Healing 2 The Nations - Dr. Claudia R. Wintoch

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Monday, October 30, 2006

Weekend In Germany

May I introduce to you: Roman & Heike Maurus, their two children, and two of their cats. They are the founders and directors of CCARA (Charitable Child Assistance Relief and Accommodation), the German NGO managing our children's sponsorships, and I just had the joy of spending the weekend with them in Germany. We had a wonderful time, and spent much of the 2 days just talking and talking, and getting to know each other better. We also talked about our partnership and the time ahead, and I'm excited that we will start helping poor kids in our neighborhood who DON'T live with us, as well as the kids barely surviving in the village of Dio.

On Saturday they organized an information night, and about 20 people showed up. They introduced their organization and shared about their orphanage in India, before I shared about Mali. People had tears in their eyes, and asked a few questions when I was done. It was a great time, and I hope that we will see fruit from it in the future.

The good news for now is that we're gonna start taking sponsors for these kids below. When I get back to Mali, we will take pictures of each kid and write down their stories.

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Friday, October 27, 2006

Work On The Book

Wednesday night I arrived in Lustenau, the Eastern edge of Austria, to stay with my friends there and start working on my book. Yesterday I finally got started, doing preliminary work, diving back into my past to become once again the teenager I once was to write from her perspective. I'm hoping to actually start writing on Monday.

The reason being that I'm going across the border to Germany this weekend, to spend time with the people of CCARA, the German NGO managing our kids' sponsorships. And tomorrow night there is an informational meeting where I will also share about the work in Mali.

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Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Reflecting On My Week In Vienna

My 8 days in Vienna, my city of birth, flew by and came to an end quickly. I saw many friends, but hardly had time to really spend with any of them. I spent my days running around Vienna, running errands. I got my new passport, my new visa for Mali, and even my Ghana visa for the end of Nov. In the evening, I would go to my Mom's apartment to empty out my old room so she'd have room for her stuff. That allowed me to spend more time close to her in a short time than I've had in a long time, though being in the same apartment doesn't mean spending quality time together. However, I'm thankful for the week I've had in Vienna. I stayed with my brother and his girlfriend for the second time, which allowed me to see him as well.

My only weekend in Vienna was spent in church as well as meeting several of my kids' sponsors and a lady that wants to come visit in January. The sponsors gave me gifts for the kids, and we even called them together. Each kid (well, 2 of them) got to talk to their sponsor on the phone, though the language barrier keeps them from communicating. The sponsors were very moved, and I believe the kids were happy too.

On Saturday night I went to the German-speaking service in my church and had the opportunity to show my latest presentation (watch it here) and share a few minutes, as well as seeing many people again. Sunday morning started a long day of 4 services, though I didn't stay to the end of all of them. I got to share in the last service, which was great. All in all, it was a wonderful day of "quick encounters" with people I know. And in the last service of that day, I also met with the Lord which was the sweetest encounter of all. Thank you, my beloved!

Last night I took the train to St. Pölten, which is an hour outside of Vienna. Every time I travel in Austria I stop to see my friends there, and so I had a nice evening with them, spending the night, and continuing with my journey west today. Right now I'm sitting in the train, traveling nearly 7 hours, which gives me time to answer emails and work on some stuff on my computer. It's wonderful to have a few hours of being able to do that.

In less than two hours I will arrive on the western end of Austria, being picked up by wonderful friends I always stay with there. I'm looking forward to a week of rest, and of inspiration as I start writing my book. An on Friday I'm going to Germany until Sunday to spend time with the leaders of CCARA, the German NGO managing our kids' sponsorships.

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Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Arrival In Austria & News From Mali

Everything worked out just fine as I left Mali to fly to Austria. I hardly slept during the overnight flight, and my nose starting running again (having a cold again). But it was great to be greeted by my Mom, who then took me directly to the government office to deposit my demand for a new passport, before having lunch together. Then I went to a grocery store, which was awesome! You can buy anything you like, and I got some of the things I miss in Mali.

