Day Three: April 10, 2009 (Parte Trois)

Bonne soir!

Nous avons recu ProHealth via telephone… ils arrivent a l’aeroport de Lagos!

We went to Pastor Bangoret’s house and watched a couple of videos on live evangelism. We were blessed by the Word “it is finished.” 

This is something that God has placed on my heart the week leading up to the departure for this trip. How wonderful to hear it confirmed!

We had a lovely snack — fried yellow plantains and saucisson… yumm!!!

oh, et du pain!!! my favorite! yumm!

Apres la, nous parlons ensemble regarding la journee, et ca c’est bon!

Nous settled everything, what a relief! Then, in the van going home the Presence of the LORD was so thick! We prayed and worshipped et even our driver (Alex) felt the Holy Spirit. Halleluyah! We had an encounter.

The love of the Holy Spirit overshadows our frailty. Thank You LORD!

…..

Then, when we got back to the hotel, there we like 25 roaches in our room, not including the ones from last night! Icky! So we politely requested to change rooms, and Louise and I moved to the 20th floor. Yay!

We were invited to dinner (we meaning all of us — Bertine, Elisa, Louise, and me… Ako had gone to the airport with Pastor Bangoret to receive ProHealth) with Mr. Ferdinand Bleka. He had been telling us since the airport about taking us to dinner, and asked what we wanted, and I think the consensus was with Bertine who wanted fish!!! Mmmm!

    

 

So avec plaisir, nous acceptons l’invitation de notre ami pour mangeons du poisson! Yumm! et aussi, en plein air, prepare dans le feu… WOW. so incredible. Je n’ai jamais vu quelque chose comme ca!!!

    

 

I am so grateful…. this is such an amazing thing. We are so lucky to be a part of God’s work. And the people here, tres poli, la politesse..

Nous avons eu l’opportunite de ministere to the Owner of this famous and very busy fish restaurant. Initially, when he came over and was greeting us he was insisting that we come inside and “see” the bar, have “one drink,” and “enjoy the many sights inside.” We politely declined and he started in, trying to engage us in a “religious” debate. He proceeded to tell us how “with all due respect” that we were lost and that we were fools and blinded. It turned into an interesting conversation, with no one getting mad or irate or upset. After a few minutes, it was time to go (not being funny, it literally was time to go because the hour was late, and we needed to get back to the hotel to prepare for tomorrow). He kindly walked us to Mr. Bleka’s car, and once we were there, he spoke one last comment about “what we believe.” I felt inside of me, that the reason that this man had so much to say was because he actually was yearning for the Truth. I felt he really wanted to grab hold of JESUS. So the Holy Spirit gave me a story to share with him. This man was the Owner of an established, reknowned, and thriving business. He was very “prosperous” in the World’s eyes. But there was something so missing in his life, and he didnt hafta share that, or admit, we could see it. I asked the Holy Spirit for confirmation before sharing, and then I told him the story. I said,

one day there was a man who was very successful and had everything he ever wanted. He was well-liked and respected in the community, just like you. So let’s just suppose it IS you. One day you are standing in your house very busy doing something. There is somebody behind you, but you can’t see the person because your back was turned. That person is coming to kill you, and you dont even know it. You have no defense. But afar off in the distance, there is someone else watching you thru a window. That person watching you can see the person who is there to kill this you. He tries to warn you, but you are so far away that you cannot hear him. So he races to your side because he loves you so much, and right as the weapons are drawn, and right as the bullets were fired, He stands in the way, and absorbs every single bullet, every single blow, every single stab wound. And He dies. He dies in your place. He dies instead of you. An innocent man takes your punishment. As a man, how does that make you feel? what would you do?

And he answered, “Of course, I would give my life for him and his legacy. I would tell everyone what he did for me. I would take care of his family. I would forever be in his debt.”

And I said, “Exactly. That is exactly what Jesus did for us.”

