My Life In Congo

DRCongo Communique March 2012

2012-03-01T22:34:00.010+01:00

“Prayer is a no-lose proposition.” -Mark Batterson
Many times over this itineration I have received numerous emails of people who have
prayed for me and God has blessed them! Prayer is a powerful tool to use in any situation! Whether you are frustrated, confused, hurt, concerned, or happy, excited, and surprised, you can go to God in prayer and He will listen. You are always a winner when prayer is involved!
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
Jesus wants you bring your struggles and difficulties to him so He can give you the
peace He provides. One of the most important things you can do for a friend, neighbor, family member, or an enemy, who is going through a hard time, is to PRAY for them!
“Be glad for all that God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.” Romans 12:12 (NLT)
Your prayers are a treasure to me! Please do not stop. I would not be able to make it
through this many months of itineration or the time spent overseas without your prayers. God is faithful and I am overwhelmed by your faithfulness in prayer.

Financial Support Update
Praise the Lord!
Currently, I am at 83% and needing 25 churches or individuals to give $40/month. This is equal to 6 dinners out in a month. My cash budget has been reached! Hallelujah! Thank you to all who have given sacrificially and faithfully! I hope to reach my goal by March 31st. Will you pray
with me for this goal to be fulfilled? If you are not already supporting the ministry in the DRCongo, would you prayerfully consider giving on a monthly basis? You can give a tax-deductible gift online at the "Mission Giving" link on the right side bar of this blog.
Blessings to you!

DRCongo Update January 2012

2012-01-25T19:48:00.004+01:00

Hello Friends!

Thank you for your continued prayer support for the Congolese people and for the process in raising the support to return to those in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I have driven many miles, but it has been a joy travelling to churches and schools to share about the DRCongo. Your prayer support is greatly needed at this time! Please pray for those who are affected by the rising tensions from the results of the election. Many do not agree with how the government has run the nation and the lack of resources that are available. Many families struggle with feeding their families and finding security in their own country. Please pray for them to find the Bread of Life and bring a peace that passes all understanding, which can only be found in Jesus Christ. The following article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette tells how some family members take turns eating:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12003/1200992-82-0.stm?cmpid=nationworld.xml

Would you be willing to fast one meal a week to pray for those who are without physical nourishment and spiritual nourishment? They need your prayers. Please also pray for the rest of my support to come in by the end of March. The Congolese and missionary colleagues are anxiously awaiting for my return. I am still needing:

62 people or churches to give $28/month - Twenty-eight dollars is equivalent to one family dinner out for four people or 4 meals out, a month, by one person. ($7 x 4 = $28) or

31 people or churches to give $56/month.

Would you prayerfully consider making a Faith Promise? Your prayer and financial support are needed. Since sending this out last week in an email, I have had 7 churches and individuals begin supporting me! Praise the Lord!

Thank you to all of those who are already giving to the ministry! You are a blessing!What an encouragement it is to receive emails, and notes with words of encouragement, letting me know people are praying and giving in all amounts. What a tremendous blessing! If you know anyone else that may be interested in giving financially or prayerfully, please forward this email or information to them. All gifts are tax-deductible.　 You can give online at:

the Missions Giving tab on the right side of this blog page

Your giving is helping to reach people in the DRCongo with the light of Jesus!

Merci beaucoup a tous!

The Democratic Republic of Congo Movie

2011-08-30T21:48:00.004+01:00

"The Lord Reigns forever!"

