Well, this is it...I guess. Tomorrow morning, Bill and I are going to fly out of the DRC to Addis Ababba, Ethiopia. I'll continue on immediately to the US...and Bill will stay the night in Addis and then go to Entebbe Airport, where his daughter will greet him and they will have a visit.
I really can't wait to be with my wife and children...with all my ecclesiastical brothers and sisters in my church family at Annandale...sleep in my own bed...etc. I'll miss this place because it has made a pretty big impact on me.
Before we left John Metzel, he took me aside and told me that he felt as though a piping system to pipe water from the damn to a turbine was the way to go at Lubondai. He was going to begin working on the modifications that are needed to make that happen...instead of trying to fill in the "blown out" canal hole...which is about 50 feet wide, 100 feet long, and 30 feet deep. It really is impossible to rebuild the canal the way it was with that kind of damage. He agrees and I agree. I'm glad that he has come to that conclusion.
I am absolutely convinced that putting a small 5 kilowatt solar system in the area in front of the hospital will provide enough electricity for the hospital to get going, working well, saving more lives...the school to function better...the community center to be more welcoming and usable...and, of course, the church to be more accessible and usable by more and more people.
When I left John, I said that we should stick with our two-phase plan (the one that we had discussed before coming over here) to combine solar and hydropower. I would concentrate on the solar power. And, he would focus more on the hydro. The grant monies that have been "granted" should all go toward the hydro project. I will seek to find other sources for the solar system...including the head of the USAID organization here, Mr. Larry Shlegle (I think that I mispelled his last name...but he's a great man).
Well, that's about it for now. I'm going to let another missionary use this computer and get some rest.
THIS HAS BEEN A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL TRIP. I have about 500 picturs and short movie clips to bring back home and will be able to put together a presentation of anywhere from 5 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the situation and application.
I love you all...
Thanks to EVERYONE who made this trip possible...ESPECIALLY GOD!!
In Christ's Precious Love,
Dr. Christ Looker, Congo
P.S. By the way, they gave me a Tshiluba name!!!! I'm so excited: It's Matombidi. The Rev. Dr. Chris Motombidi. Sounds Great...don't you think. Motombidi literally means "Looker". I think that I'm mispelling it, but I love the way it sounds...especially when I shorten it and jazz it up a little...I'm the BIG MO!!!! The people loved it over here when I called myself the "BIG MO" using a voice like Fat Albert (aka...Bill Cosby). But, I digress...
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Visited hell yesterday and today...
Dear Loved Ones:
Two days ago, we drove for 5 hours on roads that better resembled a long, long, long series of roller coasters than a road. Travelled first to the large lake, called Munkamba. It was absolutely beautiful...like heaven. Crystal clear water. We went swimming in it and bathed in it. We stayed in the cottages where Presbyterians for years and years stayed when they met for the General Assembly here in the DRC. After sleeping in the cottages, going swimming, and taking pictures...we continued on for another 5 ours on roads that now resembled blast sites in a rock quarry!!! In all, we travelled about 200 kilometres in 10 hours of driving...in the States, that would have taken about 2 hours or less!!!!! That's the Congo!!!
On the second part of the journey, we descended into Mbujimayi literally, "Goat Water"). This is where, for years and years, outsiders have mined for diamonds, gold, and other gems. Many thousands have died in this land of "blood diamonds". 12, 13, 14, and 15 year old children...not to mention adults as well..."pan" for diamonds in the streams and dig for diamond in the dirt...and if they get too close to one of the places "staked" by those who have bribed and paid the government for access, they are shot and killed. Shoot first and ask questions later!
It's a very large, busy, bussling, dog-eat-dog, money is everything, cold, joyless city...Mbujimayi. I couldn't believe how I felt emotionally when I descended out of the mountains where I had shared so many wonderful moments with those who lived out meager, but joyful lives based on an agrarian economy...only to enter a city filled with people trying to look for a quick buck...it felt like I was descending into hell!!!
But, I have to say that once in Mbujimayi, we met with the Church Officials. They were very nice. They took care of us very well. The government officials extracted as much money from us (unfortunately) using the church officials, which was odd. We had not been treated like that in the Western Kasai Region. But, the Church Officials have to survive too...and they must make some sacrifices to Caesar in order to keep the church going, I guess.
I wonder how many sacrifices a denomination of the Christian Church...either here in the DRC or in the US... has to make until it no longer is a "church"...but is, in fact, just another organization of human beings rallying around principles that may or may not have anything to do with God. I wonder!
Anyway, while there, we visited the fantastic school and orphanage that Ruth and Bill Metzel helped to start here...what a "diamond" (and I certainly do not mean "blood diamond") in the rough those two organizations are...literally! In the midst of all the dog-eat-dog...people-eat-people...1 in a million person finding their fortune without getting shot and killed...there is the church, the girl's orphanage, and the school. Ruth and Bill are saints for being able to discern God's Will for these people and make God's Will happen. Both institutions are amazing and are really shining examples of Christ beaming with light, love, and grace in the DRC.
Have to go now...dinner is on the table.
Until the next time...
In Christ's Love,
Dr. Chris Looker, Congo
Two days ago, we drove for 5 hours on roads that better resembled a long, long, long series of roller coasters than a road. Travelled first to the large lake, called Munkamba. It was absolutely beautiful...like heaven. Crystal clear water. We went swimming in it and bathed in it. We stayed in the cottages where Presbyterians for years and years stayed when they met for the General Assembly here in the DRC. After sleeping in the cottages, going swimming, and taking pictures...we continued on for another 5 ours on roads that now resembled blast sites in a rock quarry!!! In all, we travelled about 200 kilometres in 10 hours of driving...in the States, that would have taken about 2 hours or less!!!!! That's the Congo!!!
On the second part of the journey, we descended into Mbujimayi literally, "Goat Water"). This is where, for years and years, outsiders have mined for diamonds, gold, and other gems. Many thousands have died in this land of "blood diamonds". 12, 13, 14, and 15 year old children...not to mention adults as well..."pan" for diamonds in the streams and dig for diamond in the dirt...and if they get too close to one of the places "staked" by those who have bribed and paid the government for access, they are shot and killed. Shoot first and ask questions later!
