Many Firsts: Our Second Week in Côte d'Ivoire

From our first time attending prayer meeting to our first time seeing the Atlantic Ocean from a new continent, we had an eventful second week here in Côte d’Ivoire.

Tuesday’s prayer meetings at church are a wonderful reminder of how God hears the prayers of his children all over the world at the same time. During the prayer meeting, the “dirigant” (director/leader of the meeting) will give different topics and needs and then everyone in the congregation prays aloud at once. This is similar to how congregations pray in Bobby’s home church in India. The prayer time is then followed by a meditation and ends with a time of greeting one another.

Moore sitting on a curb waiting for the parade

Thursday, August 7th, was Independence Day in Côte d’Ivoire and LeAnn took me (Jenny) and Moore down to the parade on one of the main streets in town. Moore enjoyed exploring the area and saying “hi” to many of the people gathered along the street. 

A woman walking by while we
waited for the parade

Over the weekend, we had the opportunity to travel back to Abidjan (the largest city in Côte d’Ivoire) to visit one of the Church of God congregations there and take Tyler (who completed a six-week internship here) to the airport so he could return to the U.S. We were able to go to one of the craft markets and visit the beach during our trip. On Sunday, we worshipped with the Yopougon Church of God, where Moore found some friends who helped him play an African drum for the first time (see video). Please pray for this church congregation who is waiting for the papers to go through on their purchase for land to build  a permanent church building, as you may have read about in our former newsletters.

To see a video of some highlights from our second week, click on this link: http://vimeo.com/103750141

We’re a bit behind in keeping you updated as we have already completed our third week here. It was a busy one. Stay tuned for another update soon !

Bon Arrivée: Our First Week in Côte d'Ivoire

After three train rides and two flights, we arrived late Monday night (or actually very early Tuesday morning, July 29th) into Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Missionary Larry (Sellers) met us at the airport and we spent the first day and a half in Abidjan resting and getting oriented to the city. In our first hours in our soon-to-be new home country, we were struck by several observations: the diversity in dress (from long-sleeved, angle-length traditional African dresses to mini-skirts and stilettos), the pleasant weather (as this is the cool season in Côte d’Ivoire) and the friendly nature of all the people, even in this large city.

On Wednesday, Larry drove us to Yamoussoukro (the capital city where we will live when we move here in January) on the new toll road, which made the trip only two hours as opposed to the two-and-a-half to four-hour trip it previously took travelers to make the journey on the old roads.  We were greeted in Yamoussoukro by LeAnn (Sellers) and Tyler Martin (an intern with Spread the Word) who were unable to make the trip to pick us up from Abidjan because they were in the middle of VBS at the Yamoussoukro Church of God. On Thursday morning, we visited the VBS and were warmly welcomed by many people who said “Bon Arrivée” (meaning “welcome”) to us and took turns holding Moore, waving to him and even some children who enjoyed touching his light, fine hair.

On Friday, I was asked to help with one of the activities at VBS – the limbo! I enjoyed being able to play with the children a bit and I found that there were some very tall yet flexible kids in the group!  It was fascinating to see the various facets of leadership development taking place within this one event. This VBS served as a training for teachers/VBS leaders from other CHOG congregations in the country. Several churches sent those who would be trained throughout the week as they watched and participated in carrying out the daily VBS activities in Yamoussoukro and then they returned to their churches at the end of the week and will hold VBS programs at their own churches throughout summer. These trainees taught the children, but the trainees themselves were then guided by experienced VBS leaders who gave them suggestions and encouragement during a daily meeting after the kids left each day. Tyler and I were both learning and contrasting our experiences with VBS in the U.S. while LeAnn, a veteran at VBS, offered words of advice and encouragement to all. (The photo here is of students at VBS coloring their color sheet after hearing the story of David and Goliath.)

Sunday brought our first experience in an African worship service. There was joyous singing, many more greetings of “Bon Arrivée” and an opportunity for us to greet the congregation in French and share the song “Blessed Be Your Name” – both the English and French versions – with Tyler on the keyboard, Bobby on guitar and me singing and trying to balance a squirmy one-year-old in one arm while holding up the sheet music in the other! Thankfully, Uncle Larry and Aunt LeAnn were there to help out. Larry brought the message and we also had a chance to hear the church chorale sing. Beginning their song outside the church doors and singing all the way in, they brought a dynamic element to the service. Bobby found their entrance particularly interesting as he first thought that the signing outside was coming from the Mormon church next door. Then it grew louder and louder and the chorale entered the sanctuary to lead the congregation!

