Greetings from Burkina Faso! The last line of my last newsletter was “we think we’ve got all the bases covered (speaking of logistics for the volunteer teams) but we’re not above asking from prayer either.” Little did we know. I should know by now that I/we can never have all the bases covered, unless it’s by God’s grace and help. In this case, we had a pretty good plan . . . up until Tami (1/3 of our team) received news that her father had suddenly passed away of a heart attack. We thank the Lord that Tami was able to get from the village of Sindou to Ouaga to Florida in plenty of time to be with her family for the funeral. Unfortunately this coincided with our busiest days of the year (4 teams: totaling over 30 people were with us for a couple days). Many logistical plans had to change but the most important plans did not. By the grace of God we were able to continue the ministry as planned. God provided helpers (Deron/Mary Beth/Julien/Seni) to help with transportation/translation/cooking and much more. Furthermore, throughout the whole action-packed month of June we didn’t have a single illness that caused anyone to be taken out of the village prematurely. Through this somewhat frenzied month the Lord was our “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). I cannot say enough about His provision. We give Him praise and thanks.
So what have we done the past several weeks? In brief these four teams have ministered in five villages among several different unreached people groups. Our main goal in each village was to encourage the local churches/pastors and to aid them in their ministry. We ministered through praying for the sick and lost, playing games and loving on kids, showing the Jesus Film and “The Passion”, sharing a cultural exchange, and sharing the Gospel one-on-one. Amadou, in Ngafongo, prayed to receive Christ as his Savior. Boureima, in Karankasso-Vigue, says he wants to think more about it and hear more next time we come. Please pray for these men and the many others who have recently heard the Gospel. Pray that God will cause the growth in their lives and be glorified (1 Cor. 3:6-7).
It was truly a privilege to serve with each of the groups of the recent weeks: ISF, Davidson St. and friends, D/MB and Mike . . . but to have served with my former youth group from Hardinsburg Baptist was a special blessing. I want to especially thank Brad, Sarah, Penny, the youth and their parents, and all the members of HBC who made the trip possible. Thanks.
Currently we have two volunteers, Ginny (a returnee from last summer) and Lauren, who are wrapping up a week of ministry with Pastor Denis in Ngafongo. Tonight we welcome another returning “engaging church”: Southside Baptist from Lufkin, TX. After their previous vision trip they decided to partner with us in bringing the Gospel to the Sambla people. Southside leaves the 13th and then Ginny and Lauren a few days later. On the 20th I will join all other West Africa IMBers in Senegal for our annual meeting. Please pray for us to finish this summer of ministry with God’s strength.
Praise God for:
* His amazing protection and provision through a very hectic time.
* the opportunities we had to encourage, love, and share the Gospel.
* the large number of volunteers interested in working among the unreached peoples of Burkina Faso.
Please pray for:
* the seeds that were planted in so many hearts – that God would cause the growth. And that Amadou would be faithful to follow his Lord.
* the volunteers/churches who have gone back to continue to have a heart for the nations.
* the coming time of ministry among the Sambla people – that the Lord would continue to give us opportunities and courage to share the Gospel.
* God’s consolation for Tami and her family as they continue to mourn and for David as he remains separated from his wife for another week (Tami arrives back in Burkina on the 11th).
Happy 4th of July to my fellow Americans! I truly believe the adage “we are blessed to be a blessing.” Seek how God would have you be a blessing to the less fortunate. Thanks so much for the blessing of your prayers. God has been so good. I am thankful.
final thought:
Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease;
While other fought to win the prize and sailed through bloody seas?
~ Isaac Watts
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