Healing 2 The Nations - Dr. Claudia R. Wintoch

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Sunday, April 29, 2007

WOW!

Today Paul was preaching, but I was leading the French worship time as always. After having sung the third and last song, at first unknowingly, I started prophesying. At one point the presence of Holy Spirit suddenly flowed through me powerfully and I thought I'd start to weep; my voice was breaking. I wished we had recorded what I said. It was something about us needing to run to Him, instead of away from Him; about us needing to seek Him, and we'll find Him, and not search in the world; about not running after the things of the world, but running after Him; about letting go of all the things of the world, and offering all of us to Him. It was very powerful. Paul had a hard time interpreting, because he was very moved. And there was complete silence, as everyone else was moved as well.

It was hard to make the transition from there. We've completed 5 of our 7 weeks of fasting and prayer, and I encouraged them not to get tired, but to take it up a notch. I also warned them that the enemy wouldn't just watch us attacking his kingdom in the weeks to come, but would counterattack.

Then Paul preached a great sermon on what a servant of God should be like. He was amazed, as was I, because what I had prophesied was so tied in with what Paul preached - what a confirmation.

Election Day

Today Mali went to vote for the new president and party to govern the country. It looks like the current president got the most votes, praise God! He is a great president, who loves Christians, and who is much loved by the Malians. Two weeks from today Malians need to choose between the first two of today's election.

Please pray for peace in our country. There are always a few groups that try to stir up trouble. Also, most Malians cannot vote because they don't have an ID or for other reasons. Neither Paul, nor Emma, were able to vote today.

Click here to see a photo journal with interesting comments by the Malian president.

BCC Report On Elections

Voters in Mali have been to the polls in presidential elections contested by eight candidates.

President Amadou Toumani Toure - who is seeking a second and final five-year term - was seen as a clear favourite.

Although officially running as an independent, he was backed by more than 30 parties in the West African nation.

Opposition candidates say the voters' list favours the incumbent, accusing Mr Toure's supporters of using state assets to fund his electoral campaign.

The strongest opposition challenger is Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the president of Mali's national assembly and former prime minister who came third in the 2002 poll.

Early results are not expected until Monday.

Cotton farmers

Part of Mr Toure's popularity stems from the fact that he played a leading role in ending military dictatorship with a coup 16 years ago, says the BBC's West Africa correspondent Will Ross.

Turnout was expected to be low as many voters did not pick up their registration cards.

Mali is Africa's third largest gold producer but the vast majority of the country's 14 million people live off the land, our correspondent says.

The plight of the cotton farmers had been a key election issue, he says.

Analysts hope the elections will go some way to boost democracy in the region, especially after the widely criticised polls in Nigeria, our correspondent says.

One African human rights organisation has said that democracy seems to be losing steam.

If no candidate gets an absolute majority in the first round, the two top candidates will compete in a run-off in two week's time.

BCC Q & A On Elections

VVoters in the west African state of Mali go to the polls on 29 April to elect a president for a five-year term.

The country was a military dictatorship for more than two decades after gaining its independence from France in 1960, but has had a civilian government since 1992.

Q: What is at stake?

Poverty, job-creation and public services, such as schools and health clinics, are the major issues for most ordinary Malians.

This landlocked country on the edge of the Sahara Desert is one of the poorest countries in the world and this has led huge numbers of Malians to try to smuggle themselves into Europe.

Many would-be immigrants from other African countries also pass through Mali and France has been putting a lot of pressure on the Mali government to tackle the problem.

A predominantly Muslim country, Mali is a key US ally in its war against international terrorism. These elections come at a time of renewed Islamist violence in neighbouring Algeria, and Algerian Islamists continue to be linked with the training of militant groups in northern Mali.

Mending fences with Ivory Coast will be also priority for the winner of the election. The Malian economy depends heavily on having access to Ivorian markets and ports, but relations between the two countries have been strained for years. The Ivorian government accused Mali of backing anti-government rebels in the civil war that broke out in 2002.

Q: Who is the front-runner?

There are eight candidates, six of whom also stood in the 2002 election.

The incumbent president, Amadou Toumani Toure, who is seeking his second and final term, is the favourite to win.