It's a very large, busy, bussling, dog-eat-dog, money is everything, cold, joyless city...Mbujimayi. I couldn't believe how I felt emotionally when I descended out of the mountains where I had shared so many wonderful moments with those who lived out meager, but joyful lives based on an agrarian economy...only to enter a city filled with people trying to look for a quick buck...it felt like I was descending into hell!!!
But, I have to say that once in Mbujimayi, we met with the Church Officials. They were very nice. They took care of us very well. The government officials extracted as much money from us (unfortunately) using the church officials, which was odd. We had not been treated like that in the Western Kasai Region. But, the Church Officials have to survive too...and they must make some sacrifices to Caesar in order to keep the church going, I guess.
I wonder how many sacrifices a denomination of the Christian Church...either here in the DRC or in the US... has to make until it no longer is a "church"...but is, in fact, just another organization of human beings rallying around principles that may or may not have anything to do with God. I wonder!
Anyway, while there, we visited the fantastic school and orphanage that Ruth and Bill Metzel helped to start here...what a "diamond" (and I certainly do not mean "blood diamond") in the rough those two organizations are...literally! In the midst of all the dog-eat-dog...people-eat-people...1 in a million person finding their fortune without getting shot and killed...there is the church, the girl's orphanage, and the school. Ruth and Bill are saints for being able to discern God's Will for these people and make God's Will happen. Both institutions are amazing and are really shining examples of Christ beaming with light, love, and grace in the DRC.
Have to go now...dinner is on the table.
Until the next time...
In Christ's Love,
Dr. Chris Looker, Congo
Begging
Dear Loved Ones:
It is Oct. 8, 2008 and I am beginning my trip back to the US from the Congo. I am so grateful to be coming back to my homeland...the land that I love so very much...the most blessed country in the world. Yet, I am struck with the realization that I am coming back to the great land that I love so very much a begger myself...for the people of the Congo. This scares me.
I can honestly say that while here I have been approached by literally 1000's of beggers and asked for everything I had. I have given a lot of money away and most of my clothes. It is so easy to do here when there is so much suffering.
I have had to refuse many of the beggers and that is hard. Begging is a way of life here.
Now, I come back to the US, the greatest country in the world...and I am a begger myself. Asking money for this and for that...to fix the roof of Christ's church in Annandale...to help the people of Cumberland, Maryland, to help the suffering people of the Dem. Rep. of the Congo...
Maybe that's what we pastors are: beggers. Beggers for God. Beggers for Christ. Beggers for the poor. Beggers for the needy. Beggers for the starving. I hope and pray that when I get back home to the US too many people will not hate me for being a begger-pastor. I just hope and pray that I can "beg" for the right things...for what Christ wants me to beg. May God be with me...with us.
America is the most generous nation on the planet earth. I don't think that I'll have any problems. It will be so very good to be with my Christian family, whom I love so very much, again at FPCA/FKPCV and to be with my home family, who I have missed so very much while here.
Thank you for the honor and privilage of coming on this fact finding mission trip to Congo. I came to this blessed and needy country one man...and I am returning home another man. I came as one with much in the ways of the world...I am coming home a begger.
I love you all very, very, very, very much. See you soon.
Until the next time.
In Christ's Precious Love,
Dr. Chris Looker
It is Oct. 8, 2008 and I am beginning my trip back to the US from the Congo. I am so grateful to be coming back to my homeland...the land that I love so very much...the most blessed country in the world. Yet, I am struck with the realization that I am coming back to the great land that I love so very much a begger myself...for the people of the Congo. This scares me.
I can honestly say that while here I have been approached by literally 1000's of beggers and asked for everything I had. I have given a lot of money away and most of my clothes. It is so easy to do here when there is so much suffering.
I have had to refuse many of the beggers and that is hard. Begging is a way of life here.
Now, I come back to the US, the greatest country in the world...and I am a begger myself. Asking money for this and for that...to fix the roof of Christ's church in Annandale...to help the people of Cumberland, Maryland, to help the suffering people of the Dem. Rep. of the Congo...
Maybe that's what we pastors are: beggers. Beggers for God. Beggers for Christ. Beggers for the poor. Beggers for the needy. Beggers for the starving. I hope and pray that when I get back home to the US too many people will not hate me for being a begger-pastor. I just hope and pray that I can "beg" for the right things...for what Christ wants me to beg. May God be with me...with us.
America is the most generous nation on the planet earth. I don't think that I'll have any problems. It will be so very good to be with my Christian family, whom I love so very much, again at FPCA/FKPCV and to be with my home family, who I have missed so very much while here.
Thank you for the honor and privilage of coming on this fact finding mission trip to Congo. I came to this blessed and needy country one man...and I am returning home another man. I came as one with much in the ways of the world...I am coming home a begger.
I love you all very, very, very, very much. See you soon.
Until the next time.
In Christ's Precious Love,
Dr. Chris Looker
Monday, October 6, 2008
I've gotten some rest and read my three earlier entries. Wow! Was I upset! O well!
Dear Loved Ones:
First of all, I would like to humbly apologize to anyone who has read this blog and has been offended by its contents. I am not very good at knowing what things are "politically correct" to say or write. As a matter, I think that the whole idea of being "politically correct" is rather foolish when it is held up against the basic right provided for us in the First Amendment to the Constitution (Bill of Rights), that being "free speech". But, anyway...
I preached yesterday in the Presbyterian Church here in Lubondai. About 500 men, women, and children crammed into the church to worship for about 2 hours. My sermon was about 30 minutes. John translated it and did a magnificent job. The sermon focussed on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I pointed out that the very first evangelist chosen by God and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to "deliver" the Good News of Jesus' Resurrection was Mary Magdeline. In this respect, I preached, she was the first "pastor" chosen by God to deliver...to preach...the Good News of the resurrection..."I have seen the Lord!"
Speaking about a woman as a pastor was a little on the edge for this society, but one of the surgeon's wive's asked me to address this issue. The pastor said it was OK, so I did. To date, the people in the Lubondai Presbyterian Church have never allowed a woman to preach the sermon...I've been told. After I was finished with the sermon, I was told that that practice was going to be changed as soon as possible. We'll see.
Even more important than standing strong and advocating for women's ordination and the right of women to preach and teach in the church, I felt moved by God to point out to the people that every life has periods of "death" and "resurrection" in it. And, for the Christian, death can never be considered as an end unto itself. Death...disappointments...loss of a job...are tough on us, but for the Christian, every "death" is always followed by "resurrection". Resurrections are when power is restored, buildings are repaired, lights go on to guide the hands of the surgeons and nurses, water flows, and micro-enterprises flourish. Death is the precedent to resurrection. Death is an opportunity for new life. Death is good...As St. Paul so beautifully wrote in Phillippians, "For me, living is Christ AND DYING IS GAIN!!!" Imagine that, "dying is gain".
