Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

It was my first time flying with an Arabic airline, with Arabic music playing, and the symbol of the airline was a pentagram. Most passengers were Westerners, though, and the food wasn't too oriental either. All the announcements were first in Arabic, and then in French. It's too bad I've forgotten all my Arabic.

I arrived in Casablanca, and felt an excitement as my feet touched another African nation I hadn't been to before (like a year ago when we went to Ghana). As last year, I prayed for the nation and prayed that we'd establish churches here in the future.

We arrived early, and I had 3 hours to wait for my connection flight to Bamako. Finally I entered into the room by the gate to wait for boarding. An old Malian man was brought in with a wheel chair, his daughter accompanying him. She kept talking to him, but he seemed pretty out of it. Finally she started crying. Another Malian man tried to comfort her, telling her he was just sleeping.

Finally it was time to board (we had a half hour delay), and the airline personnel accompanied the girl and her Dad into the plane before anyone else boarded. They started boarding us, but kept us from entering the plane. So a long line formed at the entrance to the plane, when suddenly the airline lady came back out with the man in the wheelchair and the girl. The man was very obviously dead. He was very old, and his time had obviously come. He didn't make it home to his country to die.

How many Malians die every day without Jesus!

The plane touched down in Bamako just after 3 am. It took a while to get through immigration, and get my bag which was one of the last ones to come out. Praise God all the prayers were answered and it made it to Mali!

Paul and Seybou were waiting for me, and we went home. It wasn't until 5 am that I went to sleep - at the time I usually get up! And then my cat (now enemy again because I'd abandoned her) woke me up time and again, as she tried to get out of my room, or back in. I got up at 11 am, after a few restless hours of sleep, back in the heat I have to get used to again.

My first day home was far from what I had expected. I was bombarded with problems, with mistakes that were made, things that were broken, bills that needed to be paid, our car breaking down again, work to catch up, the Bible School exam to prepare, unpacking my stuff, etc. Discouragement got a hold of me for the better part of today.

In the evening we had the Bible School midterm exam - a day later because of my arrival over a day late - but before that, we had one more video session to watch. Hama and Sarata sat both with me, one on the left, one on the right, just happy that I was back. They have been pursuing me today, and I was glad to have that hour to hold them in my arms.

After the exam, and the family meeting, I had to take care of a few more uncomfortable things, talking to a few people. Oh Lord, may tomorrow be better! May we see the fruit of the time in England!

Obviously, the trip to the village is cancelled, since we don't have a car that's working. We're planning on going next week.

I'm starting to get a little worried about our move in 35 days. If the house is not done, will we just put all our stuff outside? I wouldn't even have enough boxes to store everything in. At least rainy season is over, so everything should be safe outside, including ourselves. Still, it's gonna be very challenging. Please pray for a miracle! I wished someone could just lend us the remaining money, and we could pay it back with future donations. Another complicating factor is that the dollar keeps dropping in value. We got so little for the American money we withdraw, it's really bad.

Below the latest pictures, and first pictures (from Oct 24), of our first house, as the foundation is being laid.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Last night I had an awesome three-course meal at the hotel Air France put me in. Then my new friend Sharon came all the way out to spend some time with me - it was wonderful! She's a friend for life!

I ended up going to bed late, but had a good night's rest. I enjoyed the bath tub, and then had a great last breakfast. I then wrote the email update I'd had on my heart for a while, and managed to just finish it by the time I had to check out.

I took the bus to Heathrow airport, where I was 4 hours before my flight time. I had to wait another two hours before being able to check in, and so I thought I'd just give Air France a try, seeing whether there was a free seat on the plane by any chance. There wasn't. But at least I was able to get the money back I had had to spend for the bus to the hotel and back.

I spent the remaining time praying and resting, and was the first to check in with Air Morocco. I had been praying hard over my bag so it would arrive with me in Bamako, and so I'm just trusting God for that.

I went through security, and thought I'd give the Air France lounge a try. Since I would have gone with them and have access, they were kind and did let me in. That gave me the chance to have some lunch and to have an hour online, allowing me to write you right now. Check in starts in half an hour.

I'm then flying from London to Casablanca (3.5 hours), and then from Casablanca to Bamako (also 3.5 hours). My planned arrival time is 2:35 am.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Monday, October 29, 2007

I had to get up at 6:30 am after a short night, with a kind man from the church here picking me up at 7:15. He works near the airport, so it was perfect! I just got there a few hours earlier than necessary. I tried to check in, but couldn't yet. And then they told me that my flight from Paris to Bamako was cancelled because of the Air France strike. Great!

I lined up with other passengers, and when it was my turn, I was told that all flights to Mali this week were full. The only other option was Air Marocco - an airline I stay away from, because they lose so much luggage. And their plane tonight was full too. So they had to book me on the flight tomorrow night. But it was from London to Casablanca, and then from Casablanca to Bamako.

I was in Birmingham, and so they need ed to get me to London somehow, and get me a hotel. All hotels in Birmingham were full, so they started calling the ones around the airport in London, and found one. Then they called a taxi or shuttle to take me to Heathrow, together with another family. It was a 2 and a half hour ride. Arriving at Heathrow, the tiredness was getting to me (it was 2 pm by then), and the airport being under construction and confusing, it was difficult to find the hotel shuttle. When I got there, it was so confusing to figure out how the system works, it took a while. And then I even had to pay the bus, but I finally got to the hotel by 3 pm; I had arrived at the Birmingham hotel at 8 am, so it was a 7 hour total. I was glad I was at the right hotel (since there are 3 Holiday Inns around the airport), and checked in.