In the afternoon Paul called me from Mali. Emma is the one driving Paul's brothers to the kindergarten every day, and Monday was the first day. The police stopped him and confiscated the car. Why? When he dropped me off at the airport and took the papers, he noticed that the yearly technical check was overdue, and other papers as well. Emma is the one taking care of the car, and he hadn't realized it was time to do those things. Then the first day he's driving, the police stops him, and because the papers weren't in order, they confiscated the car. He later went to pay a fine and pick it up again, to take care of those things. I don't know how the boys got to school this morning.

Today I ran some more errands, and I saw my one remaining grandmother, who was glad to see me. I spent the evening with my Mom and her husband, and we had a good time too. I showed a lot of pictures today, and showed them our current location, and our property in Google Earth.

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Sunday, October 15, 2006

Last Service Before Flying To Austria

I might not leave on a Sunday again. It's too much to prepare for the service, and for the trip to Austria at the same time. Needless to say, I wasn't happy about the way I was prepared. But needless to say, God surprised me AGAIN. He wanted that message across, and it simply came forth! I hadn't even recorded it, thinking it wouldn't be worth it (talk about faith!), but now I regret it. God was awesome, and the message hit its target. I - rather He - spoke about holiness.

Now I have a few minutes left, finishing my last preparations before leaving for the airport. As always, it's hard to imagine I'm really leaving. By tomorrow noon I will be in my country and city of birth, my Mom picking me up from the airport. From there we'll go straight to have my new passport made (since it's gonna take a few days).

Please pray for a smooth trip to Austria, and much grace for this upcoming week; that my time would be used to the max, and wisely, so everything would be accomplished.

This coming Saturday I'm sharing about Mali for a few minutes (in German) in my church Vienna Christian Center. The service starts at 6 pm (more info on the CALENDAR page).

I already got my winter jacket out - time to put it on and leave the summer for winter! (It's so cold in Austria right now!)

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Saturday, October 14, 2006

Fousseni's Dad Shows Up

This morning, just when we were about to start the children's program, Fousseni's Dad showed up. He's a rather talkative person. And today he showed some of his alter ego. He said Fousseni should be working for him, going home with him, and he was ranting about what a bandit he is. While he was going on, poor Fousseni stood by, his eyes getting redder. I stepped towards Fousseni to be at his side and support him, and tried to step his father, telling him that he was not a bandit anymore, and that he was in school now, studying. His father demanded that his son would come visit him every two weeks. I was perplexed. Yesterday he signed the paper that Fousseni is now in our care! In any case, I will protect Fousseni from his father, and I don't think it's profitable for him to see his father at this time at all. When he was finally gone, Fousseni was shattered. I took him in my arms and held him for a while, speaking words of encouragement and blessing. More arrows from his own Dad had been shot at him.

The children's program went well. We now have a small group, but a regular one. Sekouba showed up as well, and I was a little apprehensive about how to react to him. When I then faced him for the first time since he left, I just felt love for him and hugged him. It was good to see him again. I didn't get a chance to talk more to him to find out how he's doing.

In the afternoon I continued working on my most recent video presentation, and finished it tonight. It's just over 9 minutes long. You can download it by clicking here (10 MB) or watch it online under GALLERY. I showed it to the kids tonight, and they loved it!

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Friday, October 13, 2006

Ministry On Our Property

Yesterday we went to see Fousseni's Dad to get his signature on the paper allowing Fousseni to stay with us. He wasn't home. Today, as we approached our property for our weekly ministry there, we saw Fousseni's father on the street, and immediately stopped. He signed the paper right there! He was pretty funny, and it's hard to imagine, that Fousseni has suffered so much by his hand.

Today we took our kids with us to do the program on our property. Last time (two weeks ago - last week I was sick) there was so much strife and stuff just before Sekouba left that we had to leave the kids at home. Today things worked out great. We had lots of kids, had fun with the games, the songs & dancing, the revision and the teaching. We finished just in time as the sun went down.

