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More than 3 days after leaving Vienna, I have
arrived safely in Bamako. It was quite a journey. I enjoyed a lot seeing my
good friend in the far West of Austria, where I also spent my first night,
and then my Swiss friend, which whom I spent the second night, and then went
to church with. It was precious time with friends I rarely see. The last part
of the journey was the hardest. I got on the train in Geneva – with my bag of
46.5 kg (103 pounds). And I had to change trains in Lyon which was quite an
ordeal. Then I finally arrived at the airport, half an hour late. Again quite
a long way until I got to my terminal and found the table of the cheap
airline (charter) I was flying with. I finally understood why we had to be at
the airport four hours before the departure. It took an hour to be ticked off
a list and receive a ticket, two hours to stand in line to check in my
luggage. And I praise the Lord for answering my prayer and giving me favor! Normally,
every kilo above 40 would have cost me 10 euros each, so 70 euros (90USD)
altogether. Thank you, Jesus! And my carry-on had 12 instead of the allowed 5
kg (they weigh them), but she didn’t say a thing. Finally at the gate, they
soon announced we’d leave at 3 a.m. instead of 2 a.m. Time was simply
insufficient. Some time later they announced we’d leave at 4:30 a.m. because
of technical problems (I later heard they had to change a tire). When we
finally did take off, it was 6:15 a.m. They had also had to de-ice. That way,
I arrived in Bamako with a delay of 4 hours, and got home by taxi at midday.
Thank you for praying for my journey! It is not evident that everything went
as smoothly as it did! Now, it’s time to readjust to life in Mali. The two
weeks (not even) in Vienna were so rich and full that it feels as if it has
been a month rather. It’s good to be home now, but it will take some
adjustment. I’ve already seen some of my neighbors which was good. But I’m
hoping for a quiet remaining day, and tomorrow morning I already have to
teach.
I’m so thankful to the Lord for the time in Vienna He has granted me. Really
for many reasons. I have to say, I was looking forward to going to Vienna (as
you know), but I really went without any expectations. However, the Lord knew
what I needed and GREATLY blessed me in every way!
I had the opportunity and joy to share in two services during my one weekend
there. I shared about the joys and difficulties of being in Mali, about
Simeon and Emmanuel, school, also the darkness. I told them about the “Why
here” question – but I wouldn’t wanna be any other place in the world than
where God wants me to be. I also told them about the “Why me” question and
how unqualified and incapable I feel. And I told them that all I have and all
I need is God’s love. I need to stay close to His heart, in His love, and
then His love can pour through me to others. That’s the only requirement, and
only secret.
I also shared three ways they and you can partner with me and support me:
Prayer - without you praying for me there is no way I could be here
and do God’s work. His people’s prayers make all the difference! I also
shared how precious emails are, and that writing me would also be a great way
of supporting and encouraging me.
Provision - I’m
still about 200 Euros (250 USD) a month short to cover just the most basic
needs (not included transportation, malaria tablets, etc.). I was very
blessed and humbled to find out not only how much my church in Vienna loves
and supports me in prayer, but that they will also support me financially
now. May they and everyone else who has given reap an abundant harvest in
return!
People - I just
invited everyone to come. It made them laugh, but I was serious. I want those
who just come to visit, those who come to do ministry, and there also those
who are called to come long-term. Please pray the Lord will send workers into
the harvest, because it is truly ripe in Mali.
It was a great blessing to share in Vienna, and to meet so many wonderful
people. I tell you, after three months alone in Mali, it was even more precious.
The worship was so glorious, with all the people, and not having to do
anything – how could I ever keep standing in God’s presence? I was overcome
by His goodness and His love and His presence. When I got up on that stage
both times, I was still so moved by God I had a hard time talking. I just had
to remind everyone what a privilege it was to know Jesus and to come into His
presence, while so many out there don’t know Him. And what a privilege it was
to come together and worship Him together.
All people I met were just wonderful and blessed me so greatly. From the
pastors to old friends to new friends. I found out that even though many
don’t write, they do read and follow and do care. What a blessing it was to
see them and talk them. And I could also see where God had changed me just in
those three months, the dying that had happened (will it ever end?). I just
felt so small, so blessed, and just wanted to pour out His love on all the
others. There are still too many people that don’t have an intimate
relationship with Jesus, where there is just them and Him! And how that message is burning
within me!
New Year’s Eve was spent with the Austrian fellowship of my church. And
again, God blew me away. The whole first day of this year was so significant,
as if every little thing was a prophetic sign for what is coming this year.
And I’m expecting great things. Whenever I’m discouraged I remember a
life-changing prophetic word I had in 2002, part of which also said 2004
would be the big year of breakthrough. That first day was significant in
terms of God’s presence, in terms of the anointing, and in terms of
relationship. Twice that day I was anointed with oil by a friend, both times
unexpectedly. Twice that day I was so filled with the Spirit you could have
called me drunk. My first one plus hour of this year I was on the floor with
the Lord, deep in His presence, as He filled me and spoke to me. And I had
the joy of spending much time with a good friend that first day. And,
somebody I didn’t know gave me a big financial gift.
I was also blessed because I could stay with a friend of mine who is such a
wonderful woman of God. She spoiled me and put up with my nightly phone calls
to the US. Most of the time I was not at home but meeting with family or
friends. I got to spend much time with my family and had a good time,
especially with my brother which was a special blessing from God I had not
expected.
And finally, though nothing compared with the blessings above, I greatly
enjoyed all the good food, none of which I can get in Mali.
In summary, I had an awesome time in Mali. I was refreshed, blessed, able to
renew friendships and share, and hopefully I was also a blessing to others.
God is so awesome! Now it’s time to look forward with all the great things
ahead. I told people, in Ephesians it says we are seated with Christ in
heavenly places. If I don’t go there every day, where I really am and live,
where it doesn’t matter where am I on this earth, I can’t do it. The more I
live where I am, the more I am filled with Him and His love and can be a
source of life and love here in Mali. I just have to go there every day,
which I haven’t been doing. I long to go deeper still, to know Him more, and
to be more like Him. These next few weeks I want to take time to fast and
pray and seek His face. This is a significant year, and much work lies ahead.
As I said earlier, I couldn’t do it without you all. Thank you so much for
partnering with me! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
All HIS,
Claudia
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Ask of Me, and I will make the nations your inheritance. (Ps 2:8)
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Dr. Claudia R. Wintoch
s/c Ecole Biya
BPE 2165
Bamako
Mali
Tel. (+223) 220 0311
claudia@healing2thenations.net
www.healing2thenations.net
www.glorywebservices.com
Talk to me online with msn messenger - I'm "healing2thenations"
In the US/Canada:
Make checks payable to Catch The Wind Ministries
IMPORTANT: Don't write my name on the check, but add
a note that it's for me.
Catch The Wind Ministries
P.O. Box 11962
Kansas City, MO 64138
In Europe:
Bank name: BA/CA
Bank number: 12000
Account number: 509.101.468.00
Online (it will say Glory Webservices):
https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=office%40glorywebservices.com&item_name=Claudia+Wintoch&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD
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