For the Christian, death is how one gains eternal life!!! Thanks be to God.
After church, we met with Chief Kananga and 24 of his subchiefs. We discussed the basics of the project and the "partnership" we hope to see started and continued between National Capital Presbytery/First Presbyterian Church of Annandale AND the church and people of Lubondai.
Then we got on our way and have come to Tshikaji, which is where we spent last night.
I had the best night's sleep I've had in quite some time and am feeling a lot more positive about things. I think that when I was not eating and not getting rest, I got a little cranky...and it shows in my three previous entries to this blog. But, I'm going to stick with what I wrote. It not only represents what I felt at the time, but how I felt at the time...which was tired and sometimes sick to my stomach...some of the food did it to me.
Anyway, I have to go now. Nancy has to do her rounds. Thanks for bearing with me through the bad times...and the harsh words that I wrote. This place has really gotten to me.
I love my country. I love my home. I love America. I love the American people. I love my wife and children. And, I thank God every single day for blessing me and my family and my country so very much. I'm sure that whoever wins the presidency, the world will be able to survive it. Hopefully, whoever wins the presidency will be able to do some good not only for our country, but the world.
I wish every single American could come here and see what I've seen. I think that it would do our country some real good!!!
Until the next time...
In Christ's Precious Love,
Dr. Chris Looker, Congo
First of all, I would like to humbly apologize to anyone who has read this blog and has been offended by its contents. I am not very good at knowing what things are "politically correct" to say or write. As a matter, I think that the whole idea of being "politically correct" is rather foolish when it is held up against the basic right provided for us in the First Amendment to the Constitution (Bill of Rights), that being "free speech". But, anyway...
I preached yesterday in the Presbyterian Church here in Lubondai. About 500 men, women, and children crammed into the church to worship for about 2 hours. My sermon was about 30 minutes. John translated it and did a magnificent job. The sermon focussed on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I pointed out that the very first evangelist chosen by God and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to "deliver" the Good News of Jesus' Resurrection was Mary Magdeline. In this respect, I preached, she was the first "pastor" chosen by God to deliver...to preach...the Good News of the resurrection..."I have seen the Lord!"
Speaking about a woman as a pastor was a little on the edge for this society, but one of the surgeon's wive's asked me to address this issue. The pastor said it was OK, so I did. To date, the people in the Lubondai Presbyterian Church have never allowed a woman to preach the sermon...I've been told. After I was finished with the sermon, I was told that that practice was going to be changed as soon as possible. We'll see.
Even more important than standing strong and advocating for women's ordination and the right of women to preach and teach in the church, I felt moved by God to point out to the people that every life has periods of "death" and "resurrection" in it. And, for the Christian, death can never be considered as an end unto itself. Death...disappointments...loss of a job...are tough on us, but for the Christian, every "death" is always followed by "resurrection". Resurrections are when power is restored, buildings are repaired, lights go on to guide the hands of the surgeons and nurses, water flows, and micro-enterprises flourish. Death is the precedent to resurrection. Death is an opportunity for new life. Death is good...As St. Paul so beautifully wrote in Phillippians, "For me, living is Christ AND DYING IS GAIN!!!" Imagine that, "dying is gain".
For the Christian, death is how one gains eternal life!!! Thanks be to God.
After church, we met with Chief Kananga and 24 of his subchiefs. We discussed the basics of the project and the "partnership" we hope to see started and continued between National Capital Presbytery/First Presbyterian Church of Annandale AND the church and people of Lubondai.
Then we got on our way and have come to Tshikaji, which is where we spent last night.
I had the best night's sleep I've had in quite some time and am feeling a lot more positive about things. I think that when I was not eating and not getting rest, I got a little cranky...and it shows in my three previous entries to this blog. But, I'm going to stick with what I wrote. It not only represents what I felt at the time, but how I felt at the time...which was tired and sometimes sick to my stomach...some of the food did it to me.
Anyway, I have to go now. Nancy has to do her rounds. Thanks for bearing with me through the bad times...and the harsh words that I wrote. This place has really gotten to me.
I love my country. I love my home. I love America. I love the American people. I love my wife and children. And, I thank God every single day for blessing me and my family and my country so very much. I'm sure that whoever wins the presidency, the world will be able to survive it. Hopefully, whoever wins the presidency will be able to do some good not only for our country, but the world.
I wish every single American could come here and see what I've seen. I think that it would do our country some real good!!!
Until the next time...
In Christ's Precious Love,
Dr. Chris Looker, Congo
I met with the Stated Clerk of the Muoyo Lulua Presbytery and the President of the Muoyo Lulua Presbytery's Presbyterian Women.
Dear Loved Ones:
Met with the Clerk of the Muoyo Lulua Presbytery. There are 12 churches in this presbytery. He was a very nice person and a deeply committed Christian. Also met with the Moderator/President of the Muoyo Lulua Presbytery's Presbyterian Women's Group. What a wonderful leader! She is a go-getter! We had a long conversation about the needs that have become so primary in my view here...mainly getting the hospital up and working. And, setting up solar power that provides the hospital with the power to do what it has to do. Right now, it is a disaster. Operations on women by flashlight, rooms that are dark, damp, dirty. Women giving birth and dying. Babies being born premature and dying because there is no power or incubators to keep them warm and alive. Caesarian Section Births that are done in the dark, often causing the women to suffer reproductive damage, scarring, and other debilitating hardships.
Really, it is the women and children here who suffer the most. They have many, many babies because they want to have many babies who are not necessarily spaced properly a part, thus leading to a reduction in energy, medical problems, and health problems for the women and babies. If a woman cannot conceive, she is labeled by the society as a scorcerer and/or witch. She is shunned from the community and eventually dies out in the wilderness. Very, very cruel and harsh!!!
Thus, having a baby is a critical means of survival here in the Congo. If one is a woman and one cannot have a baby, one dies. Unfortunately, it's as simple and as cruel as that.
