One last time from Dakar... the final countdown!

Hello all—can you believe that we are on the final countdown!? What a wonderful, blessed day we have had together. Early this morning, Brothers Sam and Larry went to the airport to retrieve Tom and Robert, after their safe arrival to Dakar. Thankfully, they let the rest of the team awaken leisurely, a gift that was well received!

We had breakfast, and then the team went separate ways. Sam, Larry and Tom to the IMB office, and the rest of the team to Dr. Steele’s clinic for a tour and to drop off the medications that we had borrowed as well as those that we were able to donate to his mission. All I can say is that we in American clinics do not know what busy is. For those who work in areas with busy ER waiting rooms, busy private practice waiting rooms, and the like would be appalled to see the lines at the “American” hospital. What a heart for the Lord that they have there, and man, are they organized and efficient. Their clinic is very well appointed, and they are able to meet the needs of hundreds of medical and dental patients during their Monday through Friday business hours. We really appreciated the time that they had to share it with us. His wife shared with us that they are seeking a full time, long term clinician to help shoulder the load….so if you know anyone…J

After the tour, we returned to the guest house for our debriefing time. We shared pizza (it was good!), fellowship, and ideas. Dr. Steele was able to join us and give us some pointers for next year, and after he left, the team discussed the spiritual growth that occurred, as well. I do not think there are words to describe that moment in time, when we showed ourselves openly to one another without reserve. We let the words and feelings flow freely, and allowed each to see how our Father has humbled us during our time together. The bonds and friendships that were made are ones that will never be forgotten. There are many picture memories, as well as those that are forever in our hearts. We will never be the same.

We spent the remaining afternoon in the artisan market…oh, what an experience that was. We did not have much time, and bargaining had to be done quickly; although not everyone had time to find the perfect gifts and mementos, the experience was worth the trip. Finally, we shared a time of fellowship with the Mandyak Association. There was a room full of more than 30 Mandyak believers, worshiping our Lord. What a blessing to be surrounded by the hope of these people. Their smiles were wide, their eyes bright, and their hospitality the best around. It was a site to behold, as their love for Jesus is so refreshing and new. Oh, what we could learn… Again, the meal was wonderful, the Coke’s even better, and the fellowship the best in the world.

How the Lord has blessed this trip. The team is preparing for the trip to the airport. The bags are much more consolidated than they were when we came, and much lighter! (Thankfully!) Please continue to pray for the health (everyone is feeling better today, an answer to those prayers) and safety, for traveling mercies, for patience as we wait in the airport in Atlanta for our connection tomorrow, for watch over Brother Sam, Tom and Robert as their trip continues, and, most importantly, for the sewing of the seeds that have been planted in the hearts of those that we have touched, for the soil upon which they live, and for the breaths that fill them to be full of the Holy Spirit.

Thanks to all who have supported this mission. There is no doubt that God has been present here, in all that we have done, attempted to do, and even in the things that we could not do. None of it could have been possible without our sister in Christ, Cindy, whose organization exceeded all human understanding; whose love and obedience for the Lord gave her the vision to develop this wonderful team upon which I serve; and whose fervent prayer life has sustained us. We love you, Cindy. Also, to our families who have sacrificed beyond expectation to allow us to be here together. It was a calling of itself, and to you all, we are eternally grateful. To our church families, what a wonderful support you have all been. It is our prayer that your torch will be lit by the fire that is burning in us for this country, and for service to our Savior through missions. To our friends and co-workers, we know that you, too, have sacrificed in our absence…many blessings to you by the hand of our Lord. Finally- to our Father in Heaven- we bow humbly before you, and pray “Thanks” for the way that you have blessed us with your mercy and grace. It is our prayer that when we stand before you in judgment, you will say “I am pleased with you, my mighty and faithful servant. When I asked you to take medicine to my people, you said Yes, Lord!” Until that day…

“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in His presence, and He will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at His right hand and the goats at His left. Then the king will say to those on His right, “Come you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” Then these righteous ones will reply, “Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?” And the king will say, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” Matthew 25:31-40 (New Living Translation)

Submitted by Kindra York