And can I tell you something… Every time someone else was speaking, before I told him this story, he had interrupted or had a rebuttal. But not this time. He did not interrupt one time, and he had no rebuttal. He opened up and shared with us that years back, He was hungry for the LORD, and he was burnt by a false prophet who came to Abidjan from Europe, and stole lots and lots of money from him. For years since that was his perception of “Christianity.” But things changed with this conversation. I think the Truth and Love finally became clear to him in a way that he could relate and understand. Praise the LORD! I am so looking forward to the testimony of God in this man’s life. God bless him.

A little background on El-Kabod

A few of the challenges that Pastor Bangoret and his wife Catherine have to work along, which need to be remedied in order to make El-Kabod efficient and expand are

• lack of human resources 
• short supply of prescriptions
• no financial backing

In Cote d’Ivoire, volunteerism is at 0%. A total absence. There are no volunteers. It just doesnt exist. To work in the clinic, the local doctors who work there on a normal basis receive $15 a day as compensation, and the nurses get $10 a day. And they say, that even though they are paid, it is a “sacrifice” to accept such a measly wage, primarily because most of them do not live near the clinic, and the fare just to transport alone can run $20 a day. And perhaps, the real “sacrifice” also comes on the hands of El-Kabod, because they honestly just don’t have the financial capital to pay salaries and wages, even for “mediocre” help. But, the clinic is very, very busy, and they absolutely need medical professionals to staff it.

 

The objective:

Pastor Bangoret and his wife Catherine have enormous debts that are directly related to the medical clinic at El-Kabod. The lab itself cost between $75-80k , of which they paid 1/3 in cash and the rest in credit. They are now working to pay it off. The catch is they can’t generate profit enough to cover the deficit. 

For example, because of the vision that was given to Pastor, normally the clinic sells the medication at a subsidized rate. But the only place that they can get the medicine from is the Pharmacy. The problem is the Pharmacy marks up the price for a double profit, and the clinic in turn, sells it at a low price (maybe like 10% markup), thereby not being able to keep up with the competition. Let me put it in numbers -> if a medication is $25, the Pharmacy where they hafta buy it from will charge them (even though they are a medical clinic run by the church!) somewhere around $45 or $50. That is they price that El-Kabod will pay. Now, when they are back at the clinic and a patient needs that particular medication, because of the Vision given to Pastor Bangoret to make the medication affordable for all people, they will sell it at a very deep discount, for about maybe $30. See?   Therein lies a problem.

Because of the monopoly that certain organizations have with the government and tariffs, etc., prescription medication (or really any medication, to be more specific), cannot be bought at the State level. So they at El-Kabod are forced to buy at the Pharmacy at the Pharmacy rate, which as you can see, eats their bitty profit and adds to their deficit. 

So how do they do it? you might ask… Well, it gets worse…

For surgical cases, you can’t even imagine.

For echographie (what we call “x-ray”), they suffer great losses! Even after this service is subsidized at the cheapest rate in all of Cote d’Ivoire, any profits generated, they are obliged to pay the x-ray techs. Another low blow –> they used to get medical supplies for the echographie, but not anymore. We are talking post-war Cote d’Ivoire.

At the end, the profit is ZERO. And, as a result, they just cannot make adequate upkeep of the material.

 

Pasor Bangoret’s church pays for the amenities for the clinic to run. Which, as you can imagine, the church now has a huge debt. It has gone into debt.

 

So their main objective is to pay off the debt. Once this is done, they can get medicines that are free, and they can truly do “social work.” It will enable the medical clinic at El-Kabod to give out medication at a very low cost, upkeep the equipment, and have basic amenities that will keep the clinic clean and functional.

*** THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY INTENTION ON MAKING ANY PROFIT ON THIS CLINIC ***

 

Just a little background, Pastor Bangoret, his wife Catherine, and his church are missionaries at heart. Before this clinic was built, they used to go from village to village presenting dramas and plays, free medication, etc. They even used to plant churches in remote places. But for the past 2 years, they have not been able to evangelize. Now, all of their money and resources have gone to the medical clinic, and in addition, they are stressed out!   About 90 million francs has been invested in construction alone for this clinic!!!!! 