Mr Toure remains a hero among Mali's 11.7 million people for his leading role in ending the military regime of Gen Moussa Traore in March 1991, and also for overseeing a peaceful transition to the country's first democratic elections in 1992.

He has no official party but enjoys the backing of numerous support groups and the cluster of parties that make up a coalition called the Alliance for Democracy and Progress.

He has pledged to defend Mali's democracy and to develop the poor and volatile north.

He has made himself unpopular with some Malian exiles by seeming to back France's hardline stance against illegal immigrants.

Q: Who is the main challenger?

The biggest challenge to Mr Toure comes from Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the president of the National Assembly and leader of the Rally for Mali (RPM) party.

Mr Keita has previously served as prime minister and foreign minister, and came third in the 2002 presidential election.

His main campaign themes have been good governance and the need to boost the economy.

Q: How powerful is the president?

Mali has a strong presidency: the president has powers to nominate the country's premier.

Q: How does the voting system work?

The president is elected by universal suffrage for a maximum of two consecutive five-year terms.

If no candidate gets an absolute majority in the first round, the top two candidates from the first round will compete in a run-off scheduled for 13 May.

Q: Will the election be free and fair?

The head of the body that is conducting the poll, Siaka Sangare, has insisted that the election will be "transparent".

In 2002 - when Mr Toure won a landslide victory - the poll was marred by allegations of fraud.

Q: Who will monitor the polls?

The election authorities have said that foreign observers are welcome and that some 1,000 observers from Africa and Europe have received accreditation.

African monitors will mostly come from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) and the African Union (AU).

Q: What is the role of the military?

Although formal military rule ended in 1991, Mali's armed forces remain a powerful institution.

Mr Toure is himself a former general and is said to enjoy the support of the military. His critics have pointed out that key election officials such as Mr Sangare are also former military officers.

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Abdias's Birthday

Today a year ago Abdias came to our street kid program with an injury, and prayed to give his life to the Lord. He soon slept in our garden at night, and then became one of our children. He's probably won my heart more than the other children, because of his child-like nature and constant need of physical affection.

Yesterday I used my last cookie mix to bake a cake for Abdias, and we surprised him this morning for breakfast. Abdias hadn't forgotten his birthday. He was overjoyed when I came with the cake with candles. Today he celebrated his first birthday ever, since Malians don't celebrate birthdays. He received gifts from everyone - several people gave him marbles, since he loves playing with those. I gave him a new pair of shoes and traditional Malian clothes. He loved every gift! And of course especially the cake!

In the evening, he looked into his email inbox - and was overjoyed to find 5 emails from you guys. If you still want to write him, his email address is abdias@centreapostoliquemalien.org.

Prayer Meeting

I've had a tough week, so I wasn't at the top of it as the time for our weekly prayer meeting had done. Nevertheless, I was praising Him, and praise always brings correction of perspective, and my soul was lifted up.

We had a good time loving on Him, and then interceding primarily for the team of Americans coming in two weeks, and everything having to do with that. We spent a lot of time simply thanking the Lord tonight, for the things seen and unseen, those already done, and those that He would do.

Today I was also finally able to transfer our gift - our seed for the needed finances for our building project - to the church in Austria, who is also building/renovating a new building that will house them. May the seed bring much fruit!

Construction Update

Since we gave the financial gift at different places, things have been moving, and moving fast. The Malian architect printed out the drawings with his name, and has deposited them for the building permit. The government is also moving the people on our property right now, and next week they're probably leveling all the buildings on our property, so we can start building. The title deed and other papers will be handed over to us any time now. Then we will start building the well and water tower. What we need most urgently right now, is the $22,000 for the electricity department.

More details are on the CONSTRUCTION page. You can also download the constructiong flyer by clicking on the links on the homepage.

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Monday, April 23, 2007

Great Day

Today we saw the fruit of our time of serious talking with the kids last night. Today they behaved the best they've ever behaved! Praise God! May it continue like that! They listened to Issa in school and obeyed.

In the afternoon, we did sports together again - for the second time. In fact, we did 90 minutes together, the program I often do. They loved it, and had a hard time keeping up with me :-). We had much fun together

Great Blessing & Stretching

Yesterday we were given two bamboo sofas, and a table, by some missionaries that are moving. We've all been enjoying the sofas today, since we only had hard chairs so far. It's a wonderful blessing.

