Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 30, 2007

Today I've been catching up on a lot of work, including writing an email report on our time in the villages. However, I didn't get to take a nap. Hopefully I can keep up the pace until Monday.

We're now in the last preparations for our big celebration. Today we bought 100 more plates, 100 spoons, and 100 plastic cups. Since we're cooking for 200 people, the 130 or so we now have each should do.

In the morning, the team went to the market again to invite people, and had a great time. When they came back, they didn't stay long, but left to go downtown - to buy fabric and artwork. We also needed to buy a new drum, and withdraw some money. I stayed home to work, and Seybou dropped them off in town. Firmin was their guide, and enjoyed the time at the restaurant with the Austrians. They only came back home in the late afternoon. And then took a nap, being exhausted from all the walking in town, with all the people there.

Feeding Children On The Street

We had decided to do something that has been on my heart for a long time - go to the bus station where the children sleep and feed them. We prepared 80 pieces of bread, and all drove there. It was about 10:30 pm. The first few kids came running immediately since they know us. In fact, I knew about a third of the children who came and greeted us with bright smiles and much joy. They were happy to receive the bread, though they wanted more than once piece. When no more children came, and we were told that there weren't any more, that the others were away somewhere doing other stuff, we each gave them a second piece. Only then were they happy and saying thank you. They said they'd come tomorrow to our weekly program.

We also had Jessica with us, our new nurse who is helping us out when we need her. However, she couldn't treat the kids there, and so she and the others simply prayed for the children.

After some time, a soldier or policeman came on his motorbike and was simply watching us. What was he up to? After some time he simply called Paul over - he had heard the kids call his name. He asked him what we were doing, and Paul told him. Then he shared that he has this major fear in his life, and Paul offered to pray for him. So they did. Then Paul invited him to come on Sunday, and he said he would.

While I was standing on the pick-up truck handing out the bread, my heart was going out to the kids, and I felt the desire to preach to them about the love of God. Instead we just invited them to come tomorrow. But I knew in the future, we won't just bring bread but also share the gospel with them. But it was a good start; the first of many of its kind.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 29, 2007

The night was a little longer, and also felt colder, as several of the Austrians even were cold at 23°C (73°F), me included of course. Though we got up a bit later, hardly anyone was out there waiting to hear us. Enoch brought breakfast again - bread with omelette - and it was 9 am again as we got started. We were gonna do things the same way as yesterday, except that I had no leading to call the blind and deaf this time.

Paul led the time of Bambara praise, singing and dancing, together with the kids. Then I took the mic, and introduced the Austrian who'd give his testimony. He had a powerful testimony people listened to. Then one of my kids should do the second testimony. Fousseni had already given his last night, and when I asked who could give one, to my surprise it was Daouda (white T-shirt) who said he would. He's only been with us for just over 2 weeks.

He took the mic and shared how he was stealing as a way of life, and that he had gone to prison for it, even having stolen from me. He also shared that when he came back to see me, I simply took him back in, instead of condemning him. Then he said that Jesus has changed him and delivered him from stealing. In the end he was even preaching a little bit! As it had been with Fousseni, I felt so much pride that the Lord was giving me such wonderful kids.

After the testimonies, I shared the gospel with the people. There weren't very many, over a hundred, but I was shocked at how much talking was going on, and how distracted they were. However, I did my clear presentation. Then I asked who wanted to follow Jesus. I wondered if anyone would raise their hands, but a few did. I asked them to come forward and many did (see picture). Together we prayed a prayer of commitment.

Then Paul did his presentation on getting rid of idols, and encouraged them to go get them for them to be burned. However, this time nobody brought an idol. And this time the elders and village chief weren't present either. What a difference compared to yesterday!

I had the five teams get in place again, and they stared praying for healing, and for those who'd want to dedicate their lives to Jesus now. We counted about 35 healings, and 13 more salvations. About 35 had responded to the earlier call to give their lives to the Lord.

Even though this mockig spirit seemed to persist, we saw a few remarkable healings. Like this little boy who was born deaf. He started hearing.

Or this old man. He had several problems, and slowly walked up to the prayer team with his cane. After praying, Fousseni simply took his cane away. The old man walked up to us to give a healing testimony, but we didn't even know he had been unable to walk without a cane before. Praise God!

It was just after noon when we were packed and ready to return to Bamako. After an hour and a half we were back home.

Back Home In Bamako

Hama and Sarata were SO HAPPY to see us back. Hama didn't want to let go of me. All 20 of us were eager to take a shower, and so the girls were allowed to use my private bath, while the boys went into the shower starting from the oldest to the youngest - it took a long time! Then we had lunch, before everyone lay down to take a nap. Most slept for 4 hours! I for my part didn't have time to lie down, as I was catching up on work. Like writing the blogs, for example :-), but also doing some accounting and other urgent stuff. We have a big celebration to prepare now - onle three more days!

Paul went to our property in the afternoon to visit the new converts that are going to be baptized on Sunday. He also took new pictures, though little has changed since Monday.

Kossi, our construction manager, called me, asking me to give him a big amount of money tomorrow, so they could finish the roof. I had to tell him I didn't have that kind of money, and so construction would have to be stopped until money was coming in again. Later I decided to withdraw more money and make more debts at the bank, so he could finish the roof, though I don't really like it. I hope the Lord sends some money soon.

There are so many children who need a loving home, who have no place to turn, no future or hope. Oh Lord, provide quickly so those children will be taken care of!

Villages Résumé

The Austrians have been a very good influence on our boys, especially the guys, as our kids really need male role models that they don't really have here. Having fun with the Austrian guys has been good for them.

I'm so proud of my boys, and love them so much. I love watching them, seeing them minister, seeing them excited about the Lord, and about doing His works. It always has an impact on them when we go to the villages.

The two villages we went to were very different, nearly opposites, though both had called us to come. It was awesome to see hundreds healed and saved - we counted a total of 538 healings, and over 500 salvations. There is nothing like a whole village changing allegiance, changing king, and becoming part of the kingdom of light. The people there literally begged us to come back and teach them, saying Dio is too far away to go to on Sundays.

Oh may the Lord multiply our resources, in terms of team members and finances, so we can go bring in the harvest that is just waiting to be brought in!

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 28, 2007

It was tough getting up after the short night. Not everyone had had an air mattress to sleep on, and so a few team members hadn't slept very well. When I opened my eyes at 7 am, I saw people looking at me through the open door of the house. Many had already gathered to hear the gospel and be healed! Enoch had left to get our breakfast, and we all picked ourselves up, packed our stuff up and onto the car, and as Enoch was still not back, and many people waiting to hear us, we gathered in a circle to pray for the meeting and get started.

I already had in mind all we'd do this morning. But while we were praying, I felt I should call specifically the blind and deaf to come forward for prayer, instead of having everyone go to the five groups to get any healing prayer. Just when we were done praying, Enoch showed up, and so we did have breakfast after all - bread with omelettes.

It was about 9 am when we got started. Paul was leading praise, together with the kids, and again the rest of us were dancing, encouraging locals to join us.

After half an hour, I took the mic. One Austrian who has a powerful testimony then gave it, followed by Fousseni, who also gave an awesome testimony. There were a few hundred people gathered, and they listened intently. The village chief and all the elders were there. I then asked who was healed last night, and asked a few to testify. Several came forward and I had to stop any more from coming. They shared about improved eyesight, improved hearing, improved walking, disappeared pain.

Then I made the call for the blind and deaf to come forward. Last night I had told them to bring the most sick people, even the dead, and God would heal them. Many lined up, between 30 and 40, many old. Many of the people had cataracts. Paul and I started praying for them, person after person, and the rest of the team continued praying for them after we had done the initial prayer. We could see the cataracts appear with a few people, and people's hearing improving. Praise God! About 9 people testified to their eyes being healed, and 6 testified that their hearing was healed - we tried counting the raised arms of who had been healed.

Then it was time for me to explain the whole gospel very clearly, from beginning to end. They hadn't even heard it yet! I started with Adam & Eve, us being separated by sin, our deserving death, and the only one who could pay the price, where we deserve spending eternity, and what Jesus made possible. I just LOVE sharing the pure gospel! There is nothing like it!

I then asked who wanted to know that Jesus, to have a relationship, a friendship, with God, to become his child, and serve Him the rest of their lives. EVERYONE raised their hands! In that moment, I could feel the Holy Spirit touch my heart, as I was overwhelmed and moved at the sight of the whole village turning to the Lord, including the village chief. You can't really see the raised arms on the picture very well - by the way, it shows about a third of the circle of people around us.

As I felt the Holy Spirit descend on me, I felt a prophetic unction and prophesied over the village of what they would see the Lord do, since they had corporately turned to him - the land would produce, and they would be blessed by Him. Bamabougou now belonged to the Lord, and all spirits had to leave the village, having no more rights to it. We prayed a prayer of commitment together, and then I handed it over to Paul.

Paul's job was to tell them they could not continue serving the spirits and serve Jesus at the same time, and to encourage them to bring all their idols to burn them. He did a great job speaking very clearly.

Some people went off to get their idols, while our five groups prayed for the sick again. We counted about 180 more people being healed in the five groups, and Paul and I did testimony after testimony again. Like one little girl who had not been able to walk before, but managed a little now. Then we surrounded the straw with the idols and prayed as we lit it and the idols burned. They had no more power over their former owners!