This is an offense to me because I am a feminist and cannot conceive of human beings (especially women) being treated like property...witches..."things" to be used and discarded...to be shunned to die in the wilderness. This makes me mad. I realize that there is very little that I can do about it and know that I am very blessed to live in a land that, compared to most of the world, provides women with almost-equal and inalienable rights that empower woman to make the world a better place...and, in my estimation a less "male" place...one which seeks to strive for a more balenced society that is, in and of itself, an express of male and female values, which God created to be complimentary and beautiful.
But, as I have seen here and in so many of the other second and third world countries that I have visited, what we have in America is at the same time is as wonderful as it is surreal and unrealistic when compared to most of the rest of the world.
I am now being reminded by the poverty that I am seeing, living in, and experiencing that I come from "La-La Land"! The United States of America, the place that is blessed by God to have it all...while the rest of the world has so little. I have no idea what is happening in America right now. We don't get the papers and the radio only works part of the time. I know that a new president is going to be elected soon, but elected for what? To make sure that America grows more powerful and more wealthy? To make sure that everyone in America is given the rights that they are entitled to just because they are American? To pay back with legislation and exectuve orders those who have given the candidates the most money? To make all the Americans happy? Right! To represent only the people who elected him/her to office...and let all the rest of the people who didn't vote for him/her wither on the vine?
Elect a President...for what? To see if he/she will be "the one"...the human "messiah" who will finally make everything right? Who will inspire us? Who will give us hope? Who will make the changes necessary? Who will do this and will do that...all so that he/she will be able to build a big library at the end of his/her term and celebrate his/her legacy?
It's all a game, isn't it? Let's elect someone who is the closest thing to a messiah that we can. Let's role the dice and hope that it comes up 7. Let's give the most powerful office in the world to the person who says what we want to hear...who produces the most "Oprah Moments"...who thrills the most people...and who promises to do what will please the most people. The Election of a President: The Ultimate Popularity and Beauty Pageant/Contest!
I'm sorry for venting like this, but since I have been here, I have seen 3 children die, a woman being operated on at night by surgeons whose only light was a flashlight, I've prayed with men and women who have tuburculosis, malaria, ovarian cysts and tumors, leprosy. I've seen woman giving birth on a "birthing table" from the 1940's...experiencing pain and complications that no human being should have to go through. I have seen the medical problems caused by sexual abuse, having too many children over a too short of time, and malnutrition.
I watched a child die, whose body was covered with sores that were the result of advanced starvation. I prayed with a woman who had malaria...only to return to where she was lying to find that she was gone and had died.
IT IS ALL UNACCEPTABLE! And, please forgive me, it all makes ANY issue of suffering, distress, injustice, fairness and/or politics that is being used in this rediculous presidential political campaign look like Disney World, compared to what's going on here.
How can we possibly think that ANY issue that is "of critical importance" to ANYONE in America compare to the hell that I am witnessing here?
This has got to stop! I fear that we, as a nation, can do so much more for the world (without putting ourselves in jeopardy)...but for some reason, we are not doing it. Don't get me wrong, I love my country and I sincerely believe that God has blessed our nation with blessings that are overflowing! However, the same God who has blessed American and us with so much also clearly says to every human being, "To those who have been given much, from them much will be required."
What does God require from us? It's a good question. And, if we don't meet that requirement, what will happen? to us? to our nation? to the world.
I'm getting too deep here and need to get some rest. Will comment later.
Until the next time...
In Christ's Precious Love,
Dr. Chris Looker
Met with the Clerk of the Muoyo Lulua Presbytery. There are 12 churches in this presbytery. He was a very nice person and a deeply committed Christian. Also met with the Moderator/President of the Muoyo Lulua Presbytery's Presbyterian Women's Group. What a wonderful leader! She is a go-getter! We had a long conversation about the needs that have become so primary in my view here...mainly getting the hospital up and working. And, setting up solar power that provides the hospital with the power to do what it has to do. Right now, it is a disaster. Operations on women by flashlight, rooms that are dark, damp, dirty. Women giving birth and dying. Babies being born premature and dying because there is no power or incubators to keep them warm and alive. Caesarian Section Births that are done in the dark, often causing the women to suffer reproductive damage, scarring, and other debilitating hardships.
Really, it is the women and children here who suffer the most. They have many, many babies because they want to have many babies who are not necessarily spaced properly a part, thus leading to a reduction in energy, medical problems, and health problems for the women and babies. If a woman cannot conceive, she is labeled by the society as a scorcerer and/or witch. She is shunned from the community and eventually dies out in the wilderness. Very, very cruel and harsh!!!
Thus, having a baby is a critical means of survival here in the Congo. If one is a woman and one cannot have a baby, one dies. Unfortunately, it's as simple and as cruel as that.
This is an offense to me because I am a feminist and cannot conceive of human beings (especially women) being treated like property...witches..."things" to be used and discarded...to be shunned to die in the wilderness. This makes me mad. I realize that there is very little that I can do about it and know that I am very blessed to live in a land that, compared to most of the world, provides women with almost-equal and inalienable rights that empower woman to make the world a better place...and, in my estimation a less "male" place...one which seeks to strive for a more balenced society that is, in and of itself, an express of male and female values, which God created to be complimentary and beautiful.
But, as I have seen here and in so many of the other second and third world countries that I have visited, what we have in America is at the same time is as wonderful as it is surreal and unrealistic when compared to most of the rest of the world.
I am now being reminded by the poverty that I am seeing, living in, and experiencing that I come from "La-La Land"! The United States of America, the place that is blessed by God to have it all...while the rest of the world has so little. I have no idea what is happening in America right now. We don't get the papers and the radio only works part of the time. I know that a new president is going to be elected soon, but elected for what? To make sure that America grows more powerful and more wealthy? To make sure that everyone in America is given the rights that they are entitled to just because they are American? To pay back with legislation and exectuve orders those who have given the candidates the most money? To make all the Americans happy? Right! To represent only the people who elected him/her to office...and let all the rest of the people who didn't vote for him/her wither on the vine?
Elect a President...for what? To see if he/she will be "the one"...the human "messiah" who will finally make everything right? Who will inspire us? Who will give us hope? Who will make the changes necessary? Who will do this and will do that...all so that he/she will be able to build a big library at the end of his/her term and celebrate his/her legacy?
It's all a game, isn't it? Let's elect someone who is the closest thing to a messiah that we can. Let's role the dice and hope that it comes up 7. Let's give the most powerful office in the world to the person who says what we want to hear...who produces the most "Oprah Moments"...who thrills the most people...and who promises to do what will please the most people. The Election of a President: The Ultimate Popularity and Beauty Pageant/Contest!
