June Update

A Long Road Ahead

Words alone do not capture the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings I have experienced since arriving in West Africa. It has been a full five days of entering into my new life here and the beginning of learning what it means to be involved in church planting in a Muslim, African context. How is the Gospel lived out in this city, country and region of the world? More than anything I realize that I have a long road ahead of me of living by faith and depending upon God’s wisdom to guide me. Thank you for wanting to partner with me through prayer and various ways of support. I am tremendously blessed by you. THANK YOU!

Hospitality
Yvette, who works with campus ministry, has graciously let me stay at her apartment since my arrival and has been an excellent tour guide, making me feel at home in the city. Today, I moved into a mission guesthouse where I will live for the next week. It is within walking distance of the university and will be great for French class.

Pleasant Surprise
When I left to come here, I thought I would be giving up going to cafes and Western comforts, but upon arrival I realize that this is not completely true. In the city you can find many Western amenities, sometimes expensive, but, not necessarily. I realized I had little exposure to this last time I was here, because of where I lived. It has also reminded me that the average national does not live this way.

Cultural Learning
It has been great to be here and learn from the team what they would like me to be involved in with my time here. The first six months will be spent learning French and Wolof, so that I will be able to function in both by the end of the year. It will also involve cultural learning, both in the city and in the villages. Before you can effectively minister to others, it is necessary to learn their language and the culture they come from. As much as I would like to dive into “doing something” that helps, these next months will give me an opportunity to put my ideas on hold and learn how to function effectively in the context.

Need for the Gospel
In coming back, I realize how very few national evangelical believers exist in this country. It is less than a percentage of the whole population. Interestingly, most of the Christians I have met in the city are not from this country but other African countries. Yesterday, I attended a Bible study of around twenty people, all of whom were from other parts of the continent. In the city there are hardly, if any, national evangelical believers; the national churches my mission works with are located outside of the city. Despite the presence of missionaries, the main Muslim ethnic group has been resistant to the Gospel. The need for the Gospel in this city and nation is evident, so please pray for the Holy Spirit to work in mighty ways,PRAYER
Praises:
Safety in Travel
A Warm Welcome
Good Health
Temporary Lodgment
Sense of confirmation and vision

Requests:
Personally
Good Rest (sleep, time in God’s Word, and prayer)
Daily trust in God’s plan for my life
Wisdom and direction in where I should live (I would like to settle down sooner, rather than later, and desire a peace of mind about this. Ask that God would make it clear to me where He would have me live and that He would provide a place I can afford. Most of the places I have heard about I would need a roommate which is hard to find.)
Discipline and fun in learning French and Wolof
Relationships to be plentiful and Christ-centered

Mission Team
A healthy relationship between the mission and the national church partnership
Wisdom in direction in church planting
Good relationships within the mission