It was already noon as we packed EVERYTHING onto the truck; the back was totally FULL, and still our kids sat down on top of all our luggage. Still, I had to do the trip to Dio and back twice - with my new navi no problem; I simply followed the route it had drawn the first time to find the village a second time.

In Dio, we had lunch together at the pastor's house - his wife had prepared great food. By the time lunch was over, the tiredness started overwhelming me. However, I had some stuff to take care of with the pastor. Finally, I knew I had to lie down a little. I did, but it was hot inside the house, but I did get a little nap in.

At 4:30 the first group go into the car to drive to Magnambougou. I dropped them off, they unloaded, and I went back to Dio to get the rest. From the first minute we could tell things would be very different in Magnambougou. There were no people welcoming us at all, everything was rather deserted, and seemed simply not ready.

We set everything up again, having two rooms inside a former school to sleep in. I lay down a second time for a few minutes, before we gathered to pray. Again, several people were sick, mainly with headaches, including myself, and we prayed for them. Again we walked the grounds praying. Only very slowly few people showed up. At 8 pm we started our Bambara praise again, everyone dancing. After half an hour, we decided to get started. Enoch did the greeting, and then I said a few words before starting the movie. Only few had gathered, maybe 150. We later found out that people had announced themselves so often and not come, that the people of Magnambougou didn't believe any more people would really show up. In addition, the people announcing our visit were known not to be trustworthy.

While the movie was running, I lay back down. I was so tired and exhausted, there was nothing else I could do. And I actually fell asleep. I asked Paul to wake me when Jesus dies, and he did. It was tough getting up. Then the end of the movie wouldn't work (the resurrection), and I had to talk earlier than expected. Again I told them that same Jesus was here tonight, and that He was here to heal people tonight. Again the five groups too their places, and started praying. However, people hesitated a lot, and every time someone testified to having been healed, people laughed, as if they were mocking the Lord. It was sure troubling, but we have encoutered that mocking spirit before.

We counted about 70 healings, and 91 salvations. One other thing that was different was that people didn't go home, but sat back down. It was late - should we preach now? I felt too tired to, but was waking up more and more. I finally decided we'd do two testimonies. One of the Austrians gave his powerful testimony, and then Fousseni gave his again. I asked him to pray a salvation prayer, but he didn't. Instead I encouraged people to come back in the morning when I'd explain what it means to follow Jesus.

Again it was late as we sat down to have dinner. We had much fun together. In fact, I haven't laughed that much in quite some time. I'm really enjoying my brothers and sisters from my home country!

It was a little earlier as we went to bed - just after 1 am. This time, there was no toilet at all, even though we were right next to two homes. We were told people simple go on the field here, and so we had to do the same. At least at night nobody sees you. During the day it was more troubling, as you were wondering whether anyone was hidden in the grass anywhere watching.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 27, 2007

The morning was extremely busy for me, getting everything ready for our trip to the village, and for those who'd stay behind in the house, like our two little kids and their parents. We were 16 people to go to the villages - our 7 Austrian visitors, our 6 teenagers, my 2 team members, and myself. Obviously, that's too many for our pick-up truck, and we also had lots of equipment to take along.

So we rented a public transportation bus to take us to Dio, and then also bring us back - in addition to our own car. They arrived a little late, and all the heat-sensitive equipment was stored insight, while all the mattresses and tents went on the pick-up truck. Our new navigation system was also ready to start drawing how to go to all the villages we'd visit, allowing us to find them again in the future.

An hour and a half later, we arrived in Dio - the central village where we have a pastor. More and more villages from the area come to our pastor asking him to come to their village to do the miracles they've heard are happening in other villages, and to preach the gospel. Enoch keeps telling us to come more often, but we simply don't have the capacity at this time. He's also not meeting the challenge of doing the follow-up in the villages we've already been to.

Hundreds Healed & Saved In Bamabougou

We didn't stay at Enoch's house, since it was already late, but continued straight on to Bamabougou - about 7 km away. Villagers waited for us at the main road to show us the way. As we approached our destination, we already saw hundreds of people gathered, to our greatest surprise. We were told that they had believed we'd come in the morning, and so all those people had been waiting for us all day already. And now it was after 5 pm when we arrived! Some had come from villages as far away as 20 km (13 miles) to "be treated". Some came up and told us that they were told their sicknesses would be treated, and we told them that in fact the best doctor in the world was with us, and we'd treat them during the meeting.

The village chief and all the elders of the village were present, and they presented us with a gift of 8 chickens (see picture). They were so excited we had come! They had been very active inviting people every day since we confirmed we were coming. No wonder so many had turned up.

We set everything up to show the film MATTHEW at night, as well as all the tents and air mattresses, whichever way each person would sleep. We put the sheet up, hanging down from the roof, to watch the film, while the inside of the building was put at our disposal to sleep in. The open space in front of the building was huge, so many people could come and watch and listen.

We managed to set everything up before the sun went down. However, our little generator didn't work for long (that Chinese bad-quality one is gone for good now, after numerous repairs), and one of our two lamps broke. Still, we were able to show the film, without light, using our big generator, and one team member had a special lamp strong enough to give us sufficient light.

We spent some time in prayer before the meeting, praying for several team member who weren't doing well. Firmin was sick throughout our whole time in the villages, and missed much of the ministry. I was also suffering from the fatigue and battling headaches, as well as a few others, but thanks to your prayers I managed well, not missing anything, but doing the work of the Lord. While we prayed, I felt we needed to walk the grounds and take the land for the Lord, and so we did.

Then we put on music, before Paul started leading worship together with the kids. More and more people were gathering, as white and black team members danced to the beat of the drum and Paul's great worship leading. From all directions you could see the torchlight in the dark as people gathered. At 8:30 pm we finally decided to get started. As the local pastor, Enoch greeted them first and introduced us, before I took the mic and said a few introductory words. Then we started the film. About 400 people were gathered. People watched intently the film in their language, watching Jesus heal people, teach, and finally die. Since it's the beginning of winter, it now cools down at night, and people were getting very cold as it cooled down to 23-25° C (about 75°F), and so some left before the end of the film. However, many were still there when I took the mic after the movie. I told them the same Jesus was here with us tonight, and still doing the same works, and He would heal people tonight. I asked our five teams to get in place, and told people to go to those groups to receive healing prayer.

The five groups were busy praying for person after person, while Paul and I were at the mic, doing the testimonies. Person after person came to us to testify they were healed. Many from stomach pains, and back pains, and headaches and malaria. A few were more spectacular, like a tumor that disolved, people's hearing or sight restored, people's walking restored. I don't even remember now what healings happened at what meeting.

After every healing prayer, the teams asked the person whether they wanted to give their lives to the Lord, and most said yes. We tried to count how many people were healed, and how many saved, and tried to keep it as accurate as possible, rather erring by underestimating the numbers. The first night we had the greatest numbers. We counted 238 healings, and 110 salvations - that number is so much smaller because a few groups didn't ask whether they wanted to know Jesus.

We ministered for a long time; it was after midnight when we were done, and sat down to have dinner together. We were excited about all the Lord had done tonight. It was late when we went to bed. The Austrian guys had decided to have some fun, and put a few frogs into the girls' tent. They screamed as they discovered the frogs, and at 2:30 am one more frog was discovered that they had overlooked. Their tent was outside, while the rest of us were sleeping inside, but we could hear them scream - and laugh.

Another nightly "excitement" were the dogs. They were howling all around us. Everyone was already inside, but I needed to go to the bathroom - a hole in the ground with a straw barrier on two sides (see picture). I could hear the dogs barking and they sounded close. Could I dare going? I quickly went. Later, after having fallen asleep, I suddenly heard a dog growling, and it sounded as if it was right at our door. I woke up immediately, as there were other dogs. I asked one of the guys to close the door to the house. He said there were about 5 dogs outside eating the bones of the ducks we had eaten for dinner. In any case, it ended up being a short night - 4 hours for me.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 26, 2007

This morning everyone got up early, since we had a tight schedule to follow; mainly because of the restrictions with when the car is available. Everyone went to the property to do some physical work, getting the place ready where we're gonna have the service on Sunday. They shoveled stones and sand to make the ground flat, and lifted stones to remove them from where benches will be.

After an hour of physical work, they started making their way to the market to invite people to our celebration. Within a few minutes all the invitations and pens were gone! Whether they know how to read and write or not, they all wanted them!

Everyone was tired as they came back home, so the break after lunch was very welcome. I forced the teenagers to lie down and sleep as well, and they sure needed it. We all did.

Sightseeing In Bamako

At 4 o'clock all 7 Austrians and Firmin got into the car to go downtown for sightseeing. First we went to the university campus to go up to the last floor of the student hostel, from where you have a great view of Bamako. I always take people there! Emma lived there the first two years of his studies.

However, to my greatest surprise, we were stopped and kept from going up. At first, they handed us visitor badges, but then another guy came, took the badges away, and told us to leave. We should go get a permit from the director before going up the stairs! I was shocked, and told them so. What great hospitality!

