Monday, July 28, 2008

The Countdown is On!!

At least it is for me as I haven't seen my husband in 17 days!!

They made their connecting flight to Dallas so they'll be home soon :)

Please continue to pray for safe travel.

Blessings,
Kelli

On US Ground!

Hi,
The team is in DC, but they have been sitting on the plane, unable to deplane, for about 30 minutes. They only have a 1.5 hour layover and they need to get their bags and go through customs before getting on their next flight.

Pray that they'll get off the plane soon and be able to make their connecting flight to Dallas.

Thanks!!
Kelli

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Back in Bujumbura

Hello,
The team made it safely to Bujumbura today. Tomorrow they begin their journey home (yea!)

Here is their schedule:

Sunday: Depart Bujumbura at 11:50AM local time, 3:50AM Dallas time

Arrive Nairobi at 4:20PM local time, 8:20AM Dallas time

Depart Nairobi at 11:50PM local time, 3:50PM Dallast time

Monday: Arrive London at 6:45AM local time, 12:45AM Dallas time

Depart London at 12:00PM local time, 6:AM Dallas time

Arrive Washington DC 3:12PM EDT, 2:12PM Dallas time

Depart DC at 5:09 EDT, 4:09 Dallas time

Arrive Dallas at 7:30PM local time


Please pray for a good night's rest tonight as they will be traveling for about 36 hours and their only chance for rest on Sunday will be on the plane, until they arrive home Monday night.

Pray for continued good health

Friday, July 25, 2008

Reflecting

Good morning,
I just spoke to the team and they are in Gitega. They'll spend the day reflecting on the trip, both as a team and individually.

All is well and everyone is feeling good. It has been very difficult for some of the members to leave the mission site. This could be due to the relationships they developed with the African team working with them or saying good-bye to the locals they loved on each day. Or, it could just be because it's hard to leave the experience and knowing that opportunity has come to an end, for now anyway.

How can you pray today?

- For the Lord to reveal to each team member what he would have them take away from this trip.

- For the Holy Spirit to continue working in that community.

- Protection of the team's hearts and minds as they sift through many different thoughts and emotions as a result of what they saw and experienced. Pray that they would lean upon the Lord during this time and that the Holy Spirit would defend the enemy from attacking them in any way.

- Continued safety and protection of health as they travel.

Thanks for your prayers!
Kelli

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Final Day of Service

Good Morning,
All is well with the team as they are finishing up their last day of service in Burundi. The last two days were a little slow for contstruction as they ran out of supplies and building materials, but those were replaced today which provided for a good, productive final day of work.

The VBS activities have been going very well. There have been a ton of kids and lots of opportunities to love on them and share Christ. Some of the team has played soccer with the older kids and teenagers and that has gone really well, too, and allowed them to build relationships and have intentional conversations with those they played with.

The medical clinic is being built on an old soccer field so some of the older mean are not too happy about that. Hopefully that allowed for our team to minister to them in a way that helped soften their hearts as efforts are made to better meet the medical needs of the community.

Tomorrow they will begin their journey back towards Bujumbura. They'll stop in Gitega and spend Friday night there. Saturday they'll travel to Bujumbura, where they'll spend their last night in Burundi. Sunday morning they'll begin the long journey back to Dallas.

Prayer requests for today:

- Strength and endurance as they finish up their last day of work. They are very tired and it's very dusty and dry over there which I'm sure elevates the discomfort factor.

- A couple folks have minor stomach issues. Nothing to be concerned about as this is typical when the food is different and bodies are stressed and tired.

- Safety and good health for everyone as their travels start tomorrow. It's no fun to feel crummy when you're travelling and they've got a long journey ahead.

- The individual with the sinus infection is feeling much better, so praise God for restoring his health and strength.

- Pray for loved ones here in the U.S. that are missing their children, spouse, friend, father, mother, brother, sister, etc... that is on the team.


Thanks for your prayers!
Kelli

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint
Isaiah 40:28-31

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Wrapping Up

Good Afternoon,
I did not get a phone call today from Tim so wanted to at least let you know I don't have any updates yet on how their day went. As soon as I do, you'll be the first to know!

What I am pretty sure of is that they only have 1.5 days of work left. They'll probably work a full day tomorrow and a half day on Friday and then they'll start heading back towards Bujumbura Friday afternoon.

