HELLO FROM CHAD

On September 2nd I was dropped off at the Toronto airport for my flight to Chad via Addis Ababa in Ethiopia on Ethiopian airlines. The check in was not open when I arrived and when it did I was third in line. I praise God that I was early because when I went back to go through my gate the line had grown considerably. Most people were either returning home with purchases made in Canada or bringing goods to their families in Africa. It is amazing that the 777-200L Boeing plane left the ground. With 9 seats across I estimate their were over 300 people on that plane.

Lineup at Ethiopian Airlines. Notice all luggage and gifts for family and friends

I arrived in N'Djamena Chad just after noon of September 3rd from Addis Ababa after a pleasant flight and transfer. I met a wall of sweltering heat. Before being allowed to enter the airport building I was checked for Ebola by checking my body temperature. There is no air conditioning at the airport. I was met by my team leader and two other short-termers. We went to a restaurant and had lunch and then some shopping and unto the guest house to settle in for a couple of days before heading by bus to Abeche. Our time in N'Djamena was spent filling out paper work for immigration and others, visiting the market and resting up.

It was a new experience for me to be waken up by the call to prayer before sunrise around 4 AM. By 5:00 am there is much activity taking place as the men and women prepare for their day. Then around 5:30 about 30 boys would gather just next door to the guest house to do their daily memorizing of the Quoran. Dressed all in white they recite their verses aloud and in unison under the guidance of their teacher and some older boys.

Young boys memorizing and reciting the Quoran early in the morning next to the guest house

Mosque across the street from the guest house. Evening prayers

Across the street from the guest house was this simple mosque. On the roof, at the left hand near corner, are two speakers which blast out the call to prayer early in the morning before sunrise and at the other appointed times of the day, a constant reminder to remember and worship Allah.

May we determine to train our own children in the ways of the Lord and to pay attention to the voice of the Holy Spirit who calls each of us to intercession throughout the day, for fellow believers and for the unbelievers around us.

Thank you for your many prayers for me. If you want to be included in my weekly private prayer email send me an email at <rtulip231@gmail.com>. May God give you a growing commitment to make disciples of all nations. ron