Churches, Changes, and a Heavy Metal Band
Get the printable version here.
The month of February was has been nonstop presentations and seeking support. Some of the highlights are talking with many of the Mango team members who are in the USA on furlough or prefield, meeting a conspiracy theorist from Roswell, implying during a presentation that I wasn’t a Baptist, and
(more…)
Posted in Uncategorized by Jon with 1 comment.
A Year Full of Opportunities
Get the printable version here.
After a getting back to the US from a short trip to South East Asia advising another hospital about setting up a digital system I have settle in to the not so normal life of deputation.
The work at the hospitals is never far away. A few days ago I received news of a major problem at HBB, the southern hospital. The server had experienced a hardware failure that brought the entire system down. The medical staff scrambled to revert to a paper system while the IT techs worked out what was wrong. Many frantic emails and phone calls later the on-site techs were able to nurse the server back to a usable state (A failure of two physical drives, and probably part of the motherboard were the root cause.)
The situation was not over however even though the hospital systems were functioning again. The system is running at limited, slowed capacity until replacement parts can be delivered and installed. I am thankful for Tim, a short-term IT missionary, who could respond in this critical situation. Short-term people are vital to fill the gaps when long-term missionaries are away.
I have many upcoming events and prayers are appreciate as I travel throughout February and into the first week of March visiting supporters and speaking at churches. I leave at the begin of February to Seattle for a few days and then on to Boise for a multi church missions conference for the rest of the month to present at six (and maybe more) churches. Please pray that during this time individuals would also be burdened to help financially, materially, or by volunteering time. Also pray that God would use this to encourage and burden others toward becoming missionaries. Truly the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. (Luke 10:2)
I am excited to see what God has planned for this next year!
Posted in Uncategorized by Jon with comments disabled.
Technology Labs
In previous updates I had made brief reference to starting computer labs – called Mobile Educational Technology Labs. While I have been Stateside preparing and organizing, visiting and presenting, and raising partners the teams in Togo have been helping with a trial run of the first of these labs. This first lab has 14 laptop computers and was allocated to the Christian schools partnering with ABWE Togo.
First, a big thank you again to everyone who helped to make this possible.
Most of West Africa’s computer literacy is comparable or worse than that of Western countries during the late 80’s and early 90’s but it’s reliance on technology is quickly become as heavy as in any other place in the world. (more…)
Posted in Uncategorized by Jon with comments disabled.
Just getting started!
Click here for the printable version.
“I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.” –Psalm 63
Dry season here lasts for eight months. The wells go dry and the Oti River runs low. The Hospital of Hope and city of Mango both depend on the river for water. As that source dries up water supply becomes an issue as has been the case several times already. We are searching for long-term solution for water problem. Recently the team tried drilling two more wells – both dry. We trust that God will provide despite our disappointment and frustration in diligently searching for a solution. Thank you to all who have been praying. Please continue to pray for a long-term answer.
This area is dry spiritually. Islam, Fetishism, and false Christianity are everywhere. The gospel message is like clean, cool, refreshing spring water. (more…)
Posted in Uncategorized by Jon with comments disabled.
The Doors of Hope Open
Click here for the printable version.
Welcome to Hôpital de l’Espérance! The hospital in Mango officially opened on March 2nd with much international fanfare.
Hospital of Hope Employees
The month passed since opening has been one of transitions. The workers are doctors instead of bricklayers; the work has changed from building structures to making disciples. Thousands of people have been treated and as many as were listening have heard the message of God’s good gospel. Most people hear this message for the first time through any combination of our doctors, nurses, chaplains, and the Jesus film. Despite the many reached the need is so great that many more have been asked to return another day because we simply don’t have the capacity to care for everyone in the daily arrivals. Truly, the fields are white for harvest. Join us in praising the Lord our God daily for so many opportunities to share His good news and praying that He will provide for the continued work here. Our team and specifically the church planters continue to invest in discipling local men and women to be ministers and leaders for fledgling local churches. (more…)
Posted in Uncategorized, Update by Jon with comments disabled.
Pomp and Ceremony
The grand opening ceremony of the Hospital of Hope, Mango, Togo! A beacon of light in a dark land.
“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. “
“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” [1]
“ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” [2]
This is only the beginning of the adventure…
Posted in Togo, Update by Jon with comments disabled.
Three Weeks
A lot has happened since my last update. That’s just the way life is here. There’s always plenty to do and when you’re a IT Manager preparing a hospital for opening there’s not much time to sit on your hands. Here’s just a quick glimpse of what we, as an IT team, have been doing to prepare for opening day each with a specific prayer request. (more…)
Posted in Togo, Update by Jon with comments disabled.
The Grinch That Stole More Than Christmas
A kind doctor was coming to Togo one day and thought to himself that it would be nice to bring Christmas gifts for all of the on-field missionaries. So he let them know that he would have room in his luggage for A LOT of stuff. And stuff they sent. Grandparents sent gifts to grandchildren, parents sent gifts to children, school supplies and a laptop were sent for the Christian schools, and supplies for the hospital laboratory.
When he arrived his luggage could not be found – not an uncommon problem here. For a week he waited. Then finally the airline was able to send the luggage to him. (more…)
Posted in Togo by Jon with comments disabled.
October 2014 Newsletter
Here’s the newsletter for October.
Click here to read the October newsletter (pdf).
Unable to open a PDF? Get the Word 2007 Document instead.
Posted in Update by Jon with comments disabled.
Quick Tips: Buying a Computer
It doesn’t matter where in the world you go, there are still the same hard questions of life. Who am I? Why am I here? What happens to the second sock that goes missing in the dryer? And what computer should I buy?
(Note: This article covers only laptops/desktops/tablet with keyboard and does not consider things like all-in-ones, basic tablets, phablets, phones, or abaci.) (more…)
Posted in Tech by Jon with comments disabled.