Last Night

Some moments in time take a life of their own and leave you in wonder of what is taking place. Last night was one of those nights with the cloudless sky scattered with faint stars and the heat of the day gone til the morning. On the path to meet a savings and loan group of street women I passed by walls protecting beautiful houses with elaborate doors and guards sitting outside keeping watch or snoozing. As I followed Dkior, one of the members, with her paint bucket full of clothes and treasures and cardboard mat in hand, I asked myself what I am I doing, not in the sense of doubt but in seeing God's hand directing me to places that aren't clear yet and encouraging me to continue to hang onto His promises. Little by little I learn the language of these women and little by little they save their money from their work. It's a process that I don't know where it will end up or where it will take us. Will they be able to understand the full picture of God's love for them in sending His Son to die for them? Or will they just know a girl who invested a little time and money into giving them hope for the now? Pray that I would be able to speak truth into their lives in a way that transforms their lives for the now and the not yet.

Two Amazing Stories

Today I heard two incredible testimonies of God's power at work in West Africa that are worth reading when you have the time. A baptism of twenty new believers will be held this Sunday. All is well for me expect a sheep ate my clothes today...

Marie's Story

Each spring the town seers (people who claim to see into the future and/or to have supernatural powers) have a special ceremony and describe what the upcoming rainy season will be like. This spring, one of their predictions was that a girl would be bitten by a poisonous snake. Unless the girl then came to see them with lots of money and gifts, she would surely die; however, even if she did come, there would be no guarantee that she would live. The seers also said that the girl would be of a lighter shade of skin color and would help with taking care of a church.

A few weeks later, Marie, who was recently converted through the ministry of church-planter Paul, went on an outreach activity with the church youth group. On the way back, she was bitten in the leg by a poisonous snake. As news spread that she had been bitten, everyone realized that she was the girl in the seers' prediction. Not only is Marie's skin shade lighter than average, she also regularly swept the room her church meets in.

Marie's family wanted to take her to the seers and also to a witch doctor, but she refused, saying that she trusted in God to heal her. Paul and the other Christians prayed fervently for her. Her leg began to swell until it was a few times its normal size.

The whole extended family put a lot of pressure on Marie and on her church family, saying that if they didn't take her to the seers and witch doctor and she died, they would hold the church accountable for her death.

Meanwhile, the health agent at a small local health center run by a Christian organization was trying to come up with the means to purchase an antidote to the poison. The one necessary injection costs more than $200, a huge sum for the local people, especially since they haven't yet brought in this year's harvest.

Humanly speaking, Marie should have been dead after two or three days. Five days after she was bitten, she was still alive. The health agent was able to purchase the antidote and gave it to her. She recovered quickly and completely and took her comprehensive high school final exams two weeks later. She passed the difficult exams, and her story has become well known all over the area.

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Adama's Story

Adama is a 17-year-old girl who gave her life to Christ a few months ago through the ministry of church-planter Paul. Her family was very upset and took her by force into the capital city to the home of a well-known marabout (Muslim religious leader), since the family follows that marabout.

At the home of the marabout, Adama accused him of hiding the truth from his disciples, since Jesus is the only way to salvation. The marabout gave a loud shriek and his disciples were so enraged that some began attacking her, with the intention of killing her. The marabout said not to do it there, but to take her to an isolated beach near the city.

Meanwhile, the driver of the taxi that the family had taken from their village to the capital had been waiting the whole time since he had been hired for the return trip. The driver saw how events were unfolding and had compassion on Adama. He managed somehow to talk to her privately and told her to sit in the middle of the back seat on the way to the beach. Her father would be in front, with two of the marabout's disciples in the back, one on each side of her. The driver told her to wait until her father and the other two men had gotten out, and then he would speed off with her. The plan worked perfectly, and Adama's life was spared.

The taxi driver took Adama back to the city and dropped her off. She had been to the city once before and found her way to the home of friends she had visited there. Then she called Paul, recounted the events and asked for help. Paul told her to leave and and come out to his house.