Here's how we can pray for the team:

- Endurance and unity to carry out a strong finish. I'm sure they are tired from the physical and emotional work their bodies have endured. It's easy to get cranky and fussy when we're tired so let's pray for continued unity within the team and with the Africans they're working with.

- Continued protection of the team's health.

- For the Lord to be glorified by their work and for the team's actions and words to make an eternal impact on that community.


Thanks for your prayers!
Kelli Coblentz

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Declaring His Glory

Good Afternoon,

Another great day of service for the team. The construction work continues to go very well and a lot of progress has been made. When team one arrived on the first day, only the foundation was laid. By the 5th day, they had almost all the exterior walls & a large part of the interior walls up. Now both the exterior and interior walls are up to 10 feet hight. The walls are made of brick with cement mortar. Some of the team members are helping lay bricks but most of the team helpscarry bricks, large rocks for the foundation, or bring cement to the bricklayers.

The VBS team had a good day with the kids today. Several members of the team had the opportunity to share the evangecube with some kids and adults and had a great conversation with them for about 30 minutes. In the end, about 10-12 people prayed to accept Christ.

The locals are very open to the team and engaged in conversations with them. Tim said there's been a lot of talking with them and it's been a lot of fun for the team.

Tomorrow the Governor of the province is requiring that the nurses of the medical clinic receive training and our team will be able to participate in that. These are maternity nurses and our team will assist with the training but also have the opportunity to spend some personal time with the nurses and share Christ with them.

All in all, everything is going really well!

Prayer Requests:

- For strength and endurance to finish strong these next two days of work. The team is in good spirits, but tired.

- For continued team unity. As they become tired, Satan looks for ways to create a wedge between them. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work through them in how they interact with one another. The locals are watching and let's pray for them to be great examples of Christ's love.

- For the lost to have open hearts and receptive spirits to the Gospel.

- Continued prayer for our sick team member. He is feeling better and was able to rest this morning and join the team in the afternoon. Pray for the Lord to continue restoring his health and energy.

- Praise God for a GREAT day of serving the community. Praise Him for the provision of translators and for the open, receptive hearts of the people. Praise God for boldness and confidence of those who shared the Gospel today.

Thanks for your prayers!
Kelli Coblentz

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Romans 10:14-15

Safe at Home

Good morning,
All of team one made it home last night to Dallas and all but one person received their luggage.

I spoke with Tim late last night and he said that all is going well with team 2. The construction is going really well and the team is really excited to be there and in very high spirits.

How can you pray today?
- Continued prayer for team 1 as they adjust back to life here in Dallas. Pray for rest and to try and carry on with life as usual. After a trip like that, one can experience a mix of emotions and one of the most common is loneliness. They are used to being so closely knit with their team for 10 days and then all of a sudden they are back home, alone and the normal buzz of the team is replaced with silence. The other common feeling is confusion about what they saw and how blessed they are here in the U.S...and what to do with that feeling? Pray for them as they wrestle with these difficult emotions and that the Lord would draw each of them closer to Him through that process.

- Pray for the luggage to arrive for the individual on team 1

- Team 2 is finishing up their day of work so pray that their efforts, actions and words would make an eternal impact on that community.

- Continued prayer for one team member who is still quite sick with a sinus infection and just very uncomfortable.

- Praise God for bringing team 1 safely home. Praise Him for the work that He will do in each of their lives through this experience. And praise Him for the provision of team 2 to have an opportunity to get out of their comfort zone and love on people in great need of hope.

Thanks for your prayers and for checking in with us!
Kelli Coblentz

Monday, July 21, 2008

Good First Day

Good Evening,
I had a very brief conversation with Tim today so I don't have much to share, but what he did tell me is that the other 4 team members made it to Bujumbura today and so the team is back together again. He also said that the luggage was delivered today so praise God for two answered prayers! He also said the construction work went well for the first day.

I expect a call from him late this evening since we weren't really able to talk this afternoon when he called. I may have additional information for you in the morning.

Thank you for the prayers about the luggage and the 4 team members to make their flights today.

Prayer requests

- Pray for the Africans and North Americans to work well together and for protection while they work. It is hard, labor intensive work!
- Pray for God to reveal himself to the lost through the actions and words of our team.
- Continued prayer for our one team member who is sick with a sinus infection.
- Praise God for bringing the 4 safely and quickly back with their team. Praise God for delivering the luggage for team 2.