2011-06-23T23:08:00.003+01:00

“Rain! Rain! go away, come again another day…” Most of us have seen enough rain this spring to be happy with sunshine for the rest of summer. I know that I would not take the sunny days for granted. Recently, I was talking with the Lord about the amount of rain there had been over a period of a couple of weeks. I shared with Him my frustration of it being so gloomy & dreary and I just wanted to enjoy some sunshine, to brighten my spirits. While in a prayer service before a Sunday morning service, there was a song playing that sang, “God reigns, God reigns, God reigns!” This song brought a question to my mind, “How does God reign in my life?”My prayer became, “God reign in me! God reign in my day! God reign in my decisions, in my difficulties, and in my successes! God reign in all areas of my life!” In Psalm 96:10, it says, “Tell all the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!’ The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. . .” He wants to reign in your life more than ever. When you allow the Lord to “reign” in your life, it will never grow gloomy or dreary. He has wonderful plans and blessings to bestow upon you. Walk in His “reign” today, and you will never be the same.
The last few months have been busy. I have traveled over 10,000 miles, visited many churches, and have met some wonderful people. Thank you for allowing me to spend time with you and in the presence of the Lord, while in your churches. God is moving in ways that far exceed our imagination! How blessed I have been to spend time with family along the way, as well. I continue to be amazed at God’s faithfulness and how He continues to help me in this process. I couldn’t do it without Him.
At the current time, I am at 46% of my monthly commitments. $3135/mo. is still needed. If you would like to give a monthly commitment or a one-time gift, you can click on the "Missions Giving" tab on the right side of the screen.

Prayer Requests:
-Strength, wisdom, and peace for those who have been displaced in the Eastern DRCongo
-For the pastors and leaders of government in DRCongo and around the world.
-For the children and youth camps in the DRCongo, that God would move among them in amazing ways!
-Total Financial support to be raised. 54% still needed.
-Traveling mercies as I continue to travel to various states
-Preparation for Language school and the return to DRCongo

"That None Should Perish"

2011-03-01T20:24:00.004+01:00

March 2011

Dear Faithful Supporters,
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Our Heavenly Father is so loving and patient. He wants the best for us and does things in His perfect timing. His timing is never SLOW. Recently, I was sharing with a pastor and a couple of people, at lunch one Sunday afternoon, of my experience in leaving for Brussels, Belgium in 1997. I was to be there a week or two before school started, sometime in August. However, I wasn’t able to go until the middle of September. I told the pastor, “I was late in arriving to Belgium, but the Lord had a reason.” He responded with, “Were you really late?” I replied, “Yes, like I said before I didn’t arrive until mid September, and school had already started.” To which he repeated, “Were you REALLY late?” I finally understood what he was saying. The Lord is NEVER late! He is ALWAYS on time. It is just not “OUR time.” The Lord is coming very soon and wants everyone to have the opportunity to know Him personally, by repenting of their sins and accepting Him as Savior of their life. We do not know the day or the hour, that He will return for those who believe, but His heart is “not wanting that any should perish.” We must not sit around and wait for Him to come, but realize we have important work to do, because the time is very short. There are millions of people who are lost and without hope for their future. We need to find the time to reach out to this lost world, for the sake of the Kingdom. Jesus is the way to an eternal life with hope, love, joy, and peace! Wouldn’t you want someone to help you find your way, if you were lost?
Please continue to pray for the Congolese people, for President Kabila, and those in leadership positions. May they “not perish”, but find the truth that can set them free from their chains of darkness. Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support. Please prayerfully consider supporting me monthly in ministering to teachers and children’s workers in the DRCongo. I am at 20% in raising my budget. I would like to be at 50%+, but my timetable is not God’s timetable. “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
If you would like to give a monthly commitment or a one-time gift, you can go online to worldmissions.ag.org, and type my last name under the Missionary Directory to find my page. Or you can print off the commitment form, attached to this email, and mail it to the address on the top of the sheet.
PRAISE REPORT: The Lord is so faithful and He takes such good care of me. I was gifted four brand new tires for my vehicle in January. What a blessing it is to be able to drive in snow, without spinning. We have had a snowy winter and I can’t tell you how often I think of God’s protecting hands. Thank you all for making it possible for me to minister in so many churches here in the U.S. and to those I will minister to in the DRCongo. You are a blessing beyond words. This ministry could only take place because of your prayers and giving hearts.
Blessings to you,
Gloria Biffert
Missionary to the Democratic Republic of Congo
gbiffert@hotmail.com

