Twenty-eight hours of travel, two different airlines, and crowds beyond measure was just some of the experiences we had as we began the long trek homeward from Cote d'Ivoire. With a send off by the bishop and an wonderful job done by an Air France Service Rep (we all think of her as an Angel) we were off to Paris with connecting tickets to Houston. All the Air France flights to the US East Coast had been cancelled and were cancelled for the next couple of days so with divine intervention we found ourselfs on our way to Paris with tickets on Continental Airlines for the final leg of the journey.
It was an incredible last day in country as we worshipped with another congregation in Abidjan -- Bishop Boni was present and Rev. Cythnia Harvey gave the message. It was truely a moving last worship together and an inspiring message. I am amazed at how the Ivorians can make every aspect of their service worshipful. In this specific service the offering was the most inspiring and uplifting part of the worship -- the music and dancing was so incredible. Music is a vital part of every service and there are many, many, many songs of varing types. Dancing of course is part of the service as well and it is just a part of the cultural worship of a people who are joyful before the Lord. As I watched these families and individuals come to the offering basket -- yes they all line up and come to the basket one by one singing and dancing down the aisle -- I was humbling made aware of what I have and I am joyfully thankful for such blessings. Also would I joyfully give it over to the Lord in the manner in which the Ivorians do -- dancing and singing down the center aisle of the church!
One last major luncheon before we left -- which was hosted by the General of Cote d'Ivoire at the Jubile Church. Then it was time to shower, rest, pack and head for the airport. What an extraordinary day to cap off an incredible time in service to the people of Cote d'Ivoire. On the long journey home there were times when the experiences of the week would come flashing back as there was little time to process in the moment. The long lines of mothers with children strapped to their backs waiting in the heat of the day for nets, the many, many children running in the courtyard as they waited in line with families, the joyful hopsitality of our Ivorian translators and hosts who work endless hours and assisted us in every aspect of our stay. The stories and memories are too many to process at this point and it will take several weeks if not months to come to a deeper understanding of exactly what happened in the time I spent in West Africa. But one thing is sure somewhere in Cote d'Ivoire -- in remote villages, in small towns, in urban areas -- a child will sleep soundly tonight under a net. His or her parents will sleep better knowing that their child will be protected from the deadly disease of malaria. That child will have a better chance to grow up and become all that God has gifted him or her to become and because of that 28 hours of travelling, long lines in airports, intestional problems, and the minor things we experienced on this journey just doesn't seem to matter all that much. To God Be the Glory! Great Things He Has Done!!!!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
The Fun Of International Travel
It has been a couple of days since I explained what was going on as it has been a interesting time. Thursday was another incredible day -- returning to Dabou to continue to the distrubution of nets in established sites for the morning. There were again more and more people for nets. Reports from the village (teams of people checking on the hanging of nets) continue to be great with many families having the nets and using them. Another exciting day of ministering to people -- with over 300 nets handed out in the morning.
It was on the ride home that things started to go south as I begin to have a little stomach ache. Well by midnight I was spending more time in the bathroom instead of bed. By the next morning it was official -- I was down right sick. The past couple of days have been difficult as I desire to be out in the field but with no "facilities" in the villiages we were heading to and the wild ride to get there -- the only option was to stay at the hotel. The good news is I am finally on the upswing although I feel I have missed some great experiences.
While I was confined to my hotel -- I was watching CNN (yes it is everywhere)! And they announced the current Air France Strike (from Friday till Monday) and how it will have an impact on travel. We have no idea yet if we will be staying a few extra days or if we will be put on other flights (Brussels/Morocco/destinations unknown)! Again the fun of international travel!!!
The trip has been incredible -- there are so many needs in this country and the church is doing such a remarkable job in meeting some of those needs. But there is so much more to do -- at least we have started by covering the country with over 1 million nets we only have another 6 million to go. Maybe you have never considered buying a net now is the time -- Buy a Net and Save a Life! Check back in the next couple of days to see "where in the world is Jon Thornsbury"????
