Healing 2 The Nations - Dr. Claudia R. Wintoch

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Friday, March 30, 2007

Time For Exams

What a busy day today was! It's after 1 am, and I'm still scurring around getting things done and ready for our trip to the village tomorrow.

The kids had their 4th and 5th exam today - French and math, subjects where preparing the tests was more time intensive. I prepared the math test late last night, and the French test this afternoon after the math test and before the French test :-). So I was pretty busy, and the French test itself took more than 2 hours since the major part was oral, and there are 4 kids, and each one needed a minimum of half an hour. Then they wanted their results...

I've only got the grades of 2 of the 5 exams so far - simply no time to correct them yet. Saloum is the best student this time, and it's disappointing that the other three kids barely pass their exams with a bad D. Abdias failed the French exam. They don't have any concept of studying before an exam, and when we told them to, they said they know everything. Yeah, right! We'll see how the exam exams turned out.

Time Of Fasting

This is the first of our seven weeks of fasting, and many signed up enthusiastically, praise God! Even the kids did, and so it's amazing to see only 2 people eat lunch. They each fast differently, according to their "measure of faith". None fasts entirely, they just leave out certain meals each day. The adults are also learning a lot, as they are as inexperiencec in fasting as the kids.

I for my part enjoyed pulling away and focusing on God for much of the time today. Yes, I was busy with the exams, but I also spent many hours with the Lord today, not caring about the uncorrected exams or other work waiting. It was after our family meeting at 9 pm that I started to work, doing some practical things, like printing out Enoch's certificate of ordination, invitations, and getting everything together for Dio. After all, I'm an evening person and prefer packing while I'm alert.

Village Of Dio

It so turned out that just Paul and I are driving to the village. Something happened today, and none of the kids admitted to having done it, so we told them none could go to the village. Emma also wanted to come (would have been good to have a mechanically inclined person with us), but couldn't in the end.

I for myself am looking forward to the weekend in Dio. I'm expecting the Lord to do great things. The German NGO has asked people to give money for rice at Easter, and we are able to give away 8 bags of rice (50kg). We're also bringing medication against parasites several of the children suffer from. In the evening we're showing the MATTHEW video in the most central place, and we're expecting many people. On Sunday I'm preaching in Enoch's church, ordaining him, prophesying over him, and giving him a few gifts. One of them are 3 big signs to put up in different strategic locations to tell people how to get to his church. Enoch mentioned a while back that he'd like signposts, and I'm excited to give him this special (and expensive) gift. I also got him two shirts, and some fabric for his wife, who hasn't had new clothes in two years.

Please pray for us this weekend. We're planning to be back for our Sunday service at 4 pm. Pray also that the car will make it there and back.

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Thursday, March 29, 2007

TPM Session & Incident

I was blessed to have a TPM session today, and one of several hours. The Lord did a deep work in me, though I wasn't sure at first if anything had happened.

However, our weekly prayer meeting had already started when I was done with the session and joined the others. As I walked out of the room, I suddenly felt such a joy, and as I faced my team members and kids, they even looked differently. The joy continued bubbling inside of me, and the love for those in front of me flowing.

The test came later. A major incident happened after the prayer meeting, with Simeon, Seybou, and Fanta so upset and angry at each other that Simeon and Seybou tried beating each other up; Paul intervened. I had to tell Simeon to leave and go home, but even on the street they continued, with our Muslim neighbors listening and watching in shock. I tried to calm Seybou and Fanta down, and when they finally shut up and listened, the Lord gave me words to speak. Then I prayed.

When it was over, I was hurting for the three, the pain they carry, the healing they need, but I was also amazed at how I had kept my joy and peace throughout the whole incident. Wow! What fruit!

Kids' Exams

The kids continued their exams today, doing reading and writing Bambara today, and tomorrow they do Math and French. I still have the French exam to prepare. I'll tell you more about the kids later.

Officials

Continue praying for the different papers from the government - things are moving. Remember also my health, with this weird wound and infection I have.

Village of Dio

This morning we reached Enoch; we're going to Dio on Saturday to do what we were going to do two weeks ago.

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Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Construction Advancing...

Tomorrow Simeon and Kossi (construction manager) have an appointment with the mayor regarding our property. This might be the time for the papers! We will have to give the mayor a "gift" of $600 for the "free" property.

In the meantime the geometric guy has put the markings for the property limits in the ground, after the village chief and first advisor gave their consent.

The studies for the location of the well have also been completed, and they are now preparing their report. We will have to dig 100 m (328 feet) deep to have enough water. Kossi told us we will have to have an outside faucet, because people in the neighborhood have to walk quite a distance for water, and they'll be happy to pay us a few cents to not have to walk so far.

We now need $22,000 to have the energy department start their work of getting electricity onto our property. It takes two months, so they need to start right now. Please pray for the miracle of that money coming in.

TPM With The Kids

Today we tried a session with Fousseni, but he simply didn't want to. Then we told Saloum and Abdias that it was their turn tomorrow, but they objected vehemently. It's so sad to know the way and refuse to walk it. We cannot heal the kids, we cannot force them to be free, they have to want it themselves. It's one of the things on my list to fast and pray for these coming weeks - our children's spiritual and emotional state, and that they'd have encounters with God.

Bible School

Tonight was the end of the second semester of our Bible School, with all the students taking their final exam. We had 5 regular students this semester, plus Enoch coming from the village. They all passed tonight's exam, and only one has to do some more work to have a sufficient final grade.

Exams

It's also time for exams for our children - Wed through Fri. Then they'll have a week off, the Easter week. That's not at all the way the Malian schools are doing it. Right now schools are in their second week of vacation, and are starting again on Monday.

I am the one writing and doing the exams with them, and it's already midnight.... I'd better get started! Tomorrow they have their Bible exam, then reading and writing on Thursday, and French and math on Friday.

Going To The Village

Today Emma had the stolen radio installed in the car again - which is now running pretty decently. Emma said we should be able to make it to the village. Today I asked Emma whether he wanted to come along with us on Saturday, returning to Bamako on Sunday.