Paul and another church leader went with Adama to see the sous-prefect, the local government authority. They explained about the attempt on her life, and Adama said that she wanted to remain with the Christians and not go back to her family. The sous-prefect agreed to this. Adama was taken to stay with a pastor's family in a large city.

Adama's family tried to find out where she was. They contacted the local authorities and tried to accuse the church people of abducting her. However, because of the visit to the sous-prefect, those charges were not accepted. Church-planter Paul assured the family that she was safe and being well taken care of.

Adama's mother in particular was insistent on seeing her. After discussion between Paul, Adama and her host family, it was decided that Paul would take Adama's mother to visit her. Before coming, her mother went to a witch doctor and got a special poison in powder form that she intended to try to slip into Adama's food or drink. However, the mother forgot the powder on the horse cart she took on her way from her village to the main road.

Adama's mother found her daughter in very different circumstances than she had expected. Adama was obviously happy, living in a comfortable house with a kind family who was treating her well. The pastor's wife and Adama spent time talking with Adama's mother, and she ended up sobbing, regretting bitterly that she had tried to have spells put on Adama and wanted to see her dead, even to the point of planning to kill her herself. Adama's mother has now become a believer and has requested to be baptized this Sunday.

Ramadan

I'm sitting listening to the chants of Muslim prayers on the first night of Ramadan but like everynight still hearing my neighbor across the street scraping the side of his pot of roasted peanuts. My previous unreflected expectations prompt me to pursue more knowledge of this new season I have awaken to today.

Expert from A Christian's Response to Islam by William M. Miller

"It is as though a person in the dim light of dawn should look at a distant building. He sees the building, he perceives there is only one building, but he is unable to tell whether it is a residence or a factory. He is sure it only has one story, and is built of brick. But when he comes nearer, and views the building in the clear light of day, he realises that it is built of stone, not of brick, and instead of having only one story it has three. He now knows the building as it really is. When a Muslim looks toward God in the imperfect light of Qur'anic revelation and his own reason, he sees God's power and will, but does not see God's love. He sees God's unity, but he does not see that he is Trinity in unity. Such true knowledge of God is possible only when one sees God in his Son Jesus Christ."

Small Things

Lately, I have seen God work in my life in small but beautiful ways which have graciously reminded me of how He loves and cares for me even when I am miles from home. This afternoon I was homesick and was pleasantly surprised by the kids who live below me who had decided to bring me dinner. I am still not sure if I missed something, but I'm taking it face value. They generously bought me a pizza, charwama, candy, apple, banana, water and soda. It was perfect timing in brightening up my day and giving me friends to enjoy some time together.

Football

Most every boy, here, plays football and every neighborhood has a team for each age category including adults. Last night I went with one of my landlord's sons to watch our neighborhood team (Zone B) play against the precinct next to us. It was a great game and fun to take part in a community event. We won 1-0. The little boy running in front of the team is another one of my landlord's sons. He is the team mascot.

Slightly Different St. Louis

This weekend I went with a friend up to St. Louis to get a change of scenery and breath of fresh air. St. Louis is the historical capital of Senegal from the French colonial days and now is a city run down with dilapitated buildings which tell the story of a different era.

Tresses

Two Sundays ago I decided to experience the African hair style of tresses (braids). My neighbor Satou had mentioned to me she did them often for girls in the neighborhood so I decided to try it out. It took a couple of hours and my head hurt by the end from all the pulling. My hair was so tightly braided I had trouble going to sleep the first night. It took me a few days to get use to them, but now I love the low maitenance of my hair. We'll see how long I keep them.

I told Rhadijah to take a few pictures of the process and from the pic you can see how much she enjoyed herself.

The World in My Room

After quite a few calls to the phone company and a couple of trips to the computer store, I have internet set up in my apartment. I haven't had consistent access to the web for close to a month, so you can imagine I am quite content. From now on if you want to shoot me an e-mail or skype me, I should be able to reply in a more timely manner.
Soo...what is going on in my life...
Today I finished my first section of beginner Wolof and will start my next 25 hours on Thursday. I've enjoyed learning the language so far and find it easier to practice and hear than French. Rhadijah, the little girl below me, comes by everyday to help me along with it.

