A Thought
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2.3-4
As Christians we are asked to be in this world, but not of this world. We are asked to not isolate ourselves on the one hand, but we are also not to embrace the world on the other hand. We are instead asked to live in a way that is distinctly different, not based on our views, but based on the teachings of Christ. I find this challenging. I find it difficult to maintain a distinct spiritual identity that differs from this world. And I find it difficult to encourage my kids to choose this distinct identity and its values.
The challenge for me comes from a few things. First, it comes from my belief that we as Christians are no longer the majority. Second, it comes from the arguments and/or laws that we often make in trying to preserve a way of life which neglects the needs of those around us while also discouraging conversations and relationships. And third, it comes from the “marketing” of today’s world and its “products” from sports events to services to expectations; i.e. it is more efficient to send your kids to daycare and work than it is to stay at home. Do not get me wrong, laws and products are important and we need them to ensure order and to exist today. However, where a law crosses the line is when its only purpose is to limit the choices of an individual, and where products cross the line is when it becomes “essential” i.e. you cannot live without it. If the Old-Testament teaches us anything, it is that we cannot be saved by laws nor do we need products to exist. Laws only highlight how often we choose wrong over right and how intolerant we are of each other; and products only move us away from truly living, i.e. to be present in the moment for those around us.
For me this is not about fighting the majority and setting laws, but instead it’s about the fight for the individual, the creation of relationships and the realization that not only are we inadequate to manage ourselves, but we can live with so much less. We should be living at a standard that is above the law so that we do not need the law, and above our products so that we are present in the moment for the relationships around us. It is only when we do this that we can truly show love and compassion to those around us without compromising our belief. This is the battle I’m in at the present with myself and the kids as we walk this path.
Sherbrooke
The weather continues to improve here. No more snowfalls. We have enjoyed being able to get out and about with our bikes on some of the local pathways and trails.
We have switched out the snow tires on the van. The Mazda, our second car, has died! I woke up one morning in February, a couple of weeks after changing out the battery and putting on a new set of snow tires, to a Mazda that wouldn’t start. Twelve weeks and $2,500 CDN after the fact, I have been told by Mazda of Sherbrooke that the car cannot be fixed. The problem it seems is the “fob key” will not communicate with the car. Their recommendation in the end was to find a specialist. Interesting recommendation. I am now trying to “salvage” the car but with the car being registered in the US and not Canada, I am left to either find a specialist or to tow it over the border to a salvage place. Oh, the hassles!
In April we brought Noll to visit the pediatric cardiologist at the hospital for his yearly check. It was an interesting experience. Unlike in the US, I was responsible for bringing papers from one room to the next as we moved throughout the hospital from registration, to getting an echo, and then visiting the cardiologist. Toping this off, we just received the bill and it was, $500 versus the $3,500 we’d been previously billed in the US. Oh, the business of medicine!
French studies are continuing. We did PASS our French level 1 exams at the end of April (including the Delf B1 exams)! We are currently progressing through 8 weeks of a French conversation course. Our exams for this course will be at the end of June.
HBB (Hôpital Baptiste Biblique) – “More than just a Hospital”
A meeting: we had the opportunity to present our future ministry at HBB via “zoom” to a virtual group organized out of Georgia. We are always encouraged by the interest others show in HBB and what we are trying to be a part of.
A soccer camp: we read a newsletter from a couple of missionaries stating that the Togo south team (TST) held a soccer camp which was attended by over 360 kids, 13 of which accepted Christ! We also understand that on Saturday mornings around 60 kids come out to play soccer on the airfield which is located next to the hospital.
An update: we received an update from Dr L (FP/OB at HBB). OB (Obstetric) care at HBB is growing. There is monthly Bible study along with regular meetings for OB medical education. We understand that the meetings are being well received. We are excited at the foundation that is being built.
Our Household: we have received word that some of our household arrived on a container in June at HBB. The rest of it is being packed and is expected to be shipped from Lansing MI around the end of June. If all goes as expected, our household will arrive at HBB around November of this year (give or take a month or so).
Cleared to go to Togo: our language progress has been communicated with HBB, and we have received clearance, from a language perspective, to arrive at HBB any time after October. (We are required to do 8 weeks of a B2 French level.) Given the fact that we will be 6 weeks from finishing level B2 and the kids will be in the midst of school, we have decided to stay in Sherbrooke until the end of December. After that, we will make our way to Michigan and then to Togo!