I was hoping for a cup of tea in my room, but they don't have any tea or coffee in the room. Plus the room was so cold, and the heating not working. After two hours of freezing, I finally called the front desk, and they gave me an electric heater. Thank God!

So, I have until noon tomorrow to get some rest, some good food, and enjoy the (payable) internet connection. I have to check out at noon, even though my flight doesn't leave until 5:30 pm. I chance planes in Casablanca late at night, and am supposed to arrive in Mali at 2:30 am Wednesday morning.

Please pray that my suitcase makes it to Bamako with me - only prayer can make that miracle possible.

I talked to Paul, and informed him of my changed arrival day/time. They were supposed to have their midterm exams in Bible School tomorrow night, but they'll just have to do them Wed night.

Then I talked to my great travel agent in Bamako via skype. She informed me that I was lucky because it was just announced today that the Bamako airport would be completely shut down Thu and Fri of this week, as well as Mon and Tue of next week, because of construction work. That affects us, because we have a girl from Austria come on Nov 6 - on which day the airport will not be operational. So we'll have to see how she's gonna do. Since it's really a charter, I hope they'll just fly the following day.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Time for the last meeting with Jill this morning. It was the 12th with her for me this week. Unfortunately she wasn't brought up until 12:10, and the pastor wanted to end the service at 12:30. So she didn't get to preach, but only prophesied over the church leaders. It was disappointing - for everyone, I believe.

When the meeting was over at 1 pm and Jill walked by, I walked up to her to say good-bye, but ended up talking to her for quite a long time. She then asked me to walk outside with her, and I did, sitting next to her while she was signing books. Then we had a little more time, before she had to leave. I so enjoyed talking to her, and learning from her as she gave me insight on the meeting and other stuff. It was awesome! I thank the Lord so much for that!

I then also said good-bye to Linda, her assistant, connected with the person who's giving me a ride to the airport tomorrow, and then I was ready to meet my friends who were waiting for me.

Paul & Miriam drove an hour and a half just to see me! Wow! I've known Paul for many years, maybe 12 or so, and I last saw him the last time I was in England, which was 8 years ago. When I was done at church, we walked downtown Dudley and found a typical British pub/restaurant to have lunch. I loved it! It's so different from the American or Austrian restaurants. I had a nice meal - the only one in a restaurant while in England - including dessert. And we enjoyed talking and catching up. We sat for hours sharing, before it was time to leave. They dropped me at the Bed & Breakfast, and started on their long trip home.

I then started packing, since I'm leaving early in the morning. One of the neighbors has an unsecured wireless network; though the reception is extremely weak, I get to be online for seconds at the time, which is just about enough to receive or send emails.

I'm so looking forward to going home tomorrow. I can't wait to start our 3-week fast. I can't wait to spend time seeking the face of God. I can't wait to see what God has in store for us. Interesting times ahead.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Saturday, October 27, 2007

This morning, Jill Austin was doing the meeting again. I love it! She so carries the glory of God, and imparts such a hunger for more of Him. I've shed many tears this past week because of my intense hunger for more of His glory and presence.

I've known Jill for 6 years, when God sovereignly put me into her class in Kansas City - the first class she taught. During that first class I was chosen with a few others to be mentored by her, but it never happened. I've received so much from Jill who I consider my spiritual Mom, but I was never able to really connect with her.

Well, that has changed this week, praise God! If this was the only thing that happend this week (which it isn't), it would have been worth it.

I've so loved how Jill has had me participate in the services as if I was on her team. It was awesome! She actually talked to me more than ever this week. She also said she wanted to have a little time to sit down with me, and to my utter amazement, it actually happened.

This afternoon I had 45 minutes with her and her assistant Linda, which was wonderful. It was my first actual conversation with her. She had me share my story basically, and then gave me some good advice in terms of finding covering and relationship with like-minded people in ministry. What blessed me immensely is that she said if she had a network and base, I'd be a part of it. She also said she'd get onto skype, and encouraged me to call her. Thank You, Jesus!

Todd and Jill are two powerful ministers of God who I have supported even financially for years, sowing into their ministries, and receiving the spiritual benefits. I love both, and see them as spiritual heroes, people to learn from.

Tonight Todd was doing his second and last meeting. One reason I came to England was to reconnect with both Jill and Todd, and so I so much wanted to get a chance to talk to Todd. The way things went last night, I knew the chance to talk to Todd was very slim. This place here is so crowded, and Todd comes in late, to leave right away.

I'm a rather timid person by nature, but tonight I knew I needed to overcome that if I wanted to talk to Todd. I came so far from Mali, a few meters wouldn't stop me now. I got my flyer ready, and knew the right time was after worship, when everyone needed a few minutes to move from the front to their seats. I prayed tduring worship time for it to work out - and it did! Praise God! I walked up to Todd, and told him I was part of his network, and that God was doing great things in Mali. He was excited and asked whether the network director knows of all that. I told him that he was getting the email reports. I also told him I was trying to come to his SECRET PLACE conference in January. I feel the need to connect more with the network I'm a part of, and that would be the way to do it.

The meeting tonight was good! Right now I'm sitting in the church coffee shop, waiting for the people who'll give me a ride to the B&B. I hope they haven't left yet (they did that the first night). Tomorrow morning is the last meeting - with Jill. I have friends come from another city to see me in the afternoon, and on Monday I'm returning home. Honestly, I can't wait to get back to Mali. I have such anticipation of what God is gonna do!