Principaux: —> ON VA PAYER  LA DEBTE

Secondly, there is an increasing need for an ambulance, given the level of involvement and commitment in the medical clinic. The ambulance will cost about $800.  They are so incredibly thankful to God because prayer has helped save lives which could have been lost or endangered due to lack of ambulance.

This year, already, 20 babies have been delivered here at the medical clinic.

 

THE SECOND ISSUE  they are confronting is

they need to separate the church from the clinic (property-wise). Right now, they are located on the same property. Pastor has been praying for months, and found another property, that is located very close, but is very expensive and in high demand. It costs $250,000….  but in one month, his church has secured $60,000! Praise the Lord! 

He says that they are trying to focus on that project, and that they might hafta put all of their focus on it temporarily, and take their attention from the clinic, because their long-term Vision is that this current parcel of land will function as a General Hospital, including a full surgical unit (so no more “carryout” surgeries to Bethesda).

The new property is about a one-minute walk down the road. It is a truly beautiful piece of land. Pastor Bangoret says that doctors and staff will be living on the property (so as to have direct, immediate access to their patients), and visiting missionaries will be able to come and stay there when they come to work. (Very similar to a missionary complex, like ProHealth has in Nigeria.)

The work being done at El-Kabod is non-exclusive. It is for everyone in Cote d’Ivoire. Everyone is welcome. For now, Pastor Bangoret is taking it step by step, one stage to another. He said that God said to “build the center first.”

El-Kabod partners with impoverished people and will continue to do so, to distribute the medicine and supplies (and resources) to other centers and to the government and to the First Lady Simone Gbabgo. In the past, when they have shared medications with her, she distributed it to places that we experiencing the aftereffects from the war.

Social work in Abidjan, and social work in Cote d’Ivoire (as a country) has never been done before. But now, it can be, and it is being done.

Medicine in Cote d’Ivoire is VERY expensive. El-Kabod is a very important and influential church in Cote d’Ivoire, and they are fighting for the State to send a doctor or a nurse, and that would help tremendously. Also, medication can be sent (possibly 3 months prior to when we touch ground). Everyone is counting on the impact and success of this missions trip. Wow.

They are gonna impress a book report to compile to give to the government (Ministere de Sante), in order to faciliate future trips so that we won’t run into any problems at customs, and so that if the medication is sent, it won’t get held up at the ports. 

 

In conclusion, this work that we are doing here at El-Kabod and the work that they do here at El-Kabod on a daily basis, the LORD takes very seriously. And the government of Cote d’Ivoire takes it very seriously as well. 

Even our collective efforts have been further boosted by La Premiere Dame giving $4,000 of her money, and also donating $60,000 worth of medicine. El-Kabod has also received some important promises from the Embassy of Cote d’Ivoire, which are yet to be fulfilled, but will surely come to pass.

Day Three: April 10, 2009 (Parte Deux)

O Lamb of God, Sweet Lamb of God… I love the Holy Lamb of God!

Lots of ladies here walk with stuff on their heads, like carrying it. Wow.

God will make a way. God is able. He will make a way. You died for them and for us, LORD. We are of no reputation.

So, we finally have reached El-Kabod. It is time for Breakfast. Yumm!!!

Wow, this is not just any ol’ breakfast. We are having Breakfast with the journalistes! (de TV, le press, et la radio!)

But first, we must have a Press Conference. It is our very first of many on this trip.

    

 

Next, we learned our assignments. The medical clinic at El-Kabod does not have the capability or the space to have a full surgical unit. So Pastor Bangoret and his wife Catherine made an agreement with the hospital at Bethesda (about 45 minutes away) to do major and minor surgeries (besides dental, which will be done at El-Kabod). So, Louise and Bertine will be going to Bethesda with the surgical team, and Elisa, Ako, and I will be staying in Abidjan at El-Kabod. Yippee!

  

Then, we went into the clinic as a team and greeted our guests! There were so many patients! There were people everywhere, and the ALL seemed delighted and yet surprised to actually see us.