Tomorrow we're picking up the church signs - our gift for Enoch - and we need to inform Enoch we're coming. I didn't want to speak up too early so we don't have to cancel again.

Washing Machine

Praise God, there is enough water for it to work this very moment (midnight)...

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Monday, March 26, 2007

Emotionally Charged Day

I had a phone TPM session scheduled for 2 pm with a very skilled person I'd never had as a facilitator before, and so I was rather nervous all day until the moment came. I ended up doing a 3.5 hour session, with the Lord doing a deep work in me.

I'm so thankful that the Lord loves us too much to leave us the way we are. I'm also so thankful for the people he's sent into my life to be His ambassadors and extended hands, to be His reflection, loving me unconditionally.

More Blessings

Before my session was over, the two missionaries from Guinea who have already blessed us tremendously showed up. And they brought more blessings - cooking oil and tomatoe paste, and couscous and juice for our Easter party in two weeks, as well as the money we'll need for the sauce. We expect over 100 street kids and neighbors to show up.

One of them also brought a level to level our new washing machine. I've not been able to use it because it was jumping all around the bathroom. The other problem is the lack of water. We're right now in the dry and hot season, until the rains start end of May. That means there is no water available all day. It's only turned on late at night, and that's when we fill all barrels and bottles up to hopefully last through the day. Unfortunately, even at night the water pressure has not been sufficient for the washing machine to work. So we'll see tomorrow, now that it's leveled.

Our new friends also took care of the medical needs of several kids, and then it was time to leave together. All three of us were invited to have dinner with a Norvegian lady at her house. I hadn't seen that missionary in so long, though I really enjoy her company, and so we had a wonderful evening together. I returned very late and very tired, ready to fall into bed.

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Sunday, March 25, 2007

Seven Weeks Of Fasting

Tomorrow we're starting a period of 7 weeks of fasting - seven weeks that lead up to the visit of 6 young Americans that are coming for two weeks of intense ministry.

We're right now in a tremendous time of transition. So much is in the balance right now, so much up in the air, so much that needs to brought down by faith, with new levels ahead of us, that I felt we had to call this fast for our whole church. Every week somebody is gonna fast, everyone according to his measure of faith. It was wonderful to see how the kids all jumped in, saying they'd fast in various ways. That makes me a proud Mom. I for myself am also planning an extended fast for a whole list of things. I'm praying that God will give me the grace to do that, in spite of the heat and all the things to do. I know from experience that it makes a huge difference whether you fast in your own strength or whether the Lord is feeding you from heaven.

TPM

Last night we did our weekly seminar which went great. Tonight, after our service, we did two sessions and both went wonderfully. We keep thanking the Lord for these keys, and all He has done since our trip to Ghana.

Sleeping On The Roof

With the hot season in full swing, the children and team have now started to sleep on the roof because it's too hot inside the house. They really enjoy that! I for my part turn on the AC, even though that is rather costly.

Village Of Dio

Yesterday I drove the car and it seemed to run quite decently. If it still does in a few days, we're going to Dio next weekend. In any case, we need to make the right decision because we can't do this a second time, saying we come and then not showing up.

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Saturday, March 24, 2007

Good Things Happening

I'm so blessed and blown away to watch the Lord putting myself and this ministry and the country of Mali on the hearts of people - people I don't even know. It seems that those who've known me the longest care the least, and those who've known me for a short time care the most. But of course, maybe that's too much of a generalization.

Tonight I've been blessed by several phone calls on skype or with the KC phone number. The team of 6 US students coming in May called me while they were having a meeting preparing their trip, so I got to talk to 5 out of the 6 at the time, which was great. They have put together a little video clip of 6 minutes about the ministry in Mali which they show in churches and schools to sollicit interest and eventually funds. Praise God!

I talked to our architect Peter in GA the other day, and he told me that their city paper wants to do an article on our work in Mali. They're still deciding whether it's gonna be a feature article, or a little article in the religion section. Please pray for favor, and for God to use this for His kingdom.

Another blessing was getting to talk to a very precious friend in KC who called me. She used the KC phone number (816) 256 2439 - if you call this number, my computer rings and I pick up.

I also talked to another man of God who prayed for me on the phone, which was a tremendous blessing.

Thank you, Lord! Talking to these different people and friends was like healing balm on my soul, after this difficult week! Even today was rather difficult with Simeon causing some major problems, plus some other problems with children and team.

We had our weekly street kid program this morning, and the TPM seminar in the evening. In the evening Abdias did something rather serious that broke 4 of our rules all at once. He now has to bear the consequences of his bad choices. Please pray that the kids would be willing to open their hearts to receive God's healing.

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Friday, March 23, 2007

Electricity Restored

Praise God, electricity is finally restored! Today they came with a huge crane and set up this second pole so the electricity is sufficient for everyone again. I guess they'd lose a lot of money if this rich neighborhood had no electricity!

News From Dio

Pastor Enoch called me this morning all excited. When he was with us this week, I gave him one of the gifts I was gonna give to him for his ordination, since we don't know when we'll have a chance to go to the village again. It was a portable CD-player that will allow him to listen to sermons and teaching. I also burned him an mp3-CD will all my sermons from the last year and some Christian music. So this morning he called because he had started to listen to the sermons, and was so blessed he needed to tell me. He said he had listened to the sermon on fasting, and on Monday they'd be starting a fast.

He's asked me to also pray for them to have another child. They have a 15-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son, and it seems to be a cultural thing of honor and fruitfulness to have more children than that. His wife can't think of anything else right now. She was told by a doctor that she couldn't have any more children some time back.

It amazes me how far Enoch and his family and ministry has come since we first met. It also amazes me how little he knows, and how much he has grown. God is awesome!

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Thursday, March 22, 2007

Powerful Prayer Meeting Without Power

Yesterday night, the power went off every couple of minutes, and then came back on. Tonight it started the same way, but tonight it's not coming on any more - and that's for the whole neighborhood. The technicians from the energy department were here and just said it's not strong enough for everybody's electricity. Great! Are they gonna do anything about it? All day we haven't had any water - and still don't at 11 pm - and now all the fans stopped, no light, only the computer thanks to its battery. So I'm sitting in the dark typing my update I can't send until the power is back (internet needs power too), and that with 35°C (95°F) in my room. Yes, we're in the middle of the hot season, in case you wondered.

