How GREAT is our God!

We sing praises to the Most High King for his grace and mercy! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

What a journey God has taken us on.  We praise God that all our bags were under 50 lbs. We landed safely in Atlanta and departed from Atlanta around 3:45 p.m to Dakar, Senegal. About an hour and a half into the flight the pilot came across the PA system and announced he was turning the plane around and heading back to Atlanta due to some computer issues. It was a great disappointment, but “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) As we were arriving in Atlanta God provided the most beautiful sunset at the most appropriate time. It was as if God was saying “It’s all going to be ok. I have it under control.” We arrived safely back to Atlanta and boarded another plane about an hour later and we were on our way to Dakar. After a total of 11 hours on a plane over the Atlantic Ocean, God set us down safely in Dakar. We were greeted with warm smiles and big hugs from Cindy, Gwen, Joseph and our drivers, Moussa and Pope (Pop).

We began our journey to Sedhiou and decided it would be best for us to stay the night at a hotel in Kaolack. We didn’t want to take a chance in missing the ferry. It was a true blessing for us to stay the night because we were SO exhausted. The electricity went out a little while after we arrived, but God’s timing turned it back on before we went to sleep.  The water ran out at the hotel and some of us were blessed to take a traditional African bath/shower using a bucket and cup. There’s a first time for everything. Ha ha ha! We left early Saturday morning and headed toward Sedhiou. It was a rough long ride and it only took 7 hours  :), but it was definitely worth it!  We settled into the lovely guest house and took some time to rest. Then, that evening we traveled to Sansamba where we showed the Jesus film.

We had the privilege to attend Pastor N’gom’s worship service this morning. Words cannot express the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit that was in that place. God shows up wherever the people are willing to accept him.  It was a privilege to worship with our fellow African brothers and sisters.  Russell presented Pastor N’gor with the communion set from Tom Meyers and the beautiful linen coverings for the serving trays.  These had been given by  Miss Leota.  Russell explained that she was a prayer warrior in our church and that the coverings  were symbolic of her intercession for them just as Jesus makes intercession for us at the right hand of the Father.

I look back at all of the events that have occurred and realize that God had his hand upon us from start until now and I know that he will continue to keep his hedge of protection about us. He is faithful and his promises never fail. From the plane flight to the stay overnight in Kaolack…  HE was in control.  He knew we were  too  exhausted to travel the dusty bumpy road .  He also knew we would need the sweet refreshment that we received from the Holy Spirit while worshiping with our African brothers and sisters.

God gave me this scripture reference before I left the house Thursday morning and it was definitely fitting for the circumstances that arose. God knew. He always does…

 “I lift my eyes up to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, not the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121

Please continue to pray for our river Moussa, NeNe, Pope (Moussa ‘s son), and our guard Moussa. Of course we need continual interciession for the Mandyak people group, as well as every people group in the Cassamance Region. God is hearing our prayers and we ARE reaching the “unreached people group”.  Moussa’s mother is feeling much better (praise the LORD!) but still needs prayer. Please keep our translators lifted up…Joseph, Charlie Brown, John, and Pastor N’gor. The team is doing great! Please continue to pray for health, strength, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Please pray that the Spirit of Truth prevail in the hearts of the Mandyak people and that the enemy would be silenced.

Love to our families and beloved friends! We love you and speak many blessings into your life!

 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”—but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

Love from Africa,

Alicia