Sansamba here we come!

Hello from West Africa! We have finally arrived at the goal destination, and God is good. Words cannot express the emotions of the day, the fear of a new culture, yet unusual peace; the many tears and prayers that have already been shed, the realization of many team members as to their “purpose” here; excitement and confusion as we “organized “ the clinic (and I use the term lightly- remember Cindy…flexible!)

Where to start… at the beginning, I suppose. Travel this morning began eventfully at 6am. We traveled to the airport to catch our 8am flight, but unfortunately, not all of our team made it. Brother Sam spoke with Joseph around 6am, as he had not made it to the guest house yet to leave with the team, and he said that he would meet us at the airport, which he did, eventually. Unfortunately, by the time he visited the counter with his ticket, the flight was full and closed, and we had to leave without him. We are unsure as to whether he will make it here tomorrow, or if we will be down a valuable translator for the duration of the trip. Please be in prayer for his travel.

The rest of the travel was graciously uneventful. The team reunited at the Kelly’s in Sediou, the IMB missionaries stationed here. They were very welcoming, and their three boys were a breath of fresh air. We were joined at the guest house by Lynn Harney, a missionary to the Manjak people in this area for more than 20 years. His account of the culture, and their vision regarding how far from God they feel they are, bring a sinking reality of how difficult to reach is the people group. We can never underestimate, however, the power of the Holy Spirit.

After a quick survey of the bags and the guest house, we reloaded and headed to Sansamba to meet with the Chief and the community that we will be calling home the next 3-4 days. What a welcome. Words cannot explain the feeling of sincere excitement, happiness, and hope that they experienced by seeing our faces. It is very humbling to think we, a group of mere laborers, sinners saved only through the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, could be such a beacon of light to so many. We were greeted with drums, whistles, song and dance that continued for more than 30 minutes. Many of us were brave enough to join the festivities, and those that were not were “encouraged” so to say, by the locals who simply grabbed their arms and drug them into the dirt circle of dance. What an experience! It was thrilling to set in the middle of such rich culture, however the reality of the situation also started to sink in- so much need, so little time, so many whose eyes explain their lostness.

We spent several hours there, speaking to community leaders, organizing activities with the Manjak and Mandikan nurses who will be joining us, setting up shop as best we could in advance, locking things down in preparation for tomorrow, and taking one final breath. We set out for home near dusk, but made it home without fail. Praise God. We shared a traditional West African meal around the common bowl for dinner, as we decompressed from the day. Finally, we are proceeding to the hotel for the evening for showers, prayer and rest.

I am sorry for the inadequacies of this entry, as my mind will only allow so much to come out. I know that our time together in the soon to follow days after this experience will be filled with amazing stories of what our God has allowed us to see. Please be in continued prayer for the physical and mental health and safety of the team, for the road traveled tomorrow, for the provisions of the clinic, for the sickness and heartache that we will see, and most importantly, for the spiritual warfare that exists in the hearts of all who rest in the darkness. Families- we love you. And until tomorrow…

No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is bad, your body is filled with darkness. Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. If you are filled with light with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant as though a floodlight were filling you with light. Luke 11:33-36

Submitted by Kindra York