And my faith is being stretched, as not only the money for the construction is not there, but we have no money for our daily expenses either, forcing me to make debts at the bank. There has been money promised for many weeks, but now it looks like it will take several more weeks. We also received the water/electricity bill, and it was again higher than last time, the highest ever - $380 for one month!!! Please pray for the release of finances.

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Sowing Into Construction

A few days ago the Lord put on my heart to take an offering of sowing into the construction of another church, so we can reap the construction of our church here. So I preached a message on sowing and reaping. I talked about the different ways of sowing and different ways of reaping, giving 5 different possible combinations. Of course the one we want is to sow much and reap much.

I shared some stories from my life with them, of sowing and reaping, which they enjoyed, and really challenged them to start becoming givers who give generously. I thought I had little to say, but ended up preaching 80 minutes. At least they all enjoyed it. As always, you can listen to the sermon (French/Bambara) on our church website.

In the end we took the offering for the church under construction in Austria. For our little church, we took a HUGE offering of $25 (including what people promised to give next Sunday). I then prayed over the offering, and those who had given.

The first testimony came only little time later. On the way home, Emma stopped at the side of the road, and found a $2 bill. Wow!

Children's Behavior

Since the kids had nothing to say yesterday, I had given them another day to think and talk with each other and then tell us their proposal. Their behavior has become so bad that this has become necessary.

Once again, they had nothing to say. So I gave them a little speech that seemed to make an impact. Finally, Abdias spoke up, asked forgiveness, and said he would make an effort to behave better. I prayed for him and blessed him and let him go to bed. The other three refused to talk, so I went into my room, waiting for them to be willing to talk. Fousseni was next. He had a much harder time. Then followed Solomani and Saloum. I don't think Solomani has really started a relationship with Jesus yet, so I spoke seriously to him about that. I think he's simply been copying others' behavior so far. Finally we talked to Saloum, and it was very constructive. I'm confident they will make an effort to behave better, obeying and respecting adults. At least I hope so.

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Saturday, April 21, 2007

First Rain

Tonight we had the first rain of the season! Praise God! That's good that the rains have started. Mali is totally dependent on the rain each year. Normally the rainy season starts end of May in Bamako, and finishes in September.

Hopefully the rains will continue, so that we can have running water during the day again. The water is cut off all day every day, and only comes on after midnight every day for a few hours. But the rains will also mean that the mosquitoes will come back, and in masses. It also means that the 120° heat will be harder to bear because of the humidity.

Weekly Children's Program

We're in the middle of a course on the blood of Jesus that takes 13 weeks. Today we talked about healing. It's a great lesson that removes any shadow of doubt that God wants us sick. In the end, we prayed for spiritual healing, dedicating our lives to the Lord. We also prayed for physical healing. Two children were healed instantly. Before, you couldn't touch the hurting area. Afterwards, I pushed hard but it didn't hurt anymore. Praise God!

Paul then told me that he was feeling horrible. His body was aching all over, and especially his head. I prayed for him, and the headache left. A few hours later he was totally restored.

Former Paralytic Follow-Up

Yesterday Paul went to visit Amadou, the man who was healed at the mosque. Amadou was so happy to see Paul again, and shared how he's learning to walk now. But he still sits down at the mosque to beg for money. Paul shared the gospel with him, and he promised to think about it.

TPM Training

Tonight we were a small group. It's the second time Simeon misses the training, though he used to love it so much. He's angry with me and is staying away. He's not coming for his sessions any more either. He needs help big time.

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Friday, April 20, 2007

Rice For Our Neighbors

Thanks to CCARA, the German NGO managing our kids' sponsorships, we were able to buy 13 bags of rice of 50 kilo each to hand out to single Moms, whether divorced or widowed. We're going to hand them out in our new neighborhood where we have identified those 13 families. We've decided, though, to wait for the arrival of the American team, since we're going to do three days of ministry right there.

Preparing For Our Visitors

Today we got two more bunkbeds - for our American visitors in three weeks. We're all excited about their coming. We're purchasing a more powerful generator that will enable us to have light as well as we minister on our property and in the village.