Rue 39: Les Enfants

Village Church Women



Church Neighborhood Outreach: Literacy Party

It's been a long time...

It's been way too long since I last updated you on my life in West Africa, and I could tell you all of my excuses but I'll just leave it at this, moving into my apartment took far more work and time than I had imagined and still could use some touches to make it a little more like home. I've been in it for almost two weeks and have enjoyed getting to know all my neighbors. I try to write down all their names so I can remember them when I see them the next time, but still have a ways to go in calling them the right ones... I started my Wolof classes two days ago and enjoy trying out my new words with anyone I meet. It's a great time of year to learn the language because all the kids are out on vacation. Last Saturday, they invited me to go to the beach with them and I spent most of the time chasing after a frisbee. It was great, except later in the day I was stung by a sea urchin. I had no idea they are poisonous, but after having a swollen foot for a few days I would advise to stay away from black prickly objects in the sea.

I've been wrestling alot about what it means to live in a developing country and effectively serve the people. I haven't discovered any profound answers, but I am learning it is in loving your neighbor. Please continue to pray for wisdom and direction.

Yes, I do miss home. I miss blending in when I walk down the street, being near to friends and family, and breathing in clean air; at the same time, each day God's grace and love for me has been sufficient and His Word has been my resting place.

Another Week Flys By

I can't believe it's Friday again and another week has quickly passed. This week has been packed with visitors, walking through flooded streets, meetings, French classes, getting my apartment ready, and trying to get enough rest. I left the missionary guesthouse on Tuesday and was sad to say goodbye to what has been my home for the past month. It was such a gift for me to be there and meet many different missionaries from all over the world. I'm continuing to learn and be amazed in how God uses fallen people in bringing forth His kingdom. I'm staying at a teammates' house until I make my official move.

This week my landlord told me that I could move in on Wednesday because our contract started at midnight Tuesday. Due to a few minor details, like the kitchen still under construction, I've decided to wait a few more days. I going to start moving some things this weekend, but will settle in next week. I'm going out to the villages this weekend and don't mind waiting a little longer.

Last night I stopped by to talk to the group of ladies I met last week. A guy was walking by and stopped to help one of the ladies talk to me, since I do not speak Wolof. He was kind enough to talk with me and these ladies for a while, and interestingly enough he is studying microfinance at the university. He is willing to work with me some in helping these women. I'm encouraged to see the people God is bringing into my life. Please pray for wisdom as I continue to develop relationships with these women and learn how I can best serve them. Pray that they would see more than just aid, but that they would understand the Gospel and be transformed by it. Please pray for the guy who wants to help me out that God would work in his life and that I would have an opportunity to share my faith with him.

Other areas I would appreciate prayer...

My relationships with my landlord and my neighbors

Relationships with the churches I'll be working with, particularly for unity among the missionaries and church leaders

Focus and discipline in my language studies; ability to be able to communicate well with others

My relationship with God; for rest and refreshment in His Word,so that I will know Him more and be able to share His truth with others

Protection against Satan and his schemes

If you've read all of this, thanks. Your partnership in this work is immensely felt and appreciated.

Ciao

Hope and Inequality

Tonight, I went out to buy some vegetables but arrived too late. The women had already left their stands and the neighborhood grocery store was closed. I had my mind set on a salad, so I decided to buy a carry out salad from the restaurant across the street. The salad cost me the equivalent of 6 US dollars and could have bought me a weeks worth of vegetables for myself. I didn't feel like that was a good use of my money, but at the same time I wanted something healthy. Anyways, on my way back I met a group of women sitting on the sidewalk. A few of them had buckets with onions and other miscellaneous items, it was too dark for me to tell exactly what they had with them. One of them pointed at my salad and asked me for help. We started talking, in my broken French and few words of Wolof, and I began to learn their story. They come into the city, almost everyday, from the outskirts of Dakar to find help for their families. They go around asking for aid or trying to find work. Evidently, I do not fully understand their lives or specific situations, but it made me realize the difficulty people have here just to provide food for their family. I told them I wanted to help them and am going to meet them again next week. Lately, I've been thinking and praying that God would bring women into my life to serve. I don't know if I'll see these women again or how much I'll be able to encourage them. I feel inadequate in my knowledge of the system here and the potential resources available to them. Despite this, I believe God has placed them in my life and would ask for prayer and guidance as I think about how best to serve them. Yesterday, when I was overwhelmed with gifts from home, I was sweetly reminded of the many people who are partnering with me in this ministry. Thank you!

