Healing 2 The Nations - Dr. Claudia R. Wintoch

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Sunday, April 30, 2006

Most Remarkable Service Ever

Wow! God is good, and God's anger is nothing to be in the path of.

As the last two days, we started at 9:30 in the morning. Today, once more, few people showed up - too few. Paul did his Bambara songs, and then Corinne came for her teaching session on kids. She didn't talk long, because they wanted to still pray for the kids, bless them, prophesy over them. And that's what they did. I took pictures of each kid - little Sarata (Seybou's daughter) is on this one, with Pascale & Corinne and Paul who interprets.

Then Sekouba said, he's also a kid, so he'd be prayed for. After Sekouba, Paul as well said he was a kid - he's turning 18 in three weeks. Paul's innocence and childlikeness is so refreshing. He laughs a lot, and is very sensitive to the Lord. In any case, he received prayer as well, happy that he passed as a kid.

We had a short pause, and Pascale finished her teaching on marriage, talking about submission but also equality of man and woman. It was great, and much needed here. In the end, no one had questions, so she was the one asking a few questions of Seybou and Fanta. They both gave the wrong answers, and were somewhat embarrassed. Are you listening, guys??!!! What good was the seminar, if nothing changes?

We closed a little earlier and had lunch together. At the end, there was another pretty serious incident with Simeon, before everyone left. In some way it was the last drop in the bucket. After he had left, I announced to Seybou that I'd leave together with the women tomorrow night, and take Sekouba with me, because I'd had enough of everything! Seybou wasn't sure to what degree I was serious and kept telling me NO.

In any case, I had little time before the service would start at 4 pm, and I was the one preaching, and I hadn't prepared yet, though the Lord had been speaking to me, and I already knew what passage to preach on. Matthew 18. I put on worship music and had - honestly said - the first quality time with the Lord in some time. And he was speaking clearly, as I was meditating on the passage. It would not be a gentle sermon. But little did I know what God had in mind for that service.

It was only a few minutes before the beginning of the service, when Simeon and Paul showed up together. Simeon continued his rebellion and did not do his job. And Paul left again, so that we did not have a worship leader when the service should have started at 4 pm. And Emma hadn't shown up either (like this morning also). After a few minutes of waiting, I took up my guitar and started leading with French songs (normally we do the first half in Bambara, and then I lead the second half in French). I was at my second song, I think, when Paul arrived, and went straight to the back, standing behind Simeon. I prayed and spoke in French, and no one translated - Paul's job. And yet, he made no movement whatsoever to come forward. I was asking God how to deal with the situation, and since nobody else was here yet, I decided to address it openly, and calmly. I asked Paul why he wasn't in the front translating, since Sekouba certainly wasn't speaking French suddenly. I said that his task was to be here at 4 pm to lead worship, and he hadn't come, and also addressed Simeon who hadn't done his job. Honestly, I was shocked, and very sad. Would I have to do everything by myself (again)? I paused, and couldn't lead another French worship song. I took off the guitar, and told Paul to lead us in two Bambara worship songs. My heart was grieving, and I knelt down before the Lord, praying, close to weeping because of what's going on in this church.

Now, at first Sekouba refused to play the tamtam (Simeon has put him down too often), but finally he started playing. Well, I was facedown for quite some time, and when I slowly raised my head again, and saw Sekouba, I saw that his eyes were closed, and that he was playing in the Spirit. He was getting more and more militant, and I knew that he was warring in the Spirit. You could feel the atmosphere charge. I started moving back and forth and entering into the war. Finally I got up. The Lord had shown me that this was the time to share the prophetic experience Sekouba had last night, and suddenly I understood its meaning. I got up, and told Sekouba to keep playing, to keep warring in the Spirit, even while we were talking. While he was playing, I shared what Sekouba had seen, and gave its interpretation. We were the ones in the house, crying "Lord, Lord!", unaware that we are surrounded by the enemy who's there to kill us. The Holy Spirit (dove) had come down, yet it was nowhere to be seen; the living waters had come down, yet it was nowhere to be seen. Going from there, I started speaking prophetically, very strongly (which is not my nature), even raising my voice (Sekouba was playing very loudly also), as the Lord was warning us, was telling is to DO SOMETHING with what he has given us, to finally get up and actually WAR. It's either fight or be killed! He strongly said that the time for playing games was over. And the time for fighting each other like little spoiled kids was over. The enemy was winning, rejoicing, because we were fighting each other instead of him. Will you get up, and use your arms against the enemy instead of your brother/sister?

I was walking up and down with my mic, Sekouba was playing, while I proclaimed what God was saying. I also spoke about the fear of God that we had lost, mentioning Ananias and Sapphira, and that we should be very careful how we treat other children of God, and God Himself. I also told them that a few hours earlier I had said to a few people that I was leaving with the ladies tomorrow night, because I was fed up. But in the end, I wouldn't do it, because God had sent me here, and as long as God wasn't done, I'd also stay. But things had to change.

During this time, both Pascale and Corinne ended up on the floor in the front, and Pascale was even weeping and sobbing at times. My heart was broken, and I felt the jealousy and the anger of God, the warning he was giving us. I repented and asked God for forgiveness. Then I asked whether anybody else had anything to say to God, and invited them forward to pray. It was a very holy moment, a holy time, the atmosphere was electric, everyone was stunned.

And then Simeon came and did NOT do what I had asked. I had to stop him, and he then finally prayed a prayer. But not at all in the spirit of what was going on. While he was praying I started sobbing, sobbing for him, for his blindness, his pride. He had totally missed it. I asked whether anyone else had anything to say to God, having a hard time speaking and making myself understandable. Emma came up. Emma had not come to the seminar yesterday (yet he told me Friday why he would not be able to come), and had somehow forgotten or not understood that the seminar was also going on this morning. He came forward and repented in front of everyone, asking everyone for forgiveness, individually. I told him I forgave him. Then Paul took the mic, and Emma translated for him. He said he was very touched, and Paul also repented in front of everything, asking forgiveness from several individuals, including myself. During both their prayers, I was sobbing, my heart breaking. Nobody else came forward. I asked Pascale and Corinne whether they had anything - Pascale received a word for us that she will share privately, just with the team, tomorrow night.

I didn't waste any time on anouncements and offerings, but went straight to the preaching, because it tied in so well. I had Hama come forward and stand in front of everyone, and asked what the first thing was people noticed. They responded: his leg; he can't walk. Then I had Etienne, Paul's brother, stand in the front and asked what they noticed: he is white (an Albino). I told them, that wasn't what God was seeing. He was not looking at those exterior things, but he was looking at their hearts, and He loved them with a passionate love.