We all took some time to rest on Sunday afternoon, which turned out to be very important because the “soirée” with the singles group on Sunday evening went into the wee hours of Monday morning! But it was so worth it! This event was the highlight of our first week here. After a traditional Ivoirian meal of rice and peanut sauce with beef (delicious!) and fried bananas (yum!), Tyler shared an encouraging testimony with the group and Bobby and I shared the testimony of how the Lord brought us together. This led to a rousing discussion about dating and marriage. This group is SO much fun! Just being a part of the evening gave us a new boost of motivation to continue learning French so we can fully understand everything that they say!

We’re looking forward to this second week here and are so thankful for all that the Sellers are teaching us!

Moore's birthday video

Click on the link below to see Moore's video

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152001100220855&l=9017013442149604217

Motor Mouth

Moore's new trick!

Oh, Baby! A Glimpse Inside the Home of a Young Missionary Family

Posted on February 3, 2014 by chogministries | Comments Off

By Bryan Hughes

“No one told us that babies are hilarious!” exclaimed Jenny Mihsill. “The odd facial expressions, the loud bodily functions, the discovery of themselves and the things around them…”

Bobby and Jenny Mihsill are missionaries with Church of God Ministries and are the parents of infant son Moore. They will be serving in Côte d’Ivoire after attending language school in France, where they are currently enrolled.

Bobby is from India. This is his first missionary assignment, and Jenny is now serving for the second time. Navigating ministry and parenthood is something they admit to learning about as they go. “We may lean toward seeing ‘ministry’ and ‘family’ as two elements, but they are—and should be—integrated rather than mutually exclusive.”

However, being a missionary family is not always easy. There are many things to think about when it comes to bringing a child to the mission field. “There’s a whole other person to think about now!” they say. “His adjustments, his jet lag, and the new food and culture are things we need to be attentive to for him, in addition to our own adjustments.”

Often when missionaries begin serving, it can be difficult for the extended families who have to say goodbye. Bobby and Jenny have a unique and positive outlook about this. “We’re actually closer now to one set of grandparents, since they live in India.” Jenny estimates that they are now the same distance from each. “My family in the U.S. misses us, of course, but they have been preparing for some time for our move overseas and they are very supportive.”

Even with the challenges, Bobby and Jenny are excited about the opportunities for ministry, and for Moore, that come with being a missionary family. They are happy that Moore will be raised speaking three languages (French, English, and Khasi, the tribal language of Bobby’s home in India). “We also hope Moore will have a broad worldview because of his exposure to different cultures.”

These new parents know that God has provided their child as a blessing to their lives as a family. However, they also believe that God can use Moore as a way to help deliver the good news of Christ. “Children help open doors to connect with people on a different level,” Jenny shares. “I really want Moore to know that he is a missionary too, and an important part of who we as a family are called to be.”

Bobby and Jenny know that God has a plan for their son that is already being revealed in the softening of their own hearts. “The love we have for him gives us a glimpse of the love God has for us. Moore is a reminder of the trust that God has placed in us to be faithful to Him.”

Learn more about the Mihsills and the work of Global Missions missionaries atwww.chogmissions.org.

The Punch

Moore is often complimented on his good behavior. People say he’s a good baby. And he is. But little innocent Moore has a slightly rebellious side. This happened to show itself during his dedication service on June 30^th. He was so well-behaved as Pastor Ed gave the charge to us, the parents, and to the congregation. Then, it was prayer time and, with all eyes closed (but the video camera still rolling),  little Moore decided to stretch and POW! Watch closely!

What's in a Name?

Some friends and family have asked, "How did you choose the name 'Moore Samuel'?" We've had some wild guesses about the name "Moore." Since "Moore" is a well-known surname in the U.S., some have guessed that we named our son after a surname. Most people would not guess that it is a family name from Bob's side of the family. Bob's maternal grandfather's first name was Moore. Moore Wellson Laloo was a Church of God pastor for over 50 years in Meghalaya, India. He was an incredible man of God who loved God and his family. Grandpa Moore had a big influence in Bob's life, telling Bob the first Bible stories he ever heard and always showing love.

For those who knew Jenny's dad, you probably guessed that our son's middle name comes from Sam (Dunbar). Jenny's father's full name was George Samuel Dunbar, so "Samuel" was actually his middle name as well, but he went by "Sam." He was also a Church of God pastor for over three decades.

What do we call our son? We call him Moore; however, we will use the nickname "Sam" when we speak in French.

We thank God for two incredible men who profoundly influenced our lives and we pray our son will also be a strong man who takes after his grandfather, Sam, and his great grandfather, Moore.