Our Partner in Mission: Rebekah Sears

Hello BSBC Church Family,

I can't believe I'm leaving for my African adventure in just over a week (Jan 14th)! Things are coming together nicely. The last detail has been the visa for DR Congo, including getting all of the necessary information from the ground. But I just dropped off my visa application for DRC this morning, and the receiver says things look good and I should hear in 3-4 days. That's the last of the preparation hurdles, as we have our tickets and are otherwise all set to go.

The situation in DRC is better, but still not quite on a positive trajectory. Our staff are confident in our security, however, as much as its in their hands, and we're having a briefing about it next week. But that briefing is more for preparation, not to make a decision to go or not. We all are confident in the prospect of going, that it is in no way an unnecessary risk. Lord willing we'll be on the ground in Congo on the 22nd.

My schedule goes as follows:

• Jan 14-16 travel

• Jan 16-21: Zimbabwe

• Jan 22-29: DR Congo

• Jan 29- Feb 3 Rwanda

• Feb 3-4 travel home

For prayer:

• I'm still asking for prayer for the visa process, that there are no more hurdles, and that my visa, plus that of my colleague coming with me, comes in fine

• For security and safety for us and our partners as we travel and visit. That we would have wisdom in making decisions, to not put ourselves and/or our partners at risk, and that God would protect us

• For myself and my own health, physically, but also mentally, that God would give me the peace, energy and grace I need

• For travels, both in planes and on the ground

• For the work of our partners, working to promote peace and care for others in often precarious circumstances, and for good and productive meetings with us, as we learn about their work, the situation and how we can best support from Canada

Thanks all,

In Peace,

Bekah