Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Sunday, December 31, 2006

Third Day Sick In Bed

It is with much effort I'm sitting down at the computer to ask all of you to pray for me. It's the third day I'm unable to stay on my feet, simply lying in bed all day, unable to eat anything as well. Yesterday I tried eating something, and since then I have to run to the bathroom frequently. I have a fever, and I'm just weak, no cold (nose and throat are fine). Paul and the others got worried that they hadn't seen me all day yesterday and they all prayed for me for one hour last night. I could hear them in my room.

We have a prayer night to start the New Year tonight, but right now it looks they'll have to do that without me as well, since I can barely walk around.

On Tuesday we have an intensive Bible School that's starting, from 9 am to 5 pm every day Tue-Sat. I would have to cancel that too if I don't get better. In 10 days I'm leaving for Paris, and then the US.

Please pray!

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Daouda Stays

Over night Daouda had a change of heart. In the morning he wanted to speak to me, and he asked forgiveness for having stolen, lied and beaten one of the kids, saying he won't do it again. I was inspired to mention King David, whose name he carries, and gave him a second chance. Before yesterday he's been a good kid, so I hope it's gonna work out.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Daouda Has To Leave

Coming home from the village this morning, I learned about an incident in my absence. In the afternoon I confronted Daouda, but he wouldn't say the truth. In our family meeting in the evening, the whole truth came out, thanks to what the other kids knew.

Daouda stole 100 Euros ($130) from our Austrian guests this morning. He inquired where to exchange the money. Then our Austrian friend told Issa that he couldn't find his money, and to ask the kids, and that's when Daouda returned it. We also found out that he has stolen other stuff before in our house, and he threatened Eli in his anger today, saying he'd kill him during the night.

Daouda has not shown any regret, and claimed to not care whether he stays or not. We had no choice but to tell him to leave tomorrow morning. If he'd only shown a little willingness...

I told him I'd be ready to listen in case he has anything to say before he leaves. I also told him that I don't want him to leave, that it makes me sad, but he'd have to take a step towards us...

To protect Eli, Daouda is sleeping alone in the garden tonight, with the other two new kids sleeping in the house.

Waking In The Village

It was a rough night. I had taken with me an air mattress meant for the swimming pool to sleep on, but it had tiny holes, and so I soon lay on rough stones that hurt pretty badly. I blew up the mattress again, but it didn't last long. Needless to say, I didn't sleep much.

I got up early, and was amazed at how cold it was. At night it really cools down. They rekindled the fire, and we sat down around it to warm up. The picture shows Simeon and Paul. The pastor's wife heated some water for us to wash, and little time later we had breakfast together. Then pastor Enoch did his final exam for Bible school, and we left on the trip home.

Yesterday we'd been worried if we'd make it back to Bamako. One of my tires loses air quickly, so that I have to blow it up again nearly every day, recently even twice a day. Miraculously, it stayed just fine all the way there and back! And that on really bad roads. Praise God for this miracle! (Since there is no electricity in Dio, there would have been no way to blow it up.)

Back in Bamako, I immediately lay down and slept four hours. And then another two hours in the late afternoon. I'm very tired after the last couple of days, busy with Christmas activities.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Christmas In The Village

Everyone wanted to come with us to Dio, but that was simply not possible with our little car. I wanted Paul with me, and Simeon absolutely wanted to go. That left two more spaces for kids, and I took the two who are furthest in the Lord. We filled up the car with sound system and everything needed to show the JESUS-film, as well as the Christmas presents for the kids in Dio. On the way we picked up 100kg of rice to give to the pastor to feed himself and his children.

We were warmly welcomed in Dio by the pastor, his family and many children. We parked the car and set up our two tents on the rough ground - something I regretted later. Several kids were already there, and we waited until they had all come. We arranged all the gifts on a bench. Every little bag contained candy, a toy and a pair of shoes. The German NGO managing the kids' sponsorships had financed those gifts for the children, and published an article in a little newspaper talking about "shoes for the kids in Mali".

I called them up name by name, and handed them their bags. Then they all sat down and held up their bags for the picture, before opening them. 19 children received shoes and gifts today. The pastor told us later that the people in the village were very touched by that. I believe this act of love opened hearts for the evening.

We had a special Christmas dinner with the pastor, and then it was time for the movie. We had set everything up before the sun went down. After all, Dio has no electricity. The DVD-player and projector are operated by a little generator, and the sound system by the battery that came with it.

The pastor's wife and daughter started singing worship songs in Bambara, to attract people to come. We were sitting in the dark and waiting for people to show up. After half an hour we started the movie. Only a few minutes into the movie, the sound started disappearing, and I realized that the battery was nearly flat. We had not charged it enough, and I had been afraid that would happen. What to do? Some people tried bringing little loudspeakers but nothing worked. Finally I told Paul to comment for the people on what's happening. Paul has a loud voice, and he did a fabulous job. He was next to the projector and heard the movie's sound, repeating it for all the people. He enjoyed doing it, and people listened carefully.

I sat in a chair next to the equipment and fell asleep. I was so exhausted, I just couldn't stay awake. We had only started the movie after 8:30 pm. When it was done, I left it to Paul to do the praying with people, together with the pastor, while Simeon and I packed the equipment. Paul loved it and was all excited. They prayed for healing for two people, and eleven people gave their lives to the Lord, not counting the kids. Praise God!