Choices

2011-02-03T07:46:00.005+01:00

Have you ever thought about the choices you make and how it would affect your future or someone else's? Have you ever thought about where you are in life and how you came to arrive at this place? Ultimately, choices were made for us by our parents at the beginning of our lives and we either continued in making the same kind of choices or strayed from what they chose for us. In the past several months, I have thought about my life and my heritage. I come from a Pentecostal background. If you go back a couple generations in my geneology, you will find that it wasn't always like that. My grandfather was a very different man when he enlisted in the army to fight in World War II. While in Japan, fighting for our country and our freedom, he saw many things. Things that we would find very difficult to face and understand. As the story has been told, he faced many challenges and at one point cried out to God for help. One day, while fighting in the fields, he found himself trapped and wondering if he would get out alive. He asked God, "God, if you get me out of here alive, I will serve you the rest of my life!" Needless to say, he got out of the difficult situation and God began to show him different things. There was another day during the war, that the Allied soldiers were under attack and they went to take cover in a bunker. My grandfather told of the Holy Spirit discouraging him to go to the bunker, but to take cover somewhere else and try to bring as many men as he could with him. Although it was difficult to go to this other location, he went anyway because it was such a strong urging. Some men chose to follow him, while many others did not. Later he realized the protection of God, as the men who took cover in the bunker were killed by a bomb. My grandfather accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was committed to serve Him the rest of his life. When he returned home, he moved from his family's farm in North Dakota to Zion Bible Institute in Zion, IL. He fulfilled his promise to God, and became a preacher. He met my grandmother at Bible school and started ministering in Wisconsin. His choices to follow Christ and trust in Him for ALL things were instilled in his 8 children. Those eight children had a choice to follow in the same way. One of those 8 children, is my father. He taught us, along with my mother, the value of living for Christ and trusting Him for ALL things. We all have a choice to follow Christ or to follow someone else. I accepted Jesus Christ, as my Savior, at the age of 10. It was the most important decision I could ever make. A choice that I have never regretted making. There have been many trials and difficulties in my life, in which, the Lord has been by my side each step of the way. I hate to imagine what my life would be like without Him. What kind of choices are you making today? You may affect generations to come! Will you choose Jesus today?

Joyeux Noёl et Bonne Année!!

