A Thousand Halleluiahs

I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord”. Psalm 122:1

Church day in West Africa for this American team is like dessert after a great dinner! It is a morning of blessing and spiritual refreshment. Although there was still one team member still resting at the hotel slowly on the mend, the day was a glorious one. The night prior was a much longed- for, restful one, and coming to the house of the Lord was just what the Dr. had ordered. (Something about Dr. Ray and being AG, I don’t know…) We opened worship with a wonderful celebration in song. As I reflect, I can almost feel the beat of the small African drums and the clanging of the tambourine reverberating sweet sound to the Heavens. It brings such joy to know that no matter where we are in the world, or with what instruments, or in what language, we are all worshipping the same living, loving God!

After greetings from Pastor N’Gom and Dr. (Pastor) Ray, Joseph (Cindy’s African son, our interpreter) brought the message this morning from the book of Acts in passionate, convicting fashion. His focus was on the life and dedication of the disciple Paul to do the will of God. The challenge was for us to seek the will of God for our lives as well, and live it obediently and sacrificially. Our service was four, yes you read correctly, FOUR wonderful hours of prayer-filled, song-filled, Spirit-filled worship! (and a few very loud Hallelujahs!)

Certainly this morning, God revealed the endless depths of His love for sinners as we witnessed 2 more decisions for Christ, and one more seeker for Christ! AMEN! These young Mandyak men surrendered their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ as Savior, praying the sinners prayer surrounded by the men of our team, as well as the other male believers of the congregation. As evidence of this complete surrender, they relinquished their amulets to the Pastor immediately! This was certainly an emotional moment, witnessing these tangible symbols of false teachings melt to a pile on the floor at the feet of their new Savior, Jesus Christ! Hallelujah! In addition, a third man, who followed us from clinic in Bamacounda to church this day, came forward with his daughter for prayer, and is certainly seeking the love of God in his life and that of his child. As an indication of his heart and his seeking spirit, he also relinquished her amulets to the floor as a sign of trusting her life to the Lord, Jesus Christ! Another Hallelujah! Please continue to be in prayer for this brother, who is certainly standing on the threshold to the rest of his life, one in the will of our Lord. Can you believe what an amazing morning and afternoon this proved to be! Our God Reigns!

Following church service, we retreated back to the river house for a quick lunch. The team had agreed to see some of Pastor N’Gor’s church members this afternoon as a blessing to them. We proceeded to treat dozens of children with dental care (tooth varnish for protection against cavities) and about 2 dozen ailing patients. Generally speaking, the afternoon and evening were calm and quiet, giving the team some time together to reflect on the week and specifically the day. It was certainly a day that the Lord had made!

We are off to a Mandyak village tomorrow (Monday) to the area’s only Mandyak church for a mobile clinic. Please pray for travelling mercies, specifically with the road- it can either be a 30 minute trip, or a three hour trip, depending on conditions! Please continue to pray for arrangements for Diauke’s surgery- that God’s will be done, and that doors along the way will be blaringly opened or closed! Also, please continue to pray for the health, safety, and general welfare of the team. Finally, pray for the hearts and souls of our African brothers and sisters. Normally, I do not challenge you to pray about what you specifically can do to further the Kingdom of God on West African soil until later in the trip, however today, Joseph challenged us with some words: “Why would you leave Heaven to go to hell?” he asks. “To do the will of my Father who sent me.” There is much work to be done on this African soil, friends, and so few workers. We are beginning to see the fruit of our labors, yet it is only a glimpse, a mere crumb of the magnitude of God’s plan for this place. I know leaving home is hard, and all the logistics that go along with it, whether it be financial, employment, familial, or even health limitations that prevent your consideration. Please just commit to prayerful contemplation of your part in this great movement for the glory and Kingdom of God here in WA, and may GOD’S WILL be done in your life, and may you have the courage for obedience to His call. Blessings, friends. See you tomorrow. Kindra.

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out His workers into His harvest field.” Matthew 9:37