We know it has been a long time since our last newsletter. It seems like our home, our children, and our work keep us very busy. Can I get an “Amen!” from anyone?
We do hope you are well. We thank you for praying for us. We have had some great lessons with our students. The other day, Crystal told the story of Noah, the ark, and God’s promise-the rainbow. Her friend and helper, Mariama said, “Be sure you help the students understand this story.” She said it was important because here many people think that a rainbow appears when God is angry with people, and everyone must hurry to the mosque to pray! This is just one example of how the truth has been twisted by their religious teachers.
This deception is one reason that we are so compelled to write and ask for prayer. Next week Crystal will be sharing the story of Abraham’s faithfulness to God in being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac; and God’s provision of a ram to take his place. Here, many people believe that it was Ishmael who was almost sacrificed and that God’s promised one would come through his line – not Isaac’s. This is another perversion of the truth. We are praying that this will not keep any of our students from continuing to come to our class.
In addition, Crystal is teaching English to another lady named Mary who is very interested in the stories. She even thought Crystal must be Muslim because she has NEVER KNOWN a white person to know God’s Word so well! Boy is she in for some wonderful surprises in the Scriptures. We are praying that the deception which she has lived under her whole life is lifted and that she comes to know the Savior.
Chad has been spending time in a market near where he works each day. He has had many interesting conversations. We are praying that he will find people who are seeking the truth about God and desiring a relationship with Him.
We thank you so much for your prayers for us and for the people here. Please pray that the barriers that have kept them from hearing about Jesus will be removed and the way will be cleared for many to know Him. Also, pray for Senegal as they will have their presidential elections the end of February. Politics are very difficult in West Africa. Please pray that there will be peace and that an honest leader will be elected.
Please keep us updated on your lives as well. We love hearing what is going on where you are, too.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Saturday, December 30, 2006
The Sheep Says, “Baaaaaa!!”
We are saying this to Caleb quite often because it is noisier than usual at our house. Our neighbor, Abi – and all our other neighbors, have bought their sheep for Tabaski, the Muslim holiday when every family sacrifices at least one sheep in remembrance of the ram sacrificed by Abraham in place of his son. It is a very festive day here as everyone dresses up, eats a huge meal, and visits their friends and family. However, it is sad for us because we know that this sacrifice does not bring them one bit closer to God. We are trying to share with them that Jesus was the final sacrifice who has paid for our sins. Please pray along with us that we will have many opportunities to share this truth with our friends and neighbors.
We hope you had a wonderful Christmas. We thank you for praying for us during this season. Many people here think that Christmas is some wild partying holiday with lots of food and drinking and that Santa Claus is the main character. We have been telling everyone we can about the true meaning of Christmas. We have given out quite a few New Testaments in Wolof along with our gifts of little cakes and bags of rice. We tell each person to whom we give a gift that we give because God has given us the greatest gift ever given. Please pray that their hearts will be touched and their spirits will be open to reading and hearing God’s truth.
Also, you have been praying for our storying groups with middle-schoolers. Thank you!! We have had over 60 students sit in for at least one story. In addition, we have quite a few faithful ones who are here every time and can repeat every story. We have lots of fun! Please continue praying that the Word will penetrate their hearts and change their lives.
Finally, many of you have given to your churches’ mission funding, the Cooperative Program, and to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. We want to say a huge THANK YOU to you. You are playing a vital role in keeping us and 5000 other missionaries in our fields of service. You have put a nice roof over our heads, provided us a vehicle to drive, put food on our table, and put God’s Word in the hands of many. We appreciate each one of you.
May you and your family be blessed throughout the New Year!
We hope you had a wonderful Christmas. We thank you for praying for us during this season. Many people here think that Christmas is some wild partying holiday with lots of food and drinking and that Santa Claus is the main character. We have been telling everyone we can about the true meaning of Christmas. We have given out quite a few New Testaments in Wolof along with our gifts of little cakes and bags of rice. We tell each person to whom we give a gift that we give because God has given us the greatest gift ever given. Please pray that their hearts will be touched and their spirits will be open to reading and hearing God’s truth.
