MISSIONARY NEWS
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for your $2,500 support of my salary during 2005. I packed up my computer in early November and just now have learned of this. I appreciate your interest and support and I look forward to visiting you next year when I finish this extra year of missionary assignment in New York City.
Just before I left Boliva, the Mennonite Central Committee asked if we were interested in having an additional 7 acres of land adjoining the school. They would be willing to give us the land but asked that we pay for the new construction of a building which includes a meeting room, offices and bathrooms at a cost of $40,000. That would give the school a soccer field, a better site for the day care, a retreat center for the church, etc. It would certainly be an opportunity for the school. The Bolivian church leadership is busy working on a program to present to MCC to justify the gift of the land as well as to set goals.
Leaving Bolivia was difficult. I was very glad that GBFM sent a moving company to pack the shipment. I did, however, have to do the sorting and discarding. After almost 37 years, saying food-bye was not easy. The people there are very special friends and the work as well. There were many "despedidad" (good-bye parties), which brought tears as well as a chance to hug good friends. The school had a wonderful banquet for me with speeches and gifts - a time to always be remembered. The Nueva Vida Church had a dinner and speeches, and when I was almost ready to cry, they put on Bolivian folk dancing music and we all had a great time. I was concerned about having too many suitcases but American Airlines had some mechanical difficulties the previous day and their schedule was all messed up. So when they called and asked if I could travel at 2 a.m. instead of 10 a.m., I said yes and found that they were not weighing and not counting luggage that night. I even got 3 seats!
I am gradually beginning to adjust to my "new" life in New York City. The people at the General Board of Global Ministries have been very helpful and kind and since two couples who work in my office live in the next building, I have people to walk to and from work with each day. At least that way I do get some exercise! The work is interesting and basically deals with caring for UM missionaries in Latin America and the Caribbean. I do not need to worry about relating to the national churches except in that missionaries are a part of those churches. I hope that I can contribute to their care during my time in NYC. I do look at things differently form someone who has not served as a missionary! And the 26.9" of snowfall this weekend was great!
Sincerely,
Susie Henry
March 3, 2006
The following are excerpts from David and Lorene Persons' Holiday letter
Dear Friends,
The past year has had many challenges for us. Congo is still very unstable and the chaotic situation continues to affect all aspects of people's lives.
We celebrated our Seminary graduation class for 11 undergraduates and 5 Master's degree students. Thirteen women graduated from the Women's School. Our first graduating class from the School of Information Technology consisted of 14 students. Praise the Lord!
The outreach of the Seminary continues to grow beyond the influence of the local churches. The past year we have had many visitors sharing their love, gifts and talents with the community at Mulungwishi. From teaching in the classroom to the medical help they have given, we greatly appreciate them.
Last September we came back to the States to speak in New Mexico. Lori had to bow out as medical tests found that she had a benign tumor in the right parotid gland. She underwent surgery Nov. 7th and is recovering well. We have had to extend our stay to take care of some other medical problems.
Again, we thank you for your continued prayers and support. Thank you for being faithful through the years to the Church in Congo and our family.
In His Love,
David and Lorene
Read more about the general background and information about Mulungwishi