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Friday, October 26, 2007

The morning meeting was really good. However, in the end the speaker brought up his spiritual kids, a girl and a guy, and had them minister and flow with him. That hurt to see that since I've just lost that precious connection only God can give.

During the lunch break, I got online, and after having done my emails and written my blog, I got talking to two ladies sitting next to me. They were Americans and had just completed a prayer journey through the UK. They greatly encouraged me, and spoke some great things as they prayed for me. I felt blessed through these ladies.

Jill Austin did the afternoon session which was great, and then I went to the B&B to get some rest. When I came back, this elderly lady sought me out. She had been at the leaders' day on Wednesday, where I prophesied over her. It was so right on, and so detailed, I was blown away myself, and she was greatly blessed. She's a real grandmother with a mother's heart and so I felt drawn to her. She sat down with me, and I shared my heart. Then she prayed for me. Again, I was very blessed.

I thank the Lord for the body of Christ - it doesn't matter where we are from, whether we know each other, but we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

Todd did his first meeting in the evening. It's been over two years since I last saw him, so it was great to hear him speak and minister. I'm part of Todd's network, though that doesn't seem to mean anything in the natural.

One thing that happened was that a supernatural offering was taking place. Todd was speaking when suddenly people started coming up and throwing money on the stage or putting it into his pockets. More and more people came, and I felt to go up as well, sowing for the finances we need in Mali. They got close to $60,000 in that one offering, after having taken up a "normal" offering earlier in the service. The $30,000 we still need to move in 39 days are nothing to God, praise Him!

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Thursday, October 25, 2007

With the loss of our spiritual father, to myself and the ministry, I've been somewhat distracted, and have not told you about the conference these last two days.

On Wednesday, they had two leaders meetings that Jill Austin did during the day. As her spiritual daughter, I just love being there to support her, intercede for her, and again she asked me during the meeting what I felt in the Spirit. What a great learning experience! It was an awesome meeting.

The evening meeting and first meeting of the conference was like cold water on hot coals after all of Jill's fire meetings. A British guy preached Wed night, and then also Thu morning and afternoon. In all honesty, I simply survived the meetings.

In the evening, Jill was doing the first conference meeting. This place here is PACKED with people, and with Todd coming in tomorrow and the weekend approaching, the number of people still rises. The overflow room is also already pretty full.

I was looking forward to Jill's meeting in the evening. As worship started, the reality of the last few days then suddenly hit me. Up to that point I had been handling everything really well, was strong for Paul, and not being in Mali had helped too.

But during worship I realized it was back to Jesus and me again. It was back again to not have anyone to ask advice of. It was back again of having the whole heavy load of the ministry on my shoulders, with no one to understand, no one to help, no one to talk to talk to, no one to call. I was just weeping and weeping and weeping on the floor during the whole time of worship, until I had a headache. I felt the temptation to go into discouragement, but refused to go there. I reminded myself of God's promises, and encouraged myself.

I was way back in the sanctuary, and amazingly, after worship, God arranged for me to get a seat pretty far up front - impossible humanigly speaking, but it was to me like a little love gift from my heavenly Daddy. I so much wanted to be far up front for Jill's meeting.

Jill's meeting was great, and it wasn't before midnight that we left the church. I get to ride with people who stay at the same place I'm staying, so that's a blessing, though I did walk once in the afternoon; it's a 25 minute walk.

The Lord's been showing me things all this week while in England. Of course I didn't know why I was going to England, only that He was up to something. And with still a few days to go, I believe there is more coming.

But what I've understood so far is that this was transition time, that when I come back, it will be the beginning of a new season, going up higher. And what happened with my spiritual Dad, the timing of that is no coincidence. The last 11 months was an intense time of healing; healing on the deepest levels, made possible by a spiritual Father who was available and a true reflection of my heavenly Father.

That season has come to an end. The season of healing is over, now it's time to go higher. The Lord knew what I needed to be able to go to the next level, and He accomplished it in that time of preparation. NOW it's time to move up! It's time for His glory to come down in Mali. We're moving in 40 days, and the Lord has promised that the glory of the latter house will be greater than the glory of the former. He's promised that He'll be there.

When I get back, we're starting 3 weeks of prayer and fasting as a church, and I have such a sense of excitement about that. I have such an intense spiritual hunger for the Lord, and such anticipation to meet Him, for visions, dreams and visitations, as I give Him those 3 weeks of seeking Him.

One of the most intense things the Lord has spoken to me here is to go bring in the harvest, and not hold back just because we don't have workers, just because we don't know how to do the follow-up. HE is the one awakening those villages, we've GOT TO GO. So next Thursday we're going to the village next to Goro that has been asking us to come for months. Pray that the glory of God would break in and transform them. I really believe that there is an impartation happening in England this week, and that we'll see more than ever when I get back.

I'll be back in Mali Monday night. On Tuesday we have Bible School, on Wed I'll do an impartation meeting, and on Thu we'll be in the village. All the while I'll be teaching the kids again.

By the way, one other thing God showed me was that our building project, the base we're building, is really little compared to what He is up to in the future. It's just the beginning. He spoke to me about thousands of children.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

We're mourning the loss of our spiritual Dad today. God gave him to us for 11 months, and now he's been taken from us (he hasn't died). That's all I'm gonna say.