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Monday, December 25, 2006

Swimming

The new kids had each received swimming trunks for the big day today, the day they had all been looking forward to. It nearly didn't happen, because of their behavior that morning, and my own tiredness. In the end we did go. Since we were 12 people, we had to take a taxi in addition to our car.

The water was pretty cold - it's winter after all - but that didn't keep the kids from having fun. Hama was with us too - he just LOVES the water! He's just a little cold on the picture.

The adults had fun too - Seybou, Firmin, Issa, Paul. I for myself took a nap and did some reading. When the sun started going down, we gathered our stuff and into the car to cross all of town again to go home. The kids were happy, and Hama fell asleep in the car.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Christmas Service

It was a more casual service in that I sat down and told the Christmas story in an exciting and lively way. I then called everyone to a fresh rededication to the Lord, without holding anything back. After that I went back to the keyboard and played two Christmas songs whose French translation I had found. Then it was time for the gifts.

First I had Christian Bambara calendars for 2007 to give to the literate adults in our church. The picture shows Hawa, a widow with many children, who we are supporting.

Then it was time for the kids' gifts, i.e. the kids in our neighborhood who either have sponsors already or who are waiting for one. We had made packages for each kid, with a pair of shoes, candy and a toy. For most if not all of these children it was the first time they had received a Christmas gift - and they were overjoyed.

Family Celebration

The gifts distributed, we rolled the TV outside and put in a Christmas movie for all the children, so that I would have time to prepare the house for our family celebration. After the movie they still had to eat dinner outside, and then they could come in. I needed all the time that took and more to prepare the table and everything. Two weeks ago we already started putting the gifts out (that I all wrapped) and there were many. The kids were allowed to look at them, but not to touch them. They enjoyed seeing one gift after another for them appear on the decorated table.

They were already banging at the door, because I would still not let them in. I was preparing an Austrian dessert for them, and put it on the table before opening the door. I lit the sticks spraying sparks, and finally opened the door. I enjoyed watching the wonder in their eyes, as they saw the table and the sparks!

They had their desert, and then we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus, before distributing the gifts. Each kid - starting with the youngest - gave a gift to each person sitting around the table. Then every person opened it, one after the other, with the others watching. Once done, the next kid got up to hand out gifts. It took quite some time, and was much fun.

Then we all took time to pray, thanking the Lord for the gifts and the greatest gift of his birth. The kids then started enjoying their gifts - camera, gameboy-like-game, binoculars, clothes...

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Christmas Party For Street Kids

This was the smallest und most uneventful Street Kid Party we've ever done. Simeon didn't go invite kids as much as he usually does, so there were only about 70 (compared to 120 last time). And for myself, I didn't find the time and time with God necessary to really prepare, plus I was tired and had little energy, so I was able to give out little

We started with a game with teams of 3, with each kid holding the feet of the kid in front of him, and then they had to run that way to the other end of the garden. They had fun, and we ended up having 2 teams of three who won. Those then had another game to decide a winner in each group, but unfortunately that game didn't work out.

After that we sang a few songs, which they enjoyed. Then we rolled the TV out and showed them an animated movie about the birth of Christ. I came back out and asked a few questions about what they had seen. Since we still had time, they watched another animated movie on Jesus' birth, follwed by questions again. I then continued the story, talking about the cross and salvation. Several kids listened very carefully, you could tell that Holy Spirit was working in their hearts.

We all stood up and prayed a prayer of dedication to Jesus together. I have no doubt that a good number were born into the kingdom today. Hallelujah!

While the program was going, Fanta and Elisabeth were cooking the meal for the kids.We all ate together, and then it was time for the gifts. Each kid had received a number when they had arrived, and now they went into the house one after the other to choose one piece of clothing. They all wanted shoes and we hardly had any, but we had good news.

CCARA informed me even during the program that they'd send money to buy shoes for all the street kids. So we took down their names and shoe sizes and told them to come again the following week to pick up their shoes. Praise God!

It was late afternoon when the last kid left. But the time for celebrating was not over yet. It was also Issa's birthday. He thought we didn't know, so it was a wonderful surprise to him when we sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY and gave him gifts. Many people were blessed today.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Two Blog-Free Days

The reason for my silence these past three days is not that there aren't any news; there are; but rather the increasing exhaustion.

Yesterday I did something radical and went to bed at 10 pm (instead of 2 am). I've been worried how to get through the busy Christmas season as tired as I'm already.

Today our doctor passed, to do his tests with our three new kids, as well as our new team member. He also expressed concern about my health, and gave me some paracetamol and anti-histamines to take. Oh well.

I picked up my tickets for my Jan-trip today. The last change I did was to add Kansas City to my itinerary. So rejoice, I'll be with you there Jan 20-23.

The kids have been writing their exams yesterday and today, and one more tomorrow. Since I'm the ones to create their exams, I've been very busy with that. So far, they haven't done too well, because they spend too little time studying.

On Tuesday the Christian legal advisor I was recommended stopped by. Daniel is a wonderful man of God, who will help us any way he can. In short, the following was the outcome: we need to create two more organizations. HIM Mali (as we're registered now) is the mission whose director I am. For the church we need a Malian association, led by Malians. And for the children's center, we either need to create a Malian association or make the German NGO a local foreign association. Before becoming an NGO, we need to be an association for 3 years first.

Unfortunately we won't be able to take any concrete steps before Feb, because Daniel is busy until Jan 9, and I'm leaving for the US Jan 10.

