Dear Family and Friends,

We have been home for ten days recovering from what was a worthwhile but extremely arduous mission trip to the Congo. As I look back on our experience I will remember the Congolese Christians whom we met and with whom, ultimately, we have more in common than we do with our unbelieving neighbors who may drive the same model SUV and hang a flat-panel TV in their family room. I was inspired by their worship, their insight into Scripture, and the strength of their love for Christ. The family of God is an even more precious reality to me now and I treasure our Congolese brothers and sisters in Christ.

I will remember also the Congolese people in general, most of whom live in primitive conditions. I have always enjoyed camping in the mountains of Arizona, but I would not be willing to camp the way many of them have to live their daily lives. Even so, they conduct themselves with dignity, bearing and good cheer.

Further, I will remember the conferences and seminars that our team held. Survivors of dreadful abuse were offered mercy, healing and new hope in Christ. Pastors and church leaders were challenged to consider the Good Samaritan whom our Lord lifted up as the one who was neighbor to the victim of abuse. Soldiers were confronted with their responsibility to treat women with honor. Government officials were asked to consider a servant approach to leadership. Prostituted women were reached out to in the name of Jesus and as a result many of them asked Christ into their hearts. Youth received wise instruction concerning healthy sexuality and the goodness and wonder of marriage. The team ministered with tender hearts and strong convictions. The Holy Spirit took that ministry to the hearts of the conferees and Christ was honored.

I will remember, as well, the travel. I found international travel to be very difficult. Working our way through crowded airports, navigating security, holding up during long layovers, and enduring flights as long as 14 and 16 hours would have been my undoing except for the presence of the Good Shepherd whose rod and staff comforted me.

Finally, I will remember your prayer support. Life has never been easy for me and my nearly 40 years of pastoring churches was an exercise in prayer, but nothing has so stretched me - nothing so presented me with my utter need for our Triune God as has our recent 19 day mission trip to the Congo. Therefore, as I say, I will remember your prayer support and thank God for your partnership in bringing the sweet and mighty name of Jesus to some of the dearest peopleon earth.

With heart-felt gratitude,

Godfrey & Lorraine Ebright