Sunday night

We've had power problems. The national electrical grid has been less than 24/7. Its been more like 7/24 (say seven hours out of the last 24). We've been on the Village of Hope generator power since 7AM.

Even with the generator, the computer lab was without power. The computer lab is the only place to use the internet. One of the wall outlets in the computer lab was fried, it was black and the metal part of the plug vaporized. It has taken most of the day to find this problem and get it corrected. Adam McCall was very useful in helping troubleshoot and repair the circuits.

It is now 3:30 on Monday afternoon, and the computer lab is up and running. The following blogs were written last night. I've captured the nine comments on yesterday's blog to share with the team. We will enjoy reading them.

James

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Blog beginning 8:40pm Sunday night

What a wonderful day of worship we had today. Many of us went to the village of Fettah for morning worship and class. The class was interpreted for us and Eric's sermon was interpreted for the Ghanaians. The singing was incredible. If Keith could get us to sing like that...well, it was amazing.

Eric preached at the Village of Hope at the evening service. Most of us were sitting by at least one of the kids during church. If you didn't go sit with them, they came and sat with you. I sat with Knowledge - yes that was his name. We got all the trunks unloaded and sorted and I spent the rest of my afternoon with Faustina, the Preschool Director. It has been so fun to see some children we remember from past visits. Several hit the beach this afternoon and we are all ready to start early and work hard tomorrow.
Jean
8:40pm Sunday

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Hello from Africa! So far, this has been one of the best experiences of my life...and it is only Sunday night at 9pm (Knoxville time=5 pm). Getting off the airplane and to the Village of Hope vans was an experience of a lifetime! We had to walk fast and ward off many, many persistant hands wanting to push the carts (for tips). Driving to the VOH, we saw everything from street vendors with their goods balanced on their heads to a medical college.

The kids here are fantastic. They are all smiles and eager to talk. You can not walk anywhere with a box, package or bag without one of the young boys coming to help you carry your load. At church tonight, the kids came over to sit beside us. Their voices outweighed ours in worshipping with song.

Eric Bonner's message this morning included how we, as Christians, need to serve others from the "overflow". I thought I was on this trip to serve....that it was God's plan--His trip---but the purpose was to come serve. I had an epiphany as I sat through the service and listened to Eric, the singing and took in the sights of this beautiful place......rather than here to serve, we are here to have our cup filled so that we will be ready to serve from the overflow upon our return. So far, I'm at the brim.

Beth
9pm Sunday
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This trip has surpassed all my expectations so far and it's only Sunday. I find it hard to find the words to express my surprise and amazement during the morning service in Fettah this morning. The singing was beyond amazing- I found myself with tears and it still fills my heart when I remember how they sounded!By an amazing coincidence I shared the flight to Accra from Amsterdam with a gentleman who was originally from Ghana but, had lived for 25 years in Canada. I got my first experience with speaking the language and he actually knows someone from Morristown, TN! I know I am here to help but already I know I will be blessed many times over!
Teresa
9 pm Sunday

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God has certainly been blessing the village of hope. More buildings is one sign, but the smiles on the peoples faces and a child speaking of God easily in conversation is what really stood out to me. Four years ago when I was here last I met a boy named Dana who was twelve. We have written a few letters back and forth over the years. Now Dana is fifteen and in eighth grade. He wants to be an accountant or an artist.

The clinic starts tomorrow. Time to go to bed.

Dorian
10:10 Sunday

Sunday from Ghana

This is the first effort to Blog from Ghana this year. Its proving to require a little more patience than normal.

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Some comments from the travelers:

Smoak here... I got yelled at by the soldiers for not having my visa but no prison time. Jordan and Adam are at the beach. Getting ready to here Eric preach at Fetteh, travelling thousands of miles to hear a Knoxville preacher is weird. A little kid in Detroit kept taking Jordans picture on his cell phone because of the hat and sunglasses.

