Saturday, August 10th
First, allow me to pass on greetings from the missionaries and many of my Cameroonian friends. Relationships are very important in Cameroon, and people love to greet each other. I've been back for a week now, and have been busy settling back in to America and taking care of a bunch of odds and ends. I have now put up some of my pictures (I had over 450 altogether!) on the website, with accompanying explanations and short stories. For my final update, let me first tell you about my last week or so in Cameroon, and then discuss some of the ways that this trip has impacted my life.

For my last week in Cameroon I was working at Mbingo Baptist Hospital. Thom Schotanus set up an intensive program, where I had two days to teach four of the Cameroon Baptist Convention Projects Department staff, and then another two days to teach another four staff members. Due to the short time I had with the students, we studied very intensely, with class for about 12 hours per day. We covered an enormous amount of material for that time, and I hope it wasn't too overwhelming. I also gave them a copy of the full notes (45 pages or so) that I had made up for my students in Ndu. So I was pretty busy for my first four days at Mbingo. But after I was done with these classes, I had a bit of free time to wrap up my time in Cameroon. So for a few days I was able to work on miscellaneous computer issues at my leisure, visit with the missionaries and Cameroonians that I knew, and just relax for a bit. I enjoyed getting out and hiking some - Mbingo is incredibly beautiful. (See the pictures, which make a feeble attempt at capturing the landscape.) I made my best effort to thoroughly enjoy the fruit. I'm not sure what the stuff is that we get in America, but mango and pineapple (among others) simply cannot compare. I'm not even sure if we have the same species or anything in America - the fruit in Cameroon is very tasty.

The trip back was safe and fine. My plane was late so I had to be reschedule for my flight from Paris to New York, and my cargo was three days late, but no real problems. It was interesting to watch the increasing security and efficiency at the airports as I proceeded from Cameroon to France to the United States. Things in America are very orderly and there are all sorts of rules for everything - it was a bit strange for a little while.

It's funny as I think about how the trip to Cameroon has changed me...because it's easier than I expected to just switch back into American mode and not be directly affected by my experiences. I think that since the two settings are so radically different, my body just switches between distinct modes, rather than taking time to adjust. Things I learned and experienced in Cameroon just aren't directly applicable to our orderly life here. The experiences still live in my memory, and I would definitely pick up where I left off if I were to return, but otherwise the trip doesn't affect my daily living much.

I do think there are two major ways that I have been changed on a more permanent and deeper level. First, I feel more at peace and confident of God's hand in my life. I'm more trusting in His supremacy over all, and His omnipotent sovereignty to work out HIS will in everything. And His will is good. So Isaiah 26:3 has been a bit of a theme verse - "The steadfast of mind thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in thee." Trust in God will result in peace - and we have every reason to trust in Him. I hope and pray that this security in my position through Christ and the goodness of God really becomes a deeply felt comfort throughout my life.

The other big change is my feelings towards missions - and this is a major shift. I had not even intended this trip as a means for investigating missions - I was just going to help out for one summer. But learning more about the role of missions and the work of different missionaries rapidly became one of the main goals of my time in Cameroon. Missionary work is a very real possibility for my future. Indeed, I don't know what else I'd really like to do. (Maybe be a high school teacher or work at a Christian computer ministry.) So the Lord has greatly changed my disposition towards my own future work in missions! Along with this, I have a greater sense of the reality of the missions field - the difficulties that missionaries face and the prayers that they need. I now look forward to finding opportunities to pray for and support missionaries that are headed out on the field.

But for now I'm glad to have three more years at university before I have to settle into the next stage of life --- plenty of time to pursue God's leading for my future. Thank you all for your financial and prayer support; without both of these, my trip would not have been possible. I praise God for His provision throughout my preparation and time traveling. To Him be the glory!

Saturday, August 3rd
Back in Petersburgh now, safe and sound. Praise God for His provision - the journey was safe and fairly easy. A larger update will be coming shortly, but I want to let everyone know that all is well!

Monday, July 22nd
Final greetings from Ndu. I travel to Mbingo tomorrow to teach the staff at Mbingo Baptist Hospital for one week. Then I'll head down to Douala to leave! It's sad departing from all the people that I've gotten to know in Ndu, and I'm going to miss a couple of friendships in particular. It's especially tough since I don't know whether I'll EVER see these people again. I'd love to come back to Cameroon sometime, but that's my own desire. I'll have to see what the Lord has in store for my future. I've been busy visiting many people lately, and rushing around with final projects before I leave. The time at the CBTS (Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary) has been
really neat, and I've truly been blessed by the people here.