It was on the ride home that things started to go south as I begin to have a little stomach ache. Well by midnight I was spending more time in the bathroom instead of bed. By the next morning it was official -- I was down right sick. The past couple of days have been difficult as I desire to be out in the field but with no "facilities" in the villiages we were heading to and the wild ride to get there -- the only option was to stay at the hotel. The good news is I am finally on the upswing although I feel I have missed some great experiences.
While I was confined to my hotel -- I was watching CNN (yes it is everywhere)! And they announced the current Air France Strike (from Friday till Monday) and how it will have an impact on travel. We have no idea yet if we will be staying a few extra days or if we will be put on other flights (Brussels/Morocco/destinations unknown)! Again the fun of international travel!!!
The trip has been incredible -- there are so many needs in this country and the church is doing such a remarkable job in meeting some of those needs. But there is so much more to do -- at least we have started by covering the country with over 1 million nets we only have another 6 million to go. Maybe you have never considered buying a net now is the time -- Buy a Net and Save a Life! Check back in the next couple of days to see "where in the world is Jon Thornsbury"????
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Day Two in a Place Called Dabou
Day Two started just like the first up and out of bed by 5:00 am, dressed and ready to go on the bus by 7:00 am. Today our mode of transportation was upgraded to a larger bus which was a good thing. The ride was not eventful and when we came upon the site -- a local social clinic: There were well over 500 people in line waiting for the distrubution to open.
Again family by family would come through the line and again each would take the net and express their thanks for the campaign.
It is impossible to miss the faces of the children. As they accept the net for this strange indiviudal and who are then prompted by their parent to thank the person. Face after face after face. Life after life after life. In three hours we had gone through 9 bales of nets -- 360 total nets. What is most important is not the actual number of nets but the lives that are being changed for the better.
Through out the day which is filled with laughter, crying, wailing, joy and sorrow -- one has to find that place to calm or center oneself because of the suffering and proverty that is so consuming. Eight hours of one net and one child -- one net and one child -- one net and one child. Before one knows it, lunch has fled and another shipment of nets has arrived as hundreds of families wait in the heat of the African sun.
Cut the outer bands, slice open the white bale and then cut the inner bands. Grab a package that containes a net - use your finger to ripe open the top (so it is not sold on the black market) and place it in a stack for distrubution. If a family arrives (some with parents, others with older siblings) grab a net out of the stack and hand it to the parent or child. Once that is done and if no families are at that point in the line -- go back to the bales and start the process all over again!
The stories coming from our site and others are just incredible!!! Families are receiving the needed medical care by a partnership of NGO, church and government. And even though the partnerships are imporant and a great thing -- the fact of the matter is that people are receiving nets that will keep them healthy. Hours of standing in the sun and cutting, carrying and distributing nets...wanting a ice cold coke and a McDonald's Quarter Pounder...a soft bed and a restful nights sleep...all those things seen so insignificant when you see the face of a child and the parent as they are given a net!
And the best thing is that we start all over again in the morning!!!
Again family by family would come through the line and again each would take the net and express their thanks for the campaign.
It is impossible to miss the faces of the children. As they accept the net for this strange indiviudal and who are then prompted by their parent to thank the person. Face after face after face. Life after life after life. In three hours we had gone through 9 bales of nets -- 360 total nets. What is most important is not the actual number of nets but the lives that are being changed for the better.
Through out the day which is filled with laughter, crying, wailing, joy and sorrow -- one has to find that place to calm or center oneself because of the suffering and proverty that is so consuming. Eight hours of one net and one child -- one net and one child -- one net and one child. Before one knows it, lunch has fled and another shipment of nets has arrived as hundreds of families wait in the heat of the African sun.
Cut the outer bands, slice open the white bale and then cut the inner bands. Grab a package that containes a net - use your finger to ripe open the top (so it is not sold on the black market) and place it in a stack for distrubution. If a family arrives (some with parents, others with older siblings) grab a net out of the stack and hand it to the parent or child. Once that is done and if no families are at that point in the line -- go back to the bales and start the process all over again!