Thank you!
Kelli Coblentz

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 3:10-11

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Quick Update

Good Afternoon,
Team 2 made it safely to Bujumbura and the mission site. We still have 4 members of the team in Nairobi and they'll fly out tomorrow. No one's luggage made it so please lift that situation up in prayer.

Team 1 is currently on their way to London. They will arrive in London at 6:45AM local time, 12:45AM Dallas time late tonight. They are scheduled to depart London at 10:50AM local time for Washington Dulles (4:50AM Dallas time) and are scheduled to arrive back in the U.S. at 2:18PM EDT. From DC, they'll depart at 5:09PM EDT and arrive in DFW at 7:30PM local Dallas time.

Prayer Requests
- Continued safe travel for team 1
- For the 4 folks on team 2 to make their flight tomorrow to Bujumbura
- Luggage to arrive for both teams
- Continued prayer for our one male team member who is sick with a sinus infection and sore throat
- Pray for the lost and that their hearts would be receptive to the gospel. Pray also for our team and the transition to a new, very different, place and that they would work well with the Africans and translators
- Praise God for another great opportunity for a new team to love on those who are in desperate need of a savior. May their interactions with the locals have an eternal impact

Crossing Paths

Good morning,
Team 1 is headed to London at this time and team 2 made it safely to Nairobi. We got word that Kenya airlines oversold the flight so 4 members of team 2 got stuck in Nairobi and were unable to make the connection to Bujumbura. However, not to worry...ALARM has employees in Nairobi that will pick them up until they can depart tomorrow for Bujumbura, so they will be well cared for.

I received an email from Tim this morning with additional information about the place where they are staying and where team 1 worked this week, which is where team 2 is headed. Here is what he wrote:

The place in Muyange where the team is staying is comfortable. It is on the edge of a huge lake. The only drawback is that we dont have running water so people are bathing in the lake which isnt a big problem except this is Africa & there are rumors of crocodiles around. The food has been good but as always we are having the same thing every day. Fish, chicken, rice & potatoes. We had roast goat one day & it was very good.

The work on the clinic is going very well. When we showed up on the first day only the foundation was laid. By the 5th day, we had almost all the exterior walls & a large part of the interior walls up. Walls are made of brick with cement mortar. Some of our team members were helping lay bricks but most of the team helped carry bricks, large rocks for the foundation, or bring cement to the bricklayers. The 1st couple days it was the North Americans working & the Africans working seperately but by the 3rd day there was an obvious change in that we were no longer 2 different teams but 1 team working together. Kind of funny but Deo heard some of the Africans talking about our team & they were thinking that the North Americans must be all poor people since only the uneducated poor people in Africa do construction & heavy labor. A great testimony that our team was jumping in & getting their hands dirty.

There was some great opportunities to share the evangecube & do some VBS with the kids & that went well also. The 1st team did a great job & I pray the 2nd team will be able to jump in as well. Very impressed with all the ALARM staff. They have gone above & beyond the call of duty in making us feel safe & at home.

And last...a story to make you chuckle..and feel for whomever this was!

I havent mentioned it before as I didnt want it in the blog yet until team 2 arrived, but we have a rat problem in the place where we are staying. 2 of the girls found rat droppings under their pillow 2 days in a row & at the end of last week some of the girls saw the rat in their room & one girl had a rat run across her head while she was sleeping. She woke up & was terrified but it has made for some great conversation.

How can you pray today?
- Safe travel home for team 1 and that all of their luggage will arrive home with them.
- Continued prayer for team 1 as they adjust back to life here in the US after this trip. For some, it will be difficult.
- For the remainder of team 2 in Nairobi, that they'll make their flight tomorrow and that their luggage will make it.
- Pray for the health of one of our guys. It is very dusty, dirty and dry there and he believes he's getting a sinus infection and said he can barely talk. He's got medication so please pray they would quickly take effect.

Thank you so much for your prayers. Satan is already attacking so prayer warriors like you are critical.

We appreciate you!