Wednesday, July 10th
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope and pray that this message finds you in good health. The Lord has kept me safe from illness and injury, and I am physically quite comfortable. The weather is pleasant -temperatures are usually in the 60s and 70s, although rain can hit at any time. And the chop is very fine - whether it be coca yam, corn fufu, or mango pie. I'm also comfortable in the emotional and spiritual senses. The community of Christians on the seminary campus is really neat. Everyone is
wonderfully friendly, and I'm forming several solid friendships. As far as my work is concerned, it is a pleasure to teach my eager students and to see their progression as we explore the features and capabilities of the computer. I praise God for the opportunity I have to invest in these people, people who have committed their lives to serving the Lord. On a personal
level, I've had some quality time to read, pray, and think during the evenings (when I'm not visiting or being visited). It's been a great time to really focus on God and His work in my life. Overall, I am thoroughly enjoying my time working for God in Cameroon. Some people might say that it is a sacrifice to give up life in America to serve the Lord in Africa. But I
am finding it difficult to think of it as a "sacrifice" when I have such joy in my present state.

My class schedule has recently increased. I now work with the president of the seminary (and some of his family) from 8:00-9:30 in the morning and 6:00 to 7:30 in the evening. I also teach classes from 10:00-12:00 AM and 1:30-4:00 PM. Outside of teaching time, I type up notes for everything that
we've covered in class. We're interrupted fairly regularly by power outages,some of which can force me to cancel a class for the day.

I have had some good times with some of my different friends. I went with two of my younger friends (11 and 13 years) to market to buy some sugar cane. They found a good place for me, where we got two stalks (for about 15
cents total). As we went back to my house from market, we carried the sugar cane and my umbrella on our heads. It was fun, and I began to get the hang of it, although many people smiled and laughed as the "white man" tried to carry something on his head. The Cameroonians are incredibly skilled at carrying things on their head. Whenever they are carrying anything they just throw it up on their heads - whether it be a basket of eggs, a large rock for construction, or a bucket of water. I have been running in the morning with another one of my friends. It is fun to greet everyone as we go along. When I was running by myself one time, another man just joined me and we ran together for a little while. I like to account some of my winded state to the thin air, but I think that excuse will be growing weak as my lungs and
blood gets used to breathing at this elevation (about 7000 feet).

I've had a good time talking about the many cultural differences, learning about the different ways that Cameroonians think and behave. My friends are glad to share about their own culture, and I think they've found me an
inquisitive and avid listener. We've discussed such topics as African traditional religion, interpersonal relationships, and patterns of marriage and dating. I've also had the opportunity to correct a few misconceptions about America too (they have dirt roads there? there are places with forests?). Football is phenomenally popular, and with the timing of the
World Cup it was a fun time to be in Cameroon! Work and other events tended to come to a halt during the big matches. The power company even promised not to cut the current during any of the World Cup games, knowing the discontent that would result.

During my time traveling and in different places, I've had the opportunity to get to know some of the different missionary families. We've had some great times in fellowship together, talking about many different things. I've enjoyed hearing their perspective on missions work in Cameroon, and their thoughts on the challenges and rewards. It was neat to get the different stories of how God has called various people into His service, and how He has worked in their lives. The way that they have submitted their lives to God's will is very encouraging, and a challenge for me to really seek out GOD'S plan for my life. Let your will be done, Lord. I am becoming
curious to see what the Lord has in store for me...but for now I'll just practice my patience as I wait on Him.

I continue my work at the Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary in Ndu until July 24. Then I move on to Mbingo Baptist Hospital (maybe the second best hospital in the nation), where I will do about a week of computer training
for the staff there. Then I travel to Douala for my departure on August 1. As I say that, the time begins to feel short!