Apartment Update

Well...it looks like my apartment won't be ready for a while. I originally was optimistic about it taking only a week to finish, but now I don't know. Moving day TBA.

THANKS!!!

THANK YOU!! Wow, I was overwhelmed by the generosity of Grace and so encouraged by the love and support. Thanks Yan for organizing everything and coming! It was great hanging out last night and fun unpacking all my goodies! See you this weekend!

TIA

TIA, this is africa. This week I've had to remind myself that just because I've been here before and things don't "shock" me like they did the first time I was here, I am in a foreign country. It's okay to feel exhausted and frustrated, hot and sweaty, and to struggle communicating with others. It's okay that it's not normal to me to see a sheep standing on the sidewalk in the middle of downtown, be woken up before sunrise to the chanting of Muslim prayers, or have little boys dressed in tattered clothes roam the streets begging for my money.

The Psalms have been refreshing to me this week in hearing the cries of men who sought the face of God. In their troubles and joys they held onto the promises of God and were strengthened through it. Here are some specific ways to pray...


- RAIN for the countryside; most of the churches our team supports are located in the countryside and desperately depend on a good harvest for their livelihood. If they don't have a rain soon, they will be in a crisis situation.
- Relationships; Ask that God would bring me close African friends to help me adjust to life here and that I would be a light for Christ. Pray that God would open the heart of the national family I will be living above to the Gospel. Pray that they will experience God's grace through my life.
-Language Learning; Pray that I would be able to communicate with others efficiently and effectively. Pray for discipline and diligence in my studies, and that I would put into practice what I learn in the classroom.

An answer to prayer

Today, I settled on an apartment that is exactly what I was looking for in a place. The owner and his family (four kids) live on the first level, and he wants to make sure I will be a good role model for his kids. He has a few rules, but I don't think they will be a problem. The street seems pleasant, quiet but with plenty of neighbors around and nearby amenities. I have access to places to run and am close to a public swimming pool. I am also walking distance from language classes. Thanks for your prayers!

Starbucks Sighting...

Yes. I was walking to school yesterday and passed by a street stand selling a set of procelain starbucks cups. I couldn't believe it was true, so l asked to take a picture. I imagine the black market is the only place starbucks is going to show its face in West Africa for now. I don't think it could compete with the street side cafe touba carts and nescafe.

Looking for an Appartment

Yesterday, I think, I found my apartment; who knows I may not have understood everything. On the sidewalks around the city "real estate agents" post advertisements of houses and appartments for rent or for sale on wooden boards. Usually, when you look at the sign, someone down the street or close by will come and help you. Saturday, I had a rendez-vous with an agent and saw an apartment that met all my qualifications --- safe, good location, roof access, friendly environment, a place nearby to run, and etc. I didn't take pictures, but if I get it I'll post some. The place is very basic. It has running water and electricity, but no stove or refrigerator, cabinets or drawers, nor, closets or bathroom mirrors. The front of the apartment has an open atrium that gives you an outside patio feel for your entry. All that to say, it will need some small additions to make it work long term, but it is typical for here.

Today, I was reminded that it was a step of faith for me to come here and that it will continue to be a journey of faith. I worshipped at an evangelical church nearby where I am staying, and was reminded of the many ways that God has already been at work in Africa through the centuries. Most of the people at the church were from other parts of Africa, but there were at least a few nationals. Why God has brought me here? And, how will I be used? I'll just have to wait and see. For now it is to learn from my African brothers and sisters. One of the verses read today was Matthew 9:37-38, "Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." In this season of my life it means being in West Africa.