We've been doing some shopping, preparing for the different Christmas events. Every child having a sponsor or waiting for a sponsor will receive a pair of shoes, candy and a toy for Christmas. And on Sunday night we're having our family celebration. The gifts are starting to stack up...

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Monday, December 18, 2006

Tidbit News

The new kids are slowly and easily becoming a part of the family. Sadly they behave a lot better than our "old" kids.

Today we did a TPM session with Saloum, and he found some freedom. Praise God!

Now we're several people that are sick - myself, Paul, Firmin, Issa; all the adults!

With all I had to do today, I forgot to call the legal advisor who expected my call. I hope I can reach him tomorrow.

Today I had Seybou drive to pick up the kids, with me at his side. He did a lot better than the first time, and tomorrow he's gonna go take the kids to the kindergarten by himself. That will give me a little more time to sleep.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Sunday, December 17, 2006

TPM Sessions

I continue being excited about the theophostic tool to see people set free. Tonight we did a session with Firmin, after he got really upset because of one of the children. It was very easy with him, as he went to several memories and received Jesus' truth where there were lies. Before, he was angry, and had tears in his eyes. Afterwards, he was smiling all over, full of peace and joy. Praise God!

The session with Fousseni didn't work that well. Basically he was unwilling to revisit his painful memory, and God will never override our will in that context.

Tomorrow night I'm doing a session with one of our Austrian visitors who asked for it.

The service today went well. The Lord gave me the subject in the morning, and then inspired me as I was preaching. In fact, I was so excited at the awesome illustrations he gave me right there and then!

After the service, we all went downtown to the Christmas celebration of the English missionary service. The missionary kids had prepared a program, and our kids listened attentively to the English play and songs. Paul and Saloum stayed home, but all the others came along.

Today I could feel the difference your prayers are making. Thank you! But I'm physicall more sick again. I've had a cold for 7-8 weeks, with it getting better than worse, today it got worse again, with my nose constantly running, plus feeling miserable. Paul didn't feel well physically either.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Our New Children

After weeks of praying to fill our two empty beds, it's amazing to see how our new children are clearly sent by the Lord. It was so natural, so easy, everybody loves them, and they already feel part of the family. They each spent one day with us, one after the other, while the others were free to go back to the street, but in the end they didn't even want to do that any more. Today is the first day they are officially part of the family, with all privileges and responsabilities.

Daouda (14)

Daouda (a Minyanka) is born in Koutiala (south of Mali) in 1992. Immediately after his birth, his parents give him to his maternal grandmother. Daouda never knows either one of his parents. He grows up as the only child in his grandparents' household. He was about 9 years old, when his grandparents divorced because of his grandmother's illness. After only one month of school (all he ever did), they moved away, moving in with her brother. Three months later she died. Now he is alone with his grand-uncle, who constantly prefers his own children over Daouda. After just over a year with his grand-uncle, he leaves at the age of 10 and goes to Sikasso, where he starts working as a helper in the public buses. He works hard for one year, but the physical labor (moving heavy bags) is too hard on him, causing him a lot of pain. Now 11, he goes to Bamako, where he finds a place to sleep outside the big mosque. After an injury, he moves to the bus station near our house, where he was invited to our weekly program. After 3 years on the street, Daouda has found a home and a family that loves him. When we prayed for him after he had just given his life to the Lord, He immediately gave him a new name, without us saying anything, replacing his old name Mohamed with his new name David.

Solomani (12)

Solomani was born in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) on the 29th of juin 1994. He spends the first 6 years of his life there with his parents, before he's being sent to Mali, to Bougouni, to go to school there. He moves in with his uncle, who is married with two children. Solomani's aunt - more than his uncle - mistreats him, beating him, withholding food from him, and using him as a slave in the household. He has to get up at 4 in the morning to start filling containers with water - a task that takes him 3 hours of more. Then he has to walk 3 km to school, back at noon, and there again in the afternoon, so that he walks 12 km in all. Between, before and after school, he works hard in his uncle's household. Since schoolchildren have a big final exam after 6 years of school, he asks - now 12 years old - whether they could reduce the workload on him so he has time to study. His request causes the opposite; now he is supposed to work outside the house as well, transporting heavy loads for people with his wheelbarrow. Both uncle and aunt beat him up because he doesn't want to work more, and so he runs away in November 2006. He goes to Bamako to earn money and go to Abidjan to find his parents there and stay there. When he came to our children's program and started sleeping in our garden, he had been on the street for one month.

Eli (11)

Eli is born the 3rd child of his parents in Sigiri in Guinea in 1995. He starts school there, while his father leaves to go to Sikasso in Mali to work there. After one year in school, the whole family joins the father in Mali, where Eli starts school again from scratch. In his 4th year of school, his father wants him to start selling cigarettes rather than going to school. He misses more and more of school, against his will. One day in November 2006, Eli and his big brother decide to leave and go to Bamako to earn money. When Eli came to our program, he had been on the street for a month. His brother was not interested in coming, nor in taking care of his brother, leaving him to himself. Now Eli has a family.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Friday, December 15, 2006

Ministry On Our Property

After a few weeks' pause (because of our trip to Ghana, and the seminar last week), we finally went on our property again to do ministry. The kids stayed home with Firmin, and Paul's timetable at his High School changed, so that he can't come anymore (sigh). So Issa came to interpret, and he hadn't been to our property yet. Daouda, our new kid, also wanted to come along.

