April/May Update

I haven’t had a chance to talk with Kolpele in the last few months so instead he sent me a note describing the state of the orphanage & various projects. His words describe the ministry better than I can:

“Dear All,

 Reaching some places in our country with the gospel, is not an easy job. This month of April 2011 will stay forever in my mind. We were able to bring the gospel to a village situated 22 km in the forest in the region of Gamba. We were helped in this by the new car given to us by PGI. We were also supported financially by John & his wife. This support helped us to buy some items like Bible study for kids, put gas in the vehicle and to support the missionaries who came from different regions for the leaders seminary. We were able also to feed ourselves in the field for four days, Rebecca was led to assist some people that have accepted the Lord and have nothing to clothe themselves. Attached are pictures showing these things; Rebecca is sharing gospel with young ladies; we are clearing a place for a new church in the bush in Toulao.
 

Clearing Land for Church

It is so amazing to talk about some things. The first time that we brought the gospel to our village(Rebecca and I), we were threatened as foolish people. But today, we thank God for what he is doing to our village. Today, with your support (PGI and others), people have come to believe in what they originally considered as a foolish thing. Most people stop to drink (at the water well) and are able to take charge of themselves. They witnessed the reality of the gospel. The gospel can deliver people from the boundaries of the devil and bring people together. We have been able to eat on the same table and share the same food with white men. In the past some did it during their travels to Chad (Nathan, Ronnie, Chad), and it continues today with John. Last time when we shared our villages with these men, they couldn't believe what has happened (improvements). Some asked me to print the pictures to show to their families. I am proud to print it for them. That's the true gospel. May God bless you all in Jesus.” - Kolpele May 2011 (Edited for clarity)



Rebecca Teaching



 With that said, here are some additional details of the ongoing work:



Building New Compound



- Kolpele is building a new compound in N’Djamena. This compound will contain a restaurant (cafeteria), a computer café, a shop, and extra rooms that can be rented out for supplemental income. The computers will be used to train the orphans & other street children since computer use is a luxury in Chad. This will go a long way in educating the youth. The cafeteria will supply food to the kids and neighbors as well.



- In May Kolpele jumped on an opportunity to purchase several items at low cost. These included an additional solar panel; the current solar panel capacity is limited and this new panel will allow the orphanage to run simultaneous fans, lights, and a small refrigerator which was also purchased. Its hard to imagine living in such a hot climate without a way to keep food fresh - the fridge will be a major blessing. The sale also included several computers and other items for the new compound.

Missions in Distant Villages

- The Land Rover that Kolpele received last year is still making a major impact on his work. In April it was used to help transport missionaries around N’Djamena who attended seminary training. Incidentally, Kolpele & Rebecca continue to train missionaries in N’Djamena who then travel the country spreading the gospel.

- In April there was a heat wave in Chad. Since air conditioning is non-existent, this poses serious health concerns; in fact there are many deaths every year attributed to heat and dehydration. Kolpele was burdened by the extreme heat and shortly after emailing out a prayer request it rained! This was a huge blessing to keep temperatures down.

Its important to remember that this work impacts orphans directly.



Francis

- Francis is an orphan that was taken in by Kolpele several years ago. Thanks to the orphanage, he has had food, shelter, clean water, and his basic needs met. In school Francis is now at the top of his class and is succeeding in the orphanage.

Lawa

- Lawa is an orphan that Kolpele brought into the orphanage in 2008. His father was killed during the rebel attack on N’Djamena in 2008 and his mother abandoned him and moved to Koundoul. Lawa is now the age of a “bread winner” (16 years old) and is being sent to Fianga (in southern Chad) to train as a mechanic. Following the year training, he will get a job as a mechanic.