Also, you have been praying for our storying groups with middle-schoolers. Thank you!! We have had over 60 students sit in for at least one story. In addition, we have quite a few faithful ones who are here every time and can repeat every story. We have lots of fun! Please continue praying that the Word will penetrate their hearts and change their lives.
Finally, many of you have given to your churches’ mission funding, the Cooperative Program, and to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. We want to say a huge THANK YOU to you. You are playing a vital role in keeping us and 5000 other missionaries in our fields of service. You have put a nice roof over our heads, provided us a vehicle to drive, put food on our table, and put God’s Word in the hands of many. We appreciate each one of you.
May you and your family be blessed throughout the New Year!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Very Thankful
We can hardly believe that it has been over a year since our family moved to Dakar! We truly have a lot for which we are thankful. We have a beautiful home, wonderful neighbors, Caleb’s safe arrival, many family members who came to visit, good health, the Lord healing us the times we have been ill, a generator to help us make it when the power is cut, our children enjoying Bible stories more than any other books, opportunities to share Jesus with those who are lost, and each one of you who so faithfully lifts us up in prayer. We are grateful to God for His faithfulness in our lives.
In this newsletter, we want to let you know that we are very excited (and a little nervous) as we prepare to start English lessons along with Bible stories on Tuesday, the 21st. This will take place in the little park in front of our house with the students who attend a middle school near us. They “hang out” in this park when they are on a break from school. When Crystal told them we would start next week, they shouted and jumped around! They are excited, too. We have another missionary who will be helping as well as David, Yacine, and Mariama who will help with the Bible stories in Wolof.
Please pray for the following:
1) That the hearts of the students will be open and ready to hear the Truth from God’s Word.
2) That we can learn all of their names, and really build relationships with them.
3) That no one in our neighborhood will oppose us.
4) That none of the students’ parents will object to their coming.
5) That some of the parents would even come to hear the stories.
6) That David, Yacine, and Mariama will be able to tell the stories well and answer any questions clearly.
7) That we will do this relying on God’s strength rather than our own.
8) That we will find those who are truly seeking God and lead them faith in Christ.
We desperately need you to be praying. We know that nothing will happen without the Lord’s Spirit moving ahead of us. If you are interested in fasting as well, we want to fast on Mondays at lunch time. We are calling it “Lundi (Monday in French) Lunch for the Lost.” We hope you can join with us.
“Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods.”
1 Chron. 16:23-25
We pray that you and your families will have a blessed Thanksgiving. We love and appreciate each of you.
In this newsletter, we want to let you know that we are very excited (and a little nervous) as we prepare to start English lessons along with Bible stories on Tuesday, the 21st. This will take place in the little park in front of our house with the students who attend a middle school near us. They “hang out” in this park when they are on a break from school. When Crystal told them we would start next week, they shouted and jumped around! They are excited, too. We have another missionary who will be helping as well as David, Yacine, and Mariama who will help with the Bible stories in Wolof.
Please pray for the following:
1) That the hearts of the students will be open and ready to hear the Truth from God’s Word.
2) That we can learn all of their names, and really build relationships with them.
3) That no one in our neighborhood will oppose us.
4) That none of the students’ parents will object to their coming.
5) That some of the parents would even come to hear the stories.
6) That David, Yacine, and Mariama will be able to tell the stories well and answer any questions clearly.
7) That we will do this relying on God’s strength rather than our own.
8) That we will find those who are truly seeking God and lead them faith in Christ.
We desperately need you to be praying. We know that nothing will happen without the Lord’s Spirit moving ahead of us. If you are interested in fasting as well, we want to fast on Mondays at lunch time. We are calling it “Lundi (Monday in French) Lunch for the Lost.” We hope you can join with us.
“Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods.”
1 Chron. 16:23-25
We pray that you and your families will have a blessed Thanksgiving. We love and appreciate each of you.
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