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THE WILSON FIVE IN MALI

In the middle of January we flew to Mali with our three little ones. We expected it to be challenging, and it was challenging to the extreme. 10 suitcases plus carry-ons, no tickets issued for some of the babies, technical problems, the third baby sitting alone with strangers, security to pass through.... that was just part of it. We had two flights before we arrived in Mali, where we then had visa issues. We finally got into our car and drove to our base - of course without car seats for the babies.

We had an amazing two weeks that flew by way too fast. Everybody was so excited about the babies - especially Paul - and at the service everyone got their phones out to take pictures as if we were stars. It was still cold season, but during the day it was about 35 C outside (95 F), while it did cool down at night. So the babies were just in diapers for most of the day. They had a huge queen-sized bed, and took full advantage of its size and no clothes to hinder them, moving around in there a lot. Their knees were red! They also starting turning onto their backs, and just loved doing it over and over again. They did have red cheeks, and sometimes they got hot, but overall I believe they really enjoyed it.

It was hard to say good-bye again after only two weeks, but they had doctor's appointments in Austria right away (they're preemies after all!), and it was already heating up in preparation for the hottest time of year. The trip back home was easier - over night, fewer problems, and we already knew what to expect. All in all, it was really worth it. I had a lot of work waiting for me, after having been gone for nearly a year, and had the next few months of our absence to prepare for. We're planning to be back in Mali this summer.

Click here and here to see more pictures of our time in Mali.

       Samuel day 182             Tamara day 182                Emmanuel day 172

TRAGEDY HITS PAUL'S FAMILY

Right after we arrived in Mali, Paul received a call that his sister had gone into labor. She had just received Jesus as her Lord and Savior a few months earlier, but her husband was still a Muslim. Throughout the pregnancy, Paul helped her out several times, giving her his whole week's salary so she could go to the doctor, even though her husband had money, but he didn't want to spend it on her and the unborn twins. When it was time to give birth, he took her to the worst hospital that people call "corner of death". Paul's sister died, and so did the twins, Paul's niece and nephew. Paul was devastated. Here I was, with triplet babies, and the only reason they lived was that they were born in a Western country.

Paul's sister already had 5 children between the ages of 3 and 14. Those children's futures looked bleak, with the husband probably remarrying. The whole family got together and agreed that it would be best if those children lived with us. The husband/father did not object. We're now working on the school transfer for them so they can go to school near us, which is not easy in the middle of the school year and is pricey. If any of you would like to help, we'd appreciate it. As soon as the transfer is done, they're moving in with us. Next time I hope to be able to introduce them with their pictures, and we'll be looking for sponsors for them.

US TRIP APRIL 1-MAY 12

After our tough trip to Mali, we're going to the next level, with 3 flights and the middle one really long, plus a 2-hour drive at the end. We need Your help, Lord!!! Please pray for us on March 31st. But it's time we start working again, picking up the itinerant part of the ministry. Also, Randy's family is eager to see the little ones in person, not just on pictures. We're of course reducing what we used to do, and this time we'll be doing everything driving, rather than going through the hassle of flying with three babies. Besides Mississippi, we'll be going to the Kansas City area (including Wichita) and Augusta. Please look to the left for the approximate dates.

As of now, this is the plan for our Sundays:

April 5 - Mississippi
April 12 - Kansas City (possibly World Revival Church)
April 19 - Innovo Vineyard Church, Wichita, KS
April 26 - Christ Triumphant Church, Lee's Summit, MO
May 3 - Overcomers Outreach Center, Augusta, GA
May 10 - Mississippi

But first, we're going to Wels (Austria) this coming week for the yearly missions conference, and hope to see many friends there.

QUICK NEWS

•        Triplets - The babies have just started eating solid food in addition to milk. They are doing well, and Sammy is going to physiotherapy every week to help him make up for the dead tissue in his brain. Emmy and Tammy laugh and talk a lot and love playing with toys now.

•        Building Permit - Paul is still working on getting a building permit so we can continue construction, but to this date we have not received it. Please pray we get it soon.

•        Ivan from France - We were blessed that Ivan decided on short notice to come to Mali to help. He came for 6 weeks, and his last two we were blessed to be there as well. We enjoyed having him, and hope he comes back some time.

•        First-Grade Teacher - We are still looking for a French-speaking first grade teacher to join our team. There is such a need for a good, Christian school where the children are treated with dignity and learn something. Many of our Muslim neighbors would send their children to our school. Please pray we'll find a teacher!

•        Malian Director Paul - Paul has been leading the ministry in Mali by himself for quite some time now and he's tired. Please pray for him!

•        Security Situation - Mali is becoming more and more radicalized by jihadists. Also, the population is rising up against the government, still not accepting the president's election. Please pray for peace, and for protection from jihadists.

•       Web Designer - We desperately need someone to redesign our website since it was accidentally deleted quite some time ago. It will have to be multi-lingual. Please pray God leads the right person to us to do it.

•       Volunteers - Do you want to come change an orphan's life? Do you want to heal the sick? Preach the gospel to those who've never heard? Come to Mali for a season and let God change your life. No language skills needed, but French skills are helpful.

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and recognize and honor and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Mt 5:16, AMP)

Trusting HIM,

Claudia (& Randy)