A wonderful last day…

We arose this morning feeling a bit more rested than previous nights. Our back ends were re-inflated overnight from the never-ending travel yesterday, and we had a very fun day to look forward to. Larry cooked breakfast for us all, fixing scrambled eggs and onions, cheese and baguettes. It was not pre-packaged, not tuna, and it was hot and yummy. The drivers took us to Quakam to do some business at the business office, and then we were off to ICRD to see the kids!

We had a great day at ICRD. We were greeted by faces-familiar and new. The children sang us songs about Jesus, and greeted us all with “Hello’s” and Hi’s” in English, which they are learning in school there. The medical crew took care of the children, doing medical exams, treating minor ailments, giving vitamins and hygiene kits, and stickers and candy, of course! It is always an amazing time to spend with the children here; they are such a blessing. Their English is blossoming, and they try so hard to communicate with us. They are very cute and very smart!!
Following our time at ICRD we had a little personal time at the artisan village. It is always quite an adventure to go there. Excuse me, come in my shop! Lady, come in my shop; Lady; Lady; Here, here!! Sara became the master barterer, and put us all to shame with her deals. I am sure that you all will be very pleased with the goodies that we found!

It is evening here now, and we are all preparing to go to the airport in a couple of hours. Most of us have showered and changed, the bags are packed and redistributed, and the crew is playing UNO and Taboo! We are looking forward to seeing all of you in 24 or so hours. Please pray for safe travel, and we will do the same for you as you come to pick us up.

Please remember Cindy and Gwen in your prayers as well, as they will be staying for another 9 days leading a vision trip for a Korean team from Virginia, looking to partner with the Mandyak as well. They are both tired and need rejuvenation for the travel back to the Casamance, as well as the ongoing work for the remainder of their stay.

We have had an amazing trip. The preparations to come seem to take so long; we talk about it for months and in the blink of an eye it is over. There is mixed emotion among the team. Of course, we are all excited to see our family, but are regretful to leave this place with so much work left to do here. It is virtually impossible for you to come to West Africa and leave with anything less than an immense passion for the people here. Leaving our interpreters, our drivers, and people in the villages is like leaving our family at home. Please continue to pray for them; that the seeds that were spread this week will fall on fertile ground; that a Christian leader will rise up in this area to plant a church. Please pray for Mr. Mendy. It is impossible for us to imagine the amount of isolation and persecution that a new Christian believer here experiences. We live in a country where we can worship freely, pray on any whim, discuss the gospel with anyone that we like; yet, it is not that way here. People lose their family, they lose their jobs, at times they lose their life for the decision they have made to follow Him. Our prayer is necessary for him to grow in his decision.

At the end of Acts, the story of Paul’s travels came to an end, yet they were not nearly over, as there was more work yet to be done. Acts 28:28 shares “So I want you to know that this salvation from God has been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.” Just as Paul, we will keep working here, as there is much work to be done in God’s field. Will you work in the fields with us?

“Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8