fill them – the people God uses to make our work here possible.
We are once again amazed at how faithfully God provides: More than half of the shortfall has already been covered by Austria and Germany! THANK YOU!
Furthermore, we had the privilege of spending last week with Robb and Edra in Augusta, Georgia, USA. Their dedication and passion for world missions truly impressed us! We enjoyed some wonderful encounters with fellow believers and congregations. There, too, our Lord has blessed us with additional partners.
Highlight of the last few months
The biggest highlight was undoubtedly the public "yes" to the Lord: David was able to baptize our daughter at the Taugl, where her closest friends and family gathered! We enjoyed the beautiful Tauern mountains in Austria and came together as (almost) the entire extended family (Lisa's side).
THANKFUL
- Noemis's clear decision of faith
- Financial support and encouraging encounters with various people in the USA
- the interest of 5 women from the women's group in Mombasa to further train them in trauma healing
- That our friend here in Kijabe is getting baptized this week
- For protection during the many journeys and trips
HOPEFUL
- that the two hospital projects continue to develop well
- that people who are being prepared by God can register for the Soul Care Retreats in January
- that the new art therapy groups in Cure Hospital start well
- Licensing for missionary doctors for planned teaching hospital in Mozambique*
*Contracts with various government bodies are fundamental to the project in order to be able to operate in the healthcare sector at all, and especially to import equipment and materials, obtain work permits for foreign team members, and secure licenses for graduates of the specialist training programs. The Mozambican Medical Association currently presents a particular challenge – specifically, the enormous hurdles it places on all foreign doctors. This could be a show-stopper for our project. So please pray with us that the local "Bastoneiro" (chairman) will be touched, so that a path can be created for our team members to serve his people medically and as faculty members.
Greetings from Kijabe (Damen) and Ohio USA (David),
David & Lisa with Noemi and Layla