The flights were long but every thing went smooth. No one is sick. Praise God for all. Dorian

I am so thankful to be arrived safely in Africa for many reasons, not least of which is the knowledge that I do not have to get back on the plane for another week! My traveling companions are fabulous and the organization of the group has been impressive. So far all of Africa has been dark but I am looking forward to today and seeing this beautiful country of God's creation in the morning light. My heart reaches out to my people back home - little and big. Loving you much. - Michelle

I am no longer afraid to fly! By the time we boarded in Amsterdam,I was ready to go! I am feeling great and ready to help in any way possible. I love you and miss you already-Teresa

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We'll try to post often.
James

Ghana Missions

Many at Farragut, have been busy with plans and preparations for the forthcoming medical and educational mission trip to the Village of Hope in Ghana, West Africa.
One of the labor intensive activities in preparation for this trip is the repackaging of over $200,000 worth of medicines. This is done in order to conserve space and allow the attending physicians and their assistants to dispense medications in the most efficient manner.
Thanks to David Gentry and Joyce Phillips for coordinating this part of the project, as well as the many volunteers who have worked so diligently.

Another portion of the Ghana trip is generally referred to as the "Eyeglasses Project". In addition to prescription glasses donated to this effort, the ECHO’s class raised over $300 for "drugstore readers" which were purchased for about 50 cents a pair.
Thanks to Dorian Lane for procuring these and for his overall efforts including donating a much needed optical machine which he will take to Ghana and leave there for their continuing use.
The education team includes teachers and high school students that will work with the pre-school and reading programs. This team is working with the school administrators to focus on specific goals for the Hope Academy.
The medical team will be conducting a free four day clinic at the Village of Hope. The clinic staff will include local medical personnel as well. Medications during the clinic are provided free of charge. We anticipate seeing almost a thousand people during the clinic.
The group of 19 coordinated by James East, David Gentry, and Mike Phillips will leave on March 14th and return the 23rd. It’s not too late to give towards this effort. $9,600 has been contributed toward the goal of $10,000. Please pray for the safety of our group and for the people they will be ministering to in Africa.


Check this blog site for up-to-date communication with the Mission Team.

Teacher Appreciation Dinner

"Daniel" and "Paul" made an appearance.

Entertainment was provided by Delilah & the Samsonites

Dr. Joe Johnson, president emeritus, encouraged our teachers.

Celebraties such as, Audra Heatburn, showed up for "A Night at the Movies".

More from Woody' and his trip to Albania

Little cooler than the first of last week. Went to Lushija on Saturday where Tom Bonner praches. This was a planned meeting with some of the church leaders there and around Baret. Bill presented a lesson on leadership. Representatives from the Florance Bullivard Church of Christ in Florance Alabama were also there. They support the work in Baret and some of the small areas around Baret. Arton drove us down there in the Tirana church van. Return Saturday afternoon.

Tom Bonner is doing well. He and three other teachers are conducting the compaign in Lushija now also. I also talked with the preacher student from Lushija and he is doing well in the school now and has three more months to finish. The school needs to recruit more student by January.

Studies with my seven students are going well. We had a gathering Friday night of all the students in this year's studies and have a good turnout. I have one student complete the basic course and receive her certificate. She is continuing with the advanced cource.


See you Sunday, Lord willing.

woody

Woody Byars on Albanian Mission

Another busy time in Tirana, Albania. I have seven students covering a range of material from the WEI basic course to the advanced course, second book. I have my first practicing Muslim with some interesting discussions.

The church here in Tirana held their new building dedication on last Saturday night with over 200 people present. A large meal followed on top of the building. It is very, very hot here at present. It was 45 degrees celcuis today with translates into about 113 degrees F. I believe. They are having to ration electricity so power goes of two or three times a day. The new generator for the new building is sure helpful.

A workshop is scheduled for Luchania on Saturday where Tom Bonner preaches so I will probably go there on this day. Artan asked me to have the Sunday school class here on Sunday so I will return on Saturday evening. Busy each day from 9 to 5 with the students.

Be home on August 4. Keep praying that all goes well and we survive the heat.

woody