In spite of the constant power outages, we had a very powerful prayer meeting - maybe the most powerful ever. We were worshipping the Lord with some songs, and I started singing prophetically, and it was very powerful. It was about returning to first love, putting the Lord first again, about laying everything at the foot of the cross. And then it was about entering into His glory. Nearly everyone was on the floor by then. All three times the power went off, I simply continued - it was really good timing when it happened. I then lay down on the floor myself to soak. Later I got up and went around praying for each one. Some of them were touched pretty powerfully. 9 o'clock came - the end of the meeting after 2 hours - and everybody was still on the floor, except for the 3 kids that were awake (the fourth was sleeping on the floor). After a while I released them to go eat dinner, while giving the others the freedom to stay on the floor with the Lord. When they finally got up one after the other, they had wonderful things to share, visions and words and experiences with the Lord. He's so wonderful! As for myself, I was filled with the joy of the Lord - something I really needed after a few difficult days.

Daouda In Dio

Daouda is the 13-year-old in Dio who came to the Lord about a month ago. He's the one who got up in front of his class of 80 kids and told them he was now a Christian. He has since been thrown out of his father's household and has found refuge with our pastor. Now Enoch is concernece, though, because it seems like his father could be a threat. So it might be necessary for Daouda to come join us in Bamako. For the sake of his little (half-)brother who just got saved as well, I think it would be better for him to stay in the village, at least as long as possible. Daouda doesn't have a Mom there; in fact he's never known his Mom and has no clue what happened to her. His father never told him.

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Tuesday, March 20, 2007

A Few Updates

Car - today we changed the carburetor, but it's still not working. Now he says the cylinder head needs to be changed, but it's not sure whether it's gonna run after that. We've already put a few hundred dollars into it the past few weeks, and it might not be worth putting in any more. Tomorrow we'll know more.

New Car - we have received 10% of the money needed for a new car, praise God! I feel more and more strongly that we have to go to Lomé or Accra and buy a car there, and then drive it back. The truck will only cost half of what it costs here in Mali! So we're looking at going to Accra or Lomé right after Easter, Emma and me. Of course, we need the remaining $18,000 to come in - or less; I'm waiting to hear from someone in Accra who I asked about prices.

Utilities - I was really shocked when I got the utilities bill today. For this past month we're paying $350 for electricity and water - just for one month! That's 50% more than usual! We had a broken pipe underground, and have had the AC starting to run, but still.....

Enoch - I was a little apprehensive about Enoch's coming, but everything was alright. There was some time, so Enoch listened to the sermon I preached on Sunday about being thankful and joyful at all times, and he was very blessed. He told me how some people had been looking forward to the film and were very disappointed. Also, one of the kids who got saved has now been kicked out of his father's house and is living with Enoch.

Property papers - Simeon learned today that they have done the area of our property and around there now. He was told to come see the mayor next week. Simeon thinks this might be the time for us to get the papers.

Well - Kossi took the well-building team to our property today. Since the money for the well has arrived from Europe - praise God - tomorrow he's giving them an advance to start their study. They are going to see where we can put the well, and how deep we have to dig.

Malian Architect - Kossi is meeting with the Malian architect tomorrow, to find out whether he's willing to put his name and stamp on our architect's drawings. Please pray for favor.

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Sunday, March 18, 2007

Joy & Thankfulness

What a weekend! Yesterday we were all frustrated, especially Paul and myself. Paul was extremely angry all day, and I was discouraged until the evening. I didn't dare talk to Enoch, the pastor in the village, because of the disgrace he was going through due to our not showing up.

Since we hadn't been able to leave, we were able to do our weekly TPM training session, which was great. Afterwards I was starting to feel better. I had to talk to Paul about his behavior, and that worked out well as well. By then I was sensing that the Lord was giving me a message to preach today.

A message about being thankful and joyful in EVERY situation, in EVERY circumstance, at ALL times.

Today I spent some wonderful moments with the Lord, as I get to spend all day with Him on Sundays, until the service at 4 pm. I was full of joy and thankfulness, ready to preach this message - where we had all failed this weekend.

After the service, several people said it was the best sermon I had ever preached. Everyone was convicted, because we all fail in this area. I talked about Paul and Silas (Acts 16); it just didn't work out for them to go to Asia or Bithynia - I wonder what they were thinking. But then God sent them to Macedonia. And then they end up in prison, all beaten up. "Be joyful always", "thank Him in every situation" - and they sang, praising the Lord.

Today I preached to myself and everyone else. Paul was also very touched, and laughed a lot while interpreting since he found himself in what I was saying.

If you understand French, today's sermon is on our church website to download.

Daring To Use The Car

I had said to Paul earlier in the week that we'd go out to eat. Often I do so Sunday after the service, and tonight I decided was a good moment. It would also show me what state exactly the car was in.

And it was a lot worse than I thought. Before the last "repair" it worked better than that!!! I was shocked, and it was a miracle we made it there and back. I was even wondering whether we should just leave the car there and take a taxi home. We had to cross a big road, and it was a nightmare both ways. The car dies every time you have to stop, and it's hard to make it start again, and then move. It was quite a challenge, but we made it back home. The car also burns A LOT of gas right now. In any case, it showed us very well that there was no way we could have gone to the village.

Emma found a new carburetor, and tomorrow they're gonna install it. Hopefully that will take care of the problem, so that we can go to the village next weekend. In any case, I've already had to spend a lot of money for these repairs.

Father Hitting His 2-Year-Old

And we're talking about Seybou hitting Sarata, who is not even 2 years old yet. It makes me so angry, to see adults hurting little children, even more when it is their own parents, and even more when it's in my own house!!!

