This morning I awoke at the very unnatural hour of 4:30 am ... jet-lag. As I lay there, trying not to be awake, I came to the sad realization that we were no longer in Kikongo - and that I wouldn't be seeing my Congo team today. Since those thoughts weren't making me happy, I decided to concentrate on the incredible trip we just had.

Let me say that the Congo Team '08 is one amazing bunch of people. I loved working with them. This mission trip really stands out in my mind as one of the best. First of all, praise God, no one got sick or injured. Secondly, we were able to accomplish so much more than our original goals. 

The Kikongo team was able to complete the solar lighting installation at the Pastor's Institute and our doctors did a record number of surgeries and helped a lot of desperate people. But the best part of the trip for me was getting to see God use each of the team members in very specific ways. 

Once our main projects were over the team started looking for other ways they could help out. Our doctors were able to visit Kikongo hospital and consult with local doctors on some especially complicated cases. Dr. Jennifer also visited with some of our Pastoral students and professors and gave much needed medical advice. 

Tim, Mike, and Darren, after completing the Kikongo solar project, flew to Vanga and installed a solar panel system at the the hospital there. They also installed panels for MAF at their main hanger in Kinshasa.

These guys never stopped. Mimi, our computer engineer, helped fix Glen Chapman's computer. She also took Rita Chapman's electric piano apart and repaired it. We were in awe.

Pastor Jason preached in Chapel to all the students in Kikongo. He also met with the Kikongo youth leaders for prayer and a time of discussion. It was amazing to see them connect over common issues and concerns despite cultural and language differences. The youth were very encouraged.

Pastor Sharon, besides heading up the kitchen crew, got a chance to teach a class at the Pastor's Institute. She also preached a beautiful sermon on Sunday morning. I later overheard some people discussing her lesson. They called it a "teaching of great value".

Gregg Kawamura was a huge hit with the kids of Kikongo. Everywhere he went he was like the pied piper being followed by about 30 kids. They could tell that he loved them and just couldn't get enough of it.

I want you all to know how incredibly proud I am of this mission team. They came to Congo with open hearts and a willingness to use their gifts in whatever way they could. They truly were a blessing to the community in Congo.

I thank you, Evergreen Church, for making this trip possible. It's obvious that you care about what God is doing, both in Rosemead as well as across the world - and are willing to make sacrifices to be a part of it. May God richly bless you.

Yours in Christ,
Jill Lowery

P.S. - For more pictures and information about this trip, please see Evergreen's website at www.ebcla.org/Congo.