A project: in the summer many churches hold a week-long Vacation Bible School (VBS). During this time, money can be raised for a mission project. One church has decided to raise money to help “Togo Kids Return to School in the Fall.” Working with some other missionaries in Togo we have put together a “going back to school supply kit” for $25 US, which includes 3 notebooks, 6 blue pens, a geometric kit, 4 pieces of chalk, a slate, a backpack, a school uniform, a gym uniform, and a Bible. We are excited at this opportunity! If any of you feel led to contribute to this project, please email us: mail@fredandlydia.com.
Family Update
Fred and Lydia are doing ok overall. Although, it has been busy, we have enjoyed the routine of school for both the kids and us. We still have tough days with speaking French, but are encouraged both at our progress (i.e. test results) and the language clearance we got from HBB. At the end of June, we have to leave Canada because of Lydia’s visa’s expiration date and will spend a month traveling in the US visiting family and friends in Indiana and Michigan and attending a missions’ conference in Knoxville, Tennessee. On the way back, we will visit friends and the ark in Kentucky, and then family in Ontario, before heading back to Sherbrooke near the end of July. We are excited for this time with family and friends!
Noah finished grade 7 as of June 10th. It was a challenging year for him in multiple aspects (spiritually & relationally). We have been grateful for the local English-speaking youth group. Also, his experience with the sports program here has been as such that he expressed interest in staying for the full year, to be able to complete a year on the swim and rugby teams. On June 4th the athletic department at the local high-school held an award ceremony for the 275 student athletes, grade 7 to 11. Noah received the grade 7 Rookie Award in rugby. On June 15th he tried out for and made a local U14 rugby team. We are looking forward to getting to see him play in a tournament at the end of June. Noah has also cooked a few meals and desserts for us and Saturday (June 14th), he and Noémi baked a wonderful chocolate cake for his and Nathanael’s belated birthday celebration.
Nathanael finishes grade 3 on June 23rd. His gymnastics ended on June 12th with a wonderful end-of-the-year “spectacle” and he is already asking if he can continue his gymnastics in the fall. He continues to be sports focused and is now asking dad regularly to play pickleball and soccer on the court or field outside of our house. Recently, after a morning home devotion on selflessness and selfishness, Nathanael woke up early and got the kitchen organized for breakfast. When we asked him why, he said he wanted to be less selfish. Yes, we were smiling for the day! We are also grateful for the local English-church kids’ program during the week and friends that he has made there!
Noémi finishes grade 2 on June 23rd. She handled the transition to grade 2 well overall and for the most part, chooses to go to school. Though we are also learning that friendships don’t come easily or “overnight.” We are thankful for a Christian neighbor family and we are working through how God answers prayers. Currently mom and dad are taking her and Noll swimming every Saturday to work on their swimming skills and trying to plan for some sports in the fall. Recently, one morning Noémi asked us if the Bible stories were a myth, and how do we know they are real. We are still answering this question for her!
Noll finishes kindergarten on June 23rd. He has handled school well. His teacher tells us he is speaking some French at school which is surprising because he does not speak French at home. As shared above, we are spending Saturdays working on his swimming with Noémi. Recently he was evaluated for gymnastics and we are hopeful something will work out. We are thankful for the local Christian kids’ program that encourages him spiritually!
Prayers and Praise for:
- Kids
- prayers good finish to school, for a meaningful time with friends and family in our travels (as unmet expectations can be hard)
- praise for the friendships that they have formed locally and the ones they have been able to maintain in Indiana
- Fred and Lydia
- prayers to be able to continue to learn French well and to do well on the conversation exam at the end of June; travel in the month of July –for meaningful times/conversations; permission for Lydia to re-enter Canada in August; wisdom needed in relationships (spousal & parenting)
- praise for B1 exam results.
- Togo, Hôpital Baptiste Biblique
- prayers for the team, the vision project (expansion from 50 to 75+ beds), the growth of the OB service, managing increasing costs (increase electricity costs, unexpected tax bill); some national concerns (search African news)
- praises for the response to the Gospel through the multiple ministries
- People of Sherbrooke (& Quebec)
- prayers for the ministry of PDV (kids summer camps -in July) and the local churches in sharing the message of Christ.
- Prayers
- Our friends and colleagues who are going through very challenging situations (cancer, recovery from serious health condition, loss of loved ones)
- The safety and wisdom of our colleagues at ABWE’s northern hospital in Togo that are managing multiple concerns that are straining manpower.
- for wisdom and responses as we look for new opportunities to present our ministry.
- Praise that our financial needs are being met.