We had just come home, and Seybou was closing the gate behind the car. Sarata was right there and reached out to the gate. Seybou got angry, fearing her hands could get inside, and hit her shouting angry words at his little girl. Sarata was crying hard. But comfort is unknown - you just don't do that. Her Mom simply ignored Sarata's crying as well. Finally I went behind the house to their little house, and saw Sarata lying on the ground all alone, crying. I took Sarata into my arms and comforted her. Seybou heard me and came outside. I told him - again - that you don't hit children, and that he needed to comfort her not shout at her and hit her. Seybou was just angry and didn't hear a word I was saying, going back inside. I then walked up to Fanta, his wife, who was just ignoring everything. I told Fanta that she needed to comfort her little girl, hold her in her arms, and tell her she loves her. But that's simply not done in this culture. At least, she took Sarata out of my arms - she had calmed down by now.

Hama Sleeping Inside Tonight

On my way back in, I saw Hama sitting on the ground, all alone, dirty, not knowing what to do. He wanted to come inside the house with me, and so I took him with me with his Mom's permission. Inside the house, I put in a DVD (Bambi), which the other kids then watched as well.

At 9 pm it was time for our nightly family meeting. Hama was so excited to participate, saying we were going to pray. We had to discuss some serious behavior, then we all prayed for Saloum's healing (he's not doing well). After that we laid hands on the kids to bless them and pray for them. Of course, Hama was excited to be included in that as well, and I prayed for him and blessed him. I see so much destiny on this little boy when I do!

I then had the idea of allowing Hama to spend the night in the house with us. After all, we have one empty bed. We asked his Mom, who immediately said yes, and even seemed happy to be rid of him. And Hama - he was SO EXCITED! His joy was contagious as he was preparing to go to bed.

I put a sheet on the free mattress, and found some clothes to use as a pyjama, as well as a towel and washcloth. Then I commissioned Firmin to wash Hama - as you can see in the picture. The whole time Hama was just smiling and laughing and so happy he was now entirely one of us. I even doubted he'd be able to sleep because of his excitement.

Hama is not used to having to go to bed at a certain time. His Mom lets him sleep whenever and stay up whenever. I've had to tell him several times he has to stay on the bed and sleep, and that he'd be spanked if he left his bed one more time. An hour after he went to bed, he was out in the living room again, and I had to spank him. Being disciplined is something rather new to him, though I have spanked him before. I then take him in my arms and tell him I love him. He was still rather surprised tonight.

Somehow I have a feeling this might not be for tonight only that he sleeps inside, but a permanent solution. It sure would be good for Hama. He was so happy to have his own bed to sleep on, surrounded by the boys and close to his Mama Hawa (that's me). And he will finally learn the word "no" and some boundaries.

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Friday, March 16, 2007

Day Of Frustration

All week we've been trying to get the car fixed, but though I've spent much money, it's still not working. We changed the carburetor - using the one from the other identical car - but it's not made a difference. Now we have to find a newer one - which is not gonna be easier with our car being a rather rare model. When they find one, they need to adapt it to our car before installing it. Please pray this will get done quickly and that it will work afterwards, and that it won't cost too much.

The serious consequence of this is that we cannot go to the village tomorrow. We were gonna show the MATTHEW movie tomorrow night, and the whole village wanted to show up. Enoch has put up posters everywhere. And on Sunday I was supposed to preach and ordain Enoch, officially welcoming him to our network. I'm concerned at our reputation in the village as a result of us not showing up, and what it will mean to Enoch's reputation.

Today we couldn't go to our property to minister to the kids and neighbors there because of our car being with the mechanic.

As you can tell, a new car is really a priority now. Emma is looking into different options. He told me today that a car in Lomé costs only half of what you pay here in Bamako. That's why many people go to Togo to buy it there, right at the harbor where they arrive. Please pray for the Lord to send us the new car, and lead us to it.

Washing Machine Etc.

The plumber is coming tomorrow morning. Not enough water is coming into the house since he changed the faucet outside. That's why the washing machine can't do its job.

We had signs made for Enoch for Dio, so people can find the church, but they didn't get them done by today, as they should have. Another gift for Enoch is a portable CD-Player so he can listen to teachings.

I'm not sure when we can go to Dio now. Easter is already in 3 weeks, and it will keep us busy as always.

I'm thankful that the Lord cheered me up tonight. We watched a meeting with Jill Austin on DVD, which always edifies me, and then I talked to my spiritual day in Ohio, which was wonderful. Thank You, Lord!

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Thursday, March 15, 2007

Fousseni's Dad Shows Up

After a two month break, Fousseni's Dad showed up again and wanted to see me. I was taking a nap at that moment, so thankfully, I didn't have to deal with him. Unfortunately Paul wasn't there either. Issa allowed him to talk to his son, and they talked in Bobo, their mother tongue, so that Issa couldn't understand. Fousseni told us that his Dad said he wanted him to come visit his brothers - who live with their Dad. I don't like Fousseni being with his abusive Father, but Paul (who is able to stand up to him) and Firmin (who speaks Bobo) will go with Fousseni to protect him. They'll do that during the Easter holiday in two weeks.

Tonight's Prayer Meeting

We had an awesome prayer meeting tonight! We were worshipping the Lord, praising Him for His goodness, and then entering into a time of adoration from our heart. We sang I SING A SIMPLE SONG OF LOVE, and then I started singing prophetically. I sang a song of love from the Father, and it just flowed, melody and words. I wished we had recorded it! Everyone was lying facedown on the floor, and the Lord was touching them powerfully. Thank you, Father!

Washing Machine

Last night the washing machine worked just fine - the first and only time - though it was jumping all around during the spinning process. Today everyone gave me their clothes to wash, but tonight it wouldn't work because for some reason there was no water flowing into the machine. Hopefully we'll find the problem tomorrow.

Car Repairs

Emma found all the parts, and today our car was repaired. I haven't driven it yet but was told it's running fine again. Thank God, we can go to Dio on Saturday!

We have a special gift for Enoch - three big signposts for him to put up at the side of the road to show people the way to his church. Another gift is a portable CD-player so that he can listen to teaching CDs. Tomorrow we're picking up the signs - Paul is concerned that they won't fit into our car. We'll see.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Gift Of Faith

I wrote a new email update today - read it here.