I'm sorry for venting like this, but since I have been here, I have seen 3 children die, a woman being operated on at night by surgeons whose only light was a flashlight, I've prayed with men and women who have tuburculosis, malaria, ovarian cysts and tumors, leprosy. I've seen woman giving birth on a "birthing table" from the 1940's...experiencing pain and complications that no human being should have to go through. I have seen the medical problems caused by sexual abuse, having too many children over a too short of time, and malnutrition.
I watched a child die, whose body was covered with sores that were the result of advanced starvation. I prayed with a woman who had malaria...only to return to where she was lying to find that she was gone and had died.
IT IS ALL UNACCEPTABLE! And, please forgive me, it all makes ANY issue of suffering, distress, injustice, fairness and/or politics that is being used in this rediculous presidential political campaign look like Disney World, compared to what's going on here.
How can we possibly think that ANY issue that is "of critical importance" to ANYONE in America compare to the hell that I am witnessing here?
This has got to stop! I fear that we, as a nation, can do so much more for the world (without putting ourselves in jeopardy)...but for some reason, we are not doing it. Don't get me wrong, I love my country and I sincerely believe that God has blessed our nation with blessings that are overflowing! However, the same God who has blessed American and us with so much also clearly says to every human being, "To those who have been given much, from them much will be required."
What does God require from us? It's a good question. And, if we don't meet that requirement, what will happen? to us? to our nation? to the world.
I'm getting too deep here and need to get some rest. Will comment later.
Until the next time...
In Christ's Precious Love,
Dr. Chris Looker
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Well, I'm back again.
Dear Loved Ones:
I'm now at Nancy Hanninger's house again and able to use the internet. She and I have wonderful conversations and she is an absolute a delight...bright and wise as a tack! I am in the presence of greatness!! Mike is a brilliant man whose medical knowledge is so extensive...he has rewired his house here, hooked up this internet system, and so much more...not to mention operating on person after person day and night.
I am so blessed to be in the presence of such great people. Thank you Lord for the Hanningers.
Now, back to the dam. The damage at the dam is extensive. In my estimation, it is too much to repair, as we originally planned. However, by using piping and supports, water flow can be restored and a turbine installed. Then, the issue is getting the power 5 kilometres from the turbine to mission. It is a big project that is going to take 3-5 years and a great deal of money. If it works, then it will provide supplemental energy for this blessed community in a way that will lead to better medical care, micro-industries, and improved living conditions. What I am most concerned about is getting solar energy installed for the hospital as soon as possible. Larry Stareshley is a Consultant for National Public Health run through the Ministry of Health and US AID and PCUSA, etc. He trained with John Metzel and is involved in so many projects here. He has access to millions of dollars and is a mover and a shaker. He is very interested in the same short-term solar solution to fix the problems facing the facing the hospital. Unfortunately, in our discussions with Larry, he does not have a very favorable view of the dam project. I do not know why this is because I do not know the issues. However, I do believe that the efficient and cost-effective solution to the dam project is one that could work in combination with Solar Power, which is consistent with the goals and plans that we established before coming here.
At present, it looks like the money that has been generously provided by the National Capital Presbytery and matched by the First Presbyterian Church of Annandale (up to $10,000 per year for three years) is going to be put to good use. And, it is good that this money is going to be set aside by John for the Hydro-Power Project at the dam. It will be my goal to seek to influence anyone who will listen to assist us financially to get a solar system (5 kilowatts or so) installed near the hospital as soon as possible. Important issues to be incorporated into this project will be creating a security system to keep the solar panels, converters, batteries, and transmission lines safe, training specific persons here who have expertise to use and maintain the system, and factoring in financial assistance that will enable the people here to begin developing small micro-enterprises to raise money to become self-supporting and self-sufficient. Once the hydro electric system is added to the solar system, increased development by the community can ensue.
On a completely different topic, I drank some palm wine with Chief Kabenga on Wednesday evening. He asked me why I had only two children, when I was living in such a rich and prosperous country. He has 16 children. One needs to remember that 1 out of 2 children will die before reaching the age of 5 here in the DRC. So, being a basically agrarian economy, having bodies to do the work and be there when someone else dies is a basic standard for family and community survival.
I told him that where I lived in America was very different. I told him that my wife was in charge of how many children we had, since she was the one who carried the child for 9 months and gave painful birth to them. Since I was only the donor of the sperm that began the process the led to the beautiful and wonderful birth of our wonderful sons, Ben and Sam, and Genny did all the work after that, I thought that she should be the one who sets the number of children that we have. Well, that didn't go over too well with the Chief! He wants me to have more children. And, constantly brings it up with great laughter. There are many differences between the ways people view and do things here in the DRC and the ways we do things in America.
Fertility is a very big thing over here in the DRC. It is considered very important because there is when a man and woman conceive a child, there is only a 50 % possibility that that child will live beyond the age of 5. Thus, in many cases, the men and women are actually acting in a way to produce twice as many children as they need to subsist and exist in an agrarian society, knowing that half of them will die. I'm only guessing here, but I don't think that too many men voluntarily decide to have vascectomies here.
But, I degress!!! I thank the good Lord for the two fantastic children that Genny and I have, Ben and Sammy! And, I also think that we would not fare too well if we had 14 or 16 children. We once had a dog, Tellie, and we couldn't even take care of him in addition to our two children. Imagine us with 14 children!!! PREPOSTEROUS.
Well, I degressed again!!!
Anyway, you can imagine the cultural clash that I had with the Chief over how many children we Americans should have, how different our cultures are, etc. I have to say that I just love this Chief (Kabenga). He is funny, respectful, and very wise. He is like the County Supervisor of the community, but with much more power. As a Chief, he has the power and authority to decide any disputes, maintaining the oral tradition of the group, give out land to the people in plots so that they may have land to live on and build houses on, he is the traditional spiritual leader of the community whose knowledge goes back before Christianity got here. He has the power to punish people with fines. He can take their land away from them. He is responsible for the distribution of land and the redistribution of land. He has 24 sub chiefs who work with him, but he is the FATHER CHIEF. His word is the last word.