 

After we said our hellos, we went into the pharmacy to start sorting out those 18 bags (haha) of medicine avec son epouse, et nous rende visite du chef d’assoc. de la clinique…

   

Day Three: April 10, 2009

Today is our first “real” full day in Abidjan.

We have a full day planned.

Look at the beautiful view from our hotel room. Wow.

 

 

Ako had asked me to bring the Word for the day, and so during prayer the Holy Spirit placed Amos 3:3 on my heart.

>>>>> Amos 3:3 says  “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

and this is something that, during our devotion time and morning fellowship when I shared it, we all agreed. It is so important for us to be of one mind during this mission, and to seek the LORD, and to have His heart. We are all One team – the 5 of us from TSC, the 6 physicians from ProHealth Nigeria, and Pastor Bangoret and his cadre.

Thank You LORD Jesus!

Next, we are off to the radio station for a local interview. We are so thankful for Alex and Memel who are always on time to pick us up (and even fellowship with us!). Our work has definitely begun!

   

 

Thank You LORD that we dont hafta beg You! This is “so new” for me, as far as experience (meaning, I have never been to Africa), but God ne change pas! What is so amazing is that these people are just like us -  …. how truly lucky we are.

The pollution here is tremendous, from the exhaust to the littering, but the great paradox is the strikingly beautiful landscape and seemingly unending natural resources (like the mango trees growing plush alongside the busy highway!).

We will worship the Lamb of glory, we will worship the King of Kings! LORD, You are the ONLY reason we are here – Your love for these people, and Your love for us.

We fall down, we lay our crowns, at the feet of Jesus… El-Shaddai… Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades, Neverending, Your glory goes beyond all fame, and the cry of my heart is to bring You praise, from the inside out, LORD my soul cries out….

The landscape is so beautiful, the trees and grass are so lush..

Les oiseaux, the backdrop of the blue sky and the clouds..

There is a lot of traffic, but I am immensely grateful.

LORD, we surrender all, that You may do what You set out to do – even in us. Because Your will  will be done no matter what, and if we are not careful, we will be outside of it.

Breathe on me – LORD let us go forward as You have commanded in Your Holy Spirit.

We are driving through Plateau. Each arrondisement is very different, even the topography. But LORD, Your love abundantly flows! We got to see the school where Bertice went. The metro buses are soo full! By all American standards these people are “poor” and “impoverished” but they are still living and functioning… it doesnt seem “third-world” at all to me…

L’absence des eglises which could signify l’absence de l’espere et de l’amour… oh, tout de mon coeur… LORD, You will infuse and visit cette place!

We passed l’equippe d’UN. (United Nations)

Tu es la melodie de mon coeur! Tu es la chante que je chante!

LORD, I do not want to go back the same way that I came.

We are seeing these soldiers everywhere with these huge guns. There is a traffic jam. And these young boys are trying to direct traffic because there are no stop lights. They run beside the cars, in clear and direct traffic, risking their lives, for coins. For hours on end in the sun and the dirt and exhaust from the traffic. God bless them.

I pray that they will learn to pray to You and You will answer them. You will hear them.

Tu es la raison que je chante.

Day Two: April 9, 2009

Enduring all things in love, preferring one another…

Ever more, I will serve You. I will bless Your name forever more!

Never think that you have someone pegged, because 9 times out of 10, you don’t.

NOUS SOMMES ARRIVES! Ah, bon!

Everyone greeted us so well, and helped us tremendously and so graciously. They met us at the gate after we got off the plane, and they escorted us inside the airport to baggage claim. Pastor Bangoret and his team waited so patiently and you could feel their anticipation and excitement about us being there. We were very happy to meet them!

Finally all of our luggage came, and Pastor Bangoret and his team just walked us thru the baggage scanner thingy and then outside (we didnt even hafta go thru any Customs nightmares!), where we were very warmly greeted by flashing cameras, and a humongous banner in our honor!