This morning I taught my kids for the last time before leaving for Austria. And I finished the first-year French book. I'm gonna buy the next two levels in Austria now. It's a great, fun method to teach young kids oral French.

The children have also learned all the letters and read pretty well by now. They now read a book, and have to answer questions about the text for the first time, which also improves their writing skills.

In math class, they are moving forward slowly (2nd grade level), learning to write the numbers in French.

I was gonna hire a teacher before leaving, but it just didn't work out. The first one didn't feel right, the second one was not qualified, and the third one didn't show up. I tried calling the first one anyway to teach them while I'm gone, but couldn't reach her. So now Firmin is gonna teach them. He's been assisting me, so he should do quite a good job. In December I'm gonna start training Marie to do it.

Village Ministry

Pastor Enoch is now doing our Bible school, coming from the village and then staying overnight with us before returning home. Thanks to a monthly donor, he'll be able to do that weekly trip financially as well, and his wife will even be able to come as well. She doesn't read or write French, so she'll only audit the classes. But Enoch is SO excited about the school, and what he's learning, and says his wife will be also.

We're planning on going to a neighboring village that hasn't heard the gospel yet in November, showing the JESUS film and staying overnight. We haven't decided on the dates yet, since the month of Nov is pretty charged (see CALENDAR).

Construction Update

I have to admit I'm losing some hope, and I'm starting to question our dates. Will we even move in 2007? If only those title deed papers came through!

Yesterday our construction manager Kossi went with the electricity guys to our property to find out how much it will cost to have government electricity there.

Our architect Peter in the US is looking into coming to Mali, so he can better present the project to potential investors. So that will take more time as well.

Thursday Prayer Meeting

We had a good prayer meeting. In the afternoon I unexpectedly slept 3 hours because I was so tired, and woke up just before the meeting. We had a good time of worship and of intercession for our country and church.

The kids always struggle with staying awake, and Saloum had a bad day altogether. Simeon commented today that Saloum has changed, and not for the better. It is true...

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Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Short Updates

* Paul cannot have a driver's licence because of his vision not being good enough. The only chance he'd have would be an operation that would improve his vision. However, this operation is only done in the West and costs a lot of money.

* My trip to Ghana looks more and more likely. Someone paid my airfare, to my greatest amazement. I'm excited to get more training in how to minister effectively in the area of inner healing. I'm also invited to minister at a church in Accra that wants to be in relationship with me/us.

* Tonight was our second night of Bible School. I'm excited that we have 6 students this new trimester. That includes pastor Enoch from the village.

* There is a lot more peace in our house now, even though Fousseni and Abdias still struggle with our Bible class. I believe it's spiritual that they're unable to listen.

* I was hoping for a teacher for the kids before I leave on Sunday. There's one possible teacher, but I haven't been able to get in touch with her.

* My health is restored. I just need to get more rest and sleep. I have a lot left to accomplish before leaving. Please pray.

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Saturday, October 7, 2006

Sekouba Visits

Sekouba came to the children's program this morning. He did as if nothing had changed. He asked for the rest of his pain medication, and just left after the program. Maybe his physical pain will bring him back, since he needs to have a gastroscopy done and then the problem taken care of.

Since I spent all day in my room, much of it in bed, to regain my health, I didn't see or talk to Sekouba myself.

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Friday, October 6, 2006

Sick

After four and a half hours of sleep I got up this morning to spend a few minutes with God before taking Paul's little brothers to kindergarten. When I got back, I wasn't feeling well, and getting worse. I was unable to join my kids for worship and Bible teaching, as well as for school.

I cancelled our ministry on our property in the afternoon and spent all day in my room, part of it in bed. My nose is constantly running, and the fever high.

Your prayer is appreciated.

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Thursday, October 5, 2006

Breakthrough Prayer Meeting

The teacher who was to show up and test-teach today didn't come.

This morning we started school again, after our 3-day-fast. Once again, I taught my - now 3 - kids reading, writing, French and math. And once again, I drove Paul's little brothers back and forth, driving the distance 4 times.