It was the starting point into my sermon, on the tough words of Jesus in Matthew 18. For example: If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. (v. 6) I really preached it! God loves these little ones with a jealous love, and he takes it very seriously when we hurt them, or look down on them (see v. 10). How dare we touch those He loves! Are we seeing Jesus in them? Because anything we do to them, we do to Jesus (see v. 5).

In the end I asked who had ever hurt a child. Few hands went up. I asked who had never hurt a child, and no hand went up. I said a few more words, clarifying that none of us is innocent in this, and I asked them to take a commitment today to treat children the way the Lord wants it, as if Jesus was in front of them. I encouraged them to take some time to ask forgiveness for having hurt specific kids, and if they thought they never had, to ask God an incident where they had. I then prayed a prayer, asking forgiveness from the Lord, and asking Him to give us His eyes and His love for the children.

To put it into practice right away, I called those forward who had faith for Hama's healing, and we prayed once more for him, especially Pascale and Corinne. I ended up holding Hama up, and it was amazing to see how he was jumping and jumping and jumping. Hama just LOVES standing, and hates it whenever I put him down. He's probably stood more than ever in these last two weeks with our visitors, since we've spent much time together.

After the service, the team gathered inside, because Pascale wanted to give the other words that hadn't been complete yet a week ago. They prophesied over Sekouba, Paul, Fanta and Simeon (the others had been prophesied over during the prayer night). Then I asked them to pray for me, for refreshing, and I ended up on the floor, as they kept praying for me to be revived.

We still had much food left over from lunch, and Paul and Simeon ended up staying to eat, together with Pascale, Sekouba and me. Abdoulaye, our new kid, was already asleep outside, and Corinne was running around doing other stuff. In any case, we had a fun time together - and it did good to everyone.

Sekouba had somewhat misplaced his joy the last two days, but tonight it was back - praise God! We were all joking around, and he was helping me move stuff around after most had left. I put his prophetic word on his little mp3-player, together with God's word, and gave it to him. He's received a very powerful word about being a warrior (surprise, surprise!) and going back to the streets to bring the kids in, into the kingdom.

PRAISE THE LORD! Well, once more it's after 2 am in the morning, and I really need to get some sleep. Tomorrow we have a busy day - French class (5th and last time) from 9-11, then we're gonna go have lunch at the restaurant, at 4 pm Simeon is gonna come for his inner healing session, and at 6:30 pm Pascale & Corinne want to address the team one more time, and Pascale will share what the Lord gave her for the church tonight. They've really seen it all during their stay, the struggles, the problems, the people, but also the good things of course.

And tomorrow night, at 11 pm, they will take off to return to France.

And my greatest prayer is to see the fruit of their visit, the fruit of the truth people have heard. And I'm praying for wisdom to know how to proceed with the kids. I just got word that Sekouba is now taken care of financially, starting tomorrow. Hallelujah! The first kid has been snatched from the darkness!

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Saturday, April 29, 2006

Seminar On Marriage & Kids - 2nd Day

What a day! We had announced that today we'd talk about sex within marriage, and to my surprise, fewer people came rather than more. Corinne started with her session on kids, and I was disappointed again that those who need to hear didn't have ears to hear. At the end of the message, I would have liked to ask some questions to see whether they got it. Instead, I ended up asking questions to see whether they've applied anything, like when have they last told their wife/husband or their kid that they love him/her. The answers broke my heart. How our heavenly Father longs for his children here to really know what love is, and how He longs for the little kids to experientally know that their parents love them. My heart was so heavy, I felt like crying before the Lord, for these people in front of me, the sheep the Lord has entrusted into my care. I prayed a prayer, and went into my room to weep for a few moments.

After the break people were thankfully more attentive once Pascale took the mic and talked very open about what God's plan for couples is and what is not, in the realm of sexuality. People in this country badly need to hear this. She did a great job. Today I sat behind the speaker and Paul who interpreted, because I'm the one reading the passages in the Bambara Bible. It also has the advantage of seeing what's going on among the people. As we spoke the closing prayer, and having thanked God for the food, I immediately put the mic down and lay down on my bed. I felt so sick, like vomiting any time. I believe this morning I ate something bad. I ended up sleeping for two hours, which was much needed anyway. Afterwards I felt somewhat better.

The evening session was about to start, when a simple inquiry on my part about an inconsistency earlier today was used by the enemy as a tool of division. It was so ridiculous! I tried to intervene, told them to forgive each other, and shake hands. How should we now start a time of worship!!! But we did. After the Bambara part, I took my guitar, and also read a verse, and spoke very clearly about holiness (the songs' theme, chosen before any of this happened), and that only those who have a pure heart will see God (Mt 5). It had again broken my heart to see these broken, immature kids, allowing the enemy in - my team, my little sheep. Have mercy, oh Lord!

I prayed for Pascale as she started her session, and amazingly, she started by simply laughing in the Spirit. Paul was also hit and a few others. I was still too sad, broken-hearted, to be able to join in. Then Pascale started teaching on the important subject of the union of husband and wife, and spiritual ties, etc. etc. She also mentioned female genital mutilation (FGM), and used the word "clitoris" and "vagina". Paul didn't know those words in Bambara. So I ended up getting my Bambara dictionary and told him both words. Everybody started laughing, and another short time of laughing in the Spirit started, before Pascale continued teaching. Everybody was pretty attentive and awake tonight, and I hope they all got the message.

In the end, there was a time for questions again, and two good questions were asked. Simeon asked if God shows you who your wife is, how can she now the same, since not everybody is a prophet. Pascale gave a great answer about everyone hearing God's voice and that God would show both. We closed with a short prayer.

Tomorrow, they're gonna pray for physical healing, and in the afternoon, I'm the one preaching, bringing the weekend to a close.