As you can see, a Chief over here is a very powerful person. This chief excercises his powers very compassionately and wisely. He was a school teacher before he became the Chief. Being a Chief is based on one's family lineage. So, he comes from a long family of Chiefs. He is a Christian and worships at the Presbyterian Church. Has a great education and speaks five different languages. He is a very, very wonderful man. I can see how a Chief could abuse such powers traditionally given to chiefs. However, Chief Kananga is not someone who has fallen prey to the addage: "Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely"...like so many of our politicians and presidential candidates have fallen prey in the U.S.
Well, let's see...I've covered the dam project, solar energy, size of families here, fertility issues, vascetomies, a brief explanation of the local government system (Chiefdoms), and the heavy emphasis on agrarian society here.
What else?
I'll continue in the next entry.
Until the next time...
In Christ's Precious Love,
Dr. Chris Looker
I'm now at Nancy Hanninger's house again and able to use the internet. She and I have wonderful conversations and she is an absolute a delight...bright and wise as a tack! I am in the presence of greatness!! Mike is a brilliant man whose medical knowledge is so extensive...he has rewired his house here, hooked up this internet system, and so much more...not to mention operating on person after person day and night.
I am so blessed to be in the presence of such great people. Thank you Lord for the Hanningers.
Now, back to the dam. The damage at the dam is extensive. In my estimation, it is too much to repair, as we originally planned. However, by using piping and supports, water flow can be restored and a turbine installed. Then, the issue is getting the power 5 kilometres from the turbine to mission. It is a big project that is going to take 3-5 years and a great deal of money. If it works, then it will provide supplemental energy for this blessed community in a way that will lead to better medical care, micro-industries, and improved living conditions. What I am most concerned about is getting solar energy installed for the hospital as soon as possible. Larry Stareshley is a Consultant for National Public Health run through the Ministry of Health and US AID and PCUSA, etc. He trained with John Metzel and is involved in so many projects here. He has access to millions of dollars and is a mover and a shaker. He is very interested in the same short-term solar solution to fix the problems facing the facing the hospital. Unfortunately, in our discussions with Larry, he does not have a very favorable view of the dam project. I do not know why this is because I do not know the issues. However, I do believe that the efficient and cost-effective solution to the dam project is one that could work in combination with Solar Power, which is consistent with the goals and plans that we established before coming here.
At present, it looks like the money that has been generously provided by the National Capital Presbytery and matched by the First Presbyterian Church of Annandale (up to $10,000 per year for three years) is going to be put to good use. And, it is good that this money is going to be set aside by John for the Hydro-Power Project at the dam. It will be my goal to seek to influence anyone who will listen to assist us financially to get a solar system (5 kilowatts or so) installed near the hospital as soon as possible. Important issues to be incorporated into this project will be creating a security system to keep the solar panels, converters, batteries, and transmission lines safe, training specific persons here who have expertise to use and maintain the system, and factoring in financial assistance that will enable the people here to begin developing small micro-enterprises to raise money to become self-supporting and self-sufficient. Once the hydro electric system is added to the solar system, increased development by the community can ensue.
On a completely different topic, I drank some palm wine with Chief Kabenga on Wednesday evening. He asked me why I had only two children, when I was living in such a rich and prosperous country. He has 16 children. One needs to remember that 1 out of 2 children will die before reaching the age of 5 here in the DRC. So, being a basically agrarian economy, having bodies to do the work and be there when someone else dies is a basic standard for family and community survival.
I told him that where I lived in America was very different. I told him that my wife was in charge of how many children we had, since she was the one who carried the child for 9 months and gave painful birth to them. Since I was only the donor of the sperm that began the process the led to the beautiful and wonderful birth of our wonderful sons, Ben and Sam, and Genny did all the work after that, I thought that she should be the one who sets the number of children that we have. Well, that didn't go over too well with the Chief! He wants me to have more children. And, constantly brings it up with great laughter. There are many differences between the ways people view and do things here in the DRC and the ways we do things in America.
Fertility is a very big thing over here in the DRC. It is considered very important because there is when a man and woman conceive a child, there is only a 50 % possibility that that child will live beyond the age of 5. Thus, in many cases, the men and women are actually acting in a way to produce twice as many children as they need to subsist and exist in an agrarian society, knowing that half of them will die. I'm only guessing here, but I don't think that too many men voluntarily decide to have vascectomies here.
But, I degress!!! I thank the good Lord for the two fantastic children that Genny and I have, Ben and Sammy! And, I also think that we would not fare too well if we had 14 or 16 children. We once had a dog, Tellie, and we couldn't even take care of him in addition to our two children. Imagine us with 14 children!!! PREPOSTEROUS.
Well, I degressed again!!!
Anyway, you can imagine the cultural clash that I had with the Chief over how many children we Americans should have, how different our cultures are, etc. I have to say that I just love this Chief (Kabenga). He is funny, respectful, and very wise. He is like the County Supervisor of the community, but with much more power. As a Chief, he has the power and authority to decide any disputes, maintaining the oral tradition of the group, give out land to the people in plots so that they may have land to live on and build houses on, he is the traditional spiritual leader of the community whose knowledge goes back before Christianity got here. He has the power to punish people with fines. He can take their land away from them. He is responsible for the distribution of land and the redistribution of land. He has 24 sub chiefs who work with him, but he is the FATHER CHIEF. His word is the last word.
As you can see, a Chief over here is a very powerful person. This chief excercises his powers very compassionately and wisely. He was a school teacher before he became the Chief. Being a Chief is based on one's family lineage. So, he comes from a long family of Chiefs. He is a Christian and worships at the Presbyterian Church. Has a great education and speaks five different languages. He is a very, very wonderful man. I can see how a Chief could abuse such powers traditionally given to chiefs. However, Chief Kananga is not someone who has fallen prey to the addage: "Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely"...like so many of our politicians and presidential candidates have fallen prey in the U.S.
Well, let's see...I've covered the dam project, solar energy, size of families here, fertility issues, vascetomies, a brief explanation of the local government system (Chiefdoms), and the heavy emphasis on agrarian society here.
What else?
I'll continue in the next entry.
Until the next time...
In Christ's Precious Love,
Dr. Chris Looker
It's been 5 days since my last entry.
It's been a while since I was able to enter information in my blog. The reason I couldn't was because I was very deep within the country at Lubondai, where there is no internet access. Now, I am at Tshikaji, where Mike and Nancy Hanninger serve. Internet access is available and I am glad to be back in touch with you.