The president of AfriJapan, Mr. Ferdinand Bleka, even came to see us! What an honor. He is best friends with the First Lady (la Premiere Dame) Simone Gbagbo and the President of Cote d’Ivoire Laurent Gbagbo.

 

We were then introduced to a lovely television journaliste. And we had our very first interview. It was incredible. This all took place at the airport!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then as the entourage packed all of those heavy bags into cars, we divided up, and left. 

It was nighttime when we arrived. But even so, we went on a tour des arrondisements differentes a Abidjan. This is my first time in Africa. It was amazing to see all of the people and how they live.

We also went to El-Kabod (Pastor Bangoret’s church) and got to see the medical clinic where we would be working.

   

Then we were invited to Pastor Bangoret’s house. What an honor that was. Truly.

Pastor Bangoret’s wife a prepare un repas pour nous. C’etait le plus magnifique!

 

It is truly amazing how God handpicked each and every one of us to be a part of this team. His team. and His team is taking shape and coming together. The final piece of the team (ProHealth) will be arriving soon.

Day One-and-a-Half: still April 8, 2009 :-)

Well we are crossing the Sahara Desert. What joy.

I have never even seen it before. I am so amazed. It is so beautiful. And expansive.

All of sudden, I have a Word for this trip. The Lord has given me a Word for this trip… wait…

“Les yeux”….. “Des pommes”…..

wait

“Nous sommes des pommes a les yeux”……….. Oh, I gotta tell Ako!

The Lord just gave me a Word in French! That has NEVER happened before. And right here while we are sitting on this plane, flying over the Sahara. WOW.

We are the apples of His eye.

He (the LORD) said to me, “On va payer, toute de suite, parce que vous etes des pommes a les yeux!”

Oh my!

And the Holy Spirit confirmed it. While I was telling Ako, Louise overheard (we were sitting beside each other) and mentioned that she had literally “just opened” her Bible and it was that verse.

So there we have it. The Word for this mission trip to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

>>>> Zechariah 2:7-9 says  “Come, O Zion! Escape, you who live in the Daughter of Babylon!” For this is what the LORD Almighty says: “After he has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye-  I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them. ^[a] Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me.”

Hallelujah!

Sois de bonheur! mes amis, parce que la journee de Mon Dieu arrive!

So I said, “feed me O LORD, I hunger and thirst for Your righteousness”

And He said to me, “Prenez votre cahier, et ecrivez ce qui que Je dit.”

Hallelujah! Thank You LORD!

And so we begin… Je te presente… notre mission >>>

Day One: April 8, 2009

And we’re off!

How amazing. It is nothing short of a miracle that allowed us to able to get on this flight.

God is awesome and He is on the throne.

Thanks to:

>>  our driver for navigating through the city amid heavy traffic and getting us from the church to the airport safely;

>>  Mohammed for helping us transport all 18 humongous and heavy bags from the curb into the JFK Air France terminal and for waiting so patiently, and for initially asking for a tip and then after some time, asking us “is this for a church?” (we had not told him who we were or our reason for traveling or where we were going!) and when we said “yes, this is for a medical mission” he REFUSED any compensation at all!! Praise God!

>>  Miriam, Sally, and Jose (the ticket agents and the check-in supervisor) who initially gave us a very, VERY hard time, and then “just-like-that” something broke in them, and they became so helpful, and we got on the flight! (with all luggage and with minimal cost!) Thank You, LORD!

God bless all who helped to make our transition successful.

I was also very surprised and amazed at everyone at “homebase” (in NYC) and their encouraging words and help.

It is amazing to see how truly the team is coming together.

God, You have done what only You can do.

I am so amazed and so humbled and we give You praise!

     

Mission Accomplished: Cote d’Ivoire, Africa

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

What an amazingly successful mission we had an opportunity to be a part of in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire!

I also want to thank Pastor Dominique Bangoret and his wife Catherine, and all of the people of El-Kabod; the 6 doctors that came from ProHealth International in Nigeria; and, all of the people in Abidjan and around the world who helped make this mission such a success! 

God bless you. You all made our team complete!