Everyone left, I had a short fruitless conversation with Simeon, and then went inside where Sekouba was waiting for some food. Unfortunately Corinne had given away all the remaining rice to the other kids, but she did make some just for him. While I was talking with Pascale, Sekouba started falling asleep, it seemed. However, he was sitting on his chair, his head resting on his arm, his eyes closed, and his lips moving. Suddenly he sat up straight, opened his eyes, and said, "Bird. Water. Fire." Then he regained his previous position. A few minutes later, he jumped up, made some sword-swinging motions, and cried at the same time, "Lord!!!!" Then he sat back down, and regained his previous position. We were looking at each other, wondering what was going on, and whether that was the Lord. He was obviously seeing things. A few minutes later, he sat up again saying a few words. I tried talking to him, but he wasn't with us. He then blinked a few times, looked around, and came back to himself. I asked him what he had seen:

He saw a white bird come down from heaven, and he saw fire on his head. He couldn't remember where the water was, but I believe in the beginning he said it was also on his head. Then he saw many, many people in a house, and they were all shouting, "Lord! Lord!" The house was encircled with a huge number of warriors, enemies, who wanted to kill the people in the house. And Sekouba actually fought against them (which he acted out unknowingly).

Pretty remarkable, isn't it? But what is the Lord trying to tell us with that? Are we encircled by enemies? Are we crying out to the Lord to save us? But how does it end? Do we just need to fight like Sekouba did?

Any feedback from you is welcome.

Simeon also came back tonight, wanting to talk more. On Monday, we'll be doing an inner healing session with him, and it ended up being a good thing that Pascale (who will be leading it) got to talk to him tonight, so he can prepare himself, and so she knows more.

Well, it's 1:30 am, and my two kids are finally sleeping - Sekouba and Abdoulaye. The latter has now been here for 3 days approximately. Maybe he'll be kid number 2 to stay with us.

God is good!!!

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Friday, April 28, 2006

Seminar On Marriage & Kids

First of all, the car is repaired and running again.

Secondly, we now have a "new" fridge - one that's twice as big as the little one I've had so far. They import everything from Europe - what people in Europe don't want to use any more, the Africans will buy.

Our seminar started last night. We had a time of worship, and then Pascale and Corinne both shared their testimony. Pascale is teaching on marriage, and Corinne on raising kids.

Today we continued in the morning. Amazingly, the rainy season has started; it rained 4 times in one week. This morning it started raining, and we decided to do it outside anyway. A plastic tarp was over the garden to protect people from the sun, but we realized that the rain was dripping through. And when the rain got stronger, and the wind blew it every direction, we had no choice but to do the seminar inside.

At first, few were there - but that's why I put 9 o'clock on the invitations, while it really starts at 9:30. We did half an hour of worship, and then Corinne started off with her teaching. Short break, and Pascale's turn. She taught till 1 pm, and both had a time of asking questions. Honestly, it was pretty tiring with all the kids around that were crying or doing other stuff and distracting everyone. Plus, people here are not used to just sitting and listening, and especially all the women were falling asleep; but also Sekouba. I had Hama with me, who also fell asleep, and I ended up putting him on my bed. It's already pretty hot, but with a little hot body sleeping on you....

After the seminar we had lunch together, and then everyone went home. It should have been a quiet afternoon, and it was quiet enough, even though Sekouba soon came back in, together with our new kid Abdoulaye. I worked with Sekouba on his reading for an hour, then he did some writing, and ended up at the computer playing educational games. I left them there and thankfully had a chance to lie down for 20 minutes. That helped tremendously!

Tonight, Corinne did the teaching. We were outside again. Corinne taught on small kids, and the same time a war was going on. I get so angry when people hurt kids, and the way Hama's parents treat him often makes me boil - including during the session tonight. I will spare you the details. In any case, I've noticed that people either fall asleep or are elsewhere with their thoughts - at least the people who should be the ones listening. It's as if Pascale & Corinne are preaching to the wind... Is there gonna be any fruit???

At the end of Corinne's teaching, I took the mic and said a few words, to help people search their hearts and respond. To search their hearts whether they don't spend any time with their kids, or whether they've hurt them. Then I prayed and asked God for forgiveness for not loving (our) kids the way He loves them. Honestly, because of what had happened with Hama tonight, my heart was pretty touched. Then Corinne also prayed a prayer, and the meeting was over.

We continue tomorrow morning. Pascale is doing two sessions tomorrow (both on sexuality), and Corinne one. Please pray for open and receptive hearts, and for fruit.

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Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Children's Program

Time for children's program! A few kids came pretty early, by themselves, and Simeon and Firmin showed up with the big crowd of mostly new kids. We had about 25 children today. Corinne was supposed to teach the lesson, but she had a hard time preparing it, so I did it myself. We started with a game again (passing a balloon through their legs), then we sang two songs with actions, then we revised last week's verse and teaching. By then it was already pretty late.

I started the teaching on the anointing and consecration of the High Priest. It went pretty well. In the middle of it I gave an invitation to become children of God and start a life with Jesus. Many responded. In the end, we did a prophetic, symbolic, act of consecration. I made it very clear that this was serious, no game, and only those who really meant it should respond. Maybe half did. I was a little disappointed that two of the kids who already are on the narrowed-down list of kids to be taken in, did not respond.

With Sekouba, I had already shown how Moses had anointed Aron with oil. I took a glass of olive oil and actually poured it over his head. Poor Sekouba; the oil ran over his one eye. Then I put blood on his earlobe, thumb and big toe (red-colored water), as Moses had done. It was a powerful prophetic act. Then the kids formed two lines, and I went from kid to kid, asking again if they wanted to be set apart for God, then putting the "blood" on them as a sign. After me, Corinne and Pascale would pray for the kids and prophesy over them.

All of this took quite some time, but it was a powerful time. When Pascale prayed for Sekouba, she was laughing in the Spirit, and Sekouba also started laughing. It looked like they had a good time. With the last kid they prayed for, they had Sekouba pray in his new gift of tongues, and he then received a word from the Lord for the kid. Praise God!

After that, we ate together. Corinne had made a new sauce (Fanta is alternating her 3 sauces usually). Then it was time for the kids to leave.

Simeon and Paul stayed to do two more Bible School sessions of what they had to redo, and Paul actually took his exam right after that - and passed gloriously. He now is the best student! Imagine that!

Sekouba did more schoolwork again, and it was only at 6 pm that I finally managed to get into my bathtub. After Jean had dropped of our new fridge - a normal-sized (for Europeans) fridge. My little fridge has been too small since the ladies arrived. Now I'll also be able to put all the medications into the fridge, since they shouldn't be stored at these temperatures. In any case, it rained for the third time in a week yesterday - very unusual for February.

