We delight to do His will...

My heart is overtaken with joy. We have been granted so many blessings the last few days. Most importantly there are 4 new believers ...2 in Bamacounda and 2 in Dialandighoto. The fields are ripe for harvest and workers are few! Please pray that the Lord of the harvest will send out workers!


Each day we set out with a tentative plan, knowing full well that it is the Lord that directs our steps. You never know what new experiences a day in Africa can bring. Yesterday we went to a new village seeking to buy some pigs for widow's in Pastor N'gors church. As we were waiting for the men to find out the specifics on the pigs, I looked over in the field and saw some women working. So, why waste any time just waiting in the van? Momma D, Ronda, and I decided to go introduce ourselves and see what they were doing. It was a delightful time!!!! The women were harvesting millet and was gracious to show us how it was done. One thing lead to another and before we knew it they were asking us for our dresses. What to do!?!? Ronda immediately said "ok"... (imagine that!) She must have been thinking of the scripture that said if they ask for your coat give them your cloak also!!! With the men out of sight Ronda and I proceeded to exchange dresses with these ladies. I wish you all could have seen the dance the youngest lady did. You would think she was wearing Prada! "It just so happened" that Karen had put a big ziplock bag of flipflops in the van and we happen to have "just the right size" for these ladies. It was "Christ"-mas time in the Casamance! It put a whole new meaning to the phrase "from rags to riches!" After we used a few paper clips to secure my new dress we went and met up with the men. The activities in the field led to an open door for Karen to tell the Creation story up through Noah. Ronda and Dee are on the way back now (Sunday afternoon) to tell the story of Christ's death and resurrection. I have known for a long time that God has spoken Col 4:2-6 and Isaiah 58 over my life. This is my calling. It has become even more evident to me on this trip. Not just for Africa but for Neosho as well. When the Father returns and begins to separate the sheep from the goats I want to hear "well done my good and faithful servant"..."I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matt 25:31-46)

After we finished up in the village, Karen and I went to the hospital to change Fatou's drsgs. What a joy it is to see her smiling and out of pain. The swelling has gone down some in her fingers and we felt good about the skin graphs. We continue to pray against infection and ask for miraculous healing. While we were at the hospital Ronda and "Momma D" went to visit a new believer from Pastor's church. Mrs. "R" has faced many hardships and has battled anxiety and mental health issues. She is a precious lady and attended our women's conference. Ronda has had such a kindred spirit with her and has truly been used of God to speak words of encouragement and truth. While at her house, they had the privilege of meeting her parents. Her father has heart problems and looked very frailed. This lead to the opportunity for Pastor N'gor to pray for both his physical and spiritual healing.

We couldn't have ended the day any better! We met with our new "church plant" in Bamacounda. Karen taught the story of Elijah, stressing the importance of choosing which god you are going to serve. She did such a marvelous job...speaking truth with deep conviction and passion...unwaivering and steadfast! Karen ending the story by reading out of Phillippians 2 regarding the Lordship of Jesus. After that, Pastor N'gor gave an opportunity for anyone there that hadn't decided to follow the Most High, One True God to do so. Two young ladies stood and committed to follow J.e.sus Chr.ist. What a blessing for Karen!...for all of us!!!

Today we have been equally blessed. We worshipped with Paul Mendy and the church at Dialandighoto. I am always so moved by the passion the members demonstrate in their worship. There is definitly freedom in the Spirit!!! Oh, that we would learn from that!!! I was given the privlege of "teaching" the message. Mark, I taught on one of your favorite passages...2 Peter 1:3-9. HIS annointing was upon me...I had no idea that I was going to be teaching. Thank-you Lord.

After the main service, we had children's church. Ronda told the story of Jesus feeding the multitude and also calling the disciples to be fishers of men. ReVa, the children loved fishing!!!!...not to mention the goldfish crackers! While the women were doing this, some of the elders met in the back with 2 young men who ended up committing their lives to Chr.i.st. Yeah God! HE is faithful...we sing His praises!

As always, Penda and Tuttee had prepared us a delicious meal of fish and vermicilli. Their hospitality is so overwhelming. These women are starving for Truth ...to learn His Word. We are going back in the morning to have a "women's conference" there. Our tentative plan is to either teach on Esther or Ruth...but HE directs our steps!

I also want to ask you to specifically pray for Penda and her family. Her 18 y/o niece died of complications from child birth. Penda said the "most painful part is that she wasn't a believer". We were told the baby lived and is 2 months old and has "severe" health problems. We are hoping that they will be able to bring the baby to the village tomorrow for us to see. Pray that we will be instruments of His love for the grieving family.

After we finish in Dialandighoto, we plan on making quick stops ( I think that's an oxy-moron in WA!) both in Kountebou and Dianke's village. Tomorrow will be a full day as we finish up our time in Sedhiou. We will be leaving Tuesday morning at daybreak for Dakar. Our hearts are full of joy, seeing the mighty works HE has accomplished. At the same time, we have a heaviness. There is so much to do, so many challenges, and so few workers. Prayer is the key!!!

To our families, we miss you and are looking forward to being back home.

For His Glory,
Cindy

"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workes into his harvest field" Matt 9:37