I think I received the gift of faith for the financing of our construction today; in fact, for one million dollars to come. Half is for the construction, and the other half to further God's kingdom in other ways. I'm curious to see what God's gonna do.

In any case, I'm filled with such joy tonight, only God can give it, because in the natural, there is no reason for it.

Thank You, Lord!

Washing Machine

Today our washing machine was finally connected to the pipes - praise God! A plumber was found who's done this before, and I was stunned how much there was to do - install more pipes, and faucets. Right now, the washing machine is running its first cycle.

My little cat Sweety just had first contact as well, not quite knowing who that monster was and whether it was friendly or not. She decided to keep a respectful distance.

New Picture of Paul

I took a new picture of Paul yesterday:

Children's Center Papers

I've finished translating all the papers from the German NGO from German to French, and tomorrow Simeon is gonna go deposit them at the appropriate Ministry. It's gonna take a while to get the state recognition, and then we have to go through a separate process for the permit for the children's center.

Car Repair

Emma had some difficulty finding some car parts, but hopefully did find them in the end. If he did, he's gonna have the car repaired tomorrow, so that we can go to the village on Saturday.

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Monday, March 12, 2007

Daily Chapel At Noon

Today I did this little video of our kids - young, old, and neighbors - singing and dancing in our little chapel service at noon. After some minutes of worship, I teach them the Bible; right now I'm doing a course on evangelism. They also memorize verses and read verses as homework, with questions to answer. In the end we pray together, for different issues. On Mondays they pray for their sponsors.

Noon Worship Time with Kids

Car Troubles

More money was spent today to try to get our car fixed, but nothing's certain yet. They're gonna look for more parts tomorrow, and right now, they are just hoping it will run okay afterwards. It will just have to take us to Dio on Saturday - and back on Sunday. If necessary, on prayer alone.

Today I was told that some missionaries had a car shipped straight from the factory - a new Toyota for only $25,000, all the way to Africa.

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Sunday, March 11, 2007

Great Sunday Service

Until this morning I didn't know what I'd be teaching in the afternoon. God has been teaching me to trust Him when that is the case. It is His service, after all, and He knows what He wants to communicate. This week my time with Him has also been short since I've been busy with our architect Peter. But God is faithful, and during our time together - I enjoy having all day Sunday with Him until the service at 4 pm - He showed me what He wanted me to preach on. I always write down the verses and print them out, and then I preach only with that paper with verses; sometimes I jot down a few notes with ideas or things I want to share, but most of the times I hardly write any notes at all.

During our prayer time before our service, I threw myself on Him as always, wanting Him to show up more than anything. I acknowledged my incapability to do anything, and asked Him to take charge of the service and speak. And as always, He totally surprised me. I preached for an hour, and was amazed at how He was speaking through me. Thank You, Lord!

If you wonder by now what I was saying - I was speaking on building, - what we're building, what we're building with (1.Cor 3), what it will count, laying up treasures in heaven, etc.

Car Troubles

After the service, Emma had a look at the car. A month ago we had a major repair, but this past week I've noticed the same problems again. Now that Emma is finally back in town (after 3 months), he can take charge of the car again. He knows cars very well, and knows our mechanic well. Seybou was a little lost with all that. As you can see, our 20-year-old car has its engine in the back. Emma was looking at all kinds of things, and didn't like what he was seeing. He then called the mechanic, and tomorrow he will take the car there. He said that there is no way we can go to Dio on Saturday (for the ordination service), and it's not even sure that it can be repaired. This might be the final hour of our car :-(

I've felt for a few weeks that it's time to believe for a new car. If I can believe for half a million dollars for the construction, shouldn't I be able to believe for $20,000 for a car? It's probably so hard because I've prayed for this Toyota pick-up to come for over 3 years. Will you join me?

Emma suggested we'd go to Lomé, Togo, and buy a new car there. All cars come into West Africa by boat through Lomé, and even though you have the trip there and back, it's still a lot cheaper to buy it right there and drive it back. So I'm praying about going there with Emma. If the Lord sends the money, we can go there - of course I would also want to connect with some churches there if we go there. Please pray with us. Nothing is impossible for Him.

While the guys were looking at the car, Hama was having the time of his life, sitting on the motorbike with Saloum, while another person pushed the bike from behind. He loved it, and didn't want to get down. He even asked for the keys :-)

Hama on Motorbike/Car Troubles

And then I saw a taylor walk by - I had been looking for one. They just walk around on the street with their sowing machines on the shoulder and wait for someone to stop them. The pillow I've had for the past 30 years of my life was finally unrepairable (too many holes), and I had to move all the feathers into another pillowcase (awful!). Finally the guy sewed it closed, so that there won't be any more feathers in my room! A sewing machine just might be the next thing to buy - my kids' clothes sure have a lot of need for one!

Health Issues

For weeks this virus has been going round our house - from Hama, Sarata, Abdias, Saloum, myself, Peter and now to Paul. Thursday night I couldn't sing in our prayer meeting, and today it was still difficult in the service. Thankfully my voice made it to the end of the service, but Paul's throat is aching now. Please pray we'll all be healed. This is the time of the year when there is a lot of wind and dust everywhere that carry viruses and stuff.

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Saturday, March 10, 2007

Weekly Children's Program

Like last week, we had a lot of children show up to our program today, and a good number that was new again. We also had special visitors - two ladies that are missionaries in neighboring Guinea, with their visiting friend from the US; all three are in the medical field.

Last week we started a course on the blood of Jesus, and today we did the second lesson. But first we did a game with M&M's (thanks to Peter who brought them), and then a few songs. Some children listened carefully, while others chose to take a nap. In the end we prayed a prayer of salvation together.

While we were waiting for the food to be ready, our visitors started giving first aid to the children, who suffer from all kinds of diseases and wounds.

First Aid for Street Kids

After taking care of the physical wound, they would then pray with each child. A good number of children were treated, thank God! I have been and still am praying that the Lord would give us medical staff, and in His time He will. Simeon also said that it would be great if the ladies could come back and come to the bus station where the children are, all with plenty of wounds and diseases.