Car Trouble

Tonight, the three of us had planned to go out to eat - the only time during their stay. So we got into the car to drove to the restaurant. I hadn't even reached the paved road yet when the car died - and wouldn't start again. After a few minutes it did, and we decided to continue. When I reached the main, big road, it died again, but came back on. Should we go to a closer restaurant? I decided to still try to get to the original place. I was going 60 km/h (37 mph) on the main road when suddenly the car got slower and slower until it died. I was able to still pull to the side of the road. It wouldn't start again. I called Emma who said he'd come right away. The university is on strike today and the rest of the week, and so he had caught up on sleeping all day today. We were waiting, and I tried again and again to start the car. Finally it did. I turned around and made it to the close-by restaurant, where Emma joined us a little later. He looked at it, and he thinks it's the spark plugs. In any case, now the four of us had dinner together, which was nice. I seldom get a chance to just talk to Emma, since he never has time to stay. On the (short) way home, the car "only" died one time. Emma then took it with him, to take care of one more paper tomorrow and to change the spark plugs. Hopefully that will take care of that.

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Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Sekouba

Today it so worked out that I sat down with Sekouba and Paul to hear all the details of his life story. These are the sad facts:

Sekouba was born in Bamako on the very day Mali's dictator was overthrown in November of 1991. He is the eldest son, because the previous children all died. He lives happily with his father and mother in Bamako until he turns 7 when his uncle comes from Koulikoro and takes him with him. Unfortunately, even though sending him to school, this uncle is very mean and is beating Sekouba all the time and using him as a slave to do all the work. Three years later, at the age of 10, Sekouba has enough and runs away, back to his father in Bamako. His father had in the meantime divorced his wife (Sekouba's Mom) and remarried. Today Sekouba has no idea where his Mom is. After two weeks back in Bamako with his Dad, his evil uncle comes and gets him a second time. He does not know how much time he endured there that time until he ran away a second time. But he didn't go back to his Father who had not protected him; and he hasn't seen him since. Sekouba did go back to Bamako though, and lived on the streets for some time. When he heard that his family was looking for him, he starting saving as much money as possible to go to another town - the town his ancestors are from: Segou. In Segou he lived again on the street, but soon became a Quranic student with a marabout (teacher of the Quran), where he was beaten again, had to memorize the Quran, and beg for money all day long. After 2 years, he fled once again, at the age of just about 13, back to Bamako (because you can earn the most there), where he became a lone street kid again. When he showed up at our center last September, he had lived on the streets of Bamako less than a year.

Now he's a happy kid. Since we took him in ALL THE WAY (providing food, him always being here, teaching him daily) a week ago, he's just starting to flourish! When he shared his story tonight, it just broke my heart. Thank you, Jesus, for Sekouba!

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Monday, April 24, 2006

Baptism In The Holy Spirit

Today we did the third session of the French class. We (thankfully) had a smaller crowd again and were able to work effectively. Again, Pascale & Corinne were taking care of Hama (and Sarata), while I was teaching the kids. We finished the French video, and then did some games to practice the verbs and add some more vocabulary. We had a good, fun time. Sekouba got discouraged when he didn't know the answer several times in a row, and didn't want to participate any more. But he was okay in the end.

Sekouba is now always staying around. He stayed for lunch, and did some more schoolwork in the afternoon.

Emma came early to do the last session he still needed to catch up at Bible School. And then Paul and Simeon also showed up to do their exam. The final exam for the second trimester of the School of Ministry. This time the results were the opposite of the mid-term exam: Emma failed, and Paul and Simeon passed. However, because the latters' mid-term exam was so bad, they need to redo one of the classes and hopefully they will have the necessary points to do the next trimester.

When they were done with their exam, the other people I had invited to our special meeting started showing up: Elisabeth, Seybou and Fanta, Myclair and Emmanuel, Marie and Sekouba. We had a time of worship. Marie and Paul led worship, with Sekouba at the tamtam. I have to say, this was the most powerful Bambara worship I have ever experienced in our church. It was awesome, with such a spirit of freedom and joy! After them, I took the guitar, and though I didn't know how to do the transition, the Lord actually did it well. We then entered into another time of powerful adoration. A few times I could feel the presence of Holy Spirit so powerfully! More than I've had in quite some time. All in all, we spent considerable time praising and worshiping the ONE who is worthy.

After that, Elisabeth slipped out. Pascale didn't want to start with someone missing, and we ended up waiting for different people for at least 20 minutes, before finally starting the teaching part. Some people got tired and impatient. But then Pascale started teaching, with Paul interpreting, and she spoke for more than an hour. Fanta slept most of the time, and Marie and Elisabeth also needed encouragement not to fall asleep, and they suceeded. Then it was time to put the teaching into practice. Pascale called all those who wanted to be baptized in the Spirit to come forward - they all came (except Fanta who was sleeping) and lined up. Then she handed the mic to Paul who gave his testimony, about how he received the gift of tongues, and what it's done to him. It was awesome! I was so proud of my son!

Then we started praying for Emma, and then went down the line. Quite a few of them started speaking in tongues. Emma had first done so last August, but his fears had kept him from using it. Marie, who has seen so much abuse that she reject(ed) everything of the Spirit, said she received a few words. Seybou said, my hand on his back caused him to be on fire there, and that he spoke a few words. Paul told me that Simeon also received some words, as well as Myclair and Emmanuel.

It was late when the meeting was over, but most everybody seemed pretty happy.

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Sunday, April 23, 2006

Sunday With Our Visitors

Paul and Marie at the mic, singing, and Simeon at the tamtam, they were leading Bambara worship wonderfully (in the front on the floor you see Hama and Corinne). Today we had more street kids than ever. Ever since telling them we'd take in a few kids, a few come regularly to be picked. After worship, and my announcements, Corinne took the mic to do a little offering sermon. After the offering, I handed the mic to Pascale who'd be preaching.

As you can see, we had a big crowd of people today; not only the kids, but new people as well. Praise the Lord! The Lord told Pascale to change her sermon half an hour before the service, and now she was preaching on the love of God. At the end of her sermon, she gave an altar call for salvation. Nobody responded. She kept repeating, and repeating it, and then went through the rows, from person to person, asking whether we were saved. Several weren't. In fact, all three people we're praying for daily to be saved were there - though Hassan left early. Kassim rarely comes on a Sunday, but he was here tonight. He said no, and insisted on not becoming a Christian. In the end the third person - Hawa - came forward with her kids, including another lady. Especially the second one seemed very reluctant. They all prayed a prayer of salvation after Paul who was interpreting, and then Pascale & Corinne prayed for them.