Children's Behavior

The children's behavior has gotten worse, and we're at the end of our wisdom. By now they have lost all respect of Issa as well, behaving very disrespectful in school every day, as well as towards the other adults the rest of the day. We spoke very seriously tonight, and asked them to propose solutions tomorrow night. It cannot continue like that, and I wanted them to know that. But I really don't know what else we could do.

We also had fun today as I put a workout DVD into the TV, and they all did a half-hour program with me. Even Hama tried. They had never seen anything like this before, but seemed to enjoy it. With the high temperatures, our sweat was running down all over.

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Property Update

Today Kossi (construction manager) is giving the money to the mayor and village council ($1000). In return, they will give us the building permit. They are now moving the people away from our property, and next week we can start building the well.

It's now very urgent for the $22,000 for the electricity to come in. It takes at least one month for that to be done, and by then we'll be done with the well and ready to build the wall. We'll need another $22,000 for the electricity then, plus $21,000 to build the wall. If no money comes in, we'll just have a well and water tower that is not functional without electricity, and will just have to guard it and wait.

As you can see, it's more than urgent now for that money to come in, and we're having a special prayer meeting for the release of finances tonight. Please join us, praying in faith.

Personal Renewal

I've now been in Mali three and a half years. The longer I'm here, the easier life has become, in some way. But every time I'd travel, I'd be so spiritually spent, get recharged, come back with new strength and vision, and over time, my spiritual life would go down the hill again. Every time I would cry out to the Lord that this time would be different, but it never was.

But now the cycle is broken. HALLELUJAH! Since coming back from my US trip in January, where I had received a lot of ministry and healing, I've had no problem sustaining my spiritual life and health, and I'm so thankful. I just completed a 3-week-fast, and I can see the fruit from that time. I had a breakthrough at the conclusion of the fast, and am just full of joy and love for HIM right now. What a wonderful Savior!

As a church, we are half-way through our 7 weeks of prayer and fasting. We're truly in a new season, getting ready for the great things ahead.

Powerful Prayer Meeting

I was looking forward to the prayer meeting since the Lord had already shown me in advance several things to do. We weren't disappointed. The time of praise and worship was powerful. It was a time of cleansing and entering into His presence. I sang prophetically and once again regretted not having recorded it. It was awesome. Many reported the Lord having done a deep work of cleansing and purification.

Then we had communion together, before going into a time of militant intercession for the release of finances. I have never seen them war in the Spirit like that before. It was great! We all felt that things were happening in the heavenlies as we prayed. The faith level was so high, we all can't wait to see the answer to tonight's prayers, even as soon as tomorrow. The money will be there!

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Healed Deaf-Mute Follow-Up

Paul went to visit the deaf-mute who was healed when he prayed for him. He found his relatives who told him that the guy had gone to his village of origin to tell everyone what happened. When he is back in Bamako, he'll come over to our house to visit. Can't wait to hear him and found out more about him, and lead him to the Lord.

TPM Session

I'm so proud of my son Paul tonight. Tonight he was hurt, and he was willing to do a session right away to go to the root and find freedom and joy. Normally he waits 3 days - 3 days of misery - before he comes for a session. As always, he was gloriously set free in less than half an hour, and full of joy and praise.

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

TPM Session

I had a TPM session on the phone (audio via skype) today, and found resolution in a traumatic memory in a way I haven't had it before. I was so full of joy and peace afterwards, it was glorious! We have such a good God!

Property News

Kossi talked to the most influential village elder, who told him to give them money. As soon as they've got that, the people on the property will be moved, and the construction permit released. Kossi is coming tomorrow to discuss with me how much to give; he once mentioned $600.

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Great Sunday Service

Once again we had a marvelous service, as the Lord put the words to preach in my mouth. I was amazed, and so were the people. The topic was faith that is pleasing to God. I said that everything we do needs to be done by faith, and if that's not possible, if we can't include God, then it's sin. In fact the Bible says that the absence of faith is sin.

For those of you who speak French, you can listen to the sermon by clicking here.

Game Night

After the service, we had fun together, playing a Biblical board game - all adults and kids together. We had a great time, and I was so glad. For quite some time I had been discontent because I spend too little time with them.