Blessings,
Kelli Coblentz

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Team 2 Update

Good Evening,
Team 2 made it safely to London. I spoke with them at about 12:30PM today and they were getting ready to board the plane to Nairobi, Kenya...another 8 hour flight. From there, they'll have a 1.5 hour layover and then head to Bujumbura, Burundi. They should arrive in Bujumbura around 3:30 or 4:00AM Dallas time. From the Bujumbura airport, they have about a 5 hour drive through the mountains to the mission site.

While in London, they had an 8 hour layover so they were able to take a bike tour of London and see places like Buckingham Palace, River Thames, Hyde Park and much more. I bet that was a nice break from the airport and traveling!

How can you pray for the team tonight?

- Safe air travel to Nairobi and Bujumbura
- That all of their luggage would arrive in Bujumbura
- Safe travel on the road to the mission site
- Rest on the plane
- Preparation of the hearts of the lost that they'll get to love on

Thanks for checking in and for your prayers!

Blessings,
Kelli Coblentz

Endings and Beginnings

Good morning!
Team 1 safely arrived in Bujumbura and today is their day of rest and reflection. During the afternoon they'll have some team time, which consists of a devotional and time to reflect on the trip.

During mission trips that I've been blessed to go on in the Amazon Jungle of Brazil, the lives of the villagers made me realize how the many choices here in the U.S. diminish the need for relationships. I would imagine Burundi would be similar in that the people probably live pretty simple lives when it comes to material things, possessions, and how they spend their time. The word “freedom” always pops back into my mind after mission trips. We can pick and choose pretty much whatever we want in life, here in the U.S. We work where we want, eat whatever we are craving, listen to our favorite music, buy from the closest grocery store, email or use cell phones to stay in touch with friends and family…and the choices go on and on. But, is life really better here because we have so much? Thinking about my grandparents life, I realized how far from relationships we have evolved. And yet, with all these choices, we still want more. (I'm guilty of this at times). We long for what we don’t have. (And this one, too) We aren’t satisfied with what we’ve got. Content, few are.

So “who is better off?” A question Tim normally asks the team. A tough question but, in many ways, I think the villagers of the Amazon are. They live life through relationships. Everyone looks out for & serves one another. They care deeply for their neighbor. They love each other unconditionally. House size, type of car, clothing, zip code, or salary doesn’t matter…it’s all about serving each other. Giving to and sharing with one another. Thinking about others first. And they truly are happy people. Simple and content with the most gentle, humble spirits and with great faith in the Lord.

And always smiling. Content with life though, in our opinion, they have so little. But do they?

What a comforting yet humbling reminder of God's provision for his children! As his Word says But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? Matthew 6:30

While this team has finished their time of service in Burundi, their mission continues as they head back to Dallas. Their mission field is all around them...at work, their neighborhood, at the gym, the cleaners, wherever they go. And while this team is wrapping up their experience in Africa, a new journey is just beginning for team 2. Team 2 should be in London right now and is expected to arrive in Bujumbura, Burundi on Sunday.

Prayer for today:

- For team 1 to be still with the Lord. Reflect upon what He is teaching them from this experience.
- Rest & preparation for the long flights home.
- That the Lord would prepare them for, oftentimes, the 'culture shock' of returning home.
- Safe travels for team 2 and that all of their luggage would arrive with them.
- For the Lord to prepare both the team, the translators and the people of Burundi for His plan.
- Praise God for a great trip for team 1. Praise God for the resources to make it possible. Praise Him for keeping everyone safe and healthy, out of harm's way. Praise Him for all of the work He is doing in that country to soften hearts and resolve years worth of conflict.

We are so thankful for you to have journeyed with us during team 1's adventure and for your prayers. We hope you'll stay with us as we 'travel' alongside team 2.

Have a blessed Saturday!
Kelli Coblentz

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
just as
He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love
He
predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace
which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight
He
made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him
with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him
also we
have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,
to the end that we who were the first to hope in
Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
In Him, you also, after listening to t
he message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,
who is
given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 1:3-14

Friday, July 18, 2008

Meeting the President

Good Morning,

Yesterday afternoon Deo from ALARM Burundi, Michael Bambach, Tim Coblentz and Lori Michael from Watermark met the President of the Republic Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi.

A message from Deo:

I informed him that the team has come as a result of ALARM ministry and that this was a response to the request he made when he received Todd (Wagner of Watermark) and his team in October 2006. He told us that the measures he has taken of having children do their primary school studies free of charge, children below 5 having medical treatment free of charge and having women maternity care free of charge has contributed to conflict resolution and reconciliation since these are some of the issues that contributed to the conflict in Burundi.