The stories coming from our site and others are just incredible!!! Families are receiving the needed medical care by a partnership of NGO, church and government. And even though the partnerships are imporant and a great thing -- the fact of the matter is that people are receiving nets that will keep them healthy. Hours of standing in the sun and cutting, carrying and distributing nets...wanting a ice cold coke and a McDonald's Quarter Pounder...a soft bed and a restful nights sleep...all those things seen so insignificant when you see the face of a child and the parent as they are given a net!
And the best thing is that we start all over again in the morning!!!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A Day of Ministering In Dabou
When we arrived after an hour and half van ride from the capital of Abidjan to the city of Dabou -- there were already several hundred families waiting for the "official" starting of the health program: Measles vaccination, Vitamin A, intestinal medication for worms and mosequito net. By the time the "official" start had concluded the number had increased and we were anxious to begin the program. Within three hours my partner had given over four hundred doses of vitamin A and deworming medication and I had handed out four hundred nets to children/families. The line continued to grow and we were getting closed to the end of our first batch of nets. The measles vaccination ran out first so as the attendent went to retrieve more vaccinations I played with the children waiting in line. Once the medicine arrived it was back to work handing out nets to those who had waiting in line now for at least three hours.
Every parent was so appreciated and thank us over and over. The children of course were not so happy after recieving a measles vaccination -- but I tried to make them laugh with my use of two years of high school French! It was truely an amazing sight. There were only short breaks of several minutes as the line was held up due to some issue -- but from 10 am to 5 pm our job was to provide the basic health care to a population in dire need.
To put things in perspective we where in 5 of the 18 districts and only at three of the sites in each of the five districts. In Dabou we were able to hand out 1500 nets on the first day. 1500 children who will now have a better future and prayerfully a healther life. 1500 children who will not contract a deadly disease which will task the local health system. 1500 in only three of the many sites across the country on this first day of distrubution. Could such a distubution cause a major change or trajectory of a nation? There will be some who say no but those who see by faith and not by sight -- must answer with a reasoning yes! How one may ask? I do not know the answer since I have been called to live and walk by faith. But when you look into the eyes of parents who are so grateful for what they have just recieved -- I know that God will use it for his glory and for the well being of the children.
I am so thankful for the prayers of those in the States -- you and those who have assisted are standing by faith next to each of us as we hand a net to a family. You are just a part of this team as those who are physically here and you may never know the incredible impact you have on this country.
The work has just begun and we have a long journey before we can rest -- but with the prayers of those at home and the encouragment of those on our teams -- God will see us through and may He recieve all the glory and honor due His name!!!!
Every parent was so appreciated and thank us over and over. The children of course were not so happy after recieving a measles vaccination -- but I tried to make them laugh with my use of two years of high school French! It was truely an amazing sight. There were only short breaks of several minutes as the line was held up due to some issue -- but from 10 am to 5 pm our job was to provide the basic health care to a population in dire need.
To put things in perspective we where in 5 of the 18 districts and only at three of the sites in each of the five districts. In Dabou we were able to hand out 1500 nets on the first day. 1500 children who will now have a better future and prayerfully a healther life. 1500 children who will not contract a deadly disease which will task the local health system. 1500 in only three of the many sites across the country on this first day of distrubution. Could such a distubution cause a major change or trajectory of a nation? There will be some who say no but those who see by faith and not by sight -- must answer with a reasoning yes! How one may ask? I do not know the answer since I have been called to live and walk by faith. But when you look into the eyes of parents who are so grateful for what they have just recieved -- I know that God will use it for his glory and for the well being of the children.
I am so thankful for the prayers of those in the States -- you and those who have assisted are standing by faith next to each of us as we hand a net to a family. You are just a part of this team as those who are physically here and you may never know the incredible impact you have on this country.