From there we went downtown where we parked the car and started walking into the densely populated streets, filled with market stands and people. It was already late afternoon, and shops were closing, and fewer people were on the streets. However, the Austrians said they were glad, because there were still overwhelmed by the number of people and all that's going on on the streets. They bought some stuff, like fabric, as you can see on the picture.

The sun was going down fast, and we did not make it to where all the artists are. It's also safer not to walk around at night, and so we turned around, walking back to the car. We then drove to a restaurant, where we had much fun having dinner together. One of the Austrians was curious and ordered frog legs - not everyone was ready to taste them (me included). Leaving the restaurant, we quickly stopped by the supermarket, where they were happy to buy some stuff. We were back home in time for our family meeting at 9 pm.

Once again, I'm extremely tired. In fact, I'm worried about the degree of the exhaustion, especially since we're going to the village tomorrow. Hopefully I'll get enough sleep tonight. In the morning I'll be busy getting ready for the village, and we leave after lunch. Please pray for us these next three days! I will give you a report when we come back on Thursday.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 25, 2007

Two of the Austrians did a little teaching each, that I translated, before it was time to go to Yirimadio to go door-to-door. We were 21 people that crammed into the car, and on the back. Several of them had to stand in the back, because they couldn't all sit down.

Then it was time for the Austrian team to see the property for the first time. We walked around, and it was the first time I saw that they have begun building the roof. What they do is putting up wooden beams all around that carry the roof, until it's built and dried.

I believe the Austrians liked it. Then the five teams went off into the five directions to invite people, pray for the sick or other stuff, and share the gospel. We had good reports back again - more people getting saved and healed. I'm curious how many people we're going to baptize next week. If we double last year's number, which has been my prayer, to double it every year, there should be 14 people. That's realistic.

After an hour of door-to-door, everyone came back home, where the kids washed all the floors before it was already time for our 1 hour of individual devotions with the Lord instead of lunch, as we do every Sunday.

Last Sunday Service

At 4 pm we started our last service in our current location. On Wednesday it's exactly 3 years that we started our church Centre Apostolique Malien, so our last service here is the Sunday before, and our first service on the property the first Sunday after.

While this is a joyous occasion, I couldn't help it but also have some nostalgic feelings of having to say good-bye to the last three years in this location. I reflected a little bit on those years, and shared a few thoughts about extending your tent, transitioning from one season to the next, moving forward and into greater things. I prayed the last prayer at the end of the service, thanking God for everything He's done in this place, and thanking Him for what's ahead.

But let's start from the beginning. The Austrians all introduced themselves and said why they've come. One of them gave a great testimony, and the three girls did a dance (see right). Then one of the Austrians preached - in German, I interpreted into French, and Paul into Bambara. He had a great testimony of being an alcoholic and living on the streets, and how the love of Christians made all the difference in his life, bringing him to the Lord. He shared on Ephesians 3.

The service was a little longer than usual. Emma had come again, after not having seen him in three weeks, and he wanted to talk with me, so we sat down for quite some time talking. He's leaving town tomorrow for a month - that's too bad. He's taken some good steps, but hasn't gone all the way in what he knows he needs to do.

Other people wanted to talk to me also, so I ran around getting different things for people, and answering different questions. By then the tiredness and exhaustion started to overwhelm me - the headache was already there, and I knew I needed to lie down now. So I went into the house to go lie down. As soon as I stepped inside, several kids bombarded me, then one of the Austrians. ALl I could do was to put my hands on my ears to block out the shouts of "Hawa" from all sides, and I nearly ran to my room, being pursued by the kids. I closed the door, locked it, and two hands hammered on the door shouting my name. Then somebody called me on SKYPE from the living room (they know not to do that), and it rang and rang, and I quickly turned off the sound on the computer. Then somebody called my name from the window. I thought this was a nightmare. I threw myself on my bed, in the dark. I lay there as a stone, unable to move. My head didn't lie comfortably but moving it seemed to need more strength than I had. The weird thing was that my mind was very much awake, and I could not fall asleep - as had been the situation earlier in the day when I could have taken a nap but was unable to. Instead of sleeping, I was thinking through how to do things tomorrow, how to organize things, since there are hundreds of things to think through - repairs to make, stuff to buy, things to coordinate, how to have the car in 3 locations at the same time, who to do what, etc. etc. Now it was night, and I saw time passing as I lay there unable to move. I saw the time for our family meeting approaching, and I knew I had no choice but to get up soon and do my duties.

So after an hour I got up, but it was tough. I dragged myself outside to discuss Monday with everyone, talk about today, and bless the kids before they go to bed. Again demands were put on me, and a few times I was close to tears as I felt I simply couldn't do one more things. I let people know I needed to go to bed. Still, it was 11:30 pm before I could finally turn off the lights. And 5 minutes later another knock was on the door. Sigh.

By the way, I didn't write all this tonight, but Monday morning.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 24, 2007

I lay down for one hour before the alarm woke me up just after 2 am. I called the airport and was told the plane is on time. So I woke up Paul and Vroni, and we drove to the airport.

When we got there, the first few people were slowly coming out. We had to wait another half hour or so before the 6 Austrians came with ALL their bags. We packed everything onto the car, and then three guys plus Paul sat down ON the suitcases in the back, while the rest got INTO the car. The car was heavy with 9 people and lots of suitcases, as we made our way home.

Back home they started unpacking and settling in, and so it took a while before we were finally able to go to bed. For me it was about 5:30 am when I went to bed - normally I'm praying by that time!

Three hours later it was time to get up again and get ready for the weekly street kid program. The new arrivals were still sleeping, but soon started getting up at 10 am was approaching, the time to start the program. I was getting all my visuals for my lesson together, and we were running about half an hour late, when we finally got together to pray for the program. I took attendance as always, and then we started the game. The Austrians had brought water bombs with them, and the kids enjoyed throwing those; Saloum was the one who won the game.

We then spent some time praising God before we started the teaching. It was a great lesson presenting the gospel. Many gave their lives to the Lord, and then we told them that the Austrians would pray for everyone who wanted to receive prayer. I encouraged my kids to get prayer.

Then it was time to eat. We got two platters for the "white people", who were thrown right into Malian culture, as they were challenged to eat with their fingers. Only one was overwhelmed and decided to fast.

The afternoon was spent getting some rest. After the kids program, the tiredness started coming out and really getting me. However, I had work to do and ended up not sleeping very much. I set my alarm in time for the prayer meeting, but it took me a long time to be able to function as the exhaustion was heavy on me.

A few minutes before the prayer meeting, we did a team meeting where I passed on some information to the Austrians regarding house rules and the program ahead. Then it was time for our weekly prayer meeting.

I started leading French praise & worship, and there was much joy in the house. Sometimes I would translate stuff into German so our visitors could follow what was happening. As always, I had no agenda and didn't know what God would do. And He surprised us again.

Some time into praise we went into a time of thanksgiving to God. From there we sang a song called IT'S TIME (meaning for our country, for God to move), and that unexpectedly led us into a time of intercession. My heart was hurting for Mali, and so I knelt down, and soon prostrated myself as my heart was breaking for my country and I started sobbing for the people of Mali. I repented on behalf of God's people in our country and asked for God's forgiveness and mercy. This picture must have been taken around that time - you can see me next to the piano on the floor, and Paul on my right (orange).

I wasn't the only one whose heart was breaking, and several people interceded for our nation. Firmin later shared that he received a picture during that time. He saw a map of Mali, and a big black point in the middle that had our church name on it. Then he saw little black points all over the map, including the desert, and all those points were connected to each other and to the big point with our name. Praise God! It is our vision to plant churches all over the country!

There is such an awakening happening in the region of Dio, where our pastor is, and we could bring a village to Christ every day - if we had the people and the money. May the Lord multiply us in every way!

We went on into a time of intimate worship which was precious before time was up.

Then we all had dinner together, followed by our family meeting. Hama and Sarata have been enjoying the presence of our visitors, as they are being spoiled by them.

Slowly, everyone started going to bed, and once again, I'm the last one up, writing this report, while fighting my own tiredness. It's after midnight and I can't wait to get some rest. Please pray for me and for all of us.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 23, 2007

Today I slept so well, I could have slept really long and get much needed rest, but my alarm clock was unmerciful. However, we didn't do school today. Instead Vroni and myself drove downdown to the immigration office - she for her 2-month visa, and I for my visa for another year. We deposited everything, and then stopped at the supermarket to get juice for our celebration, and some other stuff. I then finally went nextdoors to a cellphone and internet provider - I had wanted to do that for many weeks, but had not had a chance. I got all the information I was looking for. They will install us highspeed internet on the property, and we will get a couple of cellphones where I can control how much credit is allocated to who.

Back home, it was time for our daily time of worship and Bible lesson. I'm doing a healing school with them right now. After the lesson, I was looking forward to my salad. It takes me half an hour to make, but I love it. I was pretty tired and glad when I was done. After three days of fasting, the salad was wonderful. The kids were happy to eat again as well.