Let's see, where to start?
On October 1st, we met with the Session of the Presbyterian Church in Lubondai. They expressed to us a frustration at the lack of communication from many who come and visit them from the "outside" world. There are big organizations who come and promise that and promise this, but do not deliver on those promises. There are other organizations who come and speak to the Hospital Adminstrator and the Chief of the region, but do not speak to the Session or members of the Church. Unfortunately, the Church folk often feel as though they are relegated to second-class citizens here.
John, Bill, and I have assured the Session that we will discuss whatever we are doing in Lubondai with them first and then with other organizations secondly. We believe that church to church discussions and partnerships should be just that: between one church and another church...just like we are doing with our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ at the First Korean Presbyterian Church in Virginia (FKPCV). This message was met with applause and much delight.
Went to the dam today. The damage to the canal that was "blown out" is much more severe than we ever thought possible. The canal is fine from the dam for about 100-125 yards. It is about 12 feet wide and 9 feet deep. Then, all of the sudden, the canal disappears and one sees a very deep 25-30 foot hole! It is massive! This was disparaging, but with the help of the engineer who is here, we have worked out a possible solution...using pipe to "bridge" the gap, instead of rebuilding the canal/channel. Filling in the deep and large hole would take forever. Putting a pipe that leads the water to the highest point...from where it can drop down into a new hydro-electric turbine and produce electricity...will be much more efficient, economical, and doable. And, it still leads us to the same result...anywhere from 10 to 20 kilowatts of electrical output...maybe more.
In addition to the hydro-electric power...a project that will probably take 3 years to complete...we have designed a solar electric component. The idea is to put a solar electric power plant (producing 5 to 10 kilowatts) in the courtyard in the area between the hospital, school, church, and primary school. This could be completed much sooner for a lot less money. However, great care would have to be taken into consideration in terms of keeping it secure (so no soar panels are taken), training the people from Lubondai to run it properly and maintain it properly (ie. replacing the solar batteries every 2 to 3 years and replacing the converter units every 3 - 5 years). Installing this source of power would eliminate provide electricity to the hospital, schools, church, and community center. It would benefit all of the people in Lubondai, including the people in the outlining villages, because of the increased benefit of better health care...ie. no operations by flash light power!!! And, it could be the beginning of a micro-enterprise project that is necessary and desired by the people of Lubondai.
Micro-enterprise: There are many ways the people of Lubondai could produce products for the local Market (held every Saturday), for distribution throughout the DRC, and even internationally. They have more papayas, pineaples, mangoes, and red clay (for brick production) than I have ever seen in any one place! With a source of power, micro-industries could be set up to produce products that would elevate teh standard of living for these beautiful people.
All of this is very exciting.
There is much more to write, but I am very, very tired. O, by the way Montazuma has arrived in the DRC. I got hit with a bad case of stomach aches, headaches, and diarrhia. But, feel much better now...yes, Genny...I took my medicine.
Am very, very tired. Will write more tomoroow.
Until the next time...
In Christ's Precious Love,
Dr. Chris Looker
Let's see, where to start?
On October 1st, we met with the Session of the Presbyterian Church in Lubondai. They expressed to us a frustration at the lack of communication from many who come and visit them from the "outside" world. There are big organizations who come and promise that and promise this, but do not deliver on those promises. There are other organizations who come and speak to the Hospital Adminstrator and the Chief of the region, but do not speak to the Session or members of the Church. Unfortunately, the Church folk often feel as though they are relegated to second-class citizens here.
John, Bill, and I have assured the Session that we will discuss whatever we are doing in Lubondai with them first and then with other organizations secondly. We believe that church to church discussions and partnerships should be just that: between one church and another church...just like we are doing with our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ at the First Korean Presbyterian Church in Virginia (FKPCV). This message was met with applause and much delight.
Went to the dam today. The damage to the canal that was "blown out" is much more severe than we ever thought possible. The canal is fine from the dam for about 100-125 yards. It is about 12 feet wide and 9 feet deep. Then, all of the sudden, the canal disappears and one sees a very deep 25-30 foot hole! It is massive! This was disparaging, but with the help of the engineer who is here, we have worked out a possible solution...using pipe to "bridge" the gap, instead of rebuilding the canal/channel. Filling in the deep and large hole would take forever. Putting a pipe that leads the water to the highest point...from where it can drop down into a new hydro-electric turbine and produce electricity...will be much more efficient, economical, and doable. And, it still leads us to the same result...anywhere from 10 to 20 kilowatts of electrical output...maybe more.
In addition to the hydro-electric power...a project that will probably take 3 years to complete...we have designed a solar electric component. The idea is to put a solar electric power plant (producing 5 to 10 kilowatts) in the courtyard in the area between the hospital, school, church, and primary school. This could be completed much sooner for a lot less money. However, great care would have to be taken into consideration in terms of keeping it secure (so no soar panels are taken), training the people from Lubondai to run it properly and maintain it properly (ie. replacing the solar batteries every 2 to 3 years and replacing the converter units every 3 - 5 years). Installing this source of power would eliminate provide electricity to the hospital, schools, church, and community center. It would benefit all of the people in Lubondai, including the people in the outlining villages, because of the increased benefit of better health care...ie. no operations by flash light power!!! And, it could be the beginning of a micro-enterprise project that is necessary and desired by the people of Lubondai.
Micro-enterprise: There are many ways the people of Lubondai could produce products for the local Market (held every Saturday), for distribution throughout the DRC, and even internationally. They have more papayas, pineaples, mangoes, and red clay (for brick production) than I have ever seen in any one place! With a source of power, micro-industries could be set up to produce products that would elevate teh standard of living for these beautiful people.
All of this is very exciting.
There is much more to write, but I am very, very tired. O, by the way Montazuma has arrived in the DRC. I got hit with a bad case of stomach aches, headaches, and diarrhia. But, feel much better now...yes, Genny...I took my medicine.
Am very, very tired. Will write more tomoroow.
Until the next time...
In Christ's Precious Love,
Dr. Chris Looker
Sorry I haven't been in touch for a while. Been deep inside the Congo with no internet access.
Am a bit sick to the stomach. But, am doing OK.
The people here have a joy on their faces and in their actions that literally overwhealms me. I can't beleive that so many people who do not have saving's accounts, stocks and bonds, 401k's, regular salaries and benefits, credit cards, cars (not even one!!!)...they don't even have clothes or shoes!!! I can't believe how happy these people are!!! How can this be? How can anyone without all that stuff be happy?
