Life in Chad can be hard. It’s hot. It’s dusty. There’s a constant threat of illness. There’s also another challenge to overcome and that is the general lack of reliable electricity.

At Lutheran Brethren International Mission’s (LBIM) Welcome Center in Ndjamena, electricity is supplied by a generator and a solar/battery system working in tandem. Originally, the two were able to supply the concession with electricity during the night and for a few hours during the daytime. But as the Welcome Center’s use grew, it became apparent that a more robust system was needed to meet the Mission’s needs.

Mike Braaten (Left) and Mike Watts

In discussion with LBIM Director Matthew Rogness, it was decided that new batteries and solar panels would be purchased and shipped to Chad in anticipation of a future expansion of the solar/battery system. As it turned out, procuring the equipment was the easy part. We still didn’t have the expertise to install the system. So we prayed that the Lord would provide somebody who was willing to come to Chad and install the new system.

Months passed with our equipment sitting in storage at the Welcome Center while we waited upon the Lord to solve our problem. Then in early 2010, a short-term mission team from Maple Park Lutheran Brethren Church in Lynnwood, Washington came to the Welcome Center. The team leaders were Noel and Trisch Johnson. During the team’s stay, I discussed our situation with Mike Braaten. Right away Mike showed a keen interest in what we needed to do and offered whatever help he could provide to get the job completed.

When Mike returned to the States he proved true to his word. Within a very short period of time he was able to find an electrician (Mike Watts from Maple Park) who was willing to not only go to Chad but to completely re-design the system to maximize reliability and ease of use.

Preparations were made and in April of this year the two Mikes and I headed to Ndjamena. Both men paid their own way, took time off from work, and gave countless hours of their own time to make this endeavor a success. And a free will offering at Maple Park Church provided the necessary funds to pay for my airline ticket!

I cannot stress enough how thankful I am to have these two men as members of this little team. Their selflessness is something that I will always remember. Also, a big “Thank you” must be given to Maple Park Church and Pastor Dave Overland. The whole congregation adopted this project as their own.

In 1 Corinthians 12 the Apostle Paul talks about the body of Christ (the Church) and how, as members of the body, we all have a part to play. It is great to see that, when we are led by the Holy Spirit, though we may be few we can accomplish so much.

Steve and his family serve as missionaries with LBIM in Ndjamena, Chad.