Saturday's post...

Fanta-320 cfa, Toilet paper 1000 cfa-, Petrol-priceless!!

The day’s journey (Sat) started w/some “unexpected turns”. As we were leaving Sedhiou we stopped at the local gas station only to find out that there was no available petrol. We were informed that with the “world-wide crisis” there are times when petrol is not available. Moussa did not think that we had enough fuel to travel it to Sansamba and back so we had to drive about 45 minutes to the nearest community in order to refuel. As always, this was a matter of God’s timing and provision. We later found out that Bobo would have been in the field if we had arrived earlier. Calling ahead isn’t always as productive here. We were also able to purchase some extra fuel in case we ran into the same problem in the days ahead.

Our journey to Sansamba was very smooth (remember, that’s all relative in Africa!). An extra treat for Gwen and I was that Elizabeth, Pastor N’gom’s wife, was able to accompany us. She puts a whole new meaning to “meek and quiet spirit”! Mark and Mike, don’t get any ideas!…grinning.

Our time w/Bobo was so sweet! If only I could convey the warmth of her embrace!!! The first thing she asked was how is Tom…Rick…Sam…Gary… I assured her that everyone was well and they were longing to see her. She expressed the fact that the rainy season and the work that it brings had made it difficult for her to travel to Sedhiou to cont her TrT studies. She expressed that she is praying that God will allow her to do that once the work in the fields is complete. I told her that we would make that a matter of prayer.

After our visit w/Bobo we were then able to meet w/the “Assistant to the Pres of the Rural Community” and Mr. Faye, the director of the medical clinic. Then we went to “Mango tree office” and met w/the chief and elders of the village. Once again, God extend us much grace and favor. The chief told Gwen and I that he wanted us to consider ourselves natives of the village and they would provide anything we needed. The chief and elders all expressed their sincere gratitude for all that we have done. They did ask if we could consider coming every month. I told them that we would love to but our husbands might not appreciate it. They all broke into laughter. I am always amazed at how many details they remember about our visits. The chief said that since the medical team’s visit in Jan. Sansamba has been given much acknowledgement from surrounding villages. We were also given permission to show the Jesus film next Saturday evening. Please be in prayer regarding this. Our visit was then completed w/songs and interaction w/the children. We could not have asked for a better time.

After enjoying a delicious meal of chicken and rice we traveled to Kauyan-Mancagne to show the Jesus film. While some of the men from Pastor N’gom’s church sat up the projector, Gwen and I were able to go and meet with Nema and Mnbaboo. They are both Mandyak and students of Tom’s. We estimated that there were aprox. 250-300 people at the showing. Joseph then invited everyone to attend Pastor N’gom’s church for Sunday worship. Gwen and I are singing His praises for all His provision and answers to prayer. We know that many of you are interceding in our behalf. We see it and feel it!

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To HIM be the glory forever! Amen.” Romans 11: 36

Cindy