We had a good number of kids that showed up. We played some games that they enjoyed, and sang a few songs. More and more came. After the revision - with candy for those who knew answers - it was time for the new teaching. We had a good time, and adults also came to listen. In the end, many wanted to have Jesus as their friend. Many prayed with us to become children of God - it was beautiful. Then I offered that we'd pray for anyone having a need - like healing.

A little boy came up to me, showing me his arm. He had a traditional bandange for broken arms. He said he was in pain. We prayed for him, and the pain had diminished. We prayed again, and the pain had subsided even more.

Then a boy with a bandaged foot and cane came up. We prayed for his foot. Then we started walking together. He was limping considerably, but as we walked, he got better and better. In the end I said, "catch me", and ran. He ran after me and indeed caught me. He was totally healed. Praise God!

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Busy Day

We're right now living an intense time, a busy time, but also a good time.

19 people spent the night here last night. 2 of the 3 kids left, since Mohamed - now Solomon, it seems - spent the day with us. He did very well, and I'm looking forward to him being in our family.

Enoch, his wife, and son, slept in the living room. It was only just before they left that we finally had a few minutes to talk. The German NGO managing our sponsorships is sending some money to buy gifts for each kid already sponsored or waiting to be sponsored, and the best gift there is is a pair of shoes. So he's gonna find out the sizes of the 19 kids in his village, so we can bring them with us for the Christmas Party on the 26th.

So, what was my morning like? I got up at 7, put the day's gift into the advent calendar, and shortly after that left to take Etienne and Anatole to kindergarten. I got back just after 8, had breakfast, and reviewed the Bible class I'd teach a few minutes later, as well as the French class I'd teach after that. We had a time of worship, and then Bible teaching. Then I taught them French, with the book I got in Austria. Issa doesn't speak German, but he's watching for now to see how the book works, and how to teach it.

After French class I was released. I talked to Enoch for some time, about organizational things, and then it was already time to leave. On the way to kindergarten I dropped off the three of them at the bus station, then picked up Paul's brothers and took them to their home. Their Mom was at our house, as we now cook for their family as well, since they also have sponsors now. Elisabeth helps Fanta with the cooking.

I lay down in the afternoon, but 10 minutes later someone knocked at my door needing something. Time passed quickly, and at 5 pm we all left for a surprise. I took Issa, Firmin, and the three kids, to watch a play at the American School. The students of the school were performing in it. I mistakenly thought it was a Christmas play, that's why we went, but the Christmas play is on Sunday. The adults ended up enjoying it more than the kids. Abdias sat next to me, drawing close as always.

I enjoyed seeing especially one (American) friend again that I haven't seen in a long time, as well as another Malian friend.

Back home, we had dinner, and shortly after that it was already time for bed. We sat down, including Solomon, and then Fousseni shared something terrible Abdias had done. We spent some time talking about it, and I assured them again we'd pray for healing for all of them. Abdias had to sleep in the living room tonight.

When they had gone to bed, after having received blessings and hugs, we did our nightly theophostic book reading session as a team, and it went well. Especially Issa is eager to learn. Tomorrow we're doing a session with Abdias.

I'm barely able to keep my eyes open, yet I have some more work to do. My health is better again, but the tiredness...

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Growing In Numbers

What a day!

The two Austrian guys arrived today. I picked them up from the airport. They are two guys who gave up their jobs, eager to get away from life in Austria, and so they came for 3 months, staying the first month with us. They are also musicians and came for the desert music festival in January, and to study music here in Mali.

Tonight we have a record number of people sleeping here: 19. Normally we're 11, but we have our 3 new kids, and then pastor Enoch came with his wife and son, so plus 3, and then the 2 white guys. They are in the guest room. Enoch and family sleep in the living room on two mattresses; Fousseni had to give up his, joining Abdias and Salim who sleep next to each other. And our three new kids sleep on a double mattress on the veranda outside.

Today the Lord gave me an idea on how to proceed. The next three days, they will one after the other spend one whole day with us, participating in our activities, so they get to know us better, we them, and so they see what a day here is like, and if they'd like to live that way. We'll also see how serious they are, and if they obey, and if they could imagine living this way.

So I think in January we can start a first-year class. We'll have a good number of children with the neighbors' kids. This morning I taught the kids French, because I finally got the second year book for teaching French as a foreign language. Unfortunately it's explained in German, how to use it, and Issa doesn't speak any. He's gonna watch me for now, and then take over. On Tuesdays, Issa has to go teach elsewhere, so I teach them music. Today I spent quite some time teaching music theory, recorder and piano.

What I did not have time for today (as is the case too often) was to take a nap.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Our Legal Status Precarious

Today I spent little time at home, and many hours in the car, in the crazy traffic hardly moving, or desperately looking for the Ministry for Children that moved 3 months ago.

In the morning we were gonna go to the Ministry, but at first the guy wasn't there. So we just went to deposit our djembé to be repaired, and then got the third year math books for the kids. Then I stopped at the ATM before returning home. Unfortunately we had to use some of the most notorious roads, and it all took us two hours of hardly moving.

I was exhausting when I got back home, and only had an hour to eat and rest before leaving again. I picked Paul up at his High School, and off we went to find the Ministry. Unfortunately it turned out to be very difficult; we turned in circles, asking again and again, and were pretty fed up and exhausted when we got there. Thankfully, it wasn't too late to find the man there.