We're grieving, so we ask for your prayers. Thanks to all the healing I've had in my life recently, I'm handling this pretty well (as well as you can), but for Paul that's a huge blow. I will do a TPM session with him as soon as I get back, which is Monday.

Pray that the Lord would fill our emptiness with His presence. Pray He would send other fathers and mothers to me and our ministry to stand with us.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Yesterday morning it was time to say good-bye to my new friend (and host) Sharon in London. She accompanied me to the train station, where we had some coffee before it was time to leave. I took the train to Reading - half an hour - where my long-time friend Judith picked me up. I've known Judith for over 10 years, and we hadn't seen each other for 6 years. She lived in Vienna for a while, where we both worked with the Christian student group, and where she was also attending my church.

Two years ago she got married, and three weeks ago she had her first baby. This picture shows the happy family. It's been wonderful to catch up with Judith, and quite interesting to see a young first-time Mom. I'm learning some stuff for when I'll have a baby some time in the future ;-).

Today we went for a walk into downtown Reading. It's a nice English town, and the sun was shining also. I did some shopping, and we had lunch at an African (!) restaurant (but I got something British). It was fun, though it's so cold here! October is one of the two hottest month of the year in Mali, but in England it's really cold. I'm glad I have my winter jacket.

It's been good to get some rest after the busy last weekend, and especially before the busy next conference. It's 4 full days plus Sunday morning. I have to leave Reading VERY early tomorrow morning.

At this point I don't forsee being online in Dudley, but you never know. Somebody I don't even know paid a Bed & Breakfast for me for my time there; isn't that amazing! I'd be surprised if they had a wireless network there.

Tomorrow morning and afternoon I'll be in the leaders meeting, and the conference starts at night. Speakers are Todd Bentley, Jill Austin, Jerame Nelson, and a British guy. I'm so hungry for God, I'm praying for MORE of Him and His glory in the days to come!

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Sunday, October 21, 2007

What a powerful weekend! I love Jill's conferences. She's a spiritual Mom to me, and that just makes such a huge difference spiritually. I've felt this weekend like I was on Jill's ministry team, and in some ways, inofficially, I was. I was alternating between interceding and being "on watch", and receiving from the Lord. Jill asked me several times in every meeting what I was thinking or feeling, and I didn't always have a helpful reply to that.

Except for the last meeting Sunday night. FINALLY the heavens broke open in this last (6th) meeting. It was awesome. I saw a portal open up in the front, above the screen, and saw angels up in heaven. They were letting down a rope ladder, and I saw something red and liquid ready to be poured down. A huge angel was standing in the front, facing the crowd. A little later I saw angels standing along the wall all around. Jill called all church leaders up, and angels were standing behind them along the wall, with swords (Jill then said, swords, trumpets,...) and I felt like there was a commissioning gonna happen. I had opportunities to share these things with Jill, and spoke some of it out. Later I saw golden drops of glory anointing ready to come down. It was like a sprinkler system - they were everywhere. They got bigger, and then at one point when we were ministering they started coming down. It was awesome! I loved it!

Jill does not just teach - she does ministry most of the times, breaking open the heavens, releasing glory and fire, and having people pray for each other. So I had so many opportunities to pray for people, and just loved it! God was touching people so powerfully!

As for myself, the first two days I was so broken, so desperate and hungry for Him, I didn't care what it'd take or cost to have more of Him and His glory. I also went through a lot of repentance. By the time the third day (Sunday) started, I felt so cleansed, so pure, so like a simple little girl, and joyful, ready to meet with my awesome Lord. And He did meet me.

His glory was so strong, pouring into me. I thought by the end of the night I'd have to be carried out. But things shifted, and I ended up seeing the above things and ministering to a lot of people.

But I've been blessed greatly this weekend, filled up with His glory, and I'm believing to go back and see God's glory break in in a greater measure. And I have another conference that starts Wed. In fact, Jill told me to come to the leaders' meetings Wed morning and afternoon, so I'm coming!

This afternoon, Jill was not doing a session but getting some rest for the evening. So I was hanging out at church like a lot of other people. I was sitting outside in the sunshine, praying, reflecting, taking some notes, and just basking in his peace and presence. It was so beautiful! At one point I sat down with three other people, and they ended up praying for Mali, and getting some prophetic insights.

In the morning, Jill prophesied over me. This is what she said:

What I just keep seeing on you is that apostolic anointing. And I keep seeing signs and wonders. The Lord says, if you build it, I will come. And I keep seeing a dream team anointing on you. If you build it, I will come. And I see you looking at property and land, and I see a whole ministry school. And I feel like the Lord says, get ready. Get ready, I'm about to open up great doors for you. [...] I just feel like the Lord said that He's putting a new staff in your hand. And you're one that is gonna be able to bring deliverance and healing. But it's a Joshua staff, is what the Lord says. You're gonna go into situations like the flood, but you're gonna be able to break it open with the presence and the glory of God. And so, what I just keep seeing is, I see you preaching. I see you moving in many different languages. I feel like God's giving you a gift with language and discernment and diplomacy. [...] The sword of the Lord.

Amen!

Pictures: Jill prophesying over the pastors. And my wonderful host Sharon - the church secretary - and myself.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Saturday, October 20, 2007

The night was far too short, and my alarm went off an hour too early, without me realizing. I was sooo tired. The first meeting started at 10:30 am, but we wanted to be there by 9:30 to get a good seat.

