What a day that the Lord has made; Rejoice and be glad in it!

Wow- what a beautiful morning in Sedhiou! The weather is beautiful, and we slept an extra half hour! I am writing early, because we are not sure that we will have Internet access in Zig this afternoon.

This morning, the team arose to sort the medications at the guest house, and to prepare the bags to return to the guest house in Dakar. We were efficient, and loaded the guys up for the long journey back. Thankfully, Brandon and Larry are able to fly back to Zig with us, so they will not have to brave the bumps and ruts again. Several team members joined the physician at the hospital in Sedhiou, to donate the supplies to the local hospital. It was a wonderful experience, and the debriefing went well.

We spent some time discussing the results of the clinic and the results that we saw, as well as some improvements that we can make next year. We were shocked when he shared with us many facts about the region; that there were only two physicians serving over 250,000 people; that many of the hospital maternity services, including C-sections, are free; that there is only one dentist in the area that serves so many; and finally, that Dr. Mike had been the first dentist to provide service to the people of Sansamba. It is no wonder why he pulled hundreds of teeth with many more potentials!

Following our meeting, we shared a magnificent worship service with Ngoum (Sorry that I spelled it wrong yesterday) in the Assembly of God church. (Brother Ray was thrilled!) The worship started in traditional order, with prayer, then music. The church was filled with the beat of two drums, and the groove of two thousand! What a way to worship the Lord. Brother Sam made us all come to the front for introductions (and for those of you who know Brother Sam, we were up there awhile!) He then delivered a wonderful message from Romans 5, which was beautifully translated in both French and Balanta for the members. I have to say that the offertory “hymn” was not in “traditional” fashion, and was a wonderful experience. We adjourned with prayer, and shared fellowship with the members. There were many children, and they joined in the worship time, and then left the church for “Sunday School” across the street.

Overall—it was a wonderful, love-filled, God-breathed worship. We are resting now at the Kelly’s, preparing for our trip to Zig. Tonight, we will rest and eat and relax (Brother Sam says that when you are in West Africa that you must eat when you can, rest when you can, and go to the bathroom when you can…) before we set out early in the morning for the guest house in Dakar.

Thank you all for your prayers, we have no doubt that they have been answered, as the team has remained safe, healthy, and full of the love and hope of Jesus. Please continue for the safety and health of the team, for traveling mercies, both for our translators that are driving as well as we who are flying, and most importantly that the Lord will continue to use us in our final days here to spread the love that we have in Him. Until tomorrow…

Peace and Joy… Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Romans 5:1-2

Submitted by Kindra York