25 June 2002, Wednesday
"Sannu! (The Fulfulde greeting of the Fulani people.) I just returned from Banyo this past weekend after a week among the Fulani people in "the bush." Even in Cameroon, this part is considered backward. That means no power, no running water, and phenomenally poor roads. Actually, the missionaries that I stayed with had solar power systems and running water (though not always hot). I helped one missionary, John Dallmann, and saw his different water projects as he works to get clean water systems set up for the villages in the area. The area is almost entirely Muslim, with just a few Christians that have moved up from the southern part of Cameroon. One night we had a celebration at one of the small villages to mark the completion of a new well. There were some speeches, thanks passed, and then we showed the Jesus film to the village (in Fulfulde). It was the big event of the night, and a good way to plant the seed of the gospel. Another missionary will follow up, continuing to get to know the villagers and telling them more about the Good News. After the film, the village elders provided us with a nice dinner before we headed home. But the road to the village, so bad! Wow...that's about all there is to say about that. It took over an hour for 14 km. I figure we averaged about 7 mph. It would have been faster to run the distance!

I took an airplane back from Banyo to Banso, which is near Ndu where I am staying. The flight was quick and easy - much smoother than the long drive up. We went fairly low, and had a good view of the country as we passed by. The runways were simply grass strips, but the plane handled them fine.

Sunday was supposed to be election day, so church was at 6 AM. It was a great sermon about the importance of choosing good leaders. Everyone got out early, all ready to do their civic duty...and the vote was canceled. Somebody messed up something, and the vote was moved back a week. Welcome to Cameroonian politics. So we get another 6 o'clock church service! It's actually not that early for Cameroon, most people are up and going by six every morning.

I started teaching this week, and have some avid learners. Most have a low skill level, but work hard to improve. When I come in to teach in the morning, several are already working on the computers, practicing on the keyboard or just trying things that we had learned the day before. The problem is in limiting and controlling the size of the group, since we only have six computers to work on. I could easily stay busy teaching people for years if I let anyone participate. In general, I have found that the Cameroonians are very eager to learn, and are very dedicated workers. The students at the seminary will often eat poorly to save money for tuition. They deeply desire to gain an education that will help them to serve God in ministry. I praise God for the hearts of these people!"

15 June 2002, Saturday
This is Arch's Mom writing. Arch called to say that he is happy and healthy. It is getting easier for him to understand people, and he is learning to talk with a Pidgin English accent. He has been working on repairing computers, installing the new equipment he brought with him, and teaching two Cameroonians computer maintenance skills.

On Monday, June 17th he plans to drive five hours northeast with another missionary to the small town of Banyo, right along the Nigerian border. He will be helping with a well-drilling project in this area inhabited by the predominantly Muslim Fulani people. On June 22nd, he will fly back to Banso in a Wycliffe Missions plane. While he is away at Banyo, he has no access to e-mail or a phone, so we will have no further updates until he returns.

After he returns to Ndu, he will teach a 2 week course in intermediate computer skills to the faculty and staff of the Seminary. The course will run for 5 hours each day. After that, he will teach a basic computer class for students.

12 June 2002, Wednesday
Ndu has a pleasant climate - much nicer than Douala. At 6700 feet, Ndu can get quite cool. We have had the fireplace going every night here, while in Douala I slept without sheets or blankets (too hot!). It is rainy season now (from March to September), and I am glad for it! It is supposed to be very dusty and hot in the dry season. The rain is very random - it can come at any time in any quantity. There have been the lightest of mists (just low clouds drifting through) and total downpours. But it is not raining too much, and temperature here is similar to home. It's funny to think that I'm just four degrees from the equator, but I can gaze out at the Southern Cross in the night sky.

Church on Sunday was interesting - five hours of interesting. The drums and worship music were really neat. Uncle Coty [Pinckney] gave a great sermon (which was interrupted as it was translated to one of the local tongues). It was a little difficult to understand the Cameroonian English then, but I am getting better and better the more I converse with people. I am even picking up (intentionally) some of the accent, which should help them understand me too. It is neat to be working with all the students at the seminary, who are solid Christians. They know the Bible well, and we've had fun discussing some different topics. God is truly working among the Cameroonians, and he's using them to minister to me. Praise God!

11 June 2002, Tuesday:
Greetings from Ndu! I safely arrived in Douala on Thursday, without my cargo. My plane from New York to Paris was late, and while I made the flight to Douala (barely), my luggage did not. It was not a problem to pick it up the next day. In fact, it might have been better that I didn't have the stuff with me. I did not meet my company as planned, so I would have had to navigate customs by myself. It was better that I was able to do it the next day with guidance from a Cameroonian.