It was an awesome day! We had just over an hour for the lunch break, and then two hours before the evening meeting. Jill did a lot of ministry, like she always does, having us pray for each other, releasing fire and glory, and ministering to different groups of people, and giving prophetic words.

The Lord was again speaking to me, and touching me powerfully. I'm so hungry and desperate for Him! I don't care what it takes, I must have more of Him, I must have His glory, I must have a visitation, I must see His Spirit and glory poured out in Mali!

While I took a nap during lunch break, I got invited to have dinner with two young men. I enjoyed sharing what God is doing in Mali with these on-fire young men; they're pretty radical, and are going on missions trip frequently. One is gonna be at the other conference next week as well.

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Friday, October 19, 2007

The flights from Bamako to Paris, and then on to London-Heathrow went smoothly. It's been so many years (7 or 8) since I last was in England. How exciting to come back to the country that so impacted my life as a young believer. I went to England quite a few times in the first few years of my Christian life, even considered going to Bible School there. It was in England that I was first slain in the Spirit, that my healing process began, that I was first exposed to God's move in Toronto, that I received much healing, that I found the invitation to the healing school in Canada that so changed my life, that I found answers to my questions about speaking in tongues, that I had life-changing visitation by God, etc.

Now I'm back - back for more of God. In a few hours the first conference starts.

Arriving in London, the journey of finding the apartment where I'm staying the next few days started. There were a few challenging moments, but I ended up finding it alright, and my host Sharon was just about to leave the house, so I unexpectedly got to meet her.

I've been enjoying some rest in her apartment the last few hours. She has a tiny apartment (the picture shows most of it), but a huge heart to open it up to a total stranger and share the little space. You see her bed on the left, and the couch I'm sleeping on to the right.

My next challenging step will be to find my way to church tonight. It's a long walk, and then a bus ride.

I'll let you know how the first session went later. I can't wait to see Jill Austin and her assistant Linda again. But most of all, to enter into the manifest presence of God!

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Tonight I'm leaving for London, England, where I arrive tomorrow morning. From Heathrow airport I will take the subway (underground) to find my way to the apartment of the lady where I'm staying over the weekend. She'll be at work, so she told me where she hid the key and I'll spend the day alone in her apartment, until finding my way to church and the first conference session in the evening.

This weekend Jill Austin - my teacher in Kansas City and a spiritual Mom - is doing a conference in a church in London. I'm looking forward to a weekend of spiritual refreshing.

On Monday I'm taking the train to Reading, where I'm visiting an old friend of mine. Judith lived in Austria for some time and was a good friend there. She got married a while back and just had her first baby a week ago.

On Wednesday I'm taking the train to Birmingham/Dudley, where the conference starts in the evening. Again, I'll have to find my way, but am still praying for someone to help me find the way from the train station to the guest house where I'm staying. Someone I don't even know personally blessed me by paying the guest house for me!!

The conference in Dudley is with Todd Bentley, Jill Austin, and a few other speakers. I haven't seen Todd in two years, so I'm looking forward to it - hopefully having a chance to reconnect. I'm in his network.

On Sunday, friends of mine from another town are coming to spend some time with me, and on Monday I'm leaving England to return to Mali, where I arrive Monday night.

Please pray for this trip. I see it as a "crazy trip", an adventure in God, not knowing what to expect, what He has in store for me. I just know I'm hungry for God and want to meet with Him.

Please pray also for strength and protection and guidance as I have to find my way all these places, with my luggage, on my own. Especially tomorrow morning, after a sleepless night on the plane.

I don't know whether I'll be online in England, but I sure hope so.

Pray also for Paul and Firmin who are taking charge while I'm gone, and for protection of our family and house.

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Today I went to our property to look at the progress and take new pictures. The wall is basically done, but they are still putting the plaster on. The gate is not installed yet. This picture shows the hole for it - it's 2 meters wide. For now, they only did the gate on that side, but there is another entrance for the work team to get in and out (picture below). Today a topograph is coming to the property, to determine the level of the ground, since it's not even. Then they'll finish the entrance. The picture shows clearly how much higher the ground is supposed to be on that side.

Also today they are destroying the unfinished house you see in the middle of the property, because it's on the spot where our first house is gonna be. We have 49 days left to finish this house and move! Kossi's (builder) comment: "no problem". All we need is another $30,000.

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Monday, October 15, 2007

While Souleymane goes to a private Christian school, I teach the other 4 teenagers. And Firmin takes care of the two little ones. He does physical exercises with Hama so he learns to walk with his walker more and more, and he's made much progress.

Firmin also plays with the kids (2 and 6 years old), teaches them French, and does drawings. Sarata is a very smart little girl. Working with Hama can be challenging, as he's also mentally handicapped.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Sunday, October 14, 2007

On Friday was the big celebration of end of Ramadan, that already started on Thursday, and continued on Saturday. Whenever there is a big celebration, a holiday, no street children come to us because they get lots of stuff elsewhere. So no street kid program this Saturday.

That allowed me to get some much needed rest after the tiring first week of school, and I sure enjoyed it.

In the evening we had our weekly prayer meeting. Again, it was different. We started off with some praise songs, and then went into intercession with the music, praying for Mali, Bamako, our church etc. I also shared more details about the team of Austrians coming in November, and handed out a paper with their names and pictures to pray for them and get to know them. It's time to get started! In terms of fasting, I feel we should do the three weeks leading up to their arrival. In any case, it was a great prayer meeting.

This afternoon I preached the third and last part of my series on what attracts God to us - after holiness and humility, I talked about honesty and honor today. It was great, as God took over again, speaking through me and amazing me. I shared many personal stories that he reminded me of while I was talking.