After my salad, I would have liked to lie down, but there was no time for that today - something I'm paying for now that it's night. It was time to clean the house properly. And our carpenter Caleb was expected to come at 4 pm to install another bunkbed for the Austrians. The kids removed all the furniture - something I hadn't asked for - but it inspired me to rethink the arrangement of the furniture. And so, I changed everything, rearranging the whole living room, making room for the bunk bed plus a simple bed, and it looks great! In fact it's much better. All the kids helped with cleaning and lifting and placing. I love arranging furniture, and was happy with the outcome. Caleb came as well and installed the bed, and then it was already time for Bible school.

I was pretty exhausted by then. Tired, my feet hurting, and now I should sit nearly 4 hours in front of a TV watching different preachers teach? Plus, different demands came from different sides. I hadn't even printed out the notes for Bible School, hadn't checked my emails since the morning - since it's the 4th day without our highspeed connection, I have to connect via phone which is expensive and EXTREMELY slow - had so much more to do. So I skipped the first video session to do a couple of those things, including writing this blog.

Now it's after 7 pm, the second session is going, and I'm not sure how to stay awake. Not a good start for 10 days of intense ministry! Bible school goes until 9 pm, then we'll have our family meeting, and we were gonna lie down until 2 am when we have to get up to go to the airport and pick up the team. They'll probably arrive at 3 am or so, if they have only a little delay. Right now I'm not sure I'll have time to lie down, but I should. It's gonna be a long day tomorrow.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 22, 2007

Picture: Claudia with Hama

Today is the last day of our 3-week fast. Last Sunday I preached on fasting, and encouraged everyone to fast on water only today. I liberated my kids from school, and we have a different schedule today.

They were allowed to sleep an hour longer (get up at 7 instead of 6), and then spent an hour with the Lord. Then we had our corporate time of worship, and Paul did the teaching. After that, we all packed into our car to go to our property. Hama wanted to come along as well, so I took him.

I met with our construction manager Kossi to discuss things, while adults and kids went off to go door-to-door for one hour, inviting people to our celebration and praying for them. Three people gave their lives to the Lord, and a few were healed. One lady was blind. When she heard that Paul wanted to pray for her to see, she said that her brother has to be there when she receives her sight, so Paul should come back later and open her eyes when he's there. What faith!

Some new pictures that show the progress of construction:

Hama and Kossi in the living room.

They're getting ready to put the roof up.

Our first house on the left, the foundation of my house on the right. The square hole is for the sceptic tank.

Coming back from the property, the kids lay down and slept for 2 hours. Normally you can't make those teenagers lie down during the day, but they willingly did - and I had to wake them up after two hours. Then they listened to last Sunday's sermon on God's acceptable fast (Isa 58), which took an hour. In the meantime I myself took a much-needed nap. In the evening, they spent half an hour alone with the Lord, before we did a one-hour soaking session. We ALL lay down in the living room with soft worship music to seek His face. Two kids had God speak to them, and Paul and Firmin as well.

End of Fast Prayer Meeting

After the soaking session we got ready for our prayer meeting that would close out the 3 weeks of fasting - from 9 pm until midnight. By then I was rather tired and a little weak, and Vroni wasn't doing well at all. I prayed for her, but it was only after we took communion that she felt better and by the end she was pretty much fine.

We started with Bambara praise, and adults and kids danced like crazy. It was so much fun! I enjoyed watching them dance with so much joy. Then I started leading French worship, and we went deeper into God - at least those who cared to. We sang about God's bread, and I felt God tell me to have communion. It's been far too long! So we bought bread, and had communion together. It was precious.

Two hours into the prayer meeting I started losing my voice, and my fingers were heavy on the piano. So I finally had to stop, and I put on an instrumental CD joining the others on the ground. After some time I got up, and started silently praying for one after the other, praying for God's power to come down and fill them and equip them for the ministry in the village.

All week and especially all day I had been agonizing over Solomani, and so I decided to lay my hand on him also and see whether God would speak anything. I just kept agonizing but didn't get any answers. Every time I'd pray this week, and consider all kinds of different things people have said and God's word says, I would however always come back to the only conclusion that he has to leave. I sure tried NOT coming to that conclusion.

Finally everyone got up and I asked them what God had shown them or told them, and different people shared. I was encouraged to hear Saloum and Fousseni share - the two are the furthest along spiritually.

It was midnight and everyone was excited to break the fast with watermelon. I was looking forward to going to bed, but it was after 1 am when I finally could.

We had said we'd wait to the end of the fast to make the final decision, so I talked first to Vroni, and then to Paul. We were all in agreement that he has to leave, and yet, all our hearts were breaking and didn't really want to do it. I was dreading telling him the following morning.

And then suddenly the Lord showed us what to do. Suddenly Paul remembered that in July we had talked to him about helping him get back to his family in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, which is what he'd like. Of course! That's the solution! We'll help him get to Abidjan and return to his family. That way he won't be back on the street but taken care of. The difficulty is that he doesn't have any papers and needs to cross the border. He can't fly there without a passport. And we can't drive him there, especially not through rebel territory, since Abidjan is on the coast, and we'd have to cross all of Ivory Coast. We could drive him to the border maybe, have him cross the green border and then take a bus on the other side. We'll have to do some research to find out how to do it. Please pray for this situation.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 20, 2007

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 19, 2007

Some time in spring I started praying seriously for God to send us a Western-trained doctor, as one thing after the other went wrong with the local doctors, and it hasn't stopped to this day, Hama being the latest example. Since Hama I was particularly desperate again.

They have been changing his bandage every two day, but since the bandage dries with the wound, they would reopen the wound every time, which hurts of course, plus it can never heal. I talked to an American doctor on skype who recommended using a special bandage that doesn't stick, while our American doctor in Guinea said not to have a bandage at all. In any case, I was desperate to know what to do.

This morning I bought the bandage that doesn't stick, and gave it to Seybou to take with him to the medical center, so they can put that on instead of the normal bandages. They refused!!! Instead they put on the dry ones again! I was so angry! Unfortunately that's the way things are in Mali - you don't question a doctor, and you're not told what's going on, and you certainly can't make any suggestions or have them do what you want. Ahh! It was the same with the dentist. My Austrian dentist gave me local anaesthesia to take with me, since they are so brutal here, and the local dentists simply refused to give it!!!

So there Hama was, the dry bandage back on, and I at a loss of knowing what to do. Then there was somebody at a gate. Vroni went to answer it, since I was teaching the kids. She came back saying it was a Christian lady who said she was a nurse. I'm weary of people looking for jobs with us every day, so I was not excited to have to go talk with her. Especially since I had only slept 4 hours last night, and was extremely tired, only wanting to lie down and sleep. I even had a headache because of the lack of sleep.

I finished Bible class and went outside. It was a Nigerian lady who doesn't speak any French or Bambara. She is a registered nurse in the US, having gone to school in Columbia, Missouri. She lives just around the corner, and somebody told her about us. She came to see if she can help in any way.

I told her she sure could!! I told her about Hama, and she gave them same advice, not to put any bandage on, but ointments only. She came inside and looked at Hama. Just then Solomani came in with an injury on his foot - he regularly hurts himself. He poured his blood all over, and I asked the lady - Jessica - if she could take care of it, and she did. I told her about our "medical box", and she looked at it, bringing order into it. She told us what to do with Hama, and volunteered to go to the pharmacy to buy the stuff.

She left and came back a few hours later to go to the pharmacy. Vroni went with her, and when she came back, she took Hama's bandage off. It had been 5 hours, and the bandage had already started to dry with the wound. Hama cried like crazy, but it was okay, I was there with him. Then she put the ointment on. Hama was relieved when it was over.

Just then Abdias told me he was hot all over and not feeling well. I measured his temperature, and it was very high. Jessica asked his symptoms, and it looked like malaria. She told us what would be a good malaria medication to buy, and we did. Abdias took it and lay down.

Isn't this amazing? Does this sound like God sent her? I can't believe all these "coincidences"! Jessica is single, not working because she can't get a job without speaking French or Bambara. She's been in Mali since the beginning of the year, and is in her rented room most of the time. She attends a local charismatic church, but is not very involved. She said she spends much time studying the Bible.

I don't want to rejoice too early, but be careful, but it sure looks like the Lord sent her. I need to get to know her better, and find a few more answers. If she's okay in every way, I could easily see her move with us. Thank You, Lord!

Today the electrician put in the wires, and tomorrow they are pouring the concrete floors. They are starting the roof by the end of this week.

Kossi came over today to pick up more money. I gave him all I had left, and should even have more to give him than that. I told him we had nothing left to live on, but according to the accounts this money was for construction not for food. Our situation is really precarious right now. May God intervene soon!

Today our Christian carpenter came over to get the bunk bed from the roof down, only to discover there was no bunkbed. We had all forgotten this it was ALREADY downstairs. We don't have another one, which is a problem. We need it for the Austrians, plus for Daouda and our pastor from the village. Caleb said he could make another one before Friday, when the Austrians arrive, but I had to tell him that we had no money for that at all right now. Help us, Lord!

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 18, 2007

This morning I sent them all to Yirimadio to go door-to-door for an hour, praying for the sick, and inviting them to our celebration in two weeks. They had a good time again.

You can also see some progress, when you look at the house. The preparations for the roof are nearly done, and Kossi wants to get started on that tomorrow. However, he does need more money and said he'd come buy to pick it up. The only problem is that I have little money to give him. Our financial situation is pretty desperate right now.