He highly appreciated the contribution of ALARM in that area especially by building the health center at Muyange, he gave thanks to the team from Watermark for having left their families, others sacrificing their time and holidays, even their resources to contribute to this noble work of availing health care to Burundians. He confessed that there is a lot to be done in the area of education and health, and invited ALARM to continue to give the contribution whenever possible.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

One more day

Good afternoon,

Another great day of work was reported by team 1. They did construction all day, which went really well and held VBS with the kids. The kids learned about Moses and the Red Sea with sock puppets and it went great. The kids really enjoyed that!

A few folks on the team were able to use their evangecube, which is a tool that helps you bring the gospel to life with pictures, and some of the locals accepted Christ. It's a really helpful resource when sharing the gospel to someone of a different culture and language. It helps them visualize what you are saying and also clarify your message to the translator. Sometimes we use words that the translators may not recognize so this tool is great for everyone involved!

Tim, Deo and a few others got to meet the President of Burundi. They went to a ceremony that he was speaking at and were able to spend about 20 minutes with him. Tim said it was a really neat opportunity and that he is a very humble man with a very thankful, gracious heart for what the team is doing.

Tomorrow will be team 1's last day at the mission site. They will work a half day and then head back towards Bujumbura. They'll spend Friday night in a city called Gitega. Saturday they'll head on to Bujumbura and begin their long travel back to the United States.

They'll use their time on Friday evening and Saturday morning to process the trip together as a team and individually. They'll begin mentally preparing for their return home, a place so very different from what they've just experienced. Many different thoughts and emotions could surface; humility, confusion, compassion, rejuvenated spirit for the Lord, changed perspective...and much more.

How can you pray for the team?

- A strong half day of work tomorrow and a lasting impact on those they encounter

- Safe travel through the mountains

- Rest and preparation for the long travel back home

- Praise God for the work he has done through this team.
- Praise God for the translators! Without them, the team wouldn't be able to verbally share the gospel. Such an amazing provision that we so easily can take for granted. Praise him for the hearts of the translators to be the team's voice!

- Continued prayer for team 2, their health challenges and for protection of the healthy. Continued prayer for the Lord to prepare their hearts and minds for their upcoming journey and experience in Burundi.

Thanks for your prayers!
Kelli Coblentz

I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.
Psalm 57: 9-11




Finishing Strong

Good Morning!
All is well with the team and, in fact, yesterday they had one of their best days yet of work. Tim said the Africans and North Americans really united as a team yesterday as they worked. The two teams came together in a way that, he said, was really a profound difference from how they were working. What an answer to prayer!

Isn't it neat to hear how the Holy Spirit is uniting their efforts and changing the impact of their work? This picture is of Deo on the left, head of ALARM Burundi, along with the Governor of the province (man laying brick). The President of Burundi will be visiting the work site to see the team and thank them for their work.
Everything else is going really well. The kids team was able to have some fun with the children yesterday. They were able to do some evangelism and that went very well. Everyone is feeling good, no one has gotten sick. This is such great news because typically with a new environment, different food and just the emotional and physical stress your body goes through, it's easy to come down with an upset stomach.
As this team is finishing up their last day of work, pray that it would be a strong finish. Ask the Lord to give them strength and endurance to complete the task with perseverance.
While this team is finishing up, we have another team of 14 preparing to leave Dallas tomorrow for Burundi. We need your prayers over this team, too. The enemy is already working hard on a few of them. One girl has a newly discovered stress fracture, one girl has an eye infection, and one of the guys said he was sick yesterday. None of these things would cause them to forfeit going, but it is evidence of spiritual warfare that distract, discourage and test us. Overall, this team is in incredibly high spirits and very excited to go, but we would appreciate your prayers as they prepare to leave and work through challenging situations.
Prayer for today:
- A strong finish for team 1. Team unity, pure motives, strength and perseverance. They are vulnerable to the enemy as they become increasingly fatigued.

- Pray for the President's visit and that we would continue to have favor with the leadership of Burundi. What an incredible experience for the team!

- Open doors to share Christ. Pray for that haven't had the opportunity to share and for those that haven't heard.

- Protection and healing of team 2. Stress fracture, eye infection and sickness. Pray for the Lord to be quick to restore their bodies to good health. Protection for those that are healthy.

