THE MASTER’S MISSION

Dear Friends,
We spoke with Jerome yesterday morning and the situation there remains tense and uncertain. While there have been some "peace talks" between the presidents of Congo and Rwanda, there doesn't seem to be much substantive coming from them. If you've followed any of the on line news agencies, you will be aware that the Rebel general, Nkunda, has troops sitting about 6 miles to the north of Goma and about 15 miles to the west. The Center is to the west of Goma about 6 miles, so troops are about 9 miles from the Center.
He has taken more villages and there has been many murders and atrocities. Some of the people killed were members of the Nandi tribe (closely associated with the Hutu's - their sworn enemies). Jerome and his family are Nandi!

Jerome said that it is very tense. He is continuing to go to the Center every day where they are continuing with classes. He said the students are all feeling the stress so he tries to keep them busy with "constructive projects." They are currently planting trees on the property since they cut so many down to use for fire wood and must of necessity replant. They are also tending their gardens and caring for the goats.

Jeff Cole from The Master's Mission was able to send over $2000 to Jerome yesterday for food for all those at the Center. This is due to your great generosity for which we ask the Lord to repay you. As I said in an earlier email, the cost of food has skyrocketed and the supply is limited. Jerome was very grateful to know there would be monies coming and he asked that we pass along his great gratitude and that of those at the Center. In the most difficult of times, they are seeing God provide through brothers and sisters half a world away. It means more than you know.

If the situation worsens and Jerome and his family have to evacuate, we were able to send them monies for that eventuality. His plan is to drive into Rwanda (the border is only a few miles away) and then go north into Uganda and back west into northern Congo to a town called Beni where he has family.

John and I are leaving today for a short trip to Florida to see our granddaughters, my sister, and some dear friends. We had already arranged for coverage at work and the way was opened for us to go. Our hearts are somewhat divided - we should have been in Congo and feel sad about that but we surely will appreciate some time for R & R with family and friends.

We will continue to be in touch with Jerome by phone while we're away and if there is anything significant to report, we'll be in touch. Otherwise, you can track the situation yourself on the web. And please continue to PRAY. They are counting on it!!

Receive our greetings in The Name of Jesus Christ.
We thank God so much for His continuing protection over us and that His continuing to allow us to serve Him in the context in which we are living in for the moment, a context which is not so easy to support according to the human sight.
As you watch your TV sometimes, or read Newspapers or get News of DRC in your internet or Website, you probably remember the date of Wednesday October 29, 2008 when the rebels under the leadership of Gen. Nkundabatware were at the point to seize Goma town where we are living and were we are serving God.
Our government soldiers didn't resist against them at that day instead when they fled they looted, killed and did all kind of violence that night which is remaining in our mind.
Twenty six persons were killed that night including some soldiers, thieves and some innocent persons. We heard gunfire all the night of that day everywhere in Goma. The situation was very very bad and discouraged but only God protected us thru that night. Praise be to His Name.
If we still alive, it is by God's grace. If we still serve God it is by His own Power. The reason way I'm saying that it is because the enemy is still at the door of Goma Town;
at 15 kms. in North of Goma and 26 kms. at the south side of Goma.
We have a total of 21 Candidates under Training at Our Evangelism School and Rural Developement. They are 7 couples along with them their Children and 7 others who are singles or simply they were not able to arrive with their wives. They are progressing very well with their studies.
The challenge we do have is that most of their local Churches didn't send them with enough funds for their School Fees. We received only 35 % of the school fees in total. This situation makes us in some difficulties to run well the task we are doing.
We ask $500 for couples and $300 for singles per year including $100 for their pocket money. When we get those fees they help especially to buy their food.
We are glad to be encouraged by you thru your financial support and prayers. Most of the support we receive from our partners in the Gospel are used to meet the office needs, and to pay the salaries for our teachers and labors. Also it helps for transport and communication. The personal support I receive help to meet my family needs.
We were glad to receive phone calls from some of you as well as the E-mails from you to ask if we were safe.
One among the Holy Scriptures we received recently was from Psalms 71: 19 - 21 it says, " Your righteousness reaches heaven, God, You who have done great things; God who is like you ?. You caused me to experience many troubles and misfortunes but you will revive me again, even from the depths of earth.
You will increase my honor and comfort me once again ".
I would like to inform you about some good news from our family: Soki our first born (now 26 years old) has been graduated from Kampala International University. She got her Bachelor in Mass Communication in November 6, 2008. She has gotten a good job at ESCO - Beni, North Kivu, DRC.
Because of your prayers and your family support this has been possible.
I want to reiterate once again on the behalf of my entire family our deep gratitude for your support to us.
To end up with this Update here are some subject of prayer request:
- Continue to pray for durable peace in DRC, especially in the Eastern part.
- Pray for Churches who send their candidates to be able to support them by paying their
school fees.
- Continue to lift up us before God that we will continue to be strong in Him and endure
as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
- The Mission Trip in Goma of DR. and Mrs. John Schutz in the near future.
We would like to hear from you too.
Send E-mail to us when you can, please or call us on (+243) 997090373
Until then, may God bless you and your families.
In Christ,
Jerome