Overflowing Hope Project

​This past Sunday Barb and I had the opportunity to share about of our recent trip to Chad. We showed lots of pictures and tried to talk fast. We are looking into the possibility of a Q&A time to go a bit deeper with some of you and give another chance for people who were unable to be here Sunday to learn more about Oak Hill’s ministry reaching into Chad, Africa.
 
I mentioned Sunday our next Overflowing Hope Project that Oak Hill will be funding. Some of the details are below and I would be more than happy to discuss this with anyone if you have additional questions. We will be given a chance to support this project with a special gift over the next couple of weeks. There will be special envelopes in the bulletins on Sunday or you can just designate funds in the memo line of a check.
 
Oak Hill Overflowing Hope support of the Fulbe mission:

• Finance an interest free loan for Pastor Malloum and his son Ezekiel to start a family business of well drilling.
  • As you know, the Living Waters well ministry has proven to be an excellent tool/platform for ministry.  With this we have been able to make a presence and build relationship in Fulbe communities for the sake of the gospel. 
  • In the past, we have sub-contracted our wells to a local company.  This has worked OK, but we have often struggled with corruption, inefficiency, poor quality of work, etc. 
  • We feel that Malloum and Ezekiel would be able to manage this business well, ensuring quality and through this be able to capitalize on evangelistic opportunity through the whole process.  Ezekiel (well-educated as a civil engineer also desires to be a pastor) would be responsible for the business side of the project.  Malloum would provide oversight, mentoring, direction and spiritual emphasis.
  • The total cost of the loan is 3,185,500 francs, or an estimated $5,540.00
  • Project funds like this are an in-out donation and do not contribute to the ministry budget of LBIM.  With project fund donations such as this, we encourage considering additional funds that will contribute to the Fulbe ministry fund in Chad.  Without the support of our LBIM and EFLT missionaries in Chad and all the resources that it takes to support them, projects such as this could not happen.  This additional support brings the funds needed for this project to $7,400.00.
  • As mentioned, this would be an interest free loan.  Reimbursement would be made to our micro-finance fund as wells are installed.  This reimbursement would not come back to Oak Hill, but would be rolled over to be used to finance future micro-finance projects that serve the mission of LBIM – Chad.
• Finance the Narvesen Medical Ministry fund
  • Dave and Sonja’s principle responsibility now is language learning.  But as they find their feet in Chad, there will be more ministry opportunities for them to engage in.  Already, Sonja is using her nursing skills and passion to care for those who come to her door needing help.  The priority would be wound care and infant health (malnutrition and dehydration primarily).  A ministry fund for this could help supply basic supplies, nutritive assistance, or even helping to pay for mileage when they choose to transport an emergency case to the regional hospital. These needs could be funded by a percentage of our benevolence ministry fund. We are in the process of defining this funding with our Caregiving Ministry Team.

 
I am so very excited that we get to be a part of what God is doing in Chad. Please pray for the Fulbe people and consider a special gift to deliver the Gospel to those who have never heard of God’s love for them in Jesus!
Thanks for caring and giving,
Pastor Nick