I explained who we were and what we were doing, and he explained to us the situation. It's always interesting for me to see that those (educated) Malians would not address me primarily, but my male companion, even though I was obviously the leader. It's weird when you ask the question, and he constantly looks at Paul and never at me as he gives the answer.

Anyway. We discovered that we were basically illegally having children with us. He said that our church bylaws does not include children (only a little mention), and that you have to put in a request to run a center before starting one. Once all the paperwork is through, they give you a temporary permit for half a year. Then they check on you before giving the permanent permit. He told us in clear terms that we were illegal, and should get the paperwork done, which is done elsewhere. In the end, he still chatted with us, about the German language, and what he does (he's also law professor at the university). He was really very friendly and helpful, and offered to help if we needed any more.

I'm glad we finally went to the Ministry to move forward, but I also feel a sense of vulnerability, that they could take my kids away any time. Not just Fousseni, but any of them. It makes me fear for them. Even though, they're in God's hands in the end. Of course, we didn't tell them about the situation, I just told the team, so they can pray for protection for us, and that the paperwork would be done quickly and without problems.

Somebody has a contact to Christian legal experts, and we'll hire one to help us take care of this (complicated) paperwork. Your prayers are much wanted!

Tomorrow is a CRAZY day, and I'm really asking for your prayers. Two Austrian men are arriving around noon to stay with us for a month. Then Enoch is coming for Bible School, possibly with his wife and son. And then, tonight we have 4 children sleep on our veranda. That's a lot of people for our little home! It's gonna be a very busy day with the arrival of our guest, and Bible School.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Sunday, December 10, 2006

3 Mohameds To Become Our Children

After a low in the kids' program, we've really seen it go uphill again. We have more children, and we have younger ones now. And a few weeks ago we started telling them that we had 2 more spaces to take kids in, and that we'd be watching to find who to take in. We've had several who've come back regularly, and who said that they'd like to stay. As I wrote last Sunday, we had 6 children, but none came back during the week, before the program on Saturday.

Tonight three children showed up, all three variations of Mohamed. Two of them have come several times before, and the big one with the white T-Shirt had only come yesterday for the first time. Somehow, my heart went out to all three of them. They are nice, polite, obedient, and want to stay.

From left to right:
Mohamed (11), on the street for one month
Mamadou (14), on the street for 3 months
Mahamadou (12), on the street for one month

After the service, they were playing cards with our kids, and I invited them in to watch a movie. They watched the MATTHEW video in Bambara, together with Issa and part of the time our children (who've seen it several times). When we had dinner, I bought some bread and made them sandwiches. Then I asked them whether they would like to spend the night here, and they all said yes.

So I got the big double mattress out and put it on our veranda. Paul sacrificed his warm blanket (temperatures are down to 15°C/59°F at night right now - colder than usual), and you should have seen their happy faces as the three cuddled together under the blanket on the wonderfully comfortable mattress. I told them that we wanted to get to know them, and then we'd see if and who could stay. For now they have to leave in the morning, but I told them they could come back tomorrow night, if they wanted to.

I'd really like to take them all, but we don't have any room left!!! Unless the guest room becomes a kids' room. But even this Tuesday we have 2 Austrians come for a month, and then somebody in February, etc.

Lord, enable us to start building as soon as possible, and to move onto our property as soon as possible!

Paul Preaching

A week ago the Lord told me twice to have Paul preach today. After a week long worship seminar, Paul preached about gratitude leading to praise and worship. Issa interpreted for the first time. They both did a good job.

During our worship time, I could see some fruit from the seminar. Especially Issa and Firmin really entered in, but also the kids had learned something. Saloum also gave a testimony about the week. He had done the percussions workshop. I've been looking to get a percussions set, but you don't get those in Mali. I will have to take something back with me next time I travel. I've seen electronic ones that you can transport easily.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Saturday, December 9, 2006

New Life In Weekly Children's Program

We got back from Ghana exactly a week ago, and so today was our first program since our return. And what a difference!

We had a good number of kids, including a couple of new ones. Everything went as usually, except for the end. Before Ghana, the kids' program had pretty much reached the bottom - few kids, no motivation or energy on our part. I was just always glad when it was over.

But today! When I was done with the teaching, the kids were enthousiastic to give their lives to the Lord. There was a good number who did so for the first time. 3 of the 6 kids from last Sunday had come back. And then I did something I haven't done in a long time - and it was spontaneous, I didn't even think about it. I told them, if anyone wanted prayer, we'd pray for them. One after the other came for prayer, some having specific requests, others really not knowing what they wanted. As we prayed for one after the other, Holy Spirit touched them visibly. And I could see with each kid how TPM would help them greatly. Paul's sisters also asked for prayer. As Albinos, they have a lot of the same issues Paul has/had. Denise asked for prayer that she'd be the first in class - now she's second. Both girls started school in the middle of first grade - a great challenge - now they're in second grade. They are all driven to perform to be loved and accepted. We're definitely gonna sit down with them to minister to them.

