The Most Appreciated Letter Ever! Fellow Sojourners in Africa!

Lew Cass, Milton Clark Andy Rayner. All three missionaries met to discuss a crisis. Ten churches, leadership training, with more church plants on the way  All of a sudden we were faced with being in Africa alone. We were all independent missionaries who chose to work together. The team was forged on the field voluntarily. It was one of the most enjoy times of our lives. But the Clark's were heading home after a number of fruitful years. The Cass family too, because Lew had be diagnosed with cancer and his days were numbered. We were going to end up alone in months, with not a single recruit in sight to aide with the growing work. It was the last and most important decision we made together as kingdom co-workers, before we were taken apart because of unstoppable things. Lew, a veteran missionary with 47 years of experience, Milton, a six year “blossomer”, and me, a brand new green rookie,

I praise God for both of those men. Shared wisdom and a deep friendship was forged in the bush of Africa in a very short time. A bond only missionaries understand. Within that fellowship Lew, was my mission Papa who taught me more than any mission book or class ever did, to this day. Milton, my mission "brother" who encouraged more than anyone else could or knew how. The African's just shook their heads as they heard us laugh late into the night in the mud hut, in the villages. 
We decided to contact CMF (Christian Missionary Fellowship) about possible recruits, or CMF taking over the work, because we needed help. Fortunately, Gary Brock came from Kenya for CMF, and they did indeed have recruits. The process began. Lew Milton & I discussed who we would transition form an independent work to a group like CMF. As a team , even though Lew and Milton would be long gone, we decided that my family would stay on the field long enough to orient the first CMF family for one year and then move on and let CMF do their thing.

After that decision, the Clarks moved home. Lew left sick with cancer,went to be with the Lord some months later. And we worked, and waited. But I missed my 4:30 am terrace conversations with Lew & Vida three or four days a week, over mission. That was my mission school.

Finally, after 2 years, Damon and Juli Jones landed with their small kids in tow. It was so good to have them. As is often the case with missionaries in hard places, a bond formed quickly. God had, again, given us the best he had, to come and be with us in Abengourou. They were great! I often wondered how they were able to  put up with my personality, my frankness, and my “get–up-early in the morning and go go go. The Africans all called me "Chaud Chaud" Literally "Hot hot", but it literally means "a go-getter". Damon & Julie patiently listened to what we had to say. We told stories, and history, and shared what we were doing. We tried to gave them as much freedom as they wanted to find their own role and stride, and they did exceedingly well.

After six months with them we went to Canada on a 5 month furlough and when we came back I knew it was time to go. We stayed another 6 months, and as much as I wanted to stay, I was tired, and our team decision, made years before reminded me it was now CMF’s turn. Keeping to the original team, we moved on, even though we were asked to stay.  CMF, with the Joneses leading, did great work in Ivory Coast ever since with as many as 5 new mission families at one point. It was answered prayer to have the Jones and CMF come. They did what we independents were not able to do swiftly enough - Bring needed missionaries.  

Graciously, the Jones invited me back in 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2009. That first trip back literally saved my sanity, because I had been missing Africa so deeply. Few know how many tears were shed in those early days back home, because hom,e was no longer home, and it never will be again.

Now the Jones are “home”, after ten years in Africa, only to find that they too, are just not feeling so “Home” in the US anymore.  It’s been hard for them too. It's just begun for them; they have a long road to adjusting yet!

From their new home in the US, the Jones sent us a package this week with some old memories. For you, the articles would seem very insignificant. But for us, it brought back a flood of memories, and oh so many tears. The package and letter meant A LOT! Word's do not express how encouraged we were. We want to share it with everyone, to say "thank you" to the Jones too!

We are so glad God intersected our lives in Africa. Africa forms deep bonds does it not? Many various people over many years,. but it seems like we are forever connected to them somehow, and the memories seem to stay so vivid- like in "African Colors"? Missionaries know what I mean, and we can't explain it! Maybe, just maybe, someday, somehow, somewhere, in some way, God might open a door for us to connect in our "only home" before we "go home" for good! If not, we both know we will end up meandering to the Africa side of Heaven anyway! See you there, if nothing else!