- Pray for the Lord to prepare the hearts and minds of team 2 and for those they will encounter to share his Good News.

- Praise God for the work he's done with uniting the Africans and North Americans and really bringing them together in such an impactful way! Praise him for keeping everyone on team 1 healthy.

Thanks for your prayers!

Blessings,
Kelli Coblentz

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints
. Ephesians 6:10-18

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

How did all of this get started?

Good morning,
We thought you might like to have some additional details on this ministry. You may be wondering how all of this came to fruition. Why Burundi? Or, how did Watermark decide to partner with ALARM?

Burundi was a German colony during the early twentieth century, but it became a Belgium colony after the First World War (hence the use of French language). The population is about 85% Hutu and 15% Tutsi, which are tribes. Burundi gained independence from Belgium in 1962, and there have been power struggles between Hutus and Tutsis about once every 10-15 years, largely driven by extremists on either side often driven by economic disparity and thirst for power. More history is available on the internet. The current president (Nkurunziza) took office in August 2005, soon after peace was formalized from fighting that lasted about ten years. He accepted Christ as his Savior soon after becoming President, and he has a close relationship with Deo, the head of ALARM Burundi. That is how ALARM got involved.

The Watermark elders had been looking for potential partners for global ministry for a couple years, and in 2005 while hosting international pastors at Watermark homes during Ramesh Richard’s RREACH Global Proclamation Academy conference, the elders heard many good things about an African ministry called ALARM. When they learned ALARM’s US headquarters were in Dallas, they met with ALARM leadership and were encouraged. In early 2006, an exploratory trip was done by a few Watermark elders in Kenya and Uganda. They were very encouraged by the ALARM team and the ministry opportunities. As a result, the church sent another team to Africa for two weeks in October 2006. Their primary focus was in Burundi and Congo (DRC) though they spent some time in other countries such as Uganda. The focus of the teaching was leadership and conflict resolution, which are core competencies of Watermark and core missional purposes of ALARM.

After a year of investigating and “testing” with ALARM, Watermark decided to commit more resources (time, talent, treasures) into “learn and lead” discipleship/teaching trips in Central Africa with the potential that the partnership with ALARM could grow and last several years.

The rationale for expanding Watermark's partnership with ALARM is:

1. ALARM's mission is centered on areas where Watermark is both strong and passionate. Specifically, we as a local body are fervent about leadership and conflict resolution

2. ALARM has godly, gifted, equipped people on the ground in these countries that Watermark can partner with. This partnership is a win-win as Watermark can use its core skills while building on ALARM’s network of relationships and influence. We also know ALARM staff is competent in following up with people after leaving; thus increasing the likelihood that the impact is sustained, nurtured and maximized.

3. It's a high leverage equipping opportunity for Watermark. We can help train leaders in these countries (pastors, government officials, women leaders) who can, in turn, train, impact, and influence the thousands of people under their leadership in areas of the world where the church is poorly resourced; ill-equipped; confronted with overwhelming poverty, death, corruption, and godless leadership; and being threatened by organized advances from competing worldviews and beliefs.

4. It's a high synergy equipping opportunity for Watermark. Watermark can use this opportunity to equip/develop its own emerging leaders (members of the team) in addition to the leaders in these nations. Wherever these opportunities to “learn and lead” take place, we are confident that the impact will be even greater in those from Watermark participating than it will be on those being served. These leadership development opportunities are therefore effective in developing ‘fully devoted followers’ of Christ internally and externally

5. ALARM's staff are good stewards, and Watermark feels good about entrusting them with its time and treasure.

So, that is how it started. And since then the efforts have have expanded from the core focus on teaching to also doing orphan care, microloans for widows, water wells, lawyer training (to help develop fair laws and proper representation of the poor), a new trade school, and now a hospital! The primary country focus is Burundi and Uganda, though we are also working in Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, and beginning in January 2009...Sudan

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Answered Prayer

Good Afternoon,
The luggage was delivered today so thank you for your prayers and praise God!!

All is well with the team. They have mainly been working at the clinic since they didn't have any materials to really conduct a VBS type ministry with the kids. Now that the luggage has arrived, they'll have some items to help them reach out to the kids and have fun with them. They were able to do some sports outreach and through that had the opportunity to share the gospel with a few people.

