As of now we are on the last leg of this mission journey.  I know God has taught each of us on this trip many things.  For one He has taught us the meaning of TEAM.  For the goals we set to be completed was going to take each of us working together.  Even when faced with what seemed like obstacles that couldn't be overcome, we pulled together and made it happen.  For seven suitcases full of medicine to go through five customs was only by the guidance of, and protection of God.

  Another thing was the authentic worship that we experienced while in the Quarry Pipeline.  To be a part of a great celebration of people that had been kicked out of their building just two months before, they were meeting for the first time in a building they could call their own.  One no one can take away from them.  We had this chance to experience true worship.  Worship that was not hindered by tradition or politics.  Worship that we can take home and share with others.

  We also learned humility as we looked into the eyes of the people of Africa.  Humility because we have so much and they have so little.  Yet even though they don't have the blessings we feel we have been given, they are very happy people.  I know where their happiness comes from.  It comes from their dependence on God.  They have a trust and a faith that is missing in our own lives because we are control freaks.  We have to be in control of everything and for that we have little faith and trust in God.  Strange to say, but the faith and trust area, the people of Africa can teach us so much.

  I will say this, out of all the groups I have worked with, this group has really united together and developed a bond and friendship through serving God together.  Although many churches and denominations are represented here in this group, we are a living example of how a church should work and exist through unity.

Byron James, pastor

November 2005