2010-12-09T01:50:00.004+01:00

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors.” Luke 2:14 (NIV)
Dear Family & Friends,
What an awesome proclamation this was for the humble shepherds to receive, while out in their fields guarding their flocks of sheep at night! Can you imagine being greeted by an angel of the Lord ‘and the radiance of the Lord’s glory’ surrounding you (vs.9) to give you one of the most glorious announcements? Would that get your attention? Then… “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God…”(vs13) How many do you think that was? Are you still paying attention? I think they got the attention of every shepherd in a 100 mile radius! In the previous chapter, Luke1, tells us how Zechariah had been without words for months because of doubt in his wife, Elizabeth, being pregnant. It wasn’t until he wrote the name of his son on a tablet for everyone to see, that his words broke free and he began praising God. In verse 67, Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. He prophesied about the coming of a Savior who would redeem his people and that his son, John the Baptist, would prepare the way of the Messiah.(vs68-79) The last two verses are so amazing! “Because of God’s tender mercy, the light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” Zechariah prophesied the night of Jesus’ birth, months before it happened! The night Jesus was born, God broke through the heavens with his armies of heaven and gave light to those in darkness and told them where to find the path to peace—JESUS CHRIST—born tonight in Bethlehem! The Lord Jesus Christ is still sending light down from heaven, in the human form of YOUR life. If you have accepted Jesus into your heart, believe he is the Savior of your life and for the world, and confessed you have sinned, then you are the Light of Christ. You were created for a special task in His Kingdom. As the shepherds spread the news of Jesus’ birth and the words of the angels, and John the Baptist would prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry, we are also given the task to proclaim the Good News of Christ’s return! Would you allow God to use you to bring light to those who are lost in this dark world? There is so much uncertainty & evil happening in the world, I sometimes find it overwhelming to know where to start. May the Lord help you to begin right where you are, with the people you are in contact with everyday! Open your heart to bring love, joy, hope, and peace to those who are so desperately searching for true happiness! May they find it in Jesus during this Christmas season.
Thank you once again to all my faithful supporters, for your continued prayer and financial support. It has been a privilege to share in many churches over the last 7 months during itineration. What a blessing! Please continue to pray for Monthly support to be raised, traveling mercies, for the Congolese and those who are ministering in the DRCongo, as there is much unrest in Eastern Congo. Pray for those in Congo who are sick with diseases like AIDS, malaria, typhoid, and polio, as most are unable to pay for treatment. If you know of someone who would like to give to the ministry in DRCongo or you would like to give on a monthly basis, please email me at gbiffert@hotmail.com or you can go online to http://worldmissions.ag.org/search.cfm?Display=Yes&churchdetail=AGFM5010. I would love to have the opportunity to come and share in a service, small group, or event with adults, youth, or children.
May you and your family have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Joyeux Noёl et Bonne Année!!

The Democratic Republic of Congo

2010-09-13T21:20:00.002+01:00

It is Official!!

2010-08-24T21:56:00.009+01:00

On July 2, 2010, forty-eight Assembly of God missionaries were commissioned "To Go" around the world and preach the Good News. I was honored to be one of them. As a missionary heading back to the Democratic Republic of Congo, I am in awe of what God has done and excited to see what He will do in the future. I will be training teachers in schools and churches and assisting them in reaching children and their parents with the love of Jesus Christ. God has given everyone of us talents and abilities to help in transforming lives to further the Kingdom of God. I want to encourage people to use these talents and step up into leadership roles to transform the next generation for Christ.

If you would like to help me get back to the DRCongo, you can do one of two things: 1. You can pray. Your prayers are crucial to missionaries around the world. We cannot live without them. Sometimes your prayers go as far as helping us get through a difficult day!
2. You can give financially. There is a link on the sidebar of this blog called "Missions Giving". It will take you to a site where you can give a monthly gift or a one time gift that is tax-deductible, online. Your gift is sending forth the ministry in the DRCongo for teachers, children, and parents who want to make a difference in their country.
Thank you to all of you who have given to the ministry in the past! Lives have been changed, because of your faithful giving. Please prayerfully consider giving again. You are a blessing!!
If you would like to receive email updates, newsletters, or more information about sending support through the mail, please send me an email. It is such a pleasure to do ministry with you!! Dieu est fidele!! Ciao!