I know I'm repeating myself, but I'm so excited about TPM, about these keys the Lord has put into my hands. I'm spending much of my freetime studying the manual and watching the demonstration videos, and I'm learning much. In the following case it will help greatly as well:

Today, a 13-year-old girl showed up when we were already done with the program. Simeon had invited her to come. According to him, she's one of the girls that prostute themselves and take drugs at the bus station. When I talked to her, she denied that. She said she was living off the money her girl friend gave her. She said she was just looking for a place to work and stay in somebody's house. Her name is Hawa (like mine), and everybody (including me) thought she was a boy. She's from Ivory Coast and has been in Mali, at the bus station, for 4 months. Her father died, and then her mother simply left. Hawa was left alone, in the middle of civil war, and that's when she decided to come to Mali. I explained the gospel to her, and she received the Lord. I told her who we were, and that we had two more open spaces. I encouraged her to keep coming back and get to know us, and we'd see whether she'd be one to stay with us.

Today is the last day the kids and team are at the worship seminar - sigh. It's been a great blessing to have a few hours alone at home every day, and getting things done I couldn't do with them here. Like moving things around, arranging things, and tonight I put up more Christmas lights, and prepared the place we're gonna put all the gifts. After all, Christmas is in two weeks. Everyone had to draw one piece of paper with the name of the person he/she has to give a gift to. That way, it's just one gift per person to give. Of course, everyone's free to give gifts to more people as well.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Thursday, December 7, 2006

More Unexpected TPM Sessions

I only had 3 and a half hours of sleep last night, and suffered from it today. When I took my family to the worship seminar in the afternoon, I had a hard time staying awake while driving. When I got back, I lay down to sleep, setting my alarm for 2 hours. That helped greatly, even though I was still exhausted 2 hours later.

When I picked them up again at 8:15 pm, they were all full of joy and praise, and the kids totally wound up. They're saying that the seminar is awsome. I'm glad! I for myself enjoy greatly the few hours of quiet at the house, and finally getting things done.

We had a good family meeting tonight, though I noticed Firmin wasn't doing well. We prayed for the kids, blessed them, hugged them, and they went to bed. I noticed Firmin was in their room as well, and was told he was crying. We always take half an hour to read the TPM book, so we called him. I asked him what was going on, already thinking it had to do with his father, who disappeared three years ago. Ever since the blessing sermon on Sunday Firmin hasn't been too well. He confirmed my suspicion, and I asked whether he wanted to do a session.

He said yes. Firmin was feeling alone, abandoned, etc, and by the time we were done not long later, he had only peace, and smiled again. Jesus had given him truth where he had believed lies.

Looking over at Issa, he was crying, tissue in hand. It's surely amazing to see these Malian men cry! Praise God! He denied it for a while, but finally he admitted that the session with Firmin had struck a cord in him. I asked him whether he'd like to do a session and be free, and he said yes. We went into two memories, where he felt rejected, and he received truth from Jesus, being freed, and having only peace in his memories.

We were all excited at how TPM truly works! It's so simple, yet so powerful!

I'm now working hard to read the whole 400 page manual, to learn more and complete the basic training.

Today I had email confirmation that I'm gonna spend a week with Bill in Dayton, OH, in January, just before the HIM conference in LA. He's gonna take 5 days to pray for me each day. I'm so looking forward to receiving more healing and freedom myself.

Paul and Bill in Ghana

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Unexpected TPM Session

In our family meeting tonight, I learned about something Abdias (13) did at the conference and asked him a question about it. Abdias was visibly very angry, with stony face, and simply ignoring me, neither looking at me, nor responding in any way. So I went on, blessed the other two kids, prayed, and asked again. When he still didn't talk, we did the daily half hour learning TPM (Theophostic Prayer Ministry), me reading the English book to them in French. After that, it was already pretty late, but Abdias still didn't want to talk. I told him to call me when he was ready to. After I left, Paul talked to him and was able to get through to him. A few minutes later Abdias called me. This time he gave an answer, and we were able to talk about his behavior. After it was done, he still had this angry, stony face, and I asked him who he was angry with. It turned out to be Firmin. He shared that at the seminar today, Firmin grabbed him by the arm to make him go with him, and hurt him that way. Obviously the hurt inside was much greater.

I called Firmin who said that Abdias had insulted him, and then he grabbed him to drag him along. Abdias denied having insulted him. I told him, if he did insult him, he needed to ask forgiveness, and Firmin needed to ask forgiveness too for hurting him. Firmin did, but Abdias was so angry that he refused to forgive him. We were at a dead-end, and I knew, though it was late, the only way was to apply some theophostics.

I asked Firmin to leave, and then asked Abdias whether he wanted to be free from the anger or go to bed with it. He said he wanted to be free from it. So I asked him a series of questions, and we discovered he was angry because he was afraid, afraid of being hurt, of his arm breaking, and feeling helpless. I then asked him whether he was willing to let Jesus know, and listen to what He thinks about that. He said yes. So I told Jesus the way Abdias felt, and asked Him to speak the truth to Abdias. A few minutes later, I asked him. He said he heard Jesus say that He was always at his side. I asked him whether he believed that. He said yes. Then I asked him whether he still felt angry. He said yes. Then I asked him whether he would forgive Firmin now. He said yes. We called Firmin, and he spoke forgiveness to him. Then I blessed Abdias, prayed for him, and walked him to his bed.

What a beautiful time! How awesome that he'd be set free so easily! It's working! Praise God!