Finally it was time to eat, and we had enough for everyone. They sat down in groups around 9 bowls of rice and sauce to eat together. The other picture shows Hama and his sister Sarata as they wash their hands before eating.

More Blessings

And again, the ladies also blessed us materially. They gave us school books, notebooks, pens, rulers, and paper. Tonight I gave the books and rulers to the children, and as you can see, they are very happy. Maybe I should have waited till Monday morning - some already said they'd read the books tomorrow.

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Friday, March 9, 2007

Architect's Office & High School

Peter had finished the drawings for the first building phase, and so it was time to go to the Malian architect's office and meet him. Kossi, our builder, met us there; he's worked together with this architect before. However, the architect himself was not in the office, since he had just come back from a trip overseas, so we had to do with his second-in-command. His white clothes on a Friday show that he is a devout Muslim. This man didn't know Kossi, but had talked to his boss. At first he was very negative, saying they can't put their name on another architect's drawings, but in the end he was a lot more favorable. Kossi later told me that his boss - the architect he knows - was very favorable, and that his Mom was even a Christian. We're now waiting for Kossi to be able to contact the architect himself, and get his final consent to put his name on our plans and deposit them for the building permit.

On the way home we stopped at the Malian High School, where I taught German my first two years in Mali. The school is right behind the bus station, which is why it is always surrounded by buses. Right in front of the school I met two of my old students - one is doing his final year the third time right now!

Then we went inside to meet the director and the administrative director, and take a tour. Teachers greeted me warmly, and so did the director. It's been a while since I last passed. Our architect Peter also noted how warmly I was received. The picture shows me in the office with the director. After the offices, we walked around the building, so Peter could see what the classrooms were like. They have in the meantime made some progress - the floors are tiled, the ceilings are now done and have a fan. So that's great!

Comforting Hama

It was afternoon, and for quite some time I had heard Hama crying outside near my window. I went outside, and found him all dirty, and crying because he had been hit. I asked Fanta to change his clothes, and she did. Some time later, I still heard him crying out there. Then I heard Fanta's angry words directed at him. I went outside, and found out that Fanta had hit her son, who was trying to get away from her. I picked him up, and he calmed down. I asked Fanta whether I could take him inside with me, and with an angry face she told me to take him away.

Hama was still sobbing, as I sat down with him to comfort him. I simply held my precious little boy. Just a reminder, Hama is the 5-year-old who was born crippled on one side, which is why he's gone through a lot already. His own parents treat him really badly.

While I was holding him, he fell asleep. Even asleep, there were still sobs coming from him in regular intervals. I was starting to fall asleep myself, but finally got up and took Hama with me to my room, where I put him on my bed to sleep. He ended up sleeping for 3 hours, while I was working at my desk. After some time, though, I lay down myself, next to Hama for a little while to rest.

Family Meeting

Finally a picture of our nightly family meeting, as we talk and ask forgiveness where necessary, as well as discussing necessary things:

Peter took the pictue before we had to leave for the airport. Each adult thanked Peter for the time with us and the blessing he has been, and Peter had something to say too. Then we prayed for him.

It was time to go tot he airport, and Paul, Issa, and Abdias came with us. There was a huge accident in front of the airport with a burned out car, but we were able to continue on the other side of the road. Peter got off with his bags, and it was time for the final good-byes. Peter has been a wonderful blessing for all of us; someone with such a heart of compassion, filled with the father's love. Pray for his trip home, especially since he's still sick, and pray that the Lord would use his time with us to touch people's hearts and release finances for the construction.

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Wednesday, March 7, 2007

The City of Bamako

Today was the day to show our architect Peter downtown Bamako - and it was quite an experience for him. For hours we were running around, masses of people around us, constantly having people come up wanting to sell something. I think he was pretty glad when we arrived back home.

The picture above shows the president's palace (the white house) on the hill overlooking Bamako, with an unfinished hotel in the forefront that has been that way for many years. To the right are two fishing boats on the Niger, taken from the bridge you need to cross to get into downtown.

The little green buses are the public transportation system. They squeeze in as many people as possible, more than 20.

I haven't had any new Malian clothes made in two years, and desperately needed to buy some fabric for that, so I took advantage of being in town and bought some nice ones. The picture shows me in the "store" with the vendor.

We also went to the "Artisanat", where Malian artists do their art work and then sell it. They have many beautiful things, from clothes, to statues, and instruments, and many other things. The picture shows some of the masks and window shutters and chairs.

They skin animals, then take the skin and dry it in the sun, goat skin as well as crocodile skin as in the picture.

Life expectancy in Mali is 48 years. This man might be beyond that, but that's not a certainty.

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Tuesday, March 6, 2007

A Few Great Snapshots

Finally a few snapshots of our Bible class at noon. First we worship the Lord for a few minutes; the picture shows Firmin worshipping. Then I teach them - right now we're doing a course on evangelism. They memorize verses, and read verses they answer questions on. We also do a revision of the previous lesson each day.

These pictures show the concentrated kids: Abdias, Fousseni , and Hama.

At the same time, Sarata is helping her Mom sweeping the ground outside.

God Cares

God knows our needs, and our desires, and sometimes He surprises us by giving us what we didn't even speak out. I've been thinking about a washing machine for quite some time, but have never voiced that desire to anyone or even given it much thought. I mean, what a luxury item when you just want to pay your bills!

But God cares about the desires of our hearts. He used that plague of scabies we had in our home, and connected me with two missionaries from Guinea, who were blessed financially with money dedicated to "children in Africa", which includes Mali, and so they have been incredibly generous, blessing us with all kinds of material things - from food to medication, and aWASHING MACHINE. And a new and fancy and big one at that! I'm very moved and touched by their selflessness and generosity, and by the Lord's love and care. Now all we need is to find a plumber who's seen a washing machine before and knows how to connect it.

Evening Meal

Pastor Enoch came from the village like every Tuesday (on the left in white), and Peter courageously ate with them. Yesterday he passed when they ate cow feet. Tonight it was fried potatoes, onions, and meat. It's Paul's hand in the picture.