They sat back down, and Pascale did a second altar call - for those touched by the message, those who needed to know the Father's love, who had not had perfect fathers. Nearly all the men came forward. Pascale prayed, and then she and Corinne started praying for all the people. Two of the street kids were also in the front, as well as Simeon, Seybou and Sekouba. When everyone was done, they prayed for Paul as well who had interpreted all night. Paul was mightily touched and went down to the floor. Meanwhile I was talking to some people and got food for 5 street kids who were hungry. 3 of those are candidates to stay with us.

All in all, a good day, even though I didn't even find time to rest today, and the tiredness is great; of course partly because it's the hottest time of year.

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Saturday, April 22, 2006

A LONG Day

What a long day we had! A busy, fulfilling, fun-day, including meeting with Jesus.

It started off with our second session of the French class from 9 till 11. Because it was Saturday, we also had lots of neighbors' kids with us and were about 20 people. That's pretty tiring of course, and a challenge to maintain order. Two adults are in the class as well - Elisabeth (Albino, Paul's stepmother) and Fanta, Seybou's wife. I have a video to teack French in a simply way to little kids, and we always start with that video. They are picking it up quickly and easily. Afterwards we did some coloring. Since they had just learned the colors in French, I told them what part to color in what color, and they had to do it right. They had fun. Pascale and Corinne were playing with Hama for most of the time - the picture shows Corinne with Hama.

I've now already taken in Sekouba all the way. That means, I take care of his food, and right now he spends all day with us. Once the French ladies are gone, I'll have to find a solution because he won't be able to stay with me all day. In any case, he's enjoying himself, and I'm also glad to have him around.

When all the kids left at 11, I was pretty exhausted. We did some cooking and had lunch together. Then it was already 1 pm and time to leave for the swimming pool. We were 9 people and Hama, and so too many for our little bus (no more than 5 can get in). Therefore we also got a taxi and went together to another hotel that's right on the river and very beautiful. Hama just LOVES the water, so he was happy. Thankfully his wound had healed just enough to go into the water. He's on the left in the picture, with his Dad, and Sekouba in the back.

The greatest surprise and joy was that Sekou came with us. Remember him? Sekou came over a few days ago, and I invited him to join us today. Because of a misunderstanding he didn't show up, and it was a mere "coincidence" that he was walking along the street just as we drove by. So in fact, he came with us. Praise God! He, Paul and Simeon were together the whole time.

Simeon has not at all been well emotionally, isolating himself, and not speaking to anyone. Pascale had a conversation with him, trying to help him, but it hasn't helped things.

I was hoping to get some rest at the swimming pool, but I ended up being busy the whole time (even there!). To my great joy, I met the YWAM leaders there who are friends of mine, and so I got to talk to them a little bit. Now get this: They told me about a center where they teach parents who have kids like Hama what exercises to do so they can walk. Praise God!

It was 7 pm by the time we left. Back home we had an hour before the prayer night started at 9 pm.

To be continued.

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Friday, April 21, 2006

A Busy Day Of Discovering Town

THIS IS OUR MINIBUS. It really is mini. In fact, it's not bigger than a car, just higher.

This morning Pascale & Corinne went to the market with Seybou & Fanta. I think they had a good time there. When they came back, we hopped into our "new" vehicle and drove off to town. We parked the car in town, and started our walk through the crowds to the "artisanat", where the artists make their artwork. Both ladies wanted some gifts. We got them, and made our way back to the car. Corinne seemed a little overwhelmed by everything.

Back at the car, we continued on to meet with Emma to go have lunch in a little Malian restaurant next to his university campus. We all had Malian food (rice with sauce), and enjoyed it. After the meal, we drove up the presidential hill to enjoy the view of town. From there we started to make our way home, but still stopped on the big university campus that is located on a hill, where you have a great view of Bamako. Emma met lots of old friends (he used to live there). Sekouba was also with us, as you can see in the picture. I had a fun time with him.

Back home, there was little time left until the literacy class. I lay down for a few minutes and wished I'd have more time. 3 of the 4 students showed up at 5, and as always we had a good time. Corinne helped Sekouba, while I took care of the others.

After literacy class, it was time to set up for the movie night. We showed MATTHEW - the movie I had dubbed in Bambara. Like right now, I had a hard time staying awake through it, but people loved it, and may eternal seeds have been sown.

The picture shows downtown Bamako. The big building is a hotel. You can easily see the old bridge on the left, hopelessly jammed with cars, and the hill in the big is where the president has his white house - you can actually see it.

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Thursday, April 20, 2006

The Prodigal Son

My heart is full of joy because my prodigal son has come home.

Sekouba came to the French class this morning, and enjoyed it. Tonight he also came, late, and I decided to have the much-needed conversation with him. We talked, and I told him to decide what he wants, where he wants to stay. He said he wants to stay with us, and won't go to the other place any more. The problem now is, what he can do all day, until we have everything in place to take care of them all day.

French Ladies In Action

Today we did the first French class. We had two adults - Elisabeth and Fanta - and plenty of kids. There were about 15 people all in all. Corinne & Pascale hadn't prepared anything, so we improvised. It all worked out very well, and the kids enjoyed it.

In the evening we had the last session of the Bible School before the final exam. Corinne led the discussion after each video, which freed me up some. I'm pretty tired right now, in every way really. Please pray for refreshing.

Tonight, at 10 pm or so, we gathered together to read a Bible passage, talk about it, and pray. I once tried to do that every night, but didn't have the energy to keep it up. It was good tonight; there were Seybou, Fanta, Sekouba, Corinne and I. When we were done, I spent another half hour working with Sekouba on his reading skills.

And now it's after midnight and I'm gonna have another short night.

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Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Reminder: I'm In Africa

Yesterday my phone stopped working.
Yesterday my TV stopped working.
Today my internet stopped working.
Today the water stopped working.
And today the electricity stopped working.
For some time I had none of the above.

The electricity came back on.
The internet started working again.
The TV problems were fixed.
The water came back in the evening.
Just the phone is still not working - they have cut the lines; supposedly they're working on it. When will it work again? Nobody knows.

Sekouba

I'm ready to let Sekouba go now. I've talked to him twice, hardly getting answers, and he still missed the service Sunday, as well as the children's program today. Today was the FIRST time ever (since Sep) he was not here for the program (at least with me here). The other kids told us again about another center where Sekouba now goes, and he supposedly spends his days and many nights there. I need to confront him with that and tell him he has to choose - does he want to stay with us or not. If yes, he needs to stick to the rules. If not, he needs to go. But he needs to make a decision either way. Of course, it would break my heart if he chose to leave, but I would let him go. Provided that other center is not a Muslim place... (but even then....)