I had quite a difficult day today, being very tired as well. In fact by the time the service started I was so tired I had to put sunglasses on because the light was hurting my tired eyes. That was a first.

I preached on fasting the biblical way, focusing on Isaiah 58 most of the time. This past week I had been troubled by the way kids and adults were going about it, so I believe today's sermon helped them. I don't know if the kids were listening, the adults found it helpful. I challenged the whole church to fast for 24 hours drinking only water on Thursday, and then come Thu night at 9 pm to pray until midnight. I challenged them to do the fast the biblical way, which means sharing your food and clothes, setting people free, being hospitable to strangers. It also means no sad face, no fighting, no injustice. Wouldn't it be great if the kids achieved that! And God's promises are so great and wonderful if we fast His way! Awesome!

Before the service I thought it would be a short sermon today, but I still preached nearly an hour. Though I was weak, He came and had me speak His words. Thank You, Lord!

The kids must have given their common sense, their spirits, a day off today. We were all puzzled by their weird behavior. They fell back into their old ways today.

I greatly appreciate Vroni's input in our community. In some ways she has a fresh outlook, having just come in, and can be more objective at times. She's been watching the kids when we pray and worship, and gave me some feedback tonight. Though the three days aren't over yet, she also shared her impressions concerning Solomani. She's sensed from the beginning that he doesn't know the Lord, and has seen the scorn, even disdain in him, even when we pray and worship. Every time he looks at me or speaks to me, I feel that disdain coming from him. It actually sickens me now to have him look at me. I'm glad we are all in agreement, that we have no choice but to send him away. We'd better pray though that he won't seek vengeance and turn around to hurt us. In any case, we're gonna talk tomorrow night about this.

Daouda enjoyed his first day with us as part of the family. As for Hama, I was concerned today since his penis was swollen (reminder: he was circumcised last Tuesday). However, talking to an American doctor on skype tonight I was relieved that that doesn't have to be a bad sign. The only problem is that they put bandages on the wound that then dry with the wound, and when you take them off, you rip the wound open again. Tomorrow he needs to go there again to have the bandages changed.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 16, 2007

We were just having our daily Bible class, when the guy from the electricity & water department came to drop off our monthly bill. Usually he doesn't come in, but today he did. He came in to tell us something was wrong, because our bill was nearly double the normal. He told us that there must be a leak somewhere that we are not aware of where water is running out, and so we're paying a fortune for this last bill. I was shocked when I saw the amount - over $500.

My first reaction was that we need to move to the property after all. We don't have any money for daily expenses left, so how would I pay that bill, plus $500 for rent, plus plus plus....

On the upside, there is no current leak anywhere. It must have been the one we just repaired. Who knows how long water was leaking underground before we saw it above ground.

As I was still dealing with this new shock, I was told that Fousseni had just broken the shower and water was gushing out. We had to turn it off and call the plumber once again to have it repaired. We constantly repair stuff.

Remember that we had wanted to send Solomani away in July, but gave him another chance (again). Four months have passed since, and nothing has changed. Our concerns have grown again, as we are shocked at Solomani's words, his behavior, his defiance, and that he's obviously still not a child of God. He's now been with us for a year, and has learned well to adapt to our "culture", to act the way it's expected, but there is nothing behind it. I feel like he's a time bomb that will go off at one point, and that we are out of any more options, having given him chance after chance. He's like a wolf in sheep's clothes who is having a bad influence on the others.

We talked about him tonight, and agreed that there is nothing more to do. However, someone suggested we'd take three days to pray and seek God, before making the final decision. That would be Monday night.

Daouda has now been sleeping here for one week. He faithfully comes each night, and leaves in the morning. We also talked about him and decided to give him another chance. Paul had talked to him and he said that the prison was a traumatic experience for Daouda that taught him a lot - the beatings, no food. He realized how good life was with us, but it took him two months to gather his courage and come back to us.

Tomorrow we'll anounce to him that he can stay. But if he steals once, he's gone again. He seems to genuinely want to be free, and so I hope that some TPM sessions will help him get rid of this problem.

Once again it's far too late as I go to bed.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 14, 2007

All the walls around are done, and the concrete floor inside is next, as well as the roof. The roof is very costly, and Kossi said the money we have is not sufficient to have it done.

The picture is great, isn't it? Firmin climbed to the top of the water tower to take it. And from the other side:

When Firmin went to pay the rent for November, he was asked whether we're really moving now. He also found out that there is no one to move in after us, and the guy gave him his phone number.

As I was thinking of our move in 3 weeks and praying, I was thinking of the possibility of NOT moving yet. Especially when Kossi told us even if the money was there we could move before Dec 20. Finally I made the decision for us to stay in our current house. It pains me to spend all this money for rent and utilities, when I'd rather put it into the building, but I guess it's just common sense not to move without the house being built.

Now we will have a peaceful advent and Christmas in a nice place. And if the miracle happens and the money comes now, we can celebrate Christmas in our new home. If not, we're moving after I get back from the US end of January.

Today Paul met with the guy at our mechanic's to look at the damage and see how much it will cost. Our mechanic repaired it for little money, and then they all went elsewhere to have it painted. The paint is what is really expensive. Then a miracle happen: the guy there told Paul he would pay for it. He didn't know Paul, he simply said he'd take care of it. Wow! How can that be? How does he have the money? Why is he doing that? I call that the favor of God! So all in all, this accident cost us just $10. Praise God!

This afternoon everyone went out in three teams going door-to-door around our property to invite people to our big celebration in 2+ weeks. Only one team found two sick people to pray for. They were husband and wife and had been sick for over 10 years. When they prayed for them, they both felt better. Praise God!

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 13, 2007

This morning Seybou, Fanta and Hama got in the car with me, in addition to the usual 4 kids we drive to school. We drove them to school and dropped them off before continuing on downtown where the medical center is. We were there by 8:15 am, and there were lots of people. It's a government run center - so it's affordable though you have to wait long for your turn.

We paid the medical exams and went in to stand in line. Seybou took Hama to go see the eye doctor, while I waited with Fanta for her to have her blood sample taken. Because of Hama being a child, he could go in right away, and so Seybou was back with him in no time at all. He had a prescription to treat his eye infection.

In February it was discovered that Hama needed to be circoncised for medical reasons, and to this day that hadn't been done. So I took advantage of being there with him. The lady at the reception had been very helpful before, and again she helped us. She called the doctor who'd do that, and it took another hour or so of talking with him and leaving to buy the materials for the circumcision before it was time.

In the meantime, it wasn't even 9 am when they said they won't take any more blood samples today. Fanta didn't get in. The lady at the reception told us to come back tomorrow morning at 6 am. Great! We went on to the next thing on the list which was the ultrasound. Her paper was deposited and we joined the crowd of waiting women. From time to time the doctor would come out to call women or to see if they were there or to take papers, and I was shocked at the way he treated the women. You could see easily how little worth women have in Mali. When he saw me, he asked if I was here for the ultrasound, and I told him I was with Fanta. He would surely have called me up next, bypassing everybody else, just because I'm white.

While I was waiting with Fanta, Seybou finally came saying that everything was ready for Hama. Hama had already been very quiet all morning. I walked into the room, where Hama was already lying on the bed, looking somewhat scared, not knowing what was going on. Seybou said he didn't want to be present at the procedure. While I faint when I see blood, I wanted to be there for Hama and comfort him.

So I stood by the bed, and held his good right hand, while putting my other hand on his hand. I spoke words of comfort to him, while the 2 doctors got ready. I felt some discomfort, fearing I might faint at some point, but prayed that the Lord would strengthen me for Hama's sake, and he did. The discomfort left and I never had a problem, even when looking at all the blood.

The procedure took a full 30 minutes. At one point they said there was a little problem. I asked five times what problem, but they simply didn't answer. In Mali people don't ask questions from their doctors, and they never tell their patients anything, so I guess they weren't used to hearing a question. In any case, they never answered me, and that bothered me.

Poor Hama was screaming and crying, and kept asking whether it was over when they let go for a second. For half an hour all I kept hearing was, is it over? I told him, soon, and then we'd go home. He also called out my name many times. I told him I was here, and Jesus was here, and He was taking his pain. I told him he was doing great. My head was on his face for much of the time, comforting him, whispering to him, while he was crying in pain. I was holding his good right hand with my hand, and it took a lot of strength to hold him down. I wouldn't let go of his hand - so he couldn't interfere with the procedure - and I had to hold his torso down. My arm and hand hurt very badly now, and I wonder whether I'd be able to write using a pen right now.

My heart was overflowing with compassion for Hama, but I know that my being there made a big difference for him. When they were FINALLY done, he fell into my arms and held on tight. They gave us a prescription for him, and told us to come back the day after tomorrow.

Hama was traumatized, and I wonder how he'll react on Thursday when we go back there. I was gonna let Seybou go with him, but I think it would be better for me to go. Though it would mean another morning of not teaching my adults. I wished there were several Hawas (my Malian name).