Property News

Once again another meeting in Yirimadio for Monday morning, with mayor, village council and our construction manager.

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Friday, April 13, 2007

Construction Project

Tomorrow morning Kossi is meeting with the mayor and most influential village elder, as well as the owners of the houses that village elder sold the property to. They will be told that the government already has houses elsewhere prepared for them where they have to move. I don't know if it's at the same meeting they will decide how much money they want from us for the property - which is officially not even allowed.

Visiting Our Neighbors

Today I sent my team and the children to our new neighborhood, where we're building, to go door-to-door. The German NGO has more bags of rice to give away to needy single Moms, and so we wanted to go find them among our future neighbors. Our three teams found 12 eligible women with children. They also prayed for a good number of people, and saw improvement. The kingdom of God is advancing!

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Reports From The Village

Enoch came for the first night of the third trimester of Bible School, and so we finally got some reports.

When we were in Dio in February, I prayed for a little baby. Its twin had died, and the living twin was constantly sick as well so that the mother was expecting its death every day. She handed me the baby, and I prayed. While I did, at first she was calm. Then suddenly she started crying hard and moving, and I felt like a demon was manifesting. I told it to leave, and she was calm again, even falling asleep. Enoch told me that baby is totally healed today.

When we were in Dio 10 days ago, I prayed for a little girl, maybe 5 years old, who had spent a few weeks with a Muslim mystic who poisoned her. Because of that she has been very sick for the past 3 years. We prayed for her, and Paul saw black smoke leave her body. Today she is totally healed. Praise God!

The old man with the heart condition who was instantly healed had that condition for 5 years. Enoch told us that he now comes to church on Sundays and every time he can. He's not made a decision yet, but it's just a matter of time.

I've mentioned the merchant Alou to you before. Once I had a long conversation with him, the same day we talked to the local imam. I could see his hunger for the truth, and he was very eager to know more. 10 days ago we also saw him when we bought the rice in his shop, and exchanged a few words. It so happened that he discovered I was fasting, and was curious to know more. Unfortunately he missed the MATTHEW video that we showed in front of his house. He only saw the crucifixion. Enoch told me that whenever he goes to their house, everyone is eager to listen to the gospel. But when Alou arrives, he tells them all not to listen and to forget everything he said. Today Alou took Enoch to the next biggest town where Enoch would continue from to Bamako. When they arrived, Enoch got his CD player out with the CD of my sermons on it. Alou wanted to know what it was, and started listening. He listened for 90 minutes, and was amazed by what he heard. It really had an impact on him. I know that Alou will turn to the Lord and will be a mighty vessel for him. Please pray for his salvation.

Enoch is totally amazed at what he is seeing in Dio. Revival has started! He's never seen such openness and interest before.

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Monday, April 9, 2007

Easter Weekend Report

Click here to read how our Easter activites this weekend went.

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Friday, April 6, 2007

Mute Speaks, Paralyzed Walks

Two weeks into our 7 period of fasting and praying we're already seeing thremendous fruit. My kids believe the word of the Lord, and just do it!

Today I sent them out in two's to go hand out invitations for the Easter activities that start tonight, and I told them to pray any sick person they'd come across. Especially Paul has been very eager to do that.

So the three adults each left in a different direction with one or two of our boys. Just an hour later, Paul came back all excited.

He saw a man sitting on the side of the road and discovered that he couldn't speak. It seemed he couldn't hear either, since Paul had to make signs to make him understand, but we don't yet at this point. Paul asked him whether they could pray for him, and as he said yes, both he and Abdias laid hands on him and started praying. When they were done, the man started to speak. Praise God! His words weren't very clear, but they could understand. Paul wanted to walk away, but the gathered crowd wouldn't let him, and so he preached the gospel to them, and invited them tonight, and then left. Many said they'd come.

Firmin prayed for a friend's friend who was lying down with malaria, too weak to get up. After the prayer, the man got up totally restored.

Paul was so excited, he wanted to go back out, and had it on his heart to go to the big mosque in our neighborhood. Now, those Muslims there have already stoned people, so it was a courageous decision. Paul grabbed Issa, and off they went.