Our Land

I went to the government office today, to follow up on our land request. The guy said they are redrawing the maps for our part of town, and even today our corner won't be changed, we need to wait for the new maps to be approved, before they can continue. He said that it won't take too long. I told him that we still had not seen the land, and he told me that their guy who had measured everything and drawn the maps (what do you call that?) should now be willing to show us the property. I've tried calling him, but so far without success.

Minivan & Visitors

Today, after the children's program, we got in the van and drove to the government office - hallelujah! The first time I could go somewhere, directly, no taxi fees, you can stop where you like, go where you like... I enjoyed it. The van is running fine, except for the distance lights that go off and on and off and on etc. all the time. I know because I picked up Corinne and Pascale from the airport tonight. They arrived without problems and are happy to be here. They've settled into their room and have probably gone to bed by now (I should too).

Tomorrow we're teaching a French class in the morning, and it's Bible School in the evening.

Kids' Program

We had a good number of kids today (maybe because of the Easter party more came), and again, more than half were new. At the end of the program, I told the kids that we'd start taking in kids soon, to teach them, form them. If they were serious about God, and would like to be part of our family, they should tell me. I now have a list of 10 kids, and I told them, we'd observe them, see if they're serious, and in a few weeks we'd get started. I did tell them to come to French class tomorrow morning, and the movie night, and the service. So, we should have a good number of people for French class tomorrow.

Today I took a couple of really good pictures. In this one you see most of the kids. In the very back are Simeon and Firmin - the latter is a student that has been part of the church for a while and who's starting to get involved more.

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Tuesday, April 18, 2006

I Drove It Today!

After nearly 3 years of praying for a car, we've now got one!!! And we first heard of this one back in October(!). Emma drove it over today, after the last paperwork was accomplished, and the car washed. Paul hoped in next to me, and Seybou in the back, as I drove it once around the block. Everyone was excited. The picture still shows the "old" van, whose engine we installed in another van. Tomorrow, during the day, I hope to take a picture of the car we're now driving. And I can in fact drive myself to the airport to pick up Pascale & Corinne.

Sekou

Yesterday, I was very surprised when Sekou suddenly came in during Bible School. Sekou is the university student who chose his family over church exactly a year ago. I've hardly seen him since, but Simeon met with him regularly, secretly, and he's secretly continuing to follow Christ. He stayed for a whole Bible School session, then he wanted to go. I suggested we'd pray for him before he leaves. So we surrounded him, laid hands on him, and each one of us prayed for him. I believe Sekou was encouraged. Once we move, he will move in with us. The primary reason he chose his family is that he is financially dependent on them.

Kassim

I've been encouraged to see Kassim around a lot more recently - outside the English class. New Year's Eve we committed as a church to pray 3 people into the kingdom; Kassim is one of them. And our prayers are bringing fruit.

Kassim has 3 books right now - 2 by Nicky Gumbel, and one on evolution vs. creation. Kassim is a scientist, thinks logically, and he just really wants to know the truth. He's coming often to the kids' program on Wed, came to our Easter party last week, and even to the service this past Sunday.

Sekouba

My concerns have only been quietened for 2 days. He didn't come to the service on Sunday, nor did he come home that night. Yesterday he came and left, and so did he today.

Simeon

Today I lent him the 4 months of rent. He says he'll pay it back next month, when they guy who bought his mattress is gonna give him the money. We'll see. In any case, he was very happy today.

I also mentioned to him the possibility of staying with the boys in tents in the garden, and supervising them. Since we're now seriously preparing to take in several kids, and I need help for that. Please pray for wisdom, and that I'd know what to do and what not to do.

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Monday, April 17, 2006

The Minivan Saga Continued

On Saturday I sent out an email to everyone, requesting advice for the van situation, and I tell you, I've never had that many replies to an email every before!! So thank you to all of you!

It made clear, though, that some issues weren't clear enough in my email. In any case, the decision has been made: we're going ahead. Today Emma is paying the van, and tomorrow the mechanic will transfer the engine of our current van into the "new" one. That way we should be able to use it by the time our French ladies arrive Wed night.

The issue with our current van (see picture) was that the printing of the vehicle number onto the vehicle (because for some reason it wasn't there) would have meant more costs and delays. But without it, we wouldn't get the papers necessary for the registration. The "new" van already has all the papers, since it's been used in Mali already. The only thing is that it doesn't have an engine. That's why we're gonna move our engine over to the van. And if we ever want to, we can always buy another engine and still take care of the paperwork for the red van.

By the way, the transfer is done in a day and costs about $40.

Makes sense?

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Sunday, April 16, 2006

Easter Sunday

Picture: Paul and Emma in back, Simeon and Claudia in front, on Easter Sunday.

After a horrible day Saturday, the resurrection power and joy came through Sunday.

On Saturday, my frustration reached a new height; it was like everybody's problems had just accummulated until the lid blew off that night. I was looking forward to our prayer meeting, but then only Simeon showed up (on time). 40 minutes later Paul suddenly arrived, even though he had said he couldn't come. By then I had resigned myself to not having a prayer meeting. I had actually laid down and fell asleep, until Paul's arrival when they rang the bell.

I was not up to any prayer meeting. My spiritual life hadn't been the best. I reluctantly took the guitar and sang a song. Then they each prayed, and their prayers really upset me because they seemed so hypocritical. Then the lid blew off, and I said that we should rather talk than pray. So I mentioned a few of the things they had done - mainly Simeon. They said they have never seen me so angry. And it's true, I wasn't in the best state.

I was ready to tell them to leave, but then Sekouba showed up, and then Seybou, and then even Kassim - a searching young man from our English class. So we even had a non-believer in our meeting!!! And we did have a meeting, and everything worked out fine. After the meeting, we even sat down to play a board game, and had fun together.

On Sunday, I felt the joy of the Lord as I was looking forward to the service, remembering the death and resurrection of Jesus. My joy was dampened by the absence of Sekouba, who didn't come home that night. But nearly all our faithful ones showed up. The sermon went great, giving them all the Jewish background stuff that makes the last week of Jesus come alive and make sense. One even took notes - a new guy. After the sermon it was very fitting to take communion together. 13 people did. Kassim (the searching student) had come as well, and stayed in the back with Hawa and her kids. Kassim and Hawa are two of three people we committed to pray for regularly this year, for their salvation. We had a precious time in communion and closed the service.