Since we have Bible School on Tuesday night, we ate an hour later, at 9 pm, and did the family meeting right after the meal. Tonight I had to talk to the kids very seriously about their unacceptable behavior. Having worked with the architect outside for hours, around the kids, I became witness of the way they treated Hama and Sarata, and was truly shocked, to the point that I was hurting for them. Sarata came crying hard and fell into my arms where she stayed for a considerable amount of time. And Hama wanted to join the three boys, and when he had finally made it across the garden to them, pulling himself with his good hand, they didn't want him there and then just walked away. Fousseni later said that he doesn't want Hama's saliva on him (which often runs out of his mouth). I was shocked! Hama needs being loved and held big time - what's the big deal to wash your clothes or your hands..... I told them, when you love God, you love people. You cannot love God, and NOT love people. That's what the Bible says. I also had to address their constant complaining about everything. Because my Bambara is not perfect, I often don't understand all they're saying, but Paul said it's pretty bad right now, to the point that he's wondering about their relationship with God.

And I'm wondering too. Some measures will have to be taken. In the village, where they have nothing at all, the kids are on fire for God and telling everyone about Jesus. Ours just want to play games and watch movies, and seem to not care about God. They don't ever listen to the sermon on Sunday, nor listen to my Bible teaching in our noon meeting, and they're prayers are becoming pretty much identical whatever we're praying for. Lord, show me what to do differently!

Working With Peter & Kossi

I took Peter to a little restaurant today, so we had a good meal at noon. Then I showed him our property, which he enjoyed, taking many pictures. Our builder Kossi showed up little time after we got back, and we started working on the rest of the buildings, which took a few hours, but we got a lot done. I feel like we're making wonderful progress. Now Peter has a lot to do by himself, updating the drawings on his computer. On Thursday we're meeting the Malian architect who will put his name on the drawings for them to be approved by the government.

It so excites me to see the vision become a reality, the buildings taking form, and details being discussed, as well as specific time frames becoming clear. We need $150,000 for this building phase, and $50,000 by the end of April. I'm already curious how God is gonna do that.

On Monday I'm opening an account at the bank together with Kossi, so that bigger amounts of money can be transferred to Mali, and he can withdraw them directly for the work on our property. What a blessing to have a man of integrity like Kossi to work with!

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Monday, March 5, 2007

Day Of Many Blessings

Today has truly been a day of MANY blessings! Thank You, Lord!

Our architect Peter had a good night's rest after his long trip to Mali, and got up late. Later he handed out gifts to the children, who were very happy about them, hugging me and Peter.

Later in the day the missionaries from Guinea came over to bless us - they brought 100 kilo of rice, 100 kilo of millet, then bags of sugar, onions, milk powder, and potatoes. What a sight! You should have seen the kids rejoicing! Unfortunately my camera doesn't take good night pictures, so you don't see that much on the picture. Thank You, Lord, for providing for us!

In the afternoon our builder Kossi came over, and met our architect Peter for the first time. Peter was gonna rest today, but we ended up working quite a bit together, which was great. We finalized the drawings for the first building phase that is starting next month. Tomorrow Kossi is contacting the Malian architect to see when we can come over on Wednesday, to meet him and bring the drawings to be printed out and then approved by him so we can deposit them at the government office.

Tomorrow we're working on the rest of the buildings to be constructed after the first phase, and I'm also gonna take Peter downtown and show him around (please pray for me be healed - I am very sick today).

Nightly Family Meeting

So far nobody has ever taken a picture of our family meeting every night - Peter changed that tonight. We had a very positive gathering, since God has done many wonderful things today, and there was not much else to say. So we proceeded to bless the kids and pray for them - Paul for two, me for the other two, and we alternate every day.

Here Paul is praying for Salou, and I'm praying for Abdias. We bless them, call forth their destinies, and affirm God's love and plans for them. Then we hug them - each one gets hugged by everyone else. Tonight we included Peter in our "hugging session" ;-).

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Sunday, March 4, 2007

Sunday Service With Visitors

Finally a current family picture with everyone! These are the 12 of us who live together right now.

Like every Saturday our service started at 4 pm; today Heike, the German NGO director, was gonna preach. Paul led worship, with Firmin at his side and Saloum playing the drums. You can watch them for yourselves:

Sunday Service Bambara Worship

I introduced Heike and Elke, and then Heike came up to preach, encouraging us to go forward into the Promised Land, with all that involves. Then we had them come forward, and many took the mic to pray for them, including all the kids. Elke was even crying.

My Boys Happy About Gifts

After the service they were handing out more gifts to all the kids. Both have been a great blessing to all of us. It was as if they were a part of us, and not just visiting. The kids loved them, as they were pouring out love on everyone. Especially Hama enjoyed the constant attention and a had a great week.

My three guys in the house with me - from left: Firmin, Issa, Paul.

Time To Leave - And Arrive

Heike and Elke only had 6 days with us, time that had flown by, and it was already time to leave. They said good-bye to everyone, and we drove them to the airport. Paul and Firmin came with me. When they had gone inside, we went over to where people come out at their arrival, and waited for our architect Peter. It was the first day of me being sick, and I was having a hard time staying on my feet. We waited a long time, before he got out - the reason was that one of his two bags hadn't made it. So we had to go to the Air France counter, where there was a short line of people. We had to wait, and wait, and wait, until it was our turn. The bag had remained in Paris and was gonna come with the plane tomorrow. It was midnight by the time we got home, and we all fell straight into bed.

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Saturday, March 3, 2007

Record Number Of Street Children

Simeon had done a lot of inviting, and so we had a record number of children this morning - nearly 60. Some of them even came early and by themselves. A lot of them were here for the first time, while others had been here before. Eli and Abdiel were also among those that showed up.