After the service, Emma asked to talk to me. He'd been saying for a while he wanted to talk to me, and tonight was the right time. We ended up talking nearly two hours, and it was a very fruitful pastoral conversation. Please pray for Emma as he is in serious trouble. He knows what the right thing to do is, but has a hard time doing it. Pray he'll be able to do God's will. He realizes he's on the road to destruction, destroying his whole life, if he doesn't take action and align himself with God. Strengthen him with your prayers please!

Emma has a tremendous call as pastor on his life, and it's all in jeopardy right now. He finishes his economy studies in February, and God showed me he's the one to head up our business ventures, being our business pastor. The enemy is working hard on destroying him and keeping him from entering into his destiny, and right now he's winning. We've hardly seen Emma these past few years; his retreating from us and from church has surely been one reason the enemy could so easily get him. I long to see him restored and walking in what God has for him! I'm thankful he opened up tonight - that was the first important step.

I prayed for him in the end, and told him I'd help him any way I can, but he would have to be the one to take the decision what to do.

52 days to go.
Last week one of our neighbors tried to steel valuable steal carriers from our property. Thankfully our guard interrupted him and he ran away. While running he lost his cellphone, and told this wild story to his wife how someone had stolen it.

By now one of the two gates have been installed. The property is also covered with bricks that lie in the sun to dry - they are for the first house. Kossi is still hesitant to destroy the three illegal buildings - the owners said they'd do it themselves. One of the houses is on the spot where our house has to be built now.

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Friday, October 12, 2007

The first full week of school is over, and it was a good week. I tremendously enjoyed teaching the kids - what a difference to a year ago! I see so much fruit from the TPM sessions I've had over this past year.

We had a time of feedback tonight, and the kids also said they loved having me as a teacher. They also said they are really learning something now. Unfortunately the Malian school system is very lacking, as is the teacher's training. Issa didn't even have a teacher's training, and I see now how little our kids really learned. I'm working hard with them to catch up, and they've done a great job this past week. They have school from 7:45 until noon every day, and then 3 hours of homework in the afternoon.

Other than school, there is not much else in my life right now - Bible School twice a week, checking emails, praying and reading, and my daily afternoon nap. Only weekends are different. But it feels so right to be their teacher, and I have peace and joy the way life is right now, even with all the challenges. As I looked at my kids tonight, I was once again amazed at the transformation that took place in them a few weeks ago - they are so different from the way they were in July. It's exciting!

I wanted to let you know that the German NGO informed me that the government procedures are only on pause, not canceled (yet). They are trying to get advice from the German embassy, and will make their decision based on what they are told.

The wall is done, and one of the two gates installed. They have already made hundreds of bricks for our first house that are now drying in the sun. Paul forgot to take the camera along, so we don't have current pictures. We're moving in a month and a half - $30,000 to go.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Tonight I had an email from the German NGO who is doing the sponsorships for our kids, and who have helped us greatly, making many things possible financially.

We've been working since February to get the papers for our children's center which is a long process. The first step is to have a registered organization in Mali, and so we started registering the German NGO, and we would have received the official papers very soon. Tonight the NGO emailed me telling me to stop the registration immediately. If I understood them right, they said the process is taking too long, and they can't support an illegal children's center in the meantime. What that means practically for our collaboration, I don't know yet. If they withdrew their support, I would mean an additional financial burden that we could hardly carry - but then God has been taking care of everything anyway, and I'm convinced that something good will come out of all this too.

We now have to start again at zero; it's quite a delay. We will wait the remaining weeks until our move, so we already have our permanent address on the papers. Then we'll probably have to register a Malian organization for the children's center, and start the process again. Pray for wisdom and legal advice how to do this all.

Things are going great with our school. The kids work hard, and I enjoy teaching them. Getting up at 5 am is somewhat taking its toll, though. I have to have a nap in the afternoon to make it through the rest of the day. And I have little time left for other things (hence no blog yesterday).

Today a lady passed by to apply for the job, but I knew right away she wasn't the right person. Then I had an email from a guy who wanted 10(!) times more than what I was gonna pay a teacher - crazy! That's the latest on the search for a teacher.

Marie

Do you remember Marie? She lived with me for a year, and got married last November. I just found out that she lost her baby she was pregnant with. I haven't talked to her yet. Please pray for her during this difficult time.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Today hundreds of thousands of Christians worldwide joined together for the DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM, which is the first Sunday of October every year. Of course we participated as well. I preached a message on Romans 11, explaining how we are grafted into the olive tree, and how we need to stay attached to God's people and not forget Psalm 122:6 to pray for Jerusalem. For some people all this was a real revelation - after all, with Mali being a Muslim nation, Israel is not really a topic here. It's sad to see how the church has forgotten its roots.

In the end we had a good prayer time for Israel, and we took an offering that we will send to Israel - it was 1 EUR or $1.40.

Sarata was wearing new clothes, and Fanta has just done her hair really nicely. So I had to take a picture of her - but couldn't get her to look into the camera or smile. Since I took hissister, Hama needed his picture taken as well :-).

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Saturday, October 6, 2007

Today we had a lot of children, about 40, which is more than usual. There was a good number of new children. It was also the first day of teaching the new curriculum.