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Thursday, April 13, 2006

Sekouba

My mother's heart found some relief tonight. Sekouba came home early so we could work on his reading & writing skills. He had to wait until Bible School was out, so we started at 9:30 pm and worked till after midnight. Not only reading and writing in Bambara, but he was also playing educational computer games. I was so happy to have fun with him like we used to! Of course, he's forgotten much in the weeks he hasn't done anything, but he should catch up again quickly.

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Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Kids Easter Party

How many eggs can you see in the picture?

Answer: There are 2 visible (blue and red).

Before we let the kids in, we hid 100 eggs in 5 colors in the garden. Since children here have never seen colored eggs before, they were totally ignorant when they came in and didn't notice anything in the plants. I played a 30 min Bambara theater on Easter first, to allow more kids to come without missing the game.

Then it was time for the game. Coming in, each kid had received a number on paper of one of the 5 colors and had to find the egg of the corresponding color and number. The first five to find their egg would do the next game. All the kids got up and starting searching frantically. In no time at all, I had five kids in the front. Incidentally Sekouba was one of them.

Those five had to put their egg on a spoon and run to the end of the garden and back. Sekouba was cheating, so two other guys, both street kids, were first. Those two then had to do another game - blowing some paper decoration, and the one blowing it farther won. Then he had to still answer two questions to win: We are celebrating whose death at Easter? Did he stay dead or did he come back to life? He answered right, even said that Jesus returned to heaven. He was one of the kids that come on Wednesdays at times.

He got the big prize - a football - and the other four also got little prizes.

After the game we sang two songs with actions - they always love that. Then it was time for the teaching. I told them the story of the little white sheep that God gave me in February, and they were all hanging on my lips to hear what's happening next. My eye also caught Kassim in the back - a university student whose salvation we're praying for. As a church, we've committed to pray for 3 people who are around a lot to come to the Lord this year, and Kassim is one of them. As I talked to the kids, I inwardly prayed that Kassim would hear the truth and listen and respond as well. I didn't even get to talk to him, because he left before the party was over.

At the end of the teaching, having explained the gospel, I asked those who wanted to know Jesus, become a child of God, and follow Him to raise their hands and come forward. Maybe 20 kids were in the front (over 100 had come). We prayed a prayer of commitment, everyone raising their hands (see picture), and I gave them some instructions on talking to God and coming back here on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Then I told them that several kids were healed at Christmas, and we'd like to pray for healing again. This time, about 4 out of 6 were healed, like the girl to the right.

It was finally time to eat and watch the MATTHEW film in Bambara. They all sat down in front of the screen, and we served them the meal, while starting the movie. They were all captivated, since it was in their language. Since it was getting late, we skipped a big part and went to the death and resurrection part.

After the movie it was time for the gifts - the only reason many were still there. They lined up outside, according to their number, and entered one by one to choose one piece of clothing or toy. There weren't only many street children but also neighbors' kids; you knew because the latter often chose the toys over the clothes.

Over 7 hours had passed by the time the last kid left. Though we were all tired, we were also content and thankful for the way it had all worked out. May many of these kids come back and become mighty men and women of God!

If you want to watch a video of the party (17 min, 20 MB), click here.

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Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Coloring Eggs For Easter

In Austria I got some food colors, already imagining how much fun it would be to color eggs with Sekouba and Hama and the others. But it was not to be.

For days I've had Sekouba on my mind, asking for him every day. I had no chance to tell him about today's "event" because I last saw him on Friday, and then only from the distance. I've been very worried about him.

And then Hama couldn't participate either. Yesterday he hurt himself very badly - nobody knows how. On one side of his behind, all of his skin has come off, as if burned or scraped off. It hurts him badly, and now he can't sit - only lie (since he can't walk). He smiled today when he saw me, but it broke my heart to not be able to take him inside because he can't even sit on the floor. Yesterday it also broke my heart, when Seybou was so very angry at Hama for hurting himself. It made me angry at Seybou, and I talked to him about it.

So, lots of worries right now. Also for my eldest son Simeon. The demons now torment him so much - they actually keep him from sleeping. He's up day and night. And by Thursday he needs $130 or he'll be kicked out of his little apartment.

Emmanuel continues being unable to come on time or come at all and has missed the first two Bible School nights already - once because he overslept (it's at 5:30 pm!!!) and once because he forgot. He's now missed too much to continue.

Tomorrow we're having the Easter Party for (Street) Kids. We're gonna hide the 100 eggs in the garden, and the kid who'll first find his egg with the same number as on his paper, will win the big prize. Then we'll sing some songs, teach them, pray for them, feed them, and give them clothes. I'm also working on finishing dubbing the MATTHEW Jesus-film into Bambara. But if I can get it done by tomorrow....

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Monday, April 10, 2006

Last Weekend

Photo: Simeon at tam-tam, Paul and Marie lead Bambara worship.

Saturday night we had our first prayer meeting since my return. I was rather frustrated all day and had a headache by the time the meeting starting, not feeling at all up to it. But I made a choice to worship the Lord, and we had good time together. I had a lot to share, especially concerning the coming weeks, but also some key events of the past month in Europe.

On Sunday it was time for the first Malian service in weeks (for me). Simeon played the tam-tam for the first time (and did well), and the Bambara worship also attracted the kids from the neighborhood. I enjoyed standing in front of these precious people again, and bringing them the word of the Lord. It was good to see most people are still here. I preached on the significance of Palm Sunday - much of what most Christians don't know, because you need to know the Hebrew culture. In the end, after a salvation prayer, I called them to come forward if they wanted to draw closer to God. I put on music and prayed, while two thirds of the congregation were in the front, kneeling or standing in prayer. Then the Lord gave me a prophetic word for them, which was pretty awesome.

Reinforcement from Paris

On the 19th of this month, my two friends Pascale & Corinne from Paris arrive in Bamako. They are part of our sister church in Paris, and I consider them powerful women of God. Truly, they're sending us two of their best people. They will participate in our daily life here in Bamako, and do whatever they can do. I've asked them to teach on raising kids and on marriage, so we're gonna have a seminar on that. I've also asked them to teach a French intensive class, since there are a couple that really want to learn it.

Greatest Worries

My greatest worries right now concern Simeon and Sekouba.

Simeon needs to pay 4 months worth of rent by Thursday, or he'll be evicted. I myself don't feel like I should intervene this time - I'm feeling held back. He needs $130. I feel like God wants to teach him a lesson, especially of humility.