Our German visitors Heike and Elke did a game with them, while we decided to use the sound system since they were so numerous and making a lot of noise. Then we sang a few Christian songs in Bambara, and all the kids were dancing and enjoying themselves. After the song, they memorized a verse that related to the day's teaching. We started a new course, teaching them about the blood of Jesus. And though they were numerous than usual, they were very attentive, as I talked about the cross and what Jesus went through. I showed them a huge nail like the one they used for Jesus, and a huge gasp went through the crowd. I also showed them a whip and a crown of thorns. All of that really touched their hearts. In the end, we prayed together to receive this gift Jesus offers them.

Dishing out Food for Street Kids

Then it was time for the meal. Thankfully I had already doubled the quantity for today, and so there was enough for everyone. The picture shows Fanta and Elisabeth adding the sauce to the rice. After the meal, it was time for them to leave. Two missionary ladies who work in Guinea and were evacuated to Bamako had donated 60 apples for the children, and so each kid received an apple as they left our property. As you can see, they were very happy. I later learned that it had been Abdias's very first apple in his life - and he loved it.

Handing out Apples to Street Kids

Eating "White" Food

Our German ladies wanted to cook a meal for everyone before leaving Sunday night, and so the moment had come. In the morning they went to the market with Fanta to buy all the ingredients - an experience they enjoyed. In the afternoon they cooked their vegetable stew in the big pot outside, on Fanta's gas bottle. Fanta was watching carefully, and said she'd be able to cook this again.

When we were eating later, and I told her to cook this regularly since it's really healthy, she got upset saying this is "white food" and they couldn't eat that. In fact, while everybody liked it and ate much, she had barely touched her bowl. Since she refused to eat the rest tomorrow with her family, it's the kids and team that will eat the leftovers Sunday night (we fast lunch on Sundays).

In any case, everybody else loved it. Usually they eat food with much oil and grease, so it would be a lot healthier to have a soup/stew like this. But it's hard to break traditions...

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Friday, March 2, 2007

Love Conquers All

My little cat Sweety has given me a great illustration of that truth. I believe that the worst criminal, the hardest person, is eventually conquered by unconditional love.

My cat is very sensitive and unstable psychologically, and she is very attached to me. Malians don't like cats, don't see them as pets, are afraid of them, and though they have made progress, they are unable to love my cat or show her affection. So when I travel, it's very hard on her to not be petted any more or given any attention.

Before I left on my US trip in January, she was the most loving cat, living up to her name. She'd follow me everywhere and would always stay close to me. When I came back after 20 days, I thought someone had exchanged my cat. I could not touch her or hold her or anything - she'd strike out and run away. She was totally traumatized, and it pained my heart. Every day I would try to pet her, would give her treats, would try to take her to bed with me, would try to do her good, only to be scratched and attacked as if I wanted to do her harm.

After a few weeks I was starting to feel discouraged, wondering why all my efforts didn't make any difference, thinking it will never change. I had lost "my daughter" (as my kids call her). I now had a wild cat in my house.

Until yesterday. Suddenly, my old Sweety was back, living up to her name. It's as if somebody exchanged my cat again. She no longer attacks me or scratches me, but follows me everywhere again, wanting to be with me and be petted at all times. After 5 weeks of continuing effort to show her my love, love broke through.

The kids are no different. They scratch, bite, attack, lie, steal, all to defend themselves in a world they learned is bad and wanting to hurt them. They need to be loved continually, again and again and again, until love conquers. Until they break. It might take weeks, or months, or years, but it's worth it. Give me the worst case - I want to love him to life.

Of course, the challenge is having kids like that with you because they endanger the others. Daouda had to leave, and I told you before that he was sent to prison for stealing in January. Thanks to some contacts it was just confirmed to me that Daouda is in the children's prison in Bamako. I'm now checking out whether I can just go there to visit him, or if I need one of those contacts. I want Daouda to know that there is someone who loves him, and cares for him; who knows when HIS love is gonna break through and conquer him.

Fresh Weekly Program On Our Property

These past few weeks I've felt discontent with the way our weekly program was going on our property every Friday afternoon. When we first get there, very few kids show up (by the end there are a good number), and they are really young with the teaching really not being on their age level. Because of their age (one of the reasons) they also have a hard time listening.

So I've been praying and asking the Lord what we can do differently, since there didn't seem to be much fruit. We recently finished a 14-week-course, so this was a good time to ask how to proceed. Today we also had our two German visitors with us. I've had it on my mind to teach those children simple Bible stories, since they do not know anything at all. So I decided to try to take the TV with us today and show a Bible cartoon. We loaded up the car with TV, sound system, battery, and generator, and still fit the 5 of us in there.

Arriving at the property, we set everything up, and already we had a lot of kids gather just because they saw the TV. We started off singing a few Christian Bambara song - Firmin led that as you can see in the picture. With Paul being in school on Friday, it's Firmin who came along to interpret.

Firmin leading kids in Bambara worship

Little Children Playing a Game

After the songs, our German visitors did a game with the kids that they enjoyed. But what they enjoyed most of all was the gifts after the game. They so crowded around Heike that we finally had to stop giving out the gifts. We then had them all sit down in front of the TV, and memorize a Scripture verse. Those who succeded in correctly reproducing it in the end, received a candy.

Children Receiving Gifts

Then we started the generator and turned on the TV. The kids all sat down on the ground, with the older ones as well as a good number of mothers standing in the back. I showed them a cartoon that told the story of the prodigal son. Many watched and listened carefully, while Firmin told them in Bambara what was happening in the movie.

After the movie, I asked them questions about what they had just seen, giving out candy to those who knew the answers. It was hard to keep them quiet and sitting, since everyone wanted a candy. I feared for our equipment, and really, one girl threw the DVD player to the ground - thankfully it was undamaged.

Finally, it was time to ask them who would want to become a child of God, and many responded. We prayed a prayer together, them repeating after Firmin. Then I asked whether anyone who had prayed that prayer before had a testimony of what Jesus has done. One girl - Aissata - spoke up saying the Lord had helped her this week, at school, and providing for her needs. Another boy who's really serious and who's always there is Baky.

As the sun was going down, we packed up the car, and said good-bye to everyone, until next week. Our visitors had enjoyed their visit to our future base to reach Mali and West Africa.