Never Say 'Never' Part 2

2010-07-17T15:27:00.006+01:00

In August 2005, I went on my first missions trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I knew that God had orchestrated the right people to be on that trip. I fell in the love with the children and the Congolese people. My heart broke for the hopelessness of the people and how they were disappointed over and over again by their government leaders. The hope of a better life in Congo. The DRCongo is one of the richest countries in Africa, but you would never know it by looking at their living conditions. Companies from all over the world have come to dig in the mines of Congo. They are taking much of the resources that would bring these people wealth, but somehow the people never see it. The missionaries Jacques and Johanna Vernaud invited a colleague of mine and myself to come back and work with their christian school and children's workers at the LaBorne church. Krista and I spent one year raising support and returned in August 2006. Our students at Maranatha Christian Academy donated thousands of items for us to take with us! We were blessed with toiletries, toilet paper, school supplies, food, etc. We were overwhelmed by their giving! Because of their giving we never had to buy shampoo, toothpaste, soap, etc. We had lots to give away to orphans, families in the church, and teachers & classrooms at the schools. What a blessing to give and to see people's hearts overwhelmed with gratefulness. Thank you to every MCA student and family who donated to the Congo Container Campaign. From August 2006 to August 2008, we learned French, built relationships, participated in various events in Kinshasa, worked with students, teachers, children's workers, and even tried caterpillars. We were under house arrest 3 times during the two years and learned about "the peace that passes all understanding". The peace of God is something that can not be explained. All I know, is that my security is not in government, police officers, or even the military.... but my security is in the Almighty God!! When you have no one to turn to and there is no one else but you.....YOU ARE NOT ALONE, but JESUS CHRIST is right by your side.
This beginning of this blog began in Kinshasa. If you look back to the beginning, you will find many stories and pictures of adventures, ministry opportunities, and various other events that I participated in. What an awesome God we serve! I thank God for the experiences that stretched me, built my character, and continues to take me out of my comfort zone!(more on this later...)

Never say 'Never' Part 1

2010-06-19T03:22:00.005+01:00

How did it all begin? Where did the burning passion for the lost ignite? Well, it started when I went on my first missions trip to Argentina. It opened my eyes to things I had never seen and my worldview was expanded. My heart ached for those who did not know the true hope in Jesus Christ. Did you know that people can see the hope and love of Jesus in you?

A couple years later, I was in a missionary service when the pictures of children tugged at my heart and felt God calling me to the children of the world. I went to college and got my teaching degree, but wasn't sure where God wanted me to go. My roommate in college and I had the opportunity to teach at an International Christian school in Brussels, Belgium. The Lord open the doors for me to stay for 4 years. It was an incredible experience and I worked with students from over 13 different nations. I knew that my heart was overseas and desired to get my Master's degree in education. This is when I headed back to Minnesota to teach and study once again.

God was working on me in many different ways. I had the opportunity to get my Master's degree while teaching at Maranatha Christian Academy. In the back of my mind, I always told God, "I'll go anywhere you want me to go, but please don't send me to Africa." I never really voiced this until it became evident one April day in 2005. I sat in a meeting with my missions pastor in Minneapolis. He listened to my heart wanting to head back overseas. He wanted to send me to China the very next weekend. I expressed my hesistancy, as I was still teaching until the first week of June. He then proceeded to invite me to go on a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo with the church in August. I knew I had to figure out a way that it would not work out. As I made several phone calls to people and organizations I have gone on trips with before, each one was a closing door, and I knew that I would be going to Africa. I have now learned to..."Never say 'Never!'"

Kindergarten Graduation

2008-06-26T16:19:00.003+01:00

These are 4year old of the Preschool that I have been working in for the past year. They wore their african dresses for a song they sang for the program. They are like lil' african mamas. Joel poses with a friend and his sister on his graduation day from Kindergarten.
More friends wanting to be part of the picture and celebration.

Golden Wedding Anniversary for Pastor and Madame Vernaud

2008-06-01T16:46:00.000+01:00

After 50 years of marriage, they still make each other laugh. What a joy it is to hear stories and witness incredible joy in a marriage. Pastor Jacques and Johanna Vernaud have been through a lot together, but they give all the credit to Jesus Christ! If it wasn't for Him, they would not be where they are today! He is the center of their relationship and you can see the love of God shine through them. What a privilege it is to see God bring two people together for His glory and to use them to furthur the Kingdom. Pastor Jacques will celebrate over 55 years of ministry in Africa this year. They have a story to tell, but the most important one they like to share is the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ.

My Smallest Supporter

2008-05-31T14:42:00.000+01:00

Just wanted to share this cute picture of my newest nephew Drew. I haven't met him yet, but it means the world to me that he would wear this outfit. He is 5 months old and my youngest supporter! :) Who knows maybe one day he will make it to Africa!?

Comment est-ce que possible?

