Hello friends and family. I am so sorry that we have not been able to post any blog entries. Electricity is an extreme luxury this time of year in Senegal.
We have been blessed beyond measure so far in our journey. The flights over here could not have gone better! Our connections went like clock work with all of our luggage in hand.
Our first day, we traveled to Kaolack. We had a wonderful privilege of meeting a new friend of Joseph. Her name is Adama, she is Mandyak. She lives in Gambia and works with the Ridgecrest team in their ministry efforts. It was so exciting to find out that her sister is Jacquilyn. “It just so happened” …in January 2007 (if my memory is correct) while Sam, David, and I was prayer walking in Grand Yoff Jaquilan prayed to receive Christ. Jaquilyn now lives in Gambia with Adama. God’s networking never ceases to amaze me!
On Thursday morning we were on the road by 5:30 am (yes, I was actually ready). We had been informed that the road around Gambia had been improved so we decided to adventure out and see for ourselves. It ended up that we arrived in Sedhiou by 4:30 and that was with taking several eating breaks. The Africans are no different than Americans. We all know where the good places are to eat along the way! There were no stops at the “Barf N Go” and we actually had black top ¾ of the trip! : ) God has been merciful…we only had a few intervals of rain. Rainy season definitely bring it’s own set of challenges.
Dad has done exceptionally well. The only challenge he faced was be able to turn his head quickly enough to see all the sights on both sides of the road.
Friday was just exceptional! As always it is very difficult to put into words the multiple blessings that God has privileged us to be a part of. We were able to take care of some of the preparatory things for our medical trip in January. The medications were ordered from the local pharmacy which is a huge convenience for us. We also had an initially meeting with the Prefect of Health and we are to return next week. Just like America, that office is being “remodeled” so in order for him to grant us his full hospitality we were asked to come back.
Friday afternoon we traveled to Bamacounda where they have been having Bible study every Friday. They have been meeting since the first of May and average 8-10 every week. At one study they had 15. Last night we had 14 initially (not counting Pastor N’gor, Antionne, Immanuel, and Sebastian. By the end of the evening we had 20 plus multiple people around the peripheral. Our lesson for the evening was out of Matthew about the importance of building our house The firm foundation, Christ the solid rock. I doubt think I could have been prepared for what was to follow. At the end our study 5 young men stood and made a firm commitment in front of their elders to become followers of Jesus Christ.!! Hallelujah balloons filled the sky from Africa to Southwest Missouri!!! We are to meet with them again this upcoming Friday afternoon. Please be in much prayer over that. Pray that they will feel the freedom to converse openly with us any questions concerning the gospel, or scriptures that they might have.
Our African team members asked me to be sure and communicate with our team members and churches back home, that what we experience at the Bible study was a direct harvest from the seeds that had been planted as far back as Tommy’s visit. God is truly blessing our obedience to His call!!!
Today (Saturday) has been a wonderful day of fellowship with our fellow African believers. We had a very sweet time of sharing our visions for future ministry here in the region of Sedhiou. I am always so humble by the hearts of our African brothers. They have an unshakeable faith combined with deep passion to walk in obedience to our Lord no matter the sacrifice. Oh what I would do, to be able to adequately portray that to all of you. I learn so much more from them than I could ever give back!!!
Tomorrow will be another blessed day of worship at Pastor N’gor’s church. At this point our weekly schedule has yet to unfold. Please pray that we will be sensitive to God’s leadership in all that we do.
To our families, we love and miss you dearly. To Dad’s friend, he is doing exceptionally well and said the experience has been a “giant education”! He also asked that you be sure and keep up on all the football scores so that he can catch up when he gets home : ) Mark, I won’t ask you to have to do that…teehee. I am so proud of Dad!!! He has truly been a God send for me and a huge encouragement to the Africans.
Well, the power just went off so Dad says it’s God telling me it time to call it a night. I will post as soon as possible.
For His Kingdom,
Cindy
"The One who calls you is faithful and HE will do it" I Thessalonians 4:11
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