To give you an idea of what a typical day looks like, here's their schedule:

6:30AM - wake up
7:00 - breakfast
7:30 - 12:00 head out to the mission site and begin working
12:00 - 1:30 lunch/rest
1:30 - 6:00 back to work
Here's how you can pray for the team tonight:

- They still do not have running water. They are able to rinse off with lake water. Tim said it's not as bad as it sounds or could be, but I'm sure they would love to take an actual shower.
- The folks that had a rash are doing fine. They believe it must be an allergic reaction to something but it is not hindering them from working or enjoying the trip. Praise God for that!
- Sustained energy and strength to continue the hard work they are up against.
- For the children's ministry team...to love on those kids & to learn from their simple, loving spirits
- For the sports team...to enjoy playing soccer with the locals and that the Lord would open up opportunities to share Christ with the men and teenagers with whom they'll play.
- Pray for the Lord to allow the locals to be receptive to the gospel and that his kingdom would be increased by the testimonies of our team. Pray for boldness of sharing the gospel and for the Holy Spirit to guide their words, for them to be confident and comfortable when speaking.
- Praise God for delivering the luggage!
- Praise God for keeping the team in high spirits and united.

Thanks for keeping up with us and for your prayers.
Blessings,
Kelli Coblentz

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6

Encouraging Words

Good morning,
I had the opportunity to speak with Tim again last night and, while the team is being challenged of being without (luggage, clean clothes, water to shower, their personal items), they are in great spirits. It was 8:30AM local time in Burundi when he called and they were heading out to begin the day's work.

As I was reading this morning, I was encouraged and reminded of our Lord's faithfulness and goodness by David's song of praise to the Lord and found it to be a great source of praise and prayer for our team.

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my sheild and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior - from violent men you save me.
I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies


As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
For who is God besides the LORD?

And who is the Rock except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my ways perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
Your give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great.
Your broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.

2 Samuel 22:2-4; 31-37

Have a blessed day!
Kelli Coblentz

Monday, July 14, 2008

Great First Day

Good Afternoon!

Today was the team's first day to serve the people of Burundi and they had a great one. The construction of the medical clinic is off to a good start. It is hard work, such as hauling heavy bricks and rocks to build a wall for the clinic.

Tim mentioned that as they were working they were quickly surrounded by hundreds of locals. For some, this is their first time to see a light skinned person. They came from all over and would just stand there watching and staring at the team. A bit intimidating for the team and I'm sure a unique experience.

They are enjoying the food, which primarily consists of fish and rice, and they pretty much eat that for each meal. I would imagine breakfast would be different but lunch and dinner consist mostly of fish and rice.

While the first day of work went well, there are a couple of things we need to pray about. First, a couple of folks have a rash that is spreading. They do have some Benadryl to take so hopefully that will slow down the spreading and ultimately stop the rash. Please pray for these individuals that they would be healed quickly and that they would be comfortable.

The team still has not received their luggage. It was supposed to arrive today, but it hasn't. Please pray for the Lord's timing to be quick with delivering their bags.

The hotel where they are staying is having some plumbing problems so there is no running water, which means no showers. There is a lake nearby but they cannot get in the lake due to alligators. They were able to rinse off but no one has had a shower since they were back home so you can imagine how badly they would like to have water.

Mission trips are all about getting out of your comfort zone and this team has definitely been challenged with that, so let's pray for their hearts and minds during this time. They are tired, without their personal items, probably a bit dirty and this is a perfect opportunity for Satan to attack. Pray that the Lord would use this opportunity to draw them closer to Him.

And let's not forget to praise God for bringing them to Burundi safely. Praise Him for the team's hearts of serving in a way that may be a real stretch for getting out of their comfort zone. Praise Him for the resources to make this trip possible.

Thank you so much for checking in on the team and, most of all, for your prayers.

I typically hear from Tim around 3:00-4:00PM Dallas time so you can expect a late afternoon update each day.

Blessings,
Kelli Coblentz

"He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Luke 10:2

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Resting for Tomorrow

Good afternoon,

I spoke to Tim just a few minutes ago. While in London, they weren't able to take the bike tour but they did take a ride on the Tube, London's underground transportation system, to a small pub where they were able to enjoy the local plate of fish & chips.