2008-04-19T11:59:00.003+01:00

I recently had my jeep worked on and was borrowing a pickup truck from another missionary couple here. One morning I was driving to school and it was very dark & rainy. I had turned the headlights on, but once I arrived I forgot to turn them off. Later that afternoon, I came upon a dead pickup. I had another missionary come and jump the pickup. Well, evidently I didn't drive it long enough or far enough, because the battery was dead the next day. When my jeep was fixed the next day, a mechanic friend, brought it back to my home. He tried to jump the pickup again with my jeep, but it wasn't working. He then proceeded to tell me that he wanted to take the battery out of my jeep and put it in the pickup to start it. I asked, "How will I be able to drive my car?" He proceeded to tell me that once he got the pickup started, he would return the battery to my vehicle. I couldn't comprehend that and kept asking,"Comment est-ce que possible?" (How is that possible?) I watched him do exactly what he said. I told him, I would never have believed it, if I didn't see it for myself. Evidently, the battery is only needed to start the vehicle and then the alternator and gas take over. (Of course, none of the electrical things in the vehicle work. So it would not work if you did this in the evening, as you would have no headlights.) I found out later that this happens often. Oh the life in Africa! I am learning new things everyday.

Good Friday Baptism

2008-04-07T19:42:00.004+01:00

Each year the LaBorne church holds a baptism service for those who want to be baptized in water. This year I had a Congolese friend who was baptized. She was so blessed! There were over 120 people that experienced the dying of the old man and beginning a new life in Christ.

A Field Trip in the Congo!

2008-03-13T14:37:00.005+01:00

What does a field trip look like with over 200 students between the ages of 3-5? Excitement!! Joy!! Anticipation!! Learning!! Students from the LaBorne Maternelle school have been studying about the different kinds of art and how it is created. On Friday, March 7th over 200 students, 12 teachers & adults, boarded two large tour buses for the trip into the city. We went to visit the art museum (Beaux Arts Institute). The students had the opportunity to see art in action. They saw many students drawing nature, men sculpting out of clay and plaster, and a man carving a piece of art out of a tree trunk. There were many sculptures around the park and many some beautiful paintings on the walls inside and outside the buildings. Once our tour was finished we all sat in the park for a bite to eat and then returned to the school. It turned out to be a beautiful, fun day for all! This day was truly an answer to prayer for the teachers. They had prayed weeks in advance for good weather and no traffic and that is just what they got! It is unheard of to have no traffic, but God hears and answers! I hope to go with them to the zoo next month!!

The simple things in life!

2008-03-01T11:49:00.008+01:00

When someone says, "Enjoy the simple things in life!" What comes to your mind? Recently, I have been thinking about the little things in life. I realize that living in Dem. Rep. of Congo has broadened my perspective on many things. The simple things in life, have changed for me. The simple things I enjoy here are having enough time to cook dinner before the electricity goes out. (You never know when it will happen!) Having water at just the right time, can save me 15min. in the morning. Otherwise I have to fill a bucket from the reserve. I enjoy the rain that cools the temperature and brings fresh air. The thunderstorms here are incredible! I have a hard time sleeping during a storm, because I like to watch the lightning. Another simple thing in life that I enjoy, is the time spent with a child. No matter what language they speak, I have found children to be the same all around the world. They are so curious, playful, and want to be loved. They have so many questions. Children are the next generation! Take the time to listen. You could play a part in changing the world and a child's life!

"The Shack"

2008-03-01T11:33:00.006+01:00

C'est incroyable!! (It's incredible!) I just recently read this book and have to say it is one of the best books I have read this year! I recommend it to ALL!! "The Shack" is written by William P. Young and was intended to be a story only for his children. It is difficult for me to put into words how this book has impressed me. All I can say, "Nothing else matters in life, but relationships, especially our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ." You can check out the website, but be careful, because it can give away some of the book.

