Equipment
Problems
According to Ann: “Every day is an adventure! We never know what
to expect as we continue our Pelendo-showing expedition!”
Almost from the start they had technical problems which challenged their
resourcefulness… in a land where you can’t find a Radio Shack,
Best Buy or Circuit City!… not even the Yellow Pages!
They were using a small portable generator, video projector, DVD player,
VCR, and public address system. Attempts to regulate the generator voltage
worked only part of the time… with the result that eventually the
DVD player and video projector were “fried!” They were able
to use their computer to play the DVDs. Later the VCR started smoking!
And so it went… until with all the equipment on the fritz, they finally
had to cancel the remaining shows!
Many people were praying during this time and we believe that in spite
of the disappointment and frustration caused by these difficulties, God’s
plan for the showing of this film will bring glory and honor to His Name!
With the help of concerned supporters, the Westers have replaced the film projection package with a new unit specifically designed to operate under the rugged conditions of service in rural Africa.
TRANSPORTATION
For most of their travel in the Congo, the Westers relied on the hospital
truck, a sturdy Toyota pickup.
Loading the truck for the next leg of the safari!
“Well, ‘Houston’… we have a problem!”
One Friday, Nadea, the driver, found it needed some servicing before they would leave for the second half of the trip.
The driver checked axles, wheels, brakes…He found two broken springs, changed the oil, opened each axle and wheel to make sure it was all well greased! There are no AAA service vehicles, or tow trucks available! So Ann and Tim went to the nearby village for that night’s showing in an old veteran Dodge pickup, formerly used by Tim’s father when he was a missionary in the Congo.
The alternate transport—a tired old Dodge Ram… somehow still running… by makeshift arrangements!
Ann describes its condition as follows:
The seat was very uncomfortable… no “give”… the headlight
about as bright as a flashlight… no functional brakes, except a wire
to pull for the emergency brake (to slow down a little!)… no fuel
tank… just a 20 litre jerry can connected somehow under the hood!
The steering wheel is from a Toyota Land-Cruiser… and there is NO
key!
See what she meant? Think you could drive it?
Saturday night they had to use the Dodge again. After the show, one of the smooth tires was flat. They had two more flats on the way back to the station… where they finally arrived at 1:30 a.m!
WEATHER
Although it was the rainy season, the PELENDO shows were not stopped by
rain! One evening it poured just as the team returned to the place where
they were staying! Roads were wet and muddy but the team was able to get
through to each place as planned!
Yes, it really rained hard last night! Wet road ahead!
Which lane should we take?
Hold onto your seats!
ROADS
The country side is lush and green with picturesque villages
Some of the roads are reasonably good—smooth stretches of sandy red murram—
Not quite the Interstate, but enjoy it while it lasts!
...running through stretches of high grass...
...and dense tropical jungle with tall trees!
Then the road changes and suddenly….
...it becomes much rougher!
The road grader is out of service!
One encounter of a different kind! An antiquated military 4x4 managed
to “park” in this set of mudholes! The driver said he was out
of fuel! What to do? Tim’s driver and helper cleared a “driveway”
up the bank and around the stalled truck!
These roads do have surprises of all kinds!
An exit ramp is quickly arranged!
Before long we’ll be on our way!
Next: The Two Lead Actors