The work has just begun and we have a long journey before we can rest -- but with the prayers of those at home and the encouragment of those on our teams -- God will see us through and may He recieve all the glory and honor due His name!!!!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Training and Meeting Our Ivorian Hosts
Today was the day of training as we headed out to Jubliee Church and was greeted again by Bishop Boni. We also were able to hear from our partners at the UN Foundation in regards to the prep work that has been going on for several weeks leading up to the campaign. With the partners that are a part of this wonderful effort we are seeing for the FIRST time NGO, the church and local/national governments come together to provide holistic care in regards to several deadly diseases. Along with the nets, measles shots will be given to all the children -- this specific campagin has reduced the rate of children's death due to measles by 91% in the African continent. Every 30 seconds a child dies of malaria in Africa. It is our hope and prayer that these million nets will be the beginning of reducing the deaths of children by this disease.
During the training for the distrubution -- we met the Ivorian leaders for the campaign in the five districts that we will be working within. ALL of these leaders are laity for the UMC of Cote d'Ivoire. It was a wonderful blessing to meet these indiviudals who have been working and laboring so hard in the past preparing for this distrubution.
After the training and of course lunch that was wonderful -- the Ivorians are such gracious host! It was time to see the city and hit the markets before the hard word begins on Tuesday! After a evening of shopping and experiencing Abidjian traffic -- Houston times 10; we recieved our instructions from the team leaders, recieved water for the next day work and had a wonderful devotion to prepare for a peaceful nights rest!
As I read my devotion for the day -- a verse became so real as I walked the markets and countryside. "Because the needy are oppressed, and the poor cry out in misery, "I will rise up," says the Lord, "And give them the help they long for." Psalm 12:6
This campaign is exactly the Lord using NGO's, Governments and yes the church to provide the help that these families need and long for. Please continue to pray as tomorrow the work begins and may God recieve all the glory for the great things He has and will do in the days ahead!!!
During the training for the distrubution -- we met the Ivorian leaders for the campaign in the five districts that we will be working within. ALL of these leaders are laity for the UMC of Cote d'Ivoire. It was a wonderful blessing to meet these indiviudals who have been working and laboring so hard in the past preparing for this distrubution.
After the training and of course lunch that was wonderful -- the Ivorians are such gracious host! It was time to see the city and hit the markets before the hard word begins on Tuesday! After a evening of shopping and experiencing Abidjian traffic -- Houston times 10; we recieved our instructions from the team leaders, recieved water for the next day work and had a wonderful devotion to prepare for a peaceful nights rest!
As I read my devotion for the day -- a verse became so real as I walked the markets and countryside. "Because the needy are oppressed, and the poor cry out in misery, "I will rise up," says the Lord, "And give them the help they long for." Psalm 12:6
This campaign is exactly the Lord using NGO's, Governments and yes the church to provide the help that these families need and long for. Please continue to pray as tomorrow the work begins and may God recieve all the glory for the great things He has and will do in the days ahead!!!
The First Day in Country!!!
It was close to 10 pm by the time we had arrive at the hotel from the airport, closing out our long voyage from Houston to Abidjan. It would be an early morning as we are breakfast by 7:30 am – consisting of eggs, pastries, various fruits and of course coffee (which is not you Father’s Starbucks – boy is it strong!).
On the bus for a trip to the Dabou United Methodist Hospital for the welcoming celebration worship service. A bus trip of about an hour travelling through small towns and local markets, this would be our first experience of the teaming masses of people in Cote d’Ivoire. Because we arrived in the shadow of night, most of the scenery and people were unnoticed because of darkness.
Suddenly we were in the city with buildings, buses and many, many people. Next we were in the country side -- lush and green with people walking and riding bikes on the side of the road. The welcoming celebration worship service was incredible with two choirs and a band that made singing praises to God a joyous event. There was communion served to the mass crowd who had come from many different places to be at the service. When everything was finished – the two and a half hours had flown by. Individuals drawn together for a common purpose serving God and worshipping together was a sight to see and a joy to witness.
