Joyful celebration

Salaam malicoum, bonjour, sava, karoom…oops I forgot which language I was using! Oh the simplistics of communications that we as Americans have! This trip has made very evident some of the challenges that Tom has faced. We had the wonderful opportunity of going to a school in the village of Kounyanj Mancagne yesterday. One of his students, Gnema Mendy, who is Mandyak, serves has the “PTO” president of the women’s counsel for this school. When we arrived the students greeted us with celebration in song and clapping of hands. The most moving part about it was that they were singing a Chirstian song in African dialect stating that God is so good. So many seeds have been planted and Pastor Sam was extended the privilege of sharing the entire gospel to aprox 150 people. The children sang several songs for us. At one point a select groups of students came to the front and shared in song. These were the students that spoke at least 5 different dialects. They also demonstrated several different tribal dances. It was wonderful! Then us “white folk”, as Sam would say, sang Jesus Loves Me, Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World, and If You’re Happy and You Know It for them. Pastor Sam said the most hilarious part of that was when I started the “tune pitch” for the team. Ha! Scott F. you have nothing to worry about. Your job is secure!
It was a wonderful time of fellowship.
We have been so privileged to reap the harvest of Tom’s diligent labor. It is so obvious to see how Moses and Aaron (Tom and Pastor N’gom) have joined together, w/elbows locked, dressed in HIS armour, went in for battle and WON!! God has given the victory! We cannot put numbers to the work that has been done or to the souls that have been saved. The soil was prepared and MANY seeds planted. I don’t think we’ll know this side of heaven the full results of the work that has been done.

As we were leaving Pastor N'gom's parsonage the Lord reveal to Gwen a very visual example. It was the animal sheltor in front of the parsonage...reminding us that Jesus himself was born in a stable representing His humble Spirit. Pastor N'gom is God's messenger to the people of Sedhoui, dwelling with meager means yet radiating HIS spirit...the heart of a servant.

The afternoon yesterday included winding up details for the Jan medical trip. God has granted us much favor and all has gone smoothly.
The evening highlight was when a gentleman prayed to receive Christ there at the river house just before we ate. PRAISE GOD! Please pray that Pastor N’gom will be able to follow up and disciple this man. Nathan also had the opportunity to talk w/our driver Moussa. His heart is opening…please cont in fervent prayer for his salvation.
Today will be a great day of celebration filled w/many emotions. We are planning having a meal for aprox 100 people which includes Tom’s students and their families. NeNe and 2 other women will be preparing this meal over coal fires! How gracious and loving they are to us! Although this is going to be a sweet time of fellowship it is going to be extremely difficult for Tom, Pastor N’gom, and Tom’s new Senegalese family. Please bathe them in MUCH prayer…that HIS Holy Spirit will bring peace and comfort and that the work for HIS Kingdom will continue.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoner…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of HIS splendor!” Isaiah 61:1, 3.
To our families… we love you , miss you and long to see you! Thank-you so much for you support!
Love to all…thank-you for your fervent prayer support.
Cindy