Paul's Attacks

Paul had another very low day today, with the enemy attacking him severly. He was in school in the morning, but went to the conference in the afternoon. It was visible that he was not doing well, and he actually would not talk to me. When he got to the worship conference, he was unable to enter into worship because of his anger/attitude. Then the Lord spoke two Scriptures to him, just the book, chapter, and verse, and he had no clue what those verses talked about. He didn't have a Bible with him, so he had to wait until the evening, back home, to see what God wanted to tell him. But he did feel a release, and joy, nonetheless. Back home, he was amazed - those verses spoke about pride/humility, and how to treat those in authority over you, your spiritual mothers and fathers. He was convicted and asked me for forgiveness for his behavior. Praise God!

Worship Conference

They are all loving the conference - the three kids, and three adults. I'm praying that we will see fruit from it. I signed up for it too, but I ended up not attending it because I'm so excited to have the house to myself for a few hours, and I'm finally getting things done I'd never get done with everyone in the house. The downside is having to do a lot of driving. Today I did the trip between our house and the conference venue 8 times (4 times back and forth), and it's not that close. That's somewhat tiring.

At one intersection downtown, a street boy who wanted to beg at my window, recognized me. He asked me about Sekouba (who is well known among street kids), and I told him that he had left, that he had gone to another town. The boy said he'd come to our program on Saturday. In the evening, at 8:30 pm, I saw the same boy again. Both times he was so happy to see me, with a huge smile on his face.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Tuesday, December 5, 2006

Day Of Crises

We had just finished our morning teaching, when the door bell rang. Paul went to see, and it was Fousseni's father. I joined Paul, and F's father informed me that he wanted F to come with him for today. I told him that we had a program, and I couldn't allow that. He became furious, shouting around. I reminded him that he had signed the paper, handing care over to us. He just became more angry, saying he hadn't read it, and we hadn't explained it. Thankfully I have plenty of witnesses since he showed up on a Saturday, during our kids' program. He started ranting, demanding his son, threatening us with the police and all kind of other things. I told him no, and went back into the house. I was glad that for once the gate to our property had been locked.

Paul stayed with him, trying to calm him down. In the end, it was the classical, powerful means God has instilled in the peoples of Mali that brought the appeasement. The same means that has kept this country peaceful: the special relations between different clans. Fousseni's father's name is Cissé, and Paul's name Traoré, and their is a special relationship between those two names. Paul told him to go to work and think about it all again, and he finally did leave, and we were able to leave for the conference.

Poor Fousseni was all shaken up, and I myself was trembling because of the danger. I comforted Fousseni and assured him, that we'd protect him and that I'd NEVER allow anyone to hurt him. I'd rather die than allow Fousseni being hurt, and I meant it. He has a family now, a family that will never abandon him or let him down. He did find some comfort, and was soon himself again.

We were relieved for the moment, but it showed me again that it was high time to establish a relationship with the Ministry for Women & Children. For the past 3 months I've been waiting on a pastor and school director with contacts to activate them for me, but all I ever hear are excuses. So, with the urgency of the situation, I called the leader of the Malian Association of Churches we only joined in September, and asked whether he had any contacts there. He called me back later, saying that a good old friend of his is in a high position there, but traveling right now. He'd be back in the office Fri morning, and that's when I could go there to see him. Please pray that Fousseni's father would calm down and not do anything before Friday.

Today I was driving around a lot, with different people, for different reasons, then I had a visitor, and then Bible school, and not one free minute for a break. I so needed to take a nap, but it wasn't possible.

I tried to do something about that exaggerated electricity & water bill, but of course they didn't help. We'll just have to pay it (it's $100 more than usual), and hope the following bill will be normal again. There was also a major thing that happened between Paul and me, simply because of a misunderstanding that the enemy used big time with both of us. I saw it for what it was earlier, pointing it out to Paul, therefore taking its power away. I would have been surprised if the enemy hadn't come to attack after the victories of last week.

What a day! None you'd want to repeat. It's been hard to write all this down with my eyes closing against my will. It's 1:30 am, and I'm gonna go sleep now.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Monday, December 4, 2006

Worship Seminar

Today was a somewhat crazy day, with lots of problems and crises that arose. I had only slept 4 hours, and so I wasn't in the best shape to deal with them well, but it all worked out okay.

This week is not a typical week, because we're all attending a worship seminar that is all day every day. In fact, I stayed home for most of it, taking advantage of having the house to myself, and some quiet to get things done.

We started our day the typical way - time with God alone, time or worship together and teaching on God encounters. After that it was time to leave for the seminar. It was good to see some old missionary friends again, even though we hardly had time to talk. We took a whole row - Firmin, Issa, Saloum, Fousseni and Abdias. Abdias snuggled against me, not getting enough of being held. After an hour I had to leave to pick up the kids from kindergarten, who I had also dropped off there in the morning.

I took them all back in the afternoon, including Paul. They have workshops in the afternoon - piano, guitar, drums, singing, and worship leading, and then teaching and worship in the evening. When I picked them up at 9 pm, they were all excited, having loved the seminar. Praise God! While they had been there, I had gotten much done at home. After our family meeting, blessing them, and them gone to bed, I started reading the TPM book to them, so they learn the basics, before we start doing the sessions. They were all tired, and we only took 15 min.