After worship it was off to lunch in the local village and the meal was wonderful. Rice, potatoes, fish, chicken and beef – it was a great time of fellowship and breaking of the bread. There was a "little" rain as this is the beginning of the "little rainy season" -- which makes the distrubution of nets even more vital as the incidents of malaria spike during these times.
In the evening we returned to the Jubilee church, where we were greeted by Bishop Boni and proceeded to eat dinner. It was during this meal that we experienced the wonderful musical voices of several choirs. It was another time of worship as voices raised in joyful adoration were heard. These incredible voices brought all in attendance into the presence of God and focused us on the task at hand.
We had only been in the country for a little over a day and yet we had seen one of the villages where the nets would be distributed, worshipped with joyful voices raised and fellowshipped around a common table with our Ivorian brothers and sisters. As I thanked God for the faithfulness of these brothers and sisters and the massive task that God had called us to – I could not imagine what the next couple of days would hold for us.
On the bus for a trip to the Dabou United Methodist Hospital for the welcoming celebration worship service. A bus trip of about an hour travelling through small towns and local markets, this would be our first experience of the teaming masses of people in Cote d’Ivoire. Because we arrived in the shadow of night, most of the scenery and people were unnoticed because of darkness.
Suddenly we were in the city with buildings, buses and many, many people. Next we were in the country side -- lush and green with people walking and riding bikes on the side of the road. The welcoming celebration worship service was incredible with two choirs and a band that made singing praises to God a joyous event. There was communion served to the mass crowd who had come from many different places to be at the service. When everything was finished – the two and a half hours had flown by. Individuals drawn together for a common purpose serving God and worshipping together was a sight to see and a joy to witness.
After worship it was off to lunch in the local village and the meal was wonderful. Rice, potatoes, fish, chicken and beef – it was a great time of fellowship and breaking of the bread. There was a "little" rain as this is the beginning of the "little rainy season" -- which makes the distrubution of nets even more vital as the incidents of malaria spike during these times.
In the evening we returned to the Jubilee church, where we were greeted by Bishop Boni and proceeded to eat dinner. It was during this meal that we experienced the wonderful musical voices of several choirs. It was another time of worship as voices raised in joyful adoration were heard. These incredible voices brought all in attendance into the presence of God and focused us on the task at hand.
We had only been in the country for a little over a day and yet we had seen one of the villages where the nets would be distributed, worshipped with joyful voices raised and fellowshipped around a common table with our Ivorian brothers and sisters. As I thanked God for the faithfulness of these brothers and sisters and the massive task that God had called us to – I could not imagine what the next couple of days would hold for us.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Let the Journey Begin!!!
The checkin is finished. The security check is done. And now the fun part of travelling begins -- waiting on the plane!!! Everything has gone well and everyone is present and accounted for. Partaking of M&M's, Coke and a last taste of real American food before we start the first part of the adventure -- flight from Bush Intercontential to Paris Charles-de-Gaulle International Airport. Nine and a half hours in the air sounds like a great way to start the journey. We have a four hour layover in Charles-de-Gaulle -- so going to see the Effiel Tower or the Louvre is kind of out of the question. But a good sample of French Breakfast -- coffee and a Bagatte may be on the schedule.
After that it is on to Abidjan (six hour flight) and arriving at our final destination! It is always the journey that is the best part of travelling, so I look forward to finally getting on with the trip. Please continue to pray as we travel and also for the continued preparation in the various sites. And who knows maybe I will see the Effiel Tower (from the airplane as we land!!!).
After that it is on to Abidjan (six hour flight) and arriving at our final destination! It is always the journey that is the best part of travelling, so I look forward to finally getting on with the trip. Please continue to pray as we travel and also for the continued preparation in the various sites. And who knows maybe I will see the Effiel Tower (from the airplane as we land!!!).
Thursday, November 6, 2008
And The Countdown Continues...