On Saturday, we gathered a group of six missionaries and two nationals who were heading upcountry, and all packed into a van for the trek. Eleven hours later, we arrived in Ndu. Along the way, we stopped for fruit. Wow! That's all there is to say about that. The mangoes, pineapple, and avocados are amazing! Incomparable to the fruit we get in America. Overall, food has been very good here. Water is a hassle, since one has to be sure it has been distilled or was bottled.

I have settled in quite well in Ndu. I visited my friends the Pinckneys and Stephens quite a bit for the first days in Ndu, before they all left for Douala. Little Joel Pinckney took me to market and showed me all around on market day (Monday). It was great to meet all his friends as well. People here are very friendly, always greeting one another. It's so different than America! And in a very nice way.

I have worked out a tentative plan for my time here. For this first week, I am servicing the computers at the seminary and teaching two students the appropriate skills as we go along. Next week, I will be in Banyo working with John Dallmann on well-installation projects. That is about a five hour drive away, in a very different (very Muslim) area. Then I will be back at the seminary for six weeks, training staff and students in computer skills. For the last week, I will go to Mbingo Baptist Hospital to work with Thom Schotanus on the computers there.

That's all for now - I'm off to send the email over the radio.

9 June 2002, Sunday:
This is from Archer's Mom and Dad, Mary and Butch. Archer called home this afternoon. All is well. He arrived in Ndu Saturday evening. The flight out of JFK was about one hour late. That put him in Paris just 15 minutes before his flight to Douala. He made it, but his luggage didn't. This was not a major problem, and didn't complicate his subsequent travel to Ndu. He had carried a "day-bag" with him that included all the essentials. He arrived in Douala in the late afternoon, and he spent the night there at a "rest house." He hooked up with a Cameroonian national who was returning home from the U.S., and together they toured Douala on Friday. They went back to the airport and all of Archer's luggage had arrived, including all of the computer hardware that your donations made possible. On Friday night, Archer traveled to Bamenda, about 200 miles north from Douala. His travels resumed in the morning, and he safely arrived at his destination on Saturday. He is now at the Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary. Today, he attended his first church service and it lasted five hours! He says he is meeting lots and lots of people, and that all is well with him. We expect to receive the first e-mail from Archer sometime tomorrow, and we will post it here as soon as we can.

5 June 2002, Wednesday:
Today I leave for Cameroon! The plane departs from JFK at 7:50 pm, and proceeds to Paris where I'll meet several other people with whom I'll travel to Cameroon. If all goes as planned, I'll arrive in Douala, Cameroon at 4:10 pm their time on Thursday. They are 5 hours ahead of the eastern U.S. From Douala I'll travel to Ndu by van, arriving Saturday. I'll let you know as soon as possible how my trip went.

1 June 2002, Saturday:
Today I'm launching this webpage, to keep people up to date on the events of my time in Cameroon. While in Africa, I'll send updates to my parents to post on the website.

Visa is now set. And things are ready to go. I'm laying out my stuff and beginning to pack for departure on Wednesday.

27 May 2002, Monday:
In under two weeks, God raised up the financial resources that I need for my eight week mission (departure next week!). It has been amazing to see God's provision during this time, as in 2 Corinthians 9:8: "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed." Indeed, I am now several hundred dollars over my budgeted goal. I thank God for the way that he has worked through my supporters to bless me. With the extra money I will be able to purchase and bring much-needed computer components and replacement parts to the Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary.

I now have the plane tickets in hand (better than a promise from the agent), but am still waiting on Visa clearance. It should arrive within the week, but this is a hot item on my prayer list right now. I've recently talked (via international call to a cell phone) with my friends the Pinckneys in Ndu, Cameroon. Plans seem on track for my living arrangements and work. Several new opportunities have opened up too! In addition to my work at the seminary, I will likely be going to visit and do a little work with the missionaries at Banso Baptist Hospital. Banso Baptist Hospital is the best medical facility in the country, and not too far from the seminary (which is in Ndu). I may also be traveling up to Banyo, a five hour drive from Ndu. I could see the work that the missionaries are doing there, and perhaps help with their well-installation projects. This area is predominantly Muslim, and very rural. A very interesting and different view of Cameroon, so I'm told.