As for myself, I've had several short nights. And this afternoon my health got worse again. I've had a cold for one month now, coughing for the past three weeks. It got much better in Ghana, but this afternoon my nose started joining in again, and I felt pretty lousy overall. Please pray for healing, and for more time to sleep. By the way, last time they told Seybou he'd get his driver's licence in two weeks.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Sunday, December 3, 2006

Extraordinary Sunday - Fruit From Ghana

I did step into my old footsteps by having a short night - lots of work to catch up on. But today was Sunday, with the day set aside for HIM, until the service at 4 pm. And the Lord surprised me, drawing close like I've been longing for and missing, and I was overwhelmed by His goodness. How awesome He is! I also noticed how much joy I had - a rather rare thing to be joyful to that extent in Mali. It was wonderful, and I basked in it.

I had just finished reading a book on blessing your children while in Ghana, that blessed me a lot just reading it, and I felt it was time to preach that blessing message. I was looking forward to the service.

And how different it was! No anger, no stress, just peace, even when things went wrong, when the kids didn't behave like they should, I just kept my peace, and so did Paul. It was amazing, truly an amazing confirmation! May I stay in this place! I know it's the tiredness that opens the door to all the stuff you don't want to do.

Paul led Bambara worship, and it still bothers me to watch the kids all with sad faces, not singing, while they sing loudly when we worship in the morning. We had several street kids visiting, and they sang more and smiled more than our own kids! Something's wrong with that picture.

Then I led the French worship songs, and it went very well. I had to close my eyes and not look at them, because their lack of investment was too distracting. Then I had Paul share about the trip to Ghana, and he did well. After that I told the story of the hotel manager for the offering, before it was time for the sermon. Fewer people were here today, which was a shame, with the message being so important. I stressed its importance to them, asking them all to listen very carefully.

I started off with Genesis 27, about Isaac giving the blessing to Jacob, and Esau being heart-broken about not getting it. He cries several times, "Bless me too!" How many people today still have that heart's cry, because their fathers and mothers never blessed them, never encouraged them. Knowing that Malians neither hug nor speak words of blessing to their children, I expected some response, but was not prepared for its intensity. I talked about the 5 elements of blessing, focusing on the first two, touching and words. Studies have shown that we need 10 meaningful touches a day just to maintain our emotional health. I also talked about the power of words, and that a child believes what people, especially parents, say to them.

While I was talking, I could see people's countenance changing, as the words had impact on them. Issa told me afterwards that he had never been touched, moved, that much by a message before. Firmin was in visible emotional pain, and so was Simeon. The kids listened more attentively than usual. The service also went longer than usual, but it wasn't a usual service. Towards the end I briefly explained the Theophostic Prayer model (TPM), that we've just learned in Ghana, to give them hope that they can be free of those lies they've been told and believe. I had Paul share about his TPM session on Thursday, to encourage people, and let them know that we'd be doing sessions for those interested in the near future. In the end, I had them stand up and offer their pain and emptiness to the Lord, praying for the Lord to fill them with His love. I then invited them forward if they wanted to receive the blessing. Many came, and I blessed each person and prayed for God's truth to replace the lies. Our own kids were the last ones receiving prayer. Saloum and Abdias were both in the front, but Fousseni was hiding in his seat. He was visibly hurting as a result of the message, but we called him forward and prayed for him, blessing him. After that he lightened up, and we did a lot of hugging and playing around with all kids.

To my amazement, six street children had come to the service today. We've been telling kids that we'd be taking in two more children, and all those six wanted to move in with us. I sat down with them, listened to their stories, found out that they're all on the street between 1 and 3 months, they're between 8 and 15, and they all sleep at the bus station. I had such a love for them, and let them know that. I told them I'd love to take them all, but for now we could only take 2, until our construction was done next year. I told them I was concerned for them, that they'd survive on the street until them, since few children seem to live long. I offered them that they could sleep in our garden, if they needed to. My heart went especially out to the 8-year-old; even in the service I had noticed him, his smile, his interest. Four of the six (including him) had names that were variations of Mohamed. We told them today's program was over, and they told me they were hungry. So we bought some bread to give to them, and they left happy. I'm hoping many will come back, and am praying that the Lord would show me which ones to take.

I've made several changes since our return from Ghana yesterday, and one is the way we organize our nightly family meeting; it's also earlier now. Tonight was very special. I had arranged four candles on a plate, with decorations, and lighted the first - it's an Austrian custom to light an additional candle each Sunday until Christmas. Yesterday I also put up our Advent calendar, and now they get little gifts they take out of little bags each day until Christmas.

We had some quality family time, and I had felt in my heart to have communion together. The Holy Spirit's presence was tangible. It was a very precious time. Besides me, there were our 3 teenage kids and my 3 helpers. When we were done praying, I made a radical suggestion: each one should hug every other person in the room. It was the first time I hugged my adult helpers, but it seemed very healing for the adults as well. Issa told me that he's grown up with touching or words of blessing, Firmin as well, and Paul too. I haven't found any Malian yet (not searched either though) for whom it would be otherwise. I told them we'd be the onces to start, and raise up a new generation of emotionally healthy people.

I would have loved to do a TPM session with Firmin who was extremely affected by the message, but it has to wait a few more days. I'm gonna read the basics to them first, taking half an hour after our family meeting each day, but I don't want to delay starting to pray for them. I'm so excited, and so eager to go forward, I'm plunging into the written materials to learn more. Today, I saw hope on many people's faces as I shared about the simplicity and powerfullness of TPM. It's such a powerful tool, a tool that could bring healing to a very deprived nation.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Send me your comment on this blog

Nov 2006
Oct 2006
Sep 2006
Aug 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

back to top

archive home