We played a game together, which they enjoyed, and then we sang some praise songs in Bambara. I then taught them a verse they memorized, and gave the first lesson. I noticed several kids who listened very carefully, while others fell asleep. In the end I gave a clear gospel presentation, and about half the kids wanted to give their lives to the Lord. I could tell several were very serious. Hopefully they'll be able to continue with the Lord, and show up to the service tomorrow.

Later Paul told me that he had a conversation with our neighbor who has complained about our activities from the beginning. He's actually a member of the Malian parliament, and he told Paul that he's wanted to deposit a complaint against us at the police several times already, but has not done so yet (thank God - that was His Spirit!). He wants us to stop the street kid program. He said he's even working on a law to outlaw street children. And he prided himself with other people he's deposited complaints against. Paul reminded him that there is religious freedom in Mali, and told him that we're moving out in two months.

So pray that he'll be patient to wait for our departure without taking any steps.

I told Paul to praise God with me that we're being persecuted for Jesus' sake. Hallelujah!

After some much needed rest in the afternoon, it was time for our weekly prayer meeting. From the beginning, there was something to it, the way worship was progressing. I felt we just needed to thank God, be thankful in everything, with all the challenges and problems we have right now. And it just exploded as we did! We started going deep in the Lord, and after over an hour of worship, and prophetic singing, I let go of the piano to kneel down on the floor. I prostrated myself before the Lord, and told them I felt that we had to relinquish EVERYTHING to Him, give Him EVERYTHING, let Him be Lord of everything. We lay there for a long time. I noticed that most children and Seybou were just sitting there bored watching the rest of us on the floor, and it grieved me that they were missing the "time of visitation". I finally got up - though I knew God wasn't done with me - and told them I needed to go pray in my room. I also felt to say that some weren't entering into the Spirit because there were things holding them back (something like that).

I went to my room and lay down on the floor, and the Lord visited me, breaking my heart deeply. I was so grieved about being so far from being like Jesus, having so little fruit of the Spirit, and loving so little. I cried my heart out in repentance, asking Him to change me. It was a precious time.

Since the conversation with Seybou last night, I've done a lot of praying, and the Lord was giving me the wisdom I asked for and showed me a few things. I knew I had to talk to him tonight.

Before I could ask him, he asked me, just after the prayer meeting. I let him talk first. Seybou said that even starting last night, some words I had said and Paul had said just kept ringing in his ears. And when I made the comment at the end of the prayer meeting about some not entering into the Spirit, he heard it somewhat differently, the way God wanted to speak to him. He realized how deceived he'd been by the enemy, that he had listened to his lies. He also said that there are people who'd be happy if he left us. He apologized profoundly, and I forgave him.

Then it was my turn to say what I had to say. I apologized to him as well for some things, and gave him some money since he had done the work of two last week, being the night guard AND the driver. From now on he is only the driver. So please pray God Himself would protect our house the 2 months we're still here. Then I gave Seybou 3 shirts - just today I had found some beautiful shirts, and I gave several to different adults and kids. Seybou was so moved, he had tears in his eyes. Not only had he received forgiveness, but he was greatly blessed as well. That is our God!! Hallelujah!

I'm so excited about the way things are going with the kids! I'm proud of them! Saloum shows so much eagerness to study now. And they're all behaving well. I told them tonight how proud I am of them and their current behavior.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Friday, October 5, 2007

I just sent out a prayer alert. Click here to read it.

I got up at 5 am to pray, and at 6 am I woke up the kids - for them an hour earlier than before. At 7:30 am we started with school. I was actually excited to be teaching them again. I had worked out a new schedule for them, bringing reading and writing Bambara together into one class, since they are good at both now, and adding science classes (biology, history, learning about Mali). Besides that, they also have French, Math and Bible.

I have to say, it went really well today. The kids behaved well, worked well, and everything worked out the way it should. I guess they are also happy to have school again, after a two-month break. I was glad to have Paul around today, to help language-wise, translating some stuff into Bambara when I reached my limits.

In the afternoon I was pretty tired, but was lucky enough to get a nap in. After I got up, it was already time for Bible School, which also went great. Though we had a longer power outage and had to do the first class using our generator.

During our nightly family meeting, I told my kids how proud I am of them today. Abdias is on the upswing again too; he was sitting next to me during Bible School for half an hour today, with me holding him in my arms. Getting that physical affection always makes a huge difference to him. Praise God! Don't we all need it!

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Paul came back with some great reports again.

Last night, after having set up the equipment, and started worshiping with the drums, the village's imam (Muslim leader) showed up angry, telling them they can't do this during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, that they would attract Satan to their village. Paul's response was one of wisdom. He said that there was religious freedom in Mali, and everyone has the right to practice his faith. He also said that we're serving the living God, and that Satan and demons flee when we worship Him.

The imam and his people were convicted, and left. He later sent a big meal to Paul and the team to make amends. Praise God!

Paul preached the gospel, and asked who wanted to give his life to Christ. He asked that those who had already done so in May with the American team wouldn't raise their hands again. About 400 people were present, and nearly everyone raised their hands! Some people had come from other villages, and even people from Goro (where we were last week) had come. After the meeting, Paul spent much time answering people's questions again.

In the morning, Paul went to Goro for a short time, because they asked him to come. There was one idol worshipper who wanted to be free and receive Christ. Paul told him to burn all his idols, and he said he would.

Unfortunately they forgot to take the camera with them this time, so I don't have any pictures for you.

Three of the kids went to the village with Paul, and one goes to a private school, which left only Solomani at the house with me. All the kids have started to learn how to type with all 10 fingers, using French software I purchased to that end. They are making great progress, and Solomani worked hard this morning to advance.

