Roger from Sierra Leone

[Roger ruit]

Forgiven

Thanks so much for your birthday wishes I really appreciate them. My first birthday in Africa was quiet and I spent it with other brothers and sisters in Christ who took me out to a  local restaurant. It felt awkward but at the same time everything is going to be all right.

I trust you all are well and that the Lord is providing for all your needs. I am busy supervising 3 Rehab Therapists who are locals working with patients from local and up country villages, speaking various languages, such as Krio, Mende, and Temne. Did you see the movie Amistad those Africans depicted were from Sierra Leone. I am busy teaching these therapists on how to work with patients in a physical manner as well as introducing them to the theory of OT. It is pretty exciting teaching and caring for patients who have never seen a therapist in their lives, coming in post-stroke 8 months, most amputees 6-8 years, Polio cases and CP cases who have never owned a wheelchair.  It is really amazing work that is being done here.  

Thank you al for your prayers, for I do covet them everyday. I have been attacked by Satan in my dreams but I use the Lords sword, His word, to fight my battles and of course I win. Praise His name, Jesus Christ

Blessings, and May our Lord Jesus Christ reveal His heart and Spirit to you all…Christ Jesus loves you, Roger

Written 8/6/06

Hi Friends, Praise the Lord and I thank Him for His grace upon me and getting me safely to Sierra Leone,

My plane was delayed two hours  from JFK, NYC to Dublin where I missed my  connecting flight to Heathrow Airport, England delaying me an hour in Ireland. I was able to catch a bus in Heathrow, England 1-1/2 hours to Gatwick airport and arrived on time and as expected to catch my direct flight to Sierra Leone, which was an hour late by the way.

Getting off the plane in Sierra Leone, a new adventure began. I was waived by Immigration due to NGO status. I than exited luggage area where there were 20-30 guys looking to grab my bags for me with dozens of signs by locals looking for people, none of which I saw my name!  I was overcome with fear and loss of blood to my body as it seemed. I suddenly realized no one was there , my contact person did not make contact with me and I was being pushed along by the crowd to buy the helicopter ticket. Waiting for the helicopter some guy came with my boarding ticket and tag for my luggage which I did not know I needed and a couple of guys looking for tips/coins who did not work for the airport, but handled my baggage!

Getting to the other side of the inlet on the second helicopter I received my luggage and expected to see a contact person and in my worst fears did not see anyone!! I waited around for 45 minutes without knowing what to do. Can you imagine how I was feeling? In a foreign country late at night 11:30PM with not knowing  who to call or where to go, the feelings of blood leaving my extremities continued and I was “trying” to stay calm and pray that the Lord had it in control.

I decided to wait around for the last helicopter and asked some guys when the station closed and told them that I had an address and they offered to give me a ride to my living quarters—that relieved me some. As I finished talking with them one of the international staff Michelle from Australia asked me who I was and praise the Lord that she is from Mercy Ships. I nearly broke down in tears at that moment thanking God that He gave me the patience and consoled me while I awaited someone to pick me up. Michelle and Justin (from Canada) helped me with my luggage and went off to my new home.

That my friends was just enough excitement for a whole month.

I have been in Sierra Leone for one week and only broke down in tears just once, being home sick and missing all my brothers in sisters in New York City. I don’t know but I guess it is just a flesh thing, and maybe not trusting the Lord enough. Regardless I have been a bit home sick already!

I have been at my working site in Waterloo, a 1-1/2 hour ride East away from the city where many people with Polio, Strokes, Amputees from the war and other physical disabilities come through. It has been an overload of information of course since the Physical Therapist was basically handing the baton over to me, as well as the keys to the place in order to direct the local Rehab Therapist’s. I did not realize that I would be the only Rehab International in charge, less than a week in the country and I am in charge. It is very scary especially being there for such a short time.

Prayers:

1. That I would be open to the Holy Spirit and take leading from the Lord.

2. That I would be an effective witness to the clients I work with as well as the staff.

3. That I would be able to be effective in providing care for these diseases I know little about, since we don’t see them in the states due to the effective U.S. health care system.

4. That I would be able to fit into the role and grow as necessary in order to establish the forecasted Nationwide Special Education Program for the country.

5. That I would stay healthy.

6. That I would learn the language as quickly as possible in order to be a more effective witness amongst the locals.

The temperature is around 80 degrees with 80% humidity and no A/C so sleeping

Is very rough thus far. Cold showers are taken nightly.

Food is prepared by our house cook, Pa Abou.

Auntie Fatoue is our cleaning lady who was curious to see the “stranger”, as they

call me.

Thank you for your faithfulness in  praying for me. More to come…

Blessings, Roger

"My eager desire and hope being that I may never feel ashamed, but that now as ever I may do honour to Christ in my own person by fearless courage" Phil 1:20.

Roger DeRuiter

37 Old Signal Hill Road,

Congo Cross, Freetown,

West Africa (mail may or may not get here!)

Cell Phone: (01-232) 076 501 816

Website: www.geocities.com/rajaot13/rajawestafrica.html

Blog Site: www.geocities.com/rajaot13/blog.html