Dear Family and Friends,
Things went very well today. I went into Abidjan where I went to the US embassy to verify that I was
properly registered. From there I went to the travel agency to start the work and getting a flight back out.
As well I was able to purchase some food and items that I needed for the house.
This afternoon I went to see the mayor. I assured him that we wanted to continue with the clinic immediately after the resolution of the conflict.
He accepted this. Hopefully that resolution will come soon.
As well, I will be visiting with several church people to see what more I can do to help the church along in my absence.
The 7:00pm curfew is working to my advantage as this means no one can come visiting after that hour. That is allowing me to get done what I need to
and still get plenty of rest.
The next couple of days I will be mostly around the house so I will most likely not send another update until Thursday.
Your prayers are greatly appreciated. Continue to pray for peace in Côte d'Ivoire.
Robert C. Mach
BP.O. Box 9215
Chattanooga, TN 37412
(440) 570 6956
RCMach@bigfoot.com
January 5, 2003
Dear Family and Friends,
Things are continuing to go well with my return here in Côte d'Ivoire. We had over 100 adults at the church service this morning with 30-40 children.
30 came back for the evening service. The evening services are greatly hindered by a 7:00pm curfew. We have to have the service at 5:00pm and
many do not come because of other responsibilities.
It does not appear that there were any major problems during my absence. One of our men, Jérémie MATONDO has been leading the services.
He is 36 years old with a degree in electronics. He has a great desire for the
ministry and has taken a number of institute classes. As well, our medical
doctor Bernard KADIO and Pastor Lucien KOUASSI have been coming to preach to our people.
The reports are good. This week I will no doubt be meeting with a lot of people individually as well as finishing some items with the
house.
In the news, France has decided to take an active role in the negotiations.
They have convinced the Ivoirian government as well as the main rebel group to meet for meetings in Paris starting January 15.
As well, it is very possible that representatives from the other two rebel groups will be
there. Please pray that these meetings will result in a termination of the
hostilities so that we can continue our work here.
Thanks so much for your prayers. I will continue to keep you posted.
Robert C. Mach
BP.O. Box 9215
Chattanooga, TN 37412
(440) 570 6956
RCMach@bigfoot.com
January 4, 2003
Dear Family and Friends,
Thanks much for your prayers as I have returned to Côte d'Ivoire to take care of some personal items as well as ministry items.
I flew out of Ohio and into New York city on Tuesday and was able to bring in the New Year
with the Pete Montoro family at the Open Door Bible Baptist Church in Queens.
Wednesday afternoon I flew out of JFK on KLM through Amsterdam and into Abidjan on Thursday
afternoon (Jan 2). I went directly to Pastor Lucien's home in Koumassi and spent the evening there.
On Friday I arrived in Bingerville. Although we lost two of our dogs to poisoning and tick fever, the house
itself was left untouched.
I will see the church tomorrow during the services and will begin setting up a structure for them for a longer
absence on my part.
Abidjan and Bingerville are both very calm. I have counted about 10 commercial flights that have come in today.
The phone situation is a little difficult as many people have fled from the north and west to come here and
the phone lines are saturated.
I will start on Monday to prepare for my return to the states. As well I hope to arrive at an understanding with our town officials regarding the
clinic.
Your prayers are greatly appreciated. I will try to send out short daily updates.
God bless,
Robert C. Mach
BP.O. Box 9215
Chattanooga, TN 37412
(440) 570 6956
RCMach@bigfoot.com
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