The team traveled all night from London to Nairobi where they had a short layover before heading to Bujumbura, Burundi. They arrived about 3:30AM Dallas time early this morning. Once they arrived in Burundi and completed the paperwork to report their lost luggage, which took about two hours, they had a 5 hour journey to the mission site. Tim said there were, what seemed like, thousands of people all over the road. He said it was unbelievable, people everywhere. They believe these are refugees returning to the country. The team's missiong site is right by Lake Tanganyika, which is estimated to be the second largest freshwater lake in the world. The team is excited to start working tomorrow.

The team has prepared for this opportunity for about 6 months and it's exciting for the day of service to have finally arrived. From practicing how to effectively share their testimony and the gospel of Christ to learning about the culture of Burundi to team building activities to build unity to discussing the calling of Christ followers to share the love of Christ and tell of the good news found in Him, the team is ready to exercise their gifts and talents by serving the people tomorrow.

Here's how you can pray for the team tonight:

- Please continue to pray for their luggage to arrive. They were informed it is suppose to arrive tomorrow.
- For a good night's rest. The team is extremely tired.
- For team unity among the North Americans and with the nationals they are partnering with
- That the Lord would prepare the hearts and minds of the lost and for them to be receptive to hearing the gospel
- Team health & safety as they. The food is going to be different for some, so it's not uncommon to have a few upset stomachs...and safety as they do construction work.

Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples." - Psalms 96:1-3

Thanks so much for your prayers and for checking in.

Have a blessed Sunday!
Kelli Coblentz




Safe in Burundi

Good Morning,
After about 35 hours of travel, the team arrived safely in Burundi at about 3:30AM Dallas time early this morning; however, none of their luggage made it.

Please pray for their bags to arrive soon. Also pray for the team as I'm sure they are very tired and I'm not sure how much time they have today to catch up on their rest.

As soon as I have more information on the luggage situation and their activities for today, I'll provide an update.

Thanks for your prayers!

Blessings,
Kelli Coblentz

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Headed to Nairobi

Good Day!
The team boarded the plane in London at 1:30 Dallas time and is now headed to Nairobi, Kenya which will be an 8 hour flight. They will arrive at 6:30AM Sunday local time, which is 10:30PM Dallas time tonight.

In Nairobi, they will have a 1 1/2 hour layover and then head to Bujumbura, Burundi and should arrive at 10:35AM local time Sunday morning; 2:35AM Dallas time early Sunday morning.

Thanks for your prayers!
Kelli Coblentz

Safe in London

Good Morning!
The team arrived safely in London after a long flight from Dallas via Chicago. They have a nine hour layover so they'll be able to have some fun by taking a bike tour of the city.

Please pray for safety as they are out and about.
Please also pray the rest of their travel continues to go smoothly.
Thanks for your prayers. Check back with us as we journey virtually with our friends and loved ones.
Cheers!
Kelli Coblentz

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Preparing for our Africa Adventure


Thank you for visiting the blog of our African Adventure. We are a group of Christ followers from Watermark Community Church in Dallas, TX. We are your typical 25-40 year old young adult living in Dallas who work in the areas of teaching, IT, marketing, sales, etc. While our jobs might be different, we have one thing in common: a desire to demonstrate Christ's love by serving the less fortunate in Africa & sharing of the freedom we have found in Jesus Christ.

Our adventure runs from July 11 through July 29 in the small African country of Burundi. Burundi is located near the Congo & Rwanda & was at the center of the 1990's genocide (think "Hotel Rwanda"). We are partnering with ALARM (Africa Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries) for the purpose of helping them further their mission of “empowering African pastors and other leaders to bring hope and transformation to their communities”. We hope to accomplish this by building a medical clinic, doing sports outreach & VBS for the children.

Why are we going? With the influx of refugees from neighboring countries, the village where we are working has increased from 20,000 to 80,000 & the need for medical care far outweighs the clinic's resources. By ministering to their medical needs, we trust that this will open doors for us to share about the freedom we have found in Christ. With the history of war & genocide in Burundi, God's message of freedom & forgiveness is needed to transform hearts & lives.

Our plan is to call home daily using a satellite phone to give you updates. I hope you come back & visit our blog often & track with us as we experience God working through us on our Africa adventure.

PRAYER REQUESTS
* Safe travel
* All the luggage would make it to Burundi
* Team unity