Here is the letter    October 23, 2009

Dear Andy Lynn & Boys

Hello from down under. Well from Missouri anyway. A good distance from PEI any way you look at it.
This box of things has several reasons for being sent your way. The 3-in 1 (Coffee) they speak for themselves. (The Red Nescafe on this photo) There was a shortage while you visited, but right before our departure they opened the flood gates. Here is a few to start your day, or end it.
A few memento’s are from Lew & Vida’s time on the field and I thought you or Vida might like to have them.….

(My Note on the Picture- This village medical box was given to me by Lew & Vida. When I left I handed it on to Damon, who used it for 10 years in the village every weekend too.   It was filled basic medicines needed for survival  in the bush. It was used to heal my myself to help others in need. You can see the White paper in the plastic bag (top) – That is the original “Piere Noir” “Black Rock” I put in the box. It is used by Africans as a traditional cure for a snake bite. The "three in one" Nescafe : Are little coffee packets with the coffee, sugar and powered milk, all in one. Just heat water and add. We drank thousands of these over the years in the village in the mornings & Afternoons. Damon's  first trip to a village with me (Adjame), saw us stopping about half way there. We  stopped in the bush at a rubber tree plantation for a rest. We  put up hammocks, heated water over a little burner and made coffee under the rubber tree’s and rested a bit  as we reviewed our lessons.)

 Juli and I want to give Lynn the pagne pouch as a souvenir, and you this fine key chain (Which we actually had carved in ebony over in Kenya Mambassa actually).










The packing list (See Picture) from the village box has a story. When we arrived in 1999 and I began tagging along to the villages, Lynn made this list for me to use as a double-checker. I put it in my action packer (We call it a "village box") and never took it out. In fact, I used it EVERY SINGLE TIME I went anywhere. 10 Plus years, weekend after weekend it helped me. I’m finished with it now, and want to thank you both.
In fact, that’s the real reason for writing. When we arrived as green as spring saplings we could not have known how important everything you were telling us and showing us really was. As soon as you left for furlough, six months later, we felt strangely alone, but able to stand on our own feet THANKS TO YOU and the fine job you did orienting us.
In fact, I’ve thought about it over the years and told many, many people that thanks to our Canadian mentors we enjoyed a really good, enjoyable and positive introduction to life on the mission field.
I found myself passing on to others yours & Lynn’s words of wisdom to our new folks. And I used many of our conversations, stories and examples from you, Milton, & Lew to filter my own experiences and situations RIGHT UP to the very end. In other words, I NEVER DID Figure out what I was doing!
Just kidding!

I am only trying to tell you both thanks for all you did for us, for pouring your energy & hopes into a couple of newcomers. Plus we really missed you many times over the years – usually when we were muddling through some ridiculous mess somebody (American or Ivorian) had stirred up by their stubbornness or stupidity – and realized, “Wouldn’t it be funny to hear what Andy had to say about that!”. You, Mike Mawdsley, either or both of you would sure have livened up some of our boring CMF Meetings.
This is rambling on. But we hope you know we appreciate you. If we had the chance to do it all over again. We certainly would, only we’d make it last longer.
The Lord Bless you all. Will stay in touch, and keep you in our prayers.
Love Damon Julie & Kidz
 

The Box also contained:

Lew Cass's Gospel of John in Rwanda & French

The Inside of the cover Says:

"Lew Cass Rwanda 1984"

That is exact 10 years before the Genocide of 800,000 Killed

Also in the box:
Lew Cass's Greek NT:  Published in 1964. This has probably been with the Cass's from Brazil to Indonesia, Kenya, Portugal, Ivory Coast, and I am not certain where else, but I'm missing a place or two.

In the Box was A Key the Casses Left  in their "Africa House."

The tag says  "Key to Vida's heart"
We assume Vida gave it to Lew at some point in Ivory Coast.
 Lynn thinks it would make a sweet necklace with fond memories.



 I'll be giving these to Vida Cass (Lew's wife) tomorrow. Vida, is another one with whom we share a deep, unspeakable bond in the "fellowship of mission."We never forget what Lew & Vida did to put two greenhorn missionaries on there feet, pointed in the right direction. 




Damon & Julie -
Thanks for the good memories your stirred up with the package!