Hello from the very hot country of Chad. Over the past three weeks I
have been seeing, experiencing, and learning so much. I grew up
listening to African mission stories from my grandparents and my dad,
but I never imagined that I would actually be called to Africa. Now,
after nearly two and a half years of intensive training, my volunteer
ministry in Africa has begun. I am excited to be able to share with you
a few thoughts on my experience so far.
Short version
=============
For the past three weeks, I've been working at the Adventist Medical
Aviation project in Chad, working with Gary and Wendy Roberts. Much of
my time so far has been spent on two projects: the hanger and staff
housing. Both projects are underway, but have a lot of work remaining.
Language learning (French) is another topic of learning
and study. I would like to learn the local dialect eventually, as well.
On Sabbaths, we go down to a village about 5 kilometers south of here
and have Sabbath School under a mango tree for the children there. We
are also in the initial stages of starting a nutrition center to help
with some of the severe malnutrition cases here.
Long version
============
The flight from Atlanta to Paris was basically uneventful. Arriving in
Paris early morning, I had time to take the subway into the city and
walk around for a while to see the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame
Cathedral. Late afternoon I boarded another commercial jet for
N'Djamena, the capital of Chad. Upon landing, I negotiated the maze of
French-speaking officials and made it through with all my luggage and no
extra fees. Praise the Lord for that! Gary Roberts picked me up and we
spent the night in the capital. The next morning we did some errands and
picked up some fresh fruit and vegetables to take down to Bere. Fruit
and vegetables are usually scarce in Bere, so this will be a real treat.
Once we loaded the luggage, food, and supplies into the Cessna 172, we
headed south toward Bere.
As we flew, I got my first good look at Chad. The vast expanse of sandy
desert is sprinkled with trees and a few shrubby bushes. So much
brownish dust was in the air that we could see no real horizon. The
sky just turns gradually from a brownish blue overhead to a brown below
to match the ground. Even though Gary had called ahead to check that the
weather in Bere was good, storms were brewing. My first view of a dust
storm was impressive: a wall of dust towered from the ground to several
thousand feet high.
Upon landing at the dirt airstrip at Bere my brain was a bit overwhelmed
with the processing of much new information. Dozens and dozens of people
came to see the airplane and to watch what strange things the white
people might do next. Wide-eyed and excited, they chattered away in
their local language. I smiled, and they smiled back; I look forward to
learning a more advanced level of communication than that! Pigs, goats,
and sheep wandered around. Small mud-brick huts with thatch roofs dot
the flat landscape. I see more trees than I expected, though it is
definitely no forest. This is to be my new home. These people are my new
neighbors. Hopefully these people will be my neighbors in heaven. This
is what the local language sounds like. This is what "hot" is. This is
Africa.
In future newsletters, I hope to describe to you a part of life in
Africa that may be different than your normal. Although many things are
unfamiliar here, adapting to life here has been fairly easy so far. Gary
and Wendy have been very helpful in that aspect where possible. This
time I'll talk about the heat. For now, the temperature most days climbs
above 100F, and a few have reached above 110F. To avoid having to work
during the hottest part of the day, I start my day well before five
o'clock. During the hottest part of the day we do planning or something
less strenuous. I'll talk about water some other time, but for now, I'll
mention that the water here isn't really cool. The water in the tank
heats up in the sun and becomes actually quite warm. I already miss
drinking cool water, but that's not a big deal. The nights are cooler,
but I still often wake up dripping wet. Brick walls collect heat during
the day and release it at night, so it is past midnight before it seems
to cool down.
Projects overview
=================
Some of you have asked me to describe some of the various projects we
are involved with, so I will give you a brief introduction here. More
details will follow in upcoming newsletters. Feel free to email me with
questions any time.
Gary and I have been working on the new hanger project. Before I
arrived, land had been purchased adjacent to the runway and a taxiway
had been started. Now the taxiway is nearly done. If plans go
according to schedule, components for the steel structure should be
arriving from N'Djamena within a week or two. Building a hanger is an
important priority to protect the airplane from the dust
storms and from hail storms. Thankfully, not much damage occurred to the
airplane from the last hail storm, but we do not want to wait to find
out what happens during the next one! We mechanics will also enjoy
working in the shade out of the baking sun.
While most of my first two weeks were spent working on the hanger
project, this past week was spent primarily on the staff housing
project. We are building a modified hut structure, trying to improve
durability and stability by adding iron to the structure. Owning our own
buildings will decrease our long-term operating expenses.
A well is being dug (by hand) so that we will have a good source of
water nearby.
Gary and Wendy have been operating a Sabbath School in a village about 5
kilometers south of here. Last week, nearly 100 children gathered around
the mango tree to listen to some singing and a Bible story. The children
really enjoy putting felts up on the little felt board. Mostly children
attend. We hope that adults will begin to come, and we are considering
putting up a simple church structure in that village.
Another project that is badly needed is a nutrition center. Malnutrition
is a big problem here, but it is largely a correctable situation. With
some simple agriculture and nutrition training, many lives might be
saved. Yet, I have already seen so many children who are malnourished. I
have not seen the really bad cases a few more kilometers down the road.
One more need is for Bible workers. Except for a few pastors in
N'Djamena, I believe there are only two Seventh-day Adventist pastors
are available for the entire remaining portion of the country. Bible
workers are needed who will work with the people, lead them to a strong
relationship with Jesus, and train them to be Bible workers to their own
people. The spiritual state of the people here is sad.
Conclusion
==========
There is so much need here, and so much potential for helping the people
in and around Bere. Please be praying for each of these projects as they
are formulated and grow. The more serious we are about accomplishing
God's work, the more serious Satan gets about opposing it. God is
stronger! Pray that each of us at this projects will remain faithful to
God's calling. Pray that God will send more dedicated workers.
I want to give thanks to God for His direction and provision in my life.
I do not know the future, but I am excited to be a part of His work in
Chad. I am also very thankful for the prayers and support of my family
and friends and for the donors who have helped so much to make this
possible. I appreciate the notes of encouragement that some of you have
sent. It is great to hear from people back home! For now, good bye till
next time.
Jonathan
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If you would like to help with the financial needs, you may send donations to the address below. Please include a note specifying it is for Jonathan Dietrich Africa Aviation Ministry. Thank you.
Gospel Ministries International
PO Box 506
Collegedale, Tennessee 37315
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