Training Seminar at the LaBorne Secondary School

2008-02-14T14:16:00.009+01:00

Working together in small groups

Playing a game of logic

The directors of the Preschool & Kindergarten-Madame Kabanda, Secondary-Monsieur Onokoko, and Primary-Madame Adrienne.

There were about 47 teachers and staff in attendance after a morning of rain. The seminar was on the development processes of each age group Preschool, Primary, and Secondary and the Sacrifice & discipline of teaching. The teachers participated in activities, worked in small groups, and corrected my French. I appreciated the help and continue to do my best in speaking. There is still so much more to learn. It was great to hear them discuss and tell of their experiences in the classroom. What a joy to be able to share in their experiences!

Bonne Annee!!

2008-01-01T11:45:00.000+01:00

Bonne Annee 2008!!

Happy New Year!!

My New Year's Eve was spent at the LaBorne church. The evening started with taking an hour and 15 minutes to get there. The program started at 9pm and was filled with beautiful songs, dancing, testimonies and communion. I have come to love hearing the Africans praise and worship. They really know how to have church, no matter what time of the day or night!

I pray this year will bring many blessings for you and your family! The Lord is so faithful and continues to show His unconditional love, compassion, and mercies each day! May you experience His "perfect" will for your life.

Christmas in Congo

2007-12-26T13:14:00.000+01:00

LaBorne put on a great Christmas Eve program! The night was filled with children reciting the Christmas story, verses, and songs. The youth choir was exceptional with their songs in English and French. The second half of the program was the LaBorne choir singing "The First Noel" in french, with only candles illuminated and walking in from all different directions. It was beautiful! In between each of the songs, Pastor Jacques shared parts of the Christmas story. It was quite a celebration, one that can only be experienced in person. God was glorified in it all!! It was great to see so many children there and participate in the worship!

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!...

2007-11-29T20:26:00.000+01:00

It snowed on Thanksgiving Day! I was able to enjoy the snow in Michigan, just before leaving the States. It is so beautiful and I will miss it for Christmas. Maybe I will try to make a poster of one of these pics and put it in my apartment somewhere.

Two Months=12 States & 13 Opportunities

2007-11-29T09:17:00.000+01:00

I have had the incredible opportunity to minister 13 different times and in many different states. In the last two months, I have travelled through 12 different states.

New York

Connecticut

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

Minnesota

Wisconsin

Michigan

Missouri

Tennessee

Indiana

Illinois

West Virginia

What a joy it was to share about my ministry in the Congo to 3 different churches, a missions class at VFCC, a choir, two life groups, an elementary school, 4 children's churches, a sunday school, and with many of my family members. I enjoyed the time with my family and many wonderful friends. I am looking forward to returning to Kinshasa, DRCongo very soon!

Back at Home!!

2007-10-19T21:54:00.000+01:00

Family is so much fun!! Me and my 4 other siblings in age order. Our newest sister-in-law, Melissa

These 7 beautiful children are my six neices (Bianca, McKenzie, Bailey, Ashlyn, Lexie, and Allie) and one nephew (Billy) My sister, Linda, is expecting a boy in January, to make an even 8!

My two brothers James and Mark with my niece Ashlyn.

My two sisters with their husbands, Joy & Bill and Linda & Andy!

Grandpa and Grandma Biffert with the grandkids!

Mark and Melissa below

Since the moment I arrived, I hit the ground running! (literally!) My family arrived from all over the US for my brother's wedding. It was beautiful and a lot of fun! Staying up late each night took care of the jetleg. My neices and nephew have grown so much over the past 14 months. I am enjoying every minute with them. Enjoy the pics!:)

Blessings in Abundance!

2007-09-23T12:30:00.000+01:00

Thousands of books came for the LaBorne Schools. They are excited about having one of the biggest libraries in the area!

Madame Vernaud and various members of the church thank God for the abundance of blessings!