Abdias and Fousseni both have a lot of wounds in their hearts, that makes life hard for all of us. Neither one is able to listen when I teach the Bible, which is frustrating.

Today Kossi, our construction manager, finally came to visit our property, so he can check with the energy department, how much it will cost to bring city electrity to our property.

Because of that, we couldn't go see Fousseni's Dad; it's now planned for tomorrow.

We got back from our property a few minutes before our prayer meeting. Discouragement was and is trying to come against me, and it takes effort to not give in. I felt tired, not knowing how to do a prayer meeting. I felt like we should just soak. So we all lay down on the floor. We lay there for an hour, while I was trying to concentrate on God, crying out to Him for more of Him. A question came into my spirit: "Is it all worth it?" I wasn't able to answer right away, but I was leaning towards yes.

Then I felt it shift, and I got up. It was time for some spiritual warfare. I started walking up and down praying in tongues. I encouraged the others to stand up as well, and asked whether they had received anything from the Lord. Paul had had a picture of us walking through the darkness, with 7 lamps, and there were candles as well. We were walking towards a very bright light, and worshippers with flags were dancing before us. He then prayed into that.

Then the Lord spoke to me about the simplicity of the cross, and I passed it on. I ended up saying that only three things are necessary: humility, being at the foot of the cross, and unity. We had lain on the floor - the most down you can get. And I told them about linking arms in the Roman army, and we linked arms in a circle, while I prayed. Then while still linking arms, we formed a line, a front. We made some proclamations together, and at my commando, we all made a step forward - in the natural symbolizing the spiritual. Then we cheered. We did it a second time, and the cheers of victory just exploded. I couldn't help it, but jumped up and down while cheering. It was awesome! I could feel the difference afterwards! I believe breakthroughs happened in the spirit tonight.

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Wednesday, October 4, 2006

Our Kids Today

Sometimes, when I wake up in the morning or after a nap, I think that it's all just been a bad dream. Sometimes I feel like Sekouba will walk around the corner, or sit outside and I can hear him laugh. But he's gone.

Since Sekouba left, the rest of us have drawn closer together. I've had more quality time with the kids, and I make an effort to not repeat mistakes. I also hug them more so that they know that I love them.

However, I was concerned for them today. Fousseni disappeared for a couple of hours. He came back after nightfall saying he'd gone to visit his family in another part of town. He knew exactly he wasn't allowed to do that.

Then Abdias left for some time around 9 pm, when they are not supposed to leave any more.

Should we not allow them to leave our property? They need to be able to go outside and play with the other kids....

Today we went to see Saloum's father. 10 days ago he asked to borrow $200, and he'd sign the paper for Saloum to stay with us. Since I'm making more and more debts right now because of the lack of money, I hesitated, but I knew I had to do it. Today I gave him the money (he said he'd pay it back within the month), and he signed both papers, for the money and for Saloum's gardianship to be given to us. Praise God! Saloum is a very good kid.

If it works out, we'll go see Fousseni's Dad tomorrow for the signature.

Also, in the morning a teacher is coming to test-teach our kids.

Seybou failed his driving test today. Only 4 out of 40 passed. Paul doesn't have any news yet. Even if Seybou had passed, it would take at least a month to actually get your licence. I'm leaving in 10 days, and I have no clue how Paul's brothers will be able to go to kindergarten and back every day. Please pray for a solution.

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Tuesday, October 3, 2006

Abdiel Leaves Too

Click here to read what happened yesterday, with Sekouba leaving.

Every morning Hama joins us as we worship God, pray, and I teach God's word. This morning Hama interrupted me asking where Sekouba was. I told him he wasn't here, he would be here on Sunday. Hama started crying, asking for Sekouba. Sekouba had always loved on Hama and Sarata a lot.