Starting to feel like I work for NASA or at the Johnson Space Center as I count down the hours until heading off to Cote d'Ivoire. The bags are packed (almost), have started taking the medication (Yeah!) and trying to figure out exactly how to fit this item or that in the space I have. Continue to hear from the advance team that things are progressing very well and I am excited to finally start the journey. It is usually in the journey where lessons are learned and so with great anticipation and humble obidience I look foward to getting on the plane and travelling to Abidjan.
There was a great prayer send off by the staff this morning at the church and it is exciting to see interest in the trip. I am so thankful for all of them and their continued service to the church at Friendswood. Continue to pray for my wife Holly and our children (Caleb & Rebekah) during this time away. Pray for the team as we begin the final preperations and start the journey not only physically but also spiritually. That we who come from many different churches and districts will truely be one in Christ Jesus.
For me personally, travelling and ministring in a different country/culture is an exciting and great adventure. The unknown around every corner and the unexpected around every bend, gives me the opportunity to trust God in every detail. There will be stories to tell and memories to share. There will be times of heartache and times of joy. And yes there will be times when the longing for home will be felt. But this is much more then a journey from point A to point B, it is the beginning of changing the future of childrens lives for the better.
There was a great prayer send off by the staff this morning at the church and it is exciting to see interest in the trip. I am so thankful for all of them and their continued service to the church at Friendswood. Continue to pray for my wife Holly and our children (Caleb & Rebekah) during this time away. Pray for the team as we begin the final preperations and start the journey not only physically but also spiritually. That we who come from many different churches and districts will truely be one in Christ Jesus.
For me personally, travelling and ministring in a different country/culture is an exciting and great adventure. The unknown around every corner and the unexpected around every bend, gives me the opportunity to trust God in every detail. There will be stories to tell and memories to share. There will be times of heartache and times of joy. And yes there will be times when the longing for home will be felt. But this is much more then a journey from point A to point B, it is the beginning of changing the future of childrens lives for the better.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Connection with the TAC Blog
With less then a couple of days to go till we take to the skies on route to Cote d'Ivoire - I have listed several posts from the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church blog. These are several posts from the TAC blog and one is a update on the current status of the project. It is exciting to see that things are coming together and the incredible opportunity that we have been given to tough the lives of so many.
I am getting to know the cashiers at the local Wal-mart on a first name basis as I have gone in several times getting the "last minute" items needed for the trip. I think it is finally sinking in that I will be travelling to Africa for the first time. I look forward to the trip and what God will teach as I walk with others on this incredible journey.
I am getting to know the cashiers at the local Wal-mart on a first name basis as I have gone in several times getting the "last minute" items needed for the trip. I think it is finally sinking in that I will be travelling to Africa for the first time. I look forward to the trip and what God will teach as I walk with others on this incredible journey.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Countdown till Friday Departure
With five days and counting: the shots have been given, the medicaton bought, and all the travel supplies gathered. Bottles of liquid that need to be under three ounces so they will fit in my carry on -- along with a complete change of clothes, a couple of reading books, and my notebook. Of course a small book with common used phrases in French -- will I remember my two years of High School French?!?!?
Did recieve great news from the country -- that the nets have been delivered to the districts and should be on their way to the specific distrubution points in each district!!! Things are coming together and I am looking foward to being a part of this wonderful and ground breaking project.
Everyone at church this morning was so supportive and excited about the trip. Many expressed their well wishes and prayers for safe travel. There is still a lot to do before I leave on Friday but things are coming together and soon will be on the plane heading toward Cote d'Ivoire.
Did recieve great news from the country -- that the nets have been delivered to the districts and should be on their way to the specific distrubution points in each district!!! Things are coming together and I am looking foward to being a part of this wonderful and ground breaking project.
Everyone at church this morning was so supportive and excited about the trip. Many expressed their well wishes and prayers for safe travel. There is still a lot to do before I leave on Friday but things are coming together and soon will be on the plane heading toward Cote d'Ivoire.
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