The LaBorne A/G church here has received a container from Europe full of blessings. LaBorne has recently purchased a medical center to expand the one they had before. Through numerous past contacts made by the daughters of the Vernauds, this container was sent with many needed items for the new medical center. They have received many beds, medical equipment, furniture, clothes, books, and much, much more. God is so faithful!

School has begun!

2007-09-16T15:20:00.000+01:00

The secondary students take time from writing notes to pose for a picture.

Maternelle enjoys spending time outside.

The teachers and students of the LaBorne Schools gathered together to begin the school year with singing and prayer!

My First Tire Blow-OUT!!

2007-09-06T15:06:00.000+01:00

This morning on the way to school, I experienced my first tire blow-out. I knew smething was wrong the night before on my way home from church. I checked the tire and it didn`t look like it was going flat. On my way down the road, the next morning the flapping noise got louder and louder. The next thing I know, the tire blew loud. I did not hit anyone and everything seemed fine. I was about 300 yards from the church and was hoping to make it there. I called the mechanic of the church, Gaston, and he arrived 45 min. later. You are probably asking, "Didn't her father ever teach her how to change a tire?" The answer is YES! There are several reasons why I did not do it. I was wearing a skirt, the ground was full of dirt and sand, men here do not allow a woman to do it (I`ve never seen a woman change a tire here), and I have never changed a tire as big as a 4x4 before. While I was waiting, I had several men wanting to help, but I informed them that another man was coming. I did not take pictures of Gaston and my flat tire, because there were too many people walking along the side of the road. It is not safe to take pictures here. Although I was able to take a picture of it in the back of the jeep. I thank the Lord for His protection! He will never leave us nor forsake us!

ZONGO FALLS!!

2007-08-26T02:07:00.000+01:00

We travelled through many small villages and enjoyed seeing the children run to the side of the road to wave.

A week after the team left, some friends and I took a 3 hour trip outside of the city to find Zongo Falls. It was a wild ride and we made it home in the same day. The falls are beautiful! It was awesome to see how God brings rest to us while enjoying His Creation!

LWCC Missions Team August 2007

2007-08-16T16:45:00.000+01:00

The Youth camp had 250 youth in attendance. Many accepted rededicated their life to Christ.

One activity we did with the youth was Nose painting. We used this to illustrate that all parts of the body has a specific purpose. Trying to do another part's job, isn't always the easiest.

Vacation Bible School had between 500-700 children throughout the week.

The team had the children participate in many activities, including putting the memory verse in the right order.

Pastor Jacques and Johanna Vernaud

The LWCC Team from Minnesota (Erika, Dawn, Heidi, Gwen, Ellee, Colleen, and Liliane.

Krista, me, and Liliane Rood (daughter of Pastor Jacques & Johanna Vernaud)

A Day as a Congolese Women

2007-07-28T16:21:00.000+01:00

As we were visiting our friends at the orphanage, only a few of the young children and most of the older children were home. The rest went to a ministry day for children at the church. The older children(about 6 of them) wanted to show us where they went to get their water. It was a thirty minute walk through a village and down a pretty steep hillside. Halfway down the hillside, my foot got caught on a tree root. In the midst of trying to catch myself from tumbling down the hill, both of my sandals broke. It was quite an experience to feel the ground under my feet. I have a profound respect for Congolese women and children who walk this path everyday with no shoes. It was amazing to see all the mamas and children at the water source. They were washing their clothes and dishes, and filling their buckets with water. We helped some of the children and mamas to carry their water back up the hill. I wanted to try to carry it on my head, but I was afraid I would spill the precious water they had come so far for. Once we returned to the orphanage, one of the papas and mamas there saw my bare feet and said, "Vous etes Congolese maintenant!" (You are Congolese now!) They were impressed! Tresor, one of the older boys of the group, wanted to take my sandals to get fixed. It was so sweet! When he returned with them about 15 min. later, they were like new! What a blessing! It was a great day!