Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 244 BOCNEWS.com MARCH 2017 "And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." — Galatians 6:9 My wife and children embarked from 1984-1987 on a remarkable adventure. We became mis- sionaries to a country in Africa I think most of us are familiar with--which is the East African country- Ethiopia. The reason we went to Ethiopia to be frank, is because of the fact that I felt compelled to do so. I felt this way after seeing TV broadcasts, often late at night, of the famine and suffering in Ethiopia. Since I was between jobs and I thought God was leading us, I spoke to me wife, and we decided to go and our two young children would go with us. I have written a book about our sojourn to Ethiopia entitled: The Face of Hunger: Reflections on a Famine in Ethiopia. I can state now that the three years we spent changed our lives forever, and we were not the same people who traveled to Ethiopia. I mean this in a positive way, although we experi- enced some hardships. We learned some things that can guide us in our way of doing church ministry both here and abroad. There are many people who are suffering around this world, however many suf- fer who we can help if we are willing, but we simply often do not hear about what is going on, and we are so immersed in what is going on in our own environment. Prior to arriving on the scene in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, we spent a month undergoing an orienta- tion session in which we learned some helpful infor- mation. However we were to learn more by actually being in-country doing what we had to do. Let me share with you what we learned in the orientation and actually living in Ethiopia. Expect the Unexpected: We did not foresee many of the things we experienced. We did not know that our mission service would include a 6 month plus period of time during which I would be separated from my wife and children. I would be having to work in a famine area that was too dangerous to bring my wife and children along to be with me. In addition, I had to do some other travel which made the time of our separation a total of about 8 to 9 months. I just wonder if we would have gone to Ethiopia if some- one had told us beforehand of this long separation, although many traveling and living abroad have been separated longer! In addition, I personally had a near-death experience with hepatitis and at one point in time, I thought for sure I was going to die. We had other trials and tribulations and per- haps this explains why those who spoke with us in the ori- entation session told to truly "expect the unexpected." Care for your health issues prior to foreign travel: Don't assume because you are going for mission service, even for short term, that you are immune to getting sick. If you have chronic heart, lung issues and other medical conditions, and things like diabetes and hyperten- sion, it is wise to get medical clearance prior to trav- el. In addition if you have been told you need certain immunizations-you really need to do this! Anything that will prevent an avoidable illness is advisable. Be aware of the most significant threats to your health and well-being in the country you are going to: This is a realistic thing to do as you want to work to help people and continue to help people for as long as possible. Study reference sources as needed. Be aware of even things like the weather reports. Be an informed traveler, you will be glad you did! Be eager to cooperate with other groups of people there and here to help: When we were in Ethiopia, we worked with mul- tiple aid organizations outside my own church (the Seventh- day Adventist Church). This meant that I ended up working with Catholic Relief Services, World Vision, Oxfam, Africare, The International Red Cross, The World Health Organization and others. We received many supplies, medications, blan- kets, and food to help those in need. Because of this, I am a strong believer in working together to help the commu- nity, and the world! After we returned home to America, we have continued to work with as many churches and various humanitarian agencies to help the community. We will always continue to do this. Many peo- ple will benefit. Don't have the idea that it is wrong to collaborate with others. We found that we are able to help more people by working with others. God will bless your efforts. You can work to help people here in America and abroad as well even if you don't actually travel-as your funds can travel. Lessons Learned FromThe Mission Field Dr. Conner By Byron E. Conner, M.D. HEALTH 1. WOW GOSPEL 2017 - VARIOUS ARTIST 2. WILLIAM MC DOWELL - SOUNDS OF REVIVAL PT.2 3. CECE WINANS - LET THEM FALL IN LOVE 4. BIZZLE - GOD OVER MONEY 5. N F - THERAPY SESSION 6. GOSPEL PIONEER REUNION - VARIOUS 7. VASHAWN MITCHELL - SECRET PLACE 8. FRED HAMMOND - WORSHIP JOUNAL LIVE 9. CHRIS TOMLIN - NEVER LOSE SIGHT 10. TRIP LEE - WAITING ROOM