Since Abdiel came from the hospital last Thursday, it's been rather challenging. He doesn't know you have to wash yourself, or your clothes, and he's hardly been able to listen to anything I'm saying, when I teach or when we pray. He's also had a hard time doing what you tell him, and would threatened the others and use words he shouldn't.

This morning I learned that he said yesterday that he wanted to leave. This morning we sat down to talk, and I addressed some things like hygiene. I also asked him whether he wanted to leave. He said yes. I told him we won't hold him back, he's free to leave anytime. He simply got up and left. I was shocked!

The doctor said he was in really bad shape when we took him in. So at least he's fine now - for the time being. And I'm not sure, but I think he took the family picture below with him.

Paul's Driver's Licence

Paul just came home discouraged. This morning he and Seybou had their theory part of the driving test, and tomorrow is the practical part. Paul's name was not on the list, and so he spent all day running around clearing it all up. He failed the medical test for his eyes; he's not fit to drive. Honestly, I expected something like that. He said that the doctor told him today that in France or the US, this could be corrected medically, but not in Mali. So he has two options - he either goes to Europe to have the medical procedure, or the inspector will let him take the driving test and have a licence anyway. Tomorrow he's talking with the inspector.

Paul was very discouraged, angry. All his life he's suffered from being an albinos, so that his heart was really hurt. He's been so excited to be driving! I'm praying the Lord will make a way! I spoke destiny to him, telling him God had created him unique, that people would look up BECAUSE he's different. Already he's had a TV crew come to film him for a TV special!!!

And A Few More Things....

It's really become quiet in the house, now that we're 6 in the house instead of 8.

I'm proud of my kids, about the way they're handling our 3 days of prayer and fasting. They're doing their best to fast, and we always spend an hour with God instead of the meal. Yesterday they only had breakfast, today they had breakfast, but they'll have a light meal tonight. We'll see what they think they can do tomorrow. So far they've only fasted one meal every Sunday, so it's really a step forward.

Tonight is the first night of our new trimester of Bible School. I expected 6 students, 3 came. One is already pastoring, the other two are baby Christians. An interesting combination! Plus, Enoch is here from the village. He came just before we started, and I invited him to stay. He's watching the teaching videos with interest!

I told him we'd not be able to come to the village before my trip to Austria in two weeks. It's simply too much for me. I'd like to put together a paper and a video presentation as well. Those things take time.

Well, Enoch ended up staying all the way to the end of Bible School - too late to go home, so he's spending the night with us before returning home tomorrow. He LOVED the school, and would like to do the whole school. But it takes $6 every week to pay for the one hour back and forth between his village and us.

News On Sekouba

Firmin's cousin saw Sekouba downtown today, begging for money. He had told us he'd go to the bus station, but privately he told Fousseni that he'll go back to a center in another part of town. He used to go there quite a bit before coming to us. At that center the kids only sleep and are given a breakfast; that's it. Theft and drugs reign there, and they're even selling the kids, as slaves and for human sacrifices. Everyone knows that, it's not secret. In fact, Paul told me that Fousseni's Dad, when he came, had gone there and was concerned that we were like them, selling his son into slavery.

Don't stop praying for Sekouba!

Possible Teacher

Our doctor brought over an unemployed primary school teacher tonight. He's coming on Thursday to test-teach. My first impression wasn't that great, but we'll see.

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Sunday, October 1, 2006

Sekouba Revealed

Click here to read the dramatic events that unfolded today.

I just talked to Seybou. He told me that several times he's seen Sekouba "practice" climbing onto the roof and back down. He was probably practicing how to take off in the middle of the night. I still can hardly believe it!

He and Paul also saw Sekouba talk to Abdiel when he arrived. They couldn't hear everything, but could tell it wasn't good. After all, he had talked to all the other kids encouraging them to leave.

Tomorrow we're all gonna fast and pray.

My mother's heart is grieving tonight.

Even today we took this family picture, with all the kids, Paul and Firmin:

Saloum, Abdiel, Abdias, Fousseni, Sekouba
devant: Sarata, Hama
derrière: Paul, Claudia, Firmin