Today is Friday, the Muslim holy day, when hundreds of men gather at the mosque for their service. So many people were there as they arrived. With a loud voice Paul boldly asked who was sick. There was a paralyzed man sitting there, his legs below the knee clamped to his thighs backwards. Paul talked to him and asked whether they could pray for him. He agreed. They prayed, and then they said they'd help him up. Paul and Issa each took one of his arms and lifted him up. As they did, the legs went down and the man stood on his feet! HALLELUJAH! Now he has to learn to walk!

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Firmin's 21st Birthday

Today was his birthday, and before we started the prayer meeting, we took half an hour to celebrate him. On my last trip I brought three cookie mixes with me, and today I made my second cake. Unfortunately 4 people were fasting and couldn't have any :-)

But Firmin loved it, and loved all his gifts. If you still want to send him an email, write to firmin@centreapostoliquemalien.org.

Powerful Prayer Meeting

The picture was taken on March 1st.

As most Thursdays we had a powerful prayer meeting. For nearly 90 minutes we worshipped the Lord, with many on the floor. The Lord was speaking to individuals, and us corporately. I was singing prophetically, and it was profound what the Lord desired to tell us. One of the things was to not be like the older brother in the story of the Prodigal Son. His Dad said that he was always with him and everything he had was his. But he had never done anything. He simply obeyed his father. God doesn't want us to only obey him, but he wants us to step out and use the gifts He has given us. I also mentioned the parable of the talents - we need to DO something with what we've received!

Another thing God spoke was to come aside to be with Him, to take time individually to seek His face. He has so much to share with us.

It broke my heart (again) that two kids were sleeping during the meeting, while the other two didn't listen. Their interest in God is so low, but all I can do is cry out to the Lord on their behalf.

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

GREAT BREAKING NEWS

Today Kossi and Simeon were summoned to another government office that is right there in our future part of town. That alone was a huge step forward. The government office we've had to deal with so far, who is above them, sent a team over as well, and then they together went to the property to look at it and the order to evacuate the property was given to the people there. Tomorrow they are coming back to destroy the buildings on our property, and to give us the final papers so we can start building.

PRAISE GOD!!!! It's been 15 months since I found our Promised Land, and it has taken patience and perseverance to come to this point.

Now we can start the construction itself. The well-team has finished its study, and is ready to go build it. The money for that is the only one we've got right now. So we need a miracle for half of the money for the electricity department ($22,000) to come in right away, because it's going to take them several weeks to finish their work. And then we need the money for the wall that we can start building as soon as the well is done and we have water to build. Oh Lord of breakthroughs...!

Fousseni With His Family

Today Fousseni went to visit his violent, abusive father and his brothers at their house. His father came by several times demanding for him to visit at least his brothers, and Fousseni wanted to do so as well. So today the day had come, with Paul (spiritual covering) and Firmin (Bobo like Fousseni, so he understands what they are saying) accompanying him.

When they got there, at first they didn't see anyone. Fousseni's father was coming home right then, with his little son, and only saw Fousseni. As soon as he saw him, he started using very bad language, threatening and insulting. But then he saw Paul and Firmin and immediately stopped. They sat down and talked for a while. Fousseni's big brothers weren't there, and he was relieved. He told me later that he was afraid his brothers would take him and lock him into the house, not letting him leave again. So they made plans in advance how to deal with this in case it'd happen. Thank God, it wasn't necessary. But Fousseni's father wants him to come visit twice a month. In the past, he's demanded Fousseni even work for him, so I don't think he should visit too often, for his own protection.

By the way, new great pictures of the kids in our house and our neighborhood are on the kids pages.

Visits To The Dentist

Since the kids are on vacation, we're taking advantage of the free mornings, and I sent them all to the dentist to have their teeth looked at. Several of them had pain. My Austrian dentist had given me the stuff to inject so they don't have to suffer pain, since they're pretty brutal in Mali, but the dentist refused to use it "just for" a filling. Two of the kids had nothing, but Solomani (at age 12) has two teeth that have to be pulled next time. All the adults also have to go several times - Paul is the only one who hasn't gone yet, because he's afraid.

Send me your comment on this blog

Mar 2007

Feb 2007

Jan 2007

2006

2005

archive home

Monday, April 2, 2007

Weekend Report

The report of our awesome time in the village this weekend is now online to read here.