Since Souleymane leaves the house at 7:30 am to go to school, Fanta needs to have breakfast ready an hour earlier than for the others so he can eat before leaving. But what bothered me more is that Souleymane misses the time of personal devotions we have every morning. For that reason, I have changed our daily schedule. Everyone is now getting up an hour earlier. This is now the morning schedule:

6 am - get up and washed
6:30-7:15 am - personal devotions
7:15-7:45 am - breakfast
7:45-12:00 pm - school

We're starting with this new schedule tomorrow, since we're finally starting school. I'm gonna be the teacher for now.

I'm not a morning person, but I had already decided to get up very early every morning to spend my time with God, so everyone else is still asleep and can't bother me. It's the only solution I've found to having uninterrupted time with Him. Please pray for grace to adjust.

The wall around our property is now nearly finished - just a few more days. You can see on the pictures how the last wall is coming up, the one on the south side of our property, on the bottom, right behind the water tower, or in the background in the picture taken on the hill. Once it's done, they put pieces of glass on top of the wall, so nobody can climb across. The first of two gates is delivered next Tuesday, and the second one a few days later. Then, our property will finally be off limits to other people.

And then Kossi will start with the foundation for the first house. We've now got $23,000 and still need $30,000 to finish it. We're moving in two months! It will be exciting to see the house come up! Please pray for the remaining funds to come in! I'm so looking forward to not paying any more rent or phone or electricity and water bills (amongst other things)!

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

The kids continued retaking the exams they failed in July. Only Solomani has none to take, two have two exams, and Abdias three.

Saloum did a great job with his math exam, but Fousseni and Abdias's results were worse than in July. I have more exams to correct, so we'll see how those results are. Since they failed the math exam, I have to follow through and have them repeat that grade in this one subject. So we now have two math groups.

Our four kids at a private Christian school had their first day. It looks like they enjoyed it. The challenge is for us to drive there and back four times a day. The two kids in 1st and 7th grade have classes in the afternoon as well. Once we have moved to our property, we'll get another night guard, and then Seybou won't have to work all night and then drive all day, but only be our driver and guy around the house.

In the afternoon it was time for the 4th trimester of our Bible School to start. It's nearly four hours per session. We have 4 students - 2 from other churches, and then Paul and Emmanuel. Our two had to pause a year because I didn't want to do a second year with 2 students only. One of the teachers of this semester is Joyce Meyer. I think they liked her.

It was a long evening of Bible School, and we now do this every Tue and Fri. It's hard on the kids because the living room is occupied. Once we're on the property, we won't have that problem any more.

The car suddenly stopped working today in the middle of the road. After cleaning the battery, they were able to start it again. We've had so many weird car problems, it's really strange. Emma, who is taking care of the car, is puzzled himself. He suggested we find an engine for our old car, so we have two cars to use. That way Seybou can use that old car, while I use the new. Emma said he doesn't trust Seybou's driving.

Emma's propositing is interesting, because Paul suggested the same thing a few days ago - without Emma's knowing. So I really listened up. Plus, when we go to the villages to minister, we still have kids in the city that need to be driven to school, so it makes sense. On Thursday we'll have to take a taxi to take them to school and back since the car will be in the village.

The only problem is finances as always, especially at a time when I have to make debts again to cover our daily expenses. There's just so much to be paid....

We've even decided not to start feeding those 40 people in Dio quite yet, since it looks like the money isn't sufficient by far. We're praying for a solution.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Sep 2007
Aug 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
Apr 2007
Mar 2007
Feb 2007
Jan 2007
2006
2005

back to top

archive home

Monday, October 1, 2007

I continued my series on what attracks God to us - last week it was holiness, this week humility. Unfortunately the recording didn't work out :-(. Paul said it touched him deeply, that he had tears coming to his eyes while he was interpreting. I hope everyone had ears to hear and a heart to put it into practice.

After the service we all played a new game together that I brought with me from the US - a Bible Trivia that is for children, so the questions aren't hard. They did a great job knowing the answers, and had fun. I enjoyed that time with them.

Today I decided to make cookies for them - have wanted to do that since my return. Thanks to the American team in May, I still have several cookie/cake mixes, and used one. They all LOVED them. Paul said it was the best he's ever had :-). They were chocolate chip cookies.

Other than that, I made much progress doing office work - preparing the start of Bible School tomorrow, and the start of regular school for our children. 4 children will go to CANAAN school starting tomorrow - 2 are in kindergarten (Anatole, Sama), one in 1st grade (Etienne), and one in 7th grade (Souleymane).

Since we lost our teachers, and I haven't found a new one, I don't have a choice but to be their teacher again. I have mixed feelings about that - on one hand I love teaching, on the other I really don't have time; it will take away my mornings with the Lord, and use up most of my energy. Today we started doing the exams for those who failed them in July and have to repeat them. We'll continue tomorrow, and on Wed I'm gonna start school with them.

I've sent out word that we're looking for a teacher to all missions and churches. Please pray for the right one to come. As for Issa, last thing I heard is that he's gonna need until Christmas to get his thesis written. No surprise.

Bible School is also twice a week this time around so that we can finish before we move to our property on Dec 5. Two students are not from our church, so it would be hard on them to go that far. That will keep me very busy too.

Pray for strength and grace for all that's ahead! I'm planning NOT to go to the village with Paul this week. He's going Wed, coming back Thu.

back to top