Fanta was still waiting for the ultrasound, and so we went there to join her. Hama didn't understand why we weren't going home and started to cry. I told him we still needed to wait for Fanta. He calmed down, but every couple of minutes he started crying again. He just wanted home and not stay in this place. At one point Fanta came up to him and said some mean words to him, which made him cry even more. I tried telling her to go easy on him, after what he's been through. I finally decided to take him home. I would have wanted to be with Fanta at her first exam, to ask the questions and make sure everything is okay, but Hama had priority. We left Fanta there and drove home. Seybou then turned around to go back to the clinic.

Hama was pretty exhausted, and I made an exception of letting him sleep in my own room, so he could have some quiet. I put up a mattress, and it took a while until he fell asleep. Right now he is finally sleeping. And I'm still waiting for Seybou & Fanta to come back. Who knows how many hours she's gonna wait there!

Fanta finally did come home. She brought the ultrasound. She's 9 weeks pregnant, and everything is okay. She got a little picture - if my scanner hadn't broken down, I'd scan it in so you can see it too. Tonight we finally had an opportunity to pray for the little one, laying hands on her belly.

I made an exception for Hama, and allowed him to lie down in my room. I put up a mattress and encouraged him to sleep. He didn't sleep for long. When I stepped out of the room for a few minutes he woke up and starting crying, calling for me.

It was time for lunch, and since he was awake, he joined the others. After lunch, I left him with the kids to watch them play computer games, while I lay down myself for a little while.

I didn't sleep for long. Since I hadn't taught the kids in the morning, I wanted to at least catch up half our classes, so we did the biology class in the afternoon. When we were done, I realized there was little time left until Bible school. Not enough to take a shower, since I still hadn't printed out the handouts. I barely made it in time.

When we started the first video, Hama was sitting on my lap and soon fell asleep. I finally put him down, and he slept until the end of Bible School, nearly 4 hours. I had a hard time staying awake to the end myself. And I finally decided to quit my fast early - I've done 14 days.

We had our family meeting, prayed for the kids, and then Hama got his dinner. He hardly ever eats, you always have to push him to eat something. After eating, it was time for his medication - 2 different ones for his eye infection, and 3 sirups to swallow. In the past, it would be a disaster forcing it down his throat, but today it worked just fine. I had some help from Firmin.

We decided to have Hama sleep in the house with us tonight, to be sure he doesn't get in the dirt and infect his wound. We tried that half a year or so ago, but it didn't work. What would it be like tonight? We have one more free bed in the boys' room, so I put up a mattress, while Firmin washed him and brushed his teeth (the latter his parents never do). We put him down and told him, he had to stay there and sleep. That was 2 hours ago, and so far it's been quiet from him, praise God!

While we were all very tired, we spent some more time talking. Enoch was here too, but was tired as well. Daouda also came back tonight and is sleeping outside. So we have a full house!

Moving in 20 Days?

One thing we talked about was our move - 20 more days. Firmin came back from the agency the other day telling us they asked if we are really gonna move out this time (we've postponed it twice). They said they don't have anyone to move in after us yet. So it seems like we could stay longer in this house.

None of us wants that, but it seems to be common sense to stay here rather than live in the garden there. For many reasons it would be smarter. But it would mean more rent to pay etc. - money I'd rather put into the construction. In any case, it would allow us to have a few nice weeks of advent and Christmas in our current nice house, rather than being homeless. Right now, no money is in sight, so who knows if we can really move Dec 20.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 12, 2007

I had some driving around to do today, and one was to go with Fanta to the medical center that I was told had a good reputation for pregnancy care. Paul, Seybou and Hama were also with me. Paul because he knew where it was, Seybou because he'll be driving her in the future, and Hama because he has had an eye infection or something and needed to be looked at.

We found this medical center, but the name I was told wasn't written over the gate. I wasn't sure if that was it, stopped, hesitated whether to park or not, backed up - and hit a car that was pulling out behind me. I had not seen it at all and didn't even feel me touching it. The corner of my pick-up had hit his side door. Paul had already been irritated before, but now his irritation grew. Strangely enough, I was neither upset nor worried or anything. I just had perfect peace.

I got out of the car, expecting to have a furious Malian in front of me who'd be shouting like crazy and drawing a crowd. To my amazement, it looks like the Lord had everything in His hands, sending the "right" person. It was an educated man who was totally calm. He just asked what to do now. I simply matter of fact told him to have it repaired and give me the bill, and I'll pay it. He gave me his phone number, and I got his. He saw my Malian name on my card, and asked whether I was from a certain city. I told him close-by there, from the village where I was given my name, and asked if he knew it. He asked if we were an NGO, and I told him we're working with street children. He liked that.

A crowd had gathered anyway, but the guy drove off, and we parked the car after verifying we had indeed found the right place. Paul and Seybou had a good point when they said the guy would take advantage of us, and we should be the ones taking care of the repair. So Paul called him later, and the man told him that he doesn't even know yet whether he'll have it repaired. Even though it was a fist-sized visible dent! Believe me, that's a miracle! I pray he'll decide to just leave it.

As for Fanta, she received a little booklet and only had her tension measured. They told us to come back in the morning, when they'd do more exams. So I won't be able to teach tomorrow, and she won't be able to go to the market or do the cooking. That's inconvenient, but I'm glad she gets good care. Hama has to come back tomorrow too, since the eye doctor wasn't there either this afternoon.

Construction Progress

We also went to the property today to see the progress. Amazing that one week ago there weren't any walls, and today all the walls are up. Look at these exciting pictures yourself.

Back side:

Front:

Living room and three of the children in their room:

What shocked me was how little it is; in my mind it was gonna be much bigger.

Fanta and Elisabeth had also come along. Fanta hadn't seen it since the beginning of construction, and Elisabeth not ever. They were excited! Elisabeth loved it, and for the first time I heard their agreement that they'll move with us. However, she said that her husband would keep the current house and spend part of his time there. So far Paul had always been convinced that his Dad would never move with us. So that's progress. In fact, this first house we are moving into will be shared by Elisabeth's family and Seybou & Fanta's family, once everything else is built

Now some facts. Our head of construction Kossi was there, and I asked him some questions. One was: If we had all the money we still need to finish the house right now, how long would they still need; when could we move? Answer: December 20. That means, even if the money is provided, it's later than our move, which means we'll be living in the garden for sure, which is what I've been preparing for in my mind already. I guess we now need to pray for a Christmas miracle, so we'll have a roof over our heads for Christmas. That would be nice. What an adventure!

Daouda

Daouda spent the night, and left in the morning. He came back at noon, but we told him he can't be with us during the day. He was welcome to come back at night, though. So he did. He had dinner with us, and slept outside on a mattress again. I guess he's serious about wanting to be back with us. I need to have God's wisdom to know what to do.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 11, 2007

Today I was invited to preach at another church in Bamako. In fact, it was my first time preaching elsewhere. Back in February, our Bible School student Hyacinthe became the assistant pastor of that church, and introduced me to the pastor and her husband. Yes, that was the unique thing: a woman pastor!

The pastor thought she was the only woman pastor in Mali, and I thought the same. She was overjoyed to find out there was another one. When the Americans came over, they were invited to come and preach, and so we all went there (in May). Since then, Hyacinthe has been inviting me to come preach there, but the time wasn't right.

Coming back from England, I felt I'd say yes if I was asked now. This past week it even crossed my mind to preach there this Sunday. To my amazement God orchestrated things in a way that Friday night I was invited to come preach on Sunday. I contemplated it for a while and agreed. I just knew God wanted me to do it. I thought it was funny because I had just asked Paul whether he had anything to preach in our church since I had nothing, and he immediately said yes. I thought I'd get some rest this weekend, but I guess it wasn't meant to be.

On the contrary, I lost my precious day with the Lord all Sunday until the service at 4 pm. But it was worth it! I got up at 5 am, and we left the house just after 9 to go there.

Last night only 2 of the kids wanted to come along, but this morning the others wanted to as well. However, it was too late. So Abdias and Souleymane accompanied myself, Paul and Veronika.

I knew what the Lord wanted me to share with them and had printed out a few verses. Other than that, I don't have any notes. I used to be a perfectionist, and I would know every sentence of my sermon. Over time the Lord taught me to rely on Him more and more. Now He just wants me to trust Him, and hand it over to Him, and let Him orchestrate my words and speak through me. Going to a new church, that could be scary, but I put all my trust in Him, and I knew He'd come through as always.

During praise & worship and the program leading up to me coming to preach, I got more and more tired. How would I do it? I yielded to the Lord and asked Him to take over.

Finally it was my turn. Paul was interpreting for me again. For an hour or so I shared my heart and God's word, talking about hunger for Him, about His glory, about seeking Him and not letting go, about not being satisfied with what we have but going higher. I'm so thankful how the Lord is always faithful, and once again I was excited to see Him pour forth the message through me.

In the beginning of the meeting the Lord showed me what He wanted to do in the end, and so I did exactly as I had seen. However, the result wasn't the same. The people just didn't seem to care too much about having more of Him. It was a shame.

Picture from left: Paul, pastor, Hyacinthe, myself, pastor's husband.

I then offered to pray for people, and the pastor's husband was the first one up. During my whole sermon he was the keenest listener, and he afterwards told me how much he's been blessed and encouraged and stirred up. The Lord touched him as we prayed, and gave me some prophetic insight I prayed over him. His wife - the pastor - didn't come up for prayer. I ended up praying for many children, which was a great joy. I saw God's destinies on many of them, and called them forth. Praise God!