And Sekouba is backsliding. I've hardly seen him since my return. I miss him coming home at night and wanting to study with me, learning to read and write, playing computer games, and playing other games together. I last saw him on Friday when he came briefly during movie night. He doesn't even sleep here every night any more. Oh Lord, pursue him, touch him, protect him!

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Friday, April 7, 2006

Money, Money...

Tonight was movie night, and our DVD player died (lived for less than 2 years with heat and sand). Thankfully, I had an American DVD player that we could use instead. But the problem is that it only plays American DVDs, which means we can't play any of the kids movies from France or other movies purchased in Europe. So we need a new DVD player.

Concerning our van - they suggested Emmanuel give each person some money, and then they'll give him the necessary papers to have the vehicle registered, even though they couldn't find the vehicle number. On Monday he's gonna give them the money, and hopefully, we'll be able to use the van by the end of next week.

Tonight Simeon showed me a letter from his landlord that he received - he has to pay the rent for Jan-April by April 13 or he will be kicked out. Simeon says he's been looking for work, but without success. We're talking about $130. The first year, Simeon had a job. He then lost it two years ago and felt he should evangelize and live by faith. For the first year he was supported by the US as well as by myself. Coming back last summer, I told him I felt I couldn't support him any more and that he'd have to look for a job and work. I'm really not sure what to do now, in his situation. I guess I can just ask you to pray, and maybe God's calling one of you to provide.

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Wednesday, April 5, 2006

No Water

Arriving back home in Bamako, I found out that right now there is no water most of the time. It started a week ago, that the water is running only a short time each day. Today (my first day back in Mali), we barely had water all day - you can't wash your hands, can't flush, can't drink, can't do dishes. It's pretty bad. Next time the water comes back on (hopefully during the night), I'm gonna fill as many bottles as possible.

[It's an hour later and I just found out that all of Bamako is affected by this. They actually only turn on the water a few hours during the night now, and even then, it's only a trickle.]

I arrived back in Mali last night - an hour late because we couldn't take off in time in Paris due to a bad tire. They actually had to change the plane's tire, with all the people inside! Thank God they saw something was wrong with it!

At the airport, Emma surprised me when he suddenly stood in front of me, even before the passport check! He found a friend working at the airport, and that's how he got in. It was nice talking to him, and having him help me with the luggage. Outside, Paul and Simeon were waiting for me; neither one hardly spoke. Back home, I was greeted warmly, and I couldn't help but I HAD to see my little Hama, even though he was already asleep. He woke up, and didn't quite get what was going on because he was so sleepy. But it was so wonderful to see his smile again, and hold him in my arms.

Sekouba was also there, but didn't greet me enthousiasticly at all - he looked a lot like a guilty man. I found out that he had hardly come to the kids' program or the services and prayer meetings. I was disappointed, sad, and told him I expected him to be here this morning, for the kids' program. I'm truly worried about him. Even this morning, he was more disruptive and holding back than ever. Maybe it was just my absence, and he needs me around. I hope he's coming around again.

Please pray also for Simeon. He's really in a VERY bad shape, and has hardly talked to me or even looked at me, last night as well as this morning. The darkness is so visible on him, and he desperately needs to be healed and set free. When my French friends come in two weeks, we're gonna sit down to minister to him.

Today we had a small group of street kids - some I knew and some that were new. I had forgotten how small their attention span is - or were they more undisciplined than before? In any case, the game today was badminton - I had just brought a set back with me, and they loved it!

Last night I started unpacking - get the cheese and ham in the fridge - and this afternoon I continued, and it's still not done. I'm back in the heat (40°C outside and 35° inside), and I'm somewhat tired, though I'm pretty upbeat. This afternoon Hama spent some time with me playing with Lego (the bigger Duplo - little blocks that stick together), which he greatly enjoyed.

One reason I'm upbeat is that very soon I should be able to get into that van and DRIVE somewhere! And that's thanks to your generous gifts! Thank you! After nearly 3 years of praying, the answer is about to materialize. Still last night, I gave Emma the money for the customs tax. Today he called me, telling me the other expenses that still have to be made, and that it should all go quick. I'm waiting for him right now, to pick up the additional money.

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Monday, April 3, 2006

Two Days In Paris

Yesterday I arrived in Paris, to stay for 2 days before continuing my journey back to Bamako, Mali. I arrived just in time for the evening service, which was a baptism. I enjoyed it though I was very tired. I hadn't slept much the night before, packing everything; and I had to leave a lot of clothes behind that I was given for the kids in Mali. Next time.

Today and tomorrow they're having guest speakers at the church here, an American prophet-couple. So we had a teaching session this morning, on the basics of prophesying. In the coffee break, I ended up speaking to the speakers (not intentionally), who wanted to know everything about Mali. After the meeting, we all had lunch together, and then I had to leave.

I had the honor and joy of sharing about Mali in a Christian school - a friend from the church here set it up. I spoke to a group of maybe 70 kids age 6-11. I showed them the video, and told them about Mali, and answered their many questions. It was a fun time. In the end, the school director asked who would want to go to Africa, and many raised their hands. Then she asked who wanted to pray for me, and many raised their hands again. They asked them to come forward, and lay hands on me, and a whole bunch of kids crowded around me, hugging and touching and squeezing me, while they prayed precious prayers.

Before we got started, they were on break, and I talked to a couple of kids already, who seemed to immediately love me. That's when I took that picture. After the meeting, many kids came and just hugged me, saying they'd email me. I can't wait to get their emails!

Tonight there is a service with the prophet-couple. I'm looking forward to the time of worship, to meeting God. This morning I also had a good time of seeking His face.

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Saturday, April 1, 2006

Ready To Fly To Paris

Today was a very busy day, like this whole past week has been, meeting people, running errands, and getting ready to leave. Today I had lunch with two friends, then I went to the French service at VCC, where I shared a few minutes, and then to the Austrian service to say good-bye to everyone. After that, I had dinner with a special friend, and got home at midnight, where I spent an hour packing, since I'm leaving in the morning. Now it's 1 a.m. and I'm gonna go get a few hours of sleep.

Tomorrow Sunday, I'm taking the flight out at noon, so that I get to Paris in time for the evening service. My friend Corinne (who's coming to Mali) will pick me up from the airport.

I have so much more stuff (gifts of clothes and toys) than I can take with me. Please pray for favor if I have a little more weight than allowed, and for favor with my (heavy) carry-on.