Indeed it's "Good Friday"

Joseph lovin on Alphonse and Benjamin, dressed in their "circumcision attire"

Anastasia with her new purse and blanket! Thanks Angela & Leona!

Nothing like a dish of Ngalaax! Yum, Yum!

Nema and the girls enjoying lunch!

4 of the young been so attentive to the Easter Story!

What a pleasure it was to spend the afternoon with Nema and her family. Nema is one of Tommy’s students who became a follower of Jesus and is attending church at Pastor N’gom’s church. She is also going to be baptized Sunday. Yeah God!!! She is a widow and is our person of peace in Kounyan-Mancagne.

On Christmas day Joseph had gone to Nema’s and told the Christmas story to about 7 young men there. Today I had the opportunity to tell the full Easter story to about 9, while Moussa listened as well. Joseph would interpret in Manjacku to the family while Pastor N’gor would interpret to Moussa. One young man had several questions that indicated he had given a lot of thought to it. There was another man there who had been sippin some on the fermented cashew juice. He really expressed a lot of his thoughts regarding “religion”. He said he didn’t want to offend but wanted to be truthful. He stated it was hard not to be bitter with God at times when he was hungry or didn’t have anything to wear. He also asked, “how can I go to church when I don’t even have the proper clothes to wear”? God brought John 6:35 to my mind and I was able to share it with him. Pastor N’gor also informed him that he would be welcomed any time at his church. Please pray that these seeds will take root in fertile soil and grow to full fruition.

Nema, of course, extended her warm hospital by preparing us a dish of fish and cooked mangos! I am always humbled by everyone’s hospitality.

Around 4:30 we then went to the Assistant Prefect to begin the process for the Nov and Jan team to come. We were received with opened arms and much gratitude expressed for what has been done in the past. Elections were held March 22 and changes are still occurring. Yesterday they announced who the new President of the Rural Community would be in Bambali, which has jurisdiction over Bambacounda. While we were at the Prefect’s office in Sedhiou a call was received to say some hostile protest had broken out in Bambali. This was one of the places I am needing to go. Please just pray that God will give me clear direction as to IF or WHEN I am to do that.

We then left the Prefect’s office to go to Pastor N’gor’s place. Joseph had been looking forward to this time for 3 days! On Good Friday it is a tradition for the Christians to make porridge out of peanut butter, sugar (lots of it), ground millet, and sometimes bananas. They then distribute it to the surrounding community. They explained that it is the one time of the year that their Muslim neighbors will eat what they have prepared because there is no risk of pork being in it. The name of the porridge is Ngalaax. It is just “yum-yum”! Another one of those things you just can’t put into words!

While visiting we had the delightful surprise of a visit from Angelique and Anastasia. They are both doing well. Angelique is so glad to be home. Monday we will begin to make the needed follow-up appts. Angela, they are lovin that pink blanket!...even with it 95 degrees outside!!! Leona, you will also notice the little purse in the picket…she wears that all the time now too!

Please continue to pray for Moussa’s mother. He spoke with her yesterday and she is doing much better and wanted to thank me because she knew it was from our prayers. Please pray that God will continue to manifest himself to Moussa through this situation. Pastor and I also had another chance to talk with him during devotions last night. Pray that the Holy Spirit draws him!!

We are now getting ready to go to Sansamba to see Bobo. Pray for safe travel and that we will be an encouragement to her.

My love to all,
Cindy

“Then Jesus said, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35