Our Service

I got a nap in before our own service, which was very necessary. While Paul does the Bambara worship, I always dance with Hama. I need to hold his hands so he can stand, and he just moves to dance. He loves dancing for the Lord, and no one else will do it with him (most of the time).

The Bambara worship was great, with several kids and adults dancing with joy, more than usual. Saloum and Fousseni were dancing, and it was so wonderful to see! The two of them have grown significantly in their faith recently.

After the French worship and anouncements, I asked Veronika to come up and introduce herself. Then it was time to preach. For an hour he taught about the spirit of poverty and not being bound by money. It was good!

Daouda - the kid who was released from prison and showed up yesterday - had come to the service as well. He so wants to move in with us again, but it's unwise at this time. However, he is a good kid except for his stealing problem, and I have compassion on him. I told him he could stay to watch a movie with us, and sleep in our garden if he wants to. So he had dinner with us, watched the movie, and then lay down to sleep on a mattress on our porch. He was very grateful. We'll give him breakfast in the morning, and then he'll have to leave. He's welcome to come back at night to sleep in the garden again. All our kids love Daouda as well. So pray for God to show us what to do.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 10, 2007

We had a great street kid program today. It was the second lesson in this course which was on Father God; that's the most powerful lesson because of the abandonment they have lived through by their fathers, and the other horrible things they had to endure.

Today we had an average number of kids, but more younger ones than usual, most of them coming for the first time. The older boys always take on a young boy as a servant, in a way. The old boy protects the young boy, and in turn the young boy has to do things for the old one. So I believe many of the young boys today came with their older "masters".

We played a game, then sang a few praise songs, prayed, and it was time for the teaching. As I always, I taught in French with Paul interpreting into Bambara. A few kids fell asleep as always, and a few others listened very intentively throughout the whole teaching. In the end I gave a clear gospel presentation, and 3 fourth of the kids wanted to give their lives to the Lord. We prayed, and then offered to pray for them individually, if they wanted to.

One of the young ones came forward - I had told him we'd pray for his healing. When I asked why his legs hurt, he told me because some adult had punished him and some other kids for having done something, and the guy made them do some extreme physical exercise, so now his muscles hurt. We prayed and he said it was better.

The greatest surprise was to see Daouda again. He is the boy who was with us for a month or so a year ago, but we had to send him away for stealing. He then came back and stole our car radio, and was caught and put into prison. He's been released, and now he came back.

I was SO happy to see him again! I had been thinking of him over those months, wanting to visit him in prison, but the right contacts simply weren't established. He asked for new pants, and we gave him one. He also said he wanted to come back to live with us. My heart was breaking because besides his stealing problem, he is a good kid. I so much want to take him in, but it is true that the risk is too great right now; Paul reminded me of that. If we live in the garden on our property with all our stuff around us, it would be far too easy to steal things. He said he doesn't steal any more, but it's hard to believe because it's compulsive for him.

When we were done praying, it was time to eat. Here you see Fanta dishing out the food into the bowls they all eat from, sitting in a circle around them.

Getting up at 5 and going to bed late, I need my afternoon nap. However, it only lasted minutes today as some children shouting woke me up. When it was time for the prayer meeting, I was so tired I could have fallen asleep right there and then. So I prayed , offering my nothing to Him, asking Him to take over and come in our meeting. I so often am in that spot, and God always comes through. And He did tonight.

I started leading worship, and we ended up once again worshipping God for nearly the whole 2 hours. Time goes so fast in the presence of God! Even Veronika was surprised - it was her first prayer meeting with us.

During the first few songs I was still wondering how to make it to the end of the meeting, and feeling so empty, not knowing what God wanted or what direction to go. But He knew. I started singing prophetically, and God gave me more prophetic insight than maybe ever in our prayer meetings.

I saw a heavy, very thick, horizontal stone wall that separated us from heaven. The Lord showed me that as we are worshipping Him, seeking Him, praying and fasting, each minute and act is chipping away at that stone wall from our side of it. I saw several axes going strong and creating a tunnel as the wall got thinner and thinner. Later in the meeting the picture continued. This time I saw God's side of the wall. Golden drops of glory were dropping onto the stone wall, and its effect was like acid. Soon there was a puddle, and the glory was burning away the stone wall. So now the wall was diminishing on both sides, and the distance between us and the glory wasn't very great any more. Just a little more! God encouraged us to keep worshipping, seeking Him, praying, and that even if we don't see anything in the natural, in the spiritual it's making a huge difference.

Later in the meeting when I was singing prophetically again, I suddenly found myself singing of God's army, and seeing a picture of a huge angelic army in front of my eyes. That army of angels was dispatched to us. We were their commission. I saw individual angels taking up their spots behind each believer, who were clothed in an armor that shone with the glory of God. Those angels protected their believers, kept demons away, and strengthened them. God said that those who are with us are greater than those that are against us. He warned us to keep our eye gates clean, to keep our eyes on the spiritual invisible world rather than looking at the visible, the enemies around us.

Later Paul shared that he also saw that army of angels - there were so many they couldn't be counted. Praise God!

Mathias had come tonight, and he told me after the meeting how awesome he thought it was, and how God had filled him with so much joy. I kind of jokingly told him now he knows what he's missing out on when he doesn't come.

I love our Saturday night prayer meetings, and I always come with expectancy what God is up to that night. I never know, but He always comes.

For the past few months the assistant pastor of a church nearby who is in my Bible School class has been inviting me to preach in his church. When I came back from England, I thought of it, and thought about preaching there this Sunday. I was amazed when that pastor on Friday night asked me if I could come preach on Sunday. I felt that was a confirmation and said yes after asking the Lord.

So I'm preaching there tomorrow morning, and Paul is preaching at our church in the afternoon. This is my first time preaching in another church in Mali, but I do know it's only the beginning..... I'm excited about this opportunity and pray God will show up.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 8, 2007

As every morning, I taught my kids. At one point I got so frustrated, I gave them a speech about making an effort to work. They never have their homework done, still don't know how to write words we've been revising for over a month. I told them I want them to be the best students, the best educated in Mali, and that they can do it. I specifically praised Fousseni who's been working harder than the others, and you could see how much that meant to him.

Fousseni is the most "spiritual" now. Today was his 4th day of fasting - very impressive. I'm proud of him. He loves God, has dreams occasionally, and pursues his dream of becoming a pastor.

Saloum has also grown in such a visible way. I see more hunger for God in him than any other kid, more than he's ever had before. He also fasted for 3 days then quit until next time.

Solomani is the one I'm very concerned about. His behavior is pretty bad again. He has no respect for anyone, always is rebellious, always responding with defiance. It's a real problem, but at this time I can't take on another issue to deal with, to add to our mountain of issues.

There have also been changes with Hama and Sarata. Both spend much time in the house with us, which is good. Firmin works with them every morning. Sarata is a smart little girl. She's a delight! I had to spank her today when she did something she knows not to do. She started crying, and I immediately took her into my arms, telling her I love her and comforting her. She clung to me and soon fell asleep in my arms.

Both Hama and Sarata for some reason obey me more than any other person, maybe except for Paul. The parents let them do whatever and can't get them to obey at all. Honestly, I can't wait for us to all live in the same house. They will then be included in our daily schedule, and we'll be able to have a greater positive influence on them. For example, going to bed at the same time every night, rather than sleeping when they want, and sitting with coarse men at the gate at midnight!

Today was Veronika's first full day. She caught up on some sleep, while I could hardly wait for her to come out and help. It's tough when I have 4 teenagers to teach, and a 2 and 6-year-old to keep occupied at the same time, but it happens quite frequently. Paul is at school, and Firmin often runs errands.

It was a difficult day, and I was rather discouraged at night in face of our upcoming move, the lack of finances, and the grief I'm dealing with. We had our nightly family meeting, and afterwards were just talking as the kids went to bed. Veronika then asked a question with a novel idea: "Do you guys every pray for each other?" She meant us, the adults, the leaders. What a radical idea! Honestly, I was shocked to realize that we never do that, and that the idea has never crossed my mind. Veronika then went on to pray for me, which was a blessing. She has only been here a day, and has already been a great blessing!

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 7, 2007

This morning at 7:30 Veronika was to arrive in Bamako. So our kids were off school to start with, and we all got into the car, dropping four kids off at school, before continuing on to the airport. We still waited for 45 minutes until Veronika came out. It was good to see her again, and her joy of finally being with us was visible.

We went home, where she lay down, and I started teaching the kids. In the afternoon, we drove to our construction site.

Walls Coming Up

Praise God, the walls are coming up! Now you start to actually see the difference in the picture from the hill (do you?).

This is the close-up:

And the actual building - they started the walls yesterday:

Left: One of Kossi's worker moving the Malian red sand.
Right: A picture of Paul, myself, and Veronika.

A donation came in today, praise God. Now we "only" need another $30,000!

My kids love gifts! When Veronika arrived, Hama was SO happy, smiling, laughing and making his way towards Veronika. He has learned that white people are loving, good to him, and give gifts. Both him and Sarata were immediately drawn to Veronika.