Amazing!!!
The people here have a joy on their faces and in their actions that literally overwhealms me. I can't beleive that so many people who do not have saving's accounts, stocks and bonds, 401k's, regular salaries and benefits, credit cards, cars (not even one!!!)...they don't even have clothes or shoes!!! I can't believe how happy these people are!!! How can this be? How can anyone without all that stuff be happy?
Amazing!!!
Sept. 30th
Tuesday, September 30, 2008:
Today was an unbelievable day. We saw starving children at the hospital in Tshikaji (Nancy’s Hospital). Then, we went to Lubondai. We arrived here to a welcoming party of about 200 hundred people. They sang songs and paraded us down to the church, where we had a worship service. Then, we had a magnificent meal…goat, rice, beer, soda, vidia, gravy, potatoes, red beans (grown beans), chicken. Wow, what a feast.
Then, we went to the hospital to watch a surgery. A young woman was being operated on for a cyst in her ovaries and appendicitis. She did very well. The operation was done at night using a car battery and a light. I took pictures and filmed (videoed) the operation as well. Imagine operating using something a little more powerful than a flashlight!!!
The women here have fistulas that occur during birth, because of rapes, abuse, lack of hygiene, etc. They are tears within the urethra that cause urine leakage to seep into other parts of the body, leading to terrible infections. Sorry to be so graphic, but these injuries cause a major portion of the infections that women have here. The doctors operate on these women day and night.
There is no electricity here in Lubondai, so this will be my last entry for a while. I’ll begin writing down my notes so that when I get to some electricity I can cut and paste the information into my blog.
As we have moved deeper within the DRC, there is more and more poverty. Children are naked and dirty…because they have no water or soap. Many of the children have bloating stomachs and whitening hair…a sign of starvation. If it weren’t for the smiles on all of the children’s faces, the incredible smiles on all of the people’s faces, and the hospitality of the people toward us, I would have to say that this place is hell. But, God is here…in the people’s souls…in the people’s faces…in the people’s hearts. It’s amazing. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…
Because of God, this place is still heaven. There is a presence of goodness, decency, kindness, love, joy, and peace which surpasses anything that I have ever seen anywhere else…especially in the U.S.
Why can’t there be more missionaries in the Christian Church? Why are the Presbyterians and other mainline Christian denominations cutting mission funding…especially internationally? Why are Americans so rich and unhappy and the Congolese so poor and happy? Why is there so much suffering here?
The Good Book points out that “from those who have been given much, much will be required.” Is God requiring the U.S. and other wealthy countries (who have been given much) to give up more of what we/they have? If so, why aren’t we giving more to the poor? Why are we so worried about having enough, when we have more than we need? If God is requiring us to give up more for these people (the Congolese), then why are we not responding faithfully to that requirement.
If giving up more is a requirement, like a contract, why aren’t we (who have been given so much) fulfilling our part of the contract? And, if breaking the contract that God has called us to honor is what is actually happening, then what is the punishment for breaking the contract?
As you can see, I’m confused…and upset...just like I was when I was a missionary 20 years ago. But, I guess that a little confusion never hurt anyone. Maybe some enlightenment will come of this? I don't know the answers and find great solace and peace in prayer.
Got to go. The battery is going to go out.
Until the next time,
In Christ’s Precious Love,
Dr. Chris Looker
Well, it's been 6 days since my last entry. The reason I haven't written any
Today was an unbelievable day. We saw starving children at the hospital in Tshikaji (Nancy’s Hospital). Then, we went to Lubondai. We arrived here to a welcoming party of about 200 hundred people. They sang songs and paraded us down to the church, where we had a worship service. Then, we had a magnificent meal…goat, rice, beer, soda, vidia, gravy, potatoes, red beans (grown beans), chicken. Wow, what a feast.
Then, we went to the hospital to watch a surgery. A young woman was being operated on for a cyst in her ovaries and appendicitis. She did very well. The operation was done at night using a car battery and a light. I took pictures and filmed (videoed) the operation as well. Imagine operating using something a little more powerful than a flashlight!!!
The women here have fistulas that occur during birth, because of rapes, abuse, lack of hygiene, etc. They are tears within the urethra that cause urine leakage to seep into other parts of the body, leading to terrible infections. Sorry to be so graphic, but these injuries cause a major portion of the infections that women have here. The doctors operate on these women day and night.
There is no electricity here in Lubondai, so this will be my last entry for a while. I’ll begin writing down my notes so that when I get to some electricity I can cut and paste the information into my blog.
As we have moved deeper within the DRC, there is more and more poverty. Children are naked and dirty…because they have no water or soap. Many of the children have bloating stomachs and whitening hair…a sign of starvation. If it weren’t for the smiles on all of the children’s faces, the incredible smiles on all of the people’s faces, and the hospitality of the people toward us, I would have to say that this place is hell. But, God is here…in the people’s souls…in the people’s faces…in the people’s hearts. It’s amazing. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…
Because of God, this place is still heaven. There is a presence of goodness, decency, kindness, love, joy, and peace which surpasses anything that I have ever seen anywhere else…especially in the U.S.
Why can’t there be more missionaries in the Christian Church? Why are the Presbyterians and other mainline Christian denominations cutting mission funding…especially internationally? Why are Americans so rich and unhappy and the Congolese so poor and happy? Why is there so much suffering here?
The Good Book points out that “from those who have been given much, much will be required.” Is God requiring the U.S. and other wealthy countries (who have been given much) to give up more of what we/they have? If so, why aren’t we giving more to the poor? Why are we so worried about having enough, when we have more than we need? If God is requiring us to give up more for these people (the Congolese), then why are we not responding faithfully to that requirement.
If giving up more is a requirement, like a contract, why aren’t we (who have been given so much) fulfilling our part of the contract? And, if breaking the contract that God has called us to honor is what is actually happening, then what is the punishment for breaking the contract?
As you can see, I’m confused…and upset...just like I was when I was a missionary 20 years ago. But, I guess that a little confusion never hurt anyone. Maybe some enlightenment will come of this? I don't know the answers and find great solace and peace in prayer.
Got to go. The battery is going to go out.
Until the next time,
In Christ’s Precious Love,
Dr. Chris Looker
Well, it's been 6 days since my last entry. The reason I haven't written any
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