Picture: Veronika, Hama, Souleymane

In the evening, Veronika handed out some gifts to everyone, many coming from Carina, who was with us in July. She had really chosen the perfect gifts, and greatly blessed everyone. I think the picture conveys the great joy a little bit. (Maybe you guessed that the boys each received sunglasses.)

Please keep praying for me - the tiredness is weighing on me, and still I don't get as much done as I need to. Other factors are the grief I'm still dealing with, and the extended fast.

I'm proud of my boys who are fasting more now than ever - they are truly growing in this area. Saloum did 3 days on watermelon - great! Abdias was so miserable in school today, until we figured out it was because he was so hungry. He broke his fast at noon - after a day and a half. But what great progress! For kids who know what hunger is from when they lived on the streets, that's awesome!

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 6, 2007

Maybe I can break the record of my shortest blog tonight.

I hardly slept last night, feeling unsettled in my spirit. And then I tried to take a nap three times during the day, without much success. So I've been tired all day, trying to get the most urgent work done. Of course, I was teaching the kids in the morning, and we had 4 hours of Bible School in the evening (see pictures).

.Most of my thoughts now turn around our move in 27 days. I see ourselves living in the garden without electricity or roof over us. And I already start packing up the house in my mind. I'm also thinking about all the things that need to be done in connection with the move, the errands to run only I can do, like cancelling the telephone, electricity, water etc. I don't know how I will do it, since I teach every morning.

By the way, I've been meaning to tell you of a prophetic dream Fousseni had. In the dream the government had closed down our center. Then he saw that we were given favor for Paul and me to come and present our case before the government. End of dream. Let's pray it never comes to this! I'm really tired of the warfare and would love to have a season of things being easy. I guess God never promised life would be.

Well, I managed to not break my record of the shortest blog, tired or not.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 5, 2007

It's already 11 pm and I can barely keep my eyes open. I just sent out an email update I'd had on my heart to write for a couple of days. Today we went to the property to take the necessary pictures and get the latest information on our construction progress, so I could put it in that email.

It was a good day today. Teaching the kids in the morning, then going to the property, and I also spent more time than usual with them in the evening. I also had a good conversation with Paul again, as we talked about what's ahead.

Read the update here.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 4, 2007

I preached on suffering today. I think most Christians would be surprised how much the Word has to say about suffering. I enjoyed my study of it in the NT, and had plenty to share today. We are told to rejoice in suffering, to persevere and be patient. Suffering produces much fruit we couldn't obtain any other way.

We had first-time visitors today - the other female pastor in Mali, and her husband, with one of the leaders of their church. They are the first church we blessed financially just before I left for England. and now they came. I invited them to come pray with me some time, and they accepted. Praise God! If we didn't have thousands of dollars of debt, I'd continue blessing the next pastor/church. It's so powerful!

After the kids went to bed, Paul and I were gonna do the same, since we were so tired. Firmin was actually already sleeping. But we ended up talking about the things of God, about England, different men and women of God, the present and the future, our move, etc. We had such a good time talking for 90 min. It was a great blessing for both of us.

Paul is 19-year-old right-hand man, in case you don't know.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 3, 2007

What an emotional roller-coaster day! It was time for the weekly street kid program. No one had gone to invite them, and so only 3 or so showed up. I was glad, because I had already realized that I wasn't up to teaching on Father God today - it's THE most powerful lesson for the kids. So they watched a DVD in Bambara that presented the gospel from Genesis to Revelation.

The day didn't continue any better for me. It's like the loss of my Dad finally crashed down on me. I then read a book about a guy who died, went to heaven, and came back to life after 90 minutes. Most of the book is on the long process of healing he had to go through after his accident. At times, the book made me cry because I realized how this guy was surrounded by friends who were there for him, and I felt like I don't have that.

So I ended up doing a lot of crying today. But I also applied what I've learned from my Dad, which is thanking God in every situation. So I started thanking Him, and praising Him. I also expressed my great desire for Him, my hunger for more of Him. I told Him I don't care what it takes, I just must have more of Him.

I kept reading, and watching the clock, as the time for the prayer meeting drew closer. How would I lead the meeting? At the same time, I knew throwing myself on Him, He would come through. Little did I know how He'd surprise me.

I sat down at the keyboard, and we started worshipping God. Paul had also not been doing well all day, and really all these past few days since my return. Still, I was looking forward to worshipping God. Not long into worship I felt like the Lord was showing me that I was a broken alabaster jar, and that there was beautiful fragrance coming out of it because of its brokenness. It was a comforting picture.

Not long after that I started singing prophetically. It was great! Every week I wished I'd put a tape recorder on the piano to capture those prophetic songs, but I've never done it so far.

Time was going so fast. We'd been worshipping for over an hour, and I was in the middle of a song, when suddenly God spoke to me. He said to get up and ask those who were really hungry for God to come forward, and I should pray for them. I felt I had to do it RIGHT NOW, so I abandoned the song, got up, said it, and Abdias was the first up front. I asked them how hungry they were for God, and encouraged them to raise their hands. I felt God's presence increasing, and started feeling His tangible glory. When I prayed for Saloum, there was such a release - he actually went down (his first time!). I had never felt God's glory so intensely in Mali! Paul was also touched powerfully, as were a few others.

By the way, while in England I cried out in utter desperation for 10 days that I MUST see His glory in Mali also, that I refused to go back to "things as usual" in Mali. I told Him I HAD to see His presence and power come down even in our own church and meetings! It looks like God is answering my heart's cry. And this is just the beginning!

I went back to the keyboard and sang a few more intimate songs, while half the people were on the floor. 100 minutes had passed by the time I left the piano. And three people were still so out, they wouldn't get up. They later shared how God had touched them powerfully. Paul's well-being was restored - he shared how God had clearly spoken to him about some things, some wrong directions he was going, and he knew his life was changed. Firmin shared about a big burden lifting. And I myself also felt so much lighter. I was so excited to have seen this release of His glory! And I want so much more!

Time was really up, but there was one more thing God had put on my heart to do even earlier during the day. We got a bucket as a symbolic mountain and put it in the middle. Then we all commanded the mountain of $30,000 to be cast into the sea. After everyone had done so, I kicked it with my foot so that it was gone. Then we prayed for the $30,000 to be released. We reached up to heaven and pulled it down. Then I got the bucket, and we caught all the money raining down from heaven in it. The kids really got into it. I pretended it was really heavy, and told them I'd take the bucket to the bank now.

I believe these were important prophetic acts. May we see the fruit in the natural quickly!

After the meeting, I sat down with Paul, and we both talked about how horrible and difficult today and the last few days have been. I gave Paul a few keys to help him cope better in the future.

Once again, God has amazed me as he took the broken, incapable vessel I am, and did something beautiful. All we need to do is be available.

I'm looking forward to the service tomorrow, as I share what the Lord has put on my heart; a prophetic message for the time of transition we are in. There is rattling and shaking everywhere, and not everyone knows how to handle it.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 2, 2007

Today Anatole turned 4. Thanks to the American team, we had lots of goodies to have a fun party. During one of the school breaks, I made a cake, and when we were done with school, we got everything ready. With our car broken, Seybou had to go to school and back 4 times by taxi (expensive!), and we waited for their return. Anatole didn't even know it was his birthday, nor did his Mom. In this culture, birthdays are not celebrated, since they are not known most of the time, but they have gladly embraced this new introduction to their culture.

Anatole was overwhelmed by the attention, and enjoyed the few gifts. They all loved the chocolate cake, of course, and those who were fasting (today is the first day of our 21-day fast) had their pieces put aside for later.

Picture to the right above: Hama in his chair, excited about the party, and the decorated table.

Picture to the right: Anatole in the middle, his brother Etienne to the left, and their Mom Elisabeth to the right. Little Sarata is standing on the far right.

Please pray for us, especially Paul and myself, in this season. Since my return, Paul has been irritated most of the time, and I have struggled as well with all the challenges trying to overwhelm me. I'm throwing myself into the arms of God, crying out for His enabling grace to keep me going.

back to top

Send me your comment on this blog

Oct 2007
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, November 1, 2007

Car - it was confirmed that what's broken is because of driving the wrong way. Emma said he had already once corrected Seybou and shown him how to drive, but it looks like he might not have taken the advice. This bill is really high with about $500 that we don't have. Several people have suggested getting an old engine to put into our old 20-year-old car, so that Seybou can use that, while I use the Toyota and keep it running. As much as we've been paying for repairs, it would already have been worth it.

Addition to the family - Fanta told me today that she's pregnant! Praise God! It's her third child, after Hama and Sarata. Hama, the first-born, is handicapped, while Sarata is alright. Pray for the little one to be in health. The problem is that Fanta and Seybou are related rather closely, so that's probably why the risk is greater. I told her to go to the doctor for an exam, and she's planning to do so tomorrow.

Which means getting up at 5 am, and teaching from 7:30 till noon. I was disappointed that they didn't seem to have learned anything while I was gone; Firmin was supposed to review everything with them, but they still didn't master what we had done before I left.

Things have been tough since I got back, and Paul is also affected by all this. I guess the financial burden is the heaviest of all the challenges right now. I'm glad we're starting the 3 weeks of fasting & prayer tomorrow to seek His face and storm heaven.

back to top