Are you always like this?

"Are you always like this?" This is what one of the ladies in my group asked one day. "What do you mean?" I asked. This woman wanted to know if we still dressed, acted, and taught the same things when we are in the U.S. She had been told that westerners come in and teach some things, and then go back home and act differently. I assured her that although I don't wear all my African outfits in the U.S., I still dress modestly, act the same, and teach the same things from God's Word. She was relieved. I was saddened, though, to think that there are already people trying to discourage her from learning the Truth in God's Word.

My group of ladies has reached a major point in our study. A few weeks ago, they were thrilled as the Israelites finally reached the Promised Land. We then went through some of the prophecies about Christ. Last Saturday, we talked about how the Koran teaches that they should study the teachings of Jesus (Issa). I sort of gave them the chance to stop studying. But, praise the Lord, they want to continue!! Please pray for their eyes to be opened and their spirits to receive the wonderful news of Christ being the final sacrifice for our sins. We will meet this Thursday morning and then Saturday before we leave for vacation. Please pray that nothing hinders our study.

Many of you know that the month of fasting (Ramadan) has started. We have many friends, neighbors, and acquaintances who do not allow any food or drink to touch their lips from sunup to sundown. Often, they won't even swallow their own saliva! I asked my friend why they fast. She said it was so that their sins would be forgiven. Also, she said that if you wanted anything, this is a good time to ask for it. It is a pretty miserable time for them because it is so hot right now.

It is really sad for us to watch this going on because we know that their works and sacrifice are not "earning" them anything with God. The one bright spot in all of this is that people often have dreams and visions during this time. Please pray with us that many will truly seek God, and that He will reveal Himself to them in their dreams. Many former Muslims say that they became followers of Christ after He came to them in a dream!

Also, please pray for Chad as he finishes up mountains of work at the office before we leave. Pray that he will have few interruptions, and will work very efficiently. He is also asking for wisdom as he has taken on an additional role as the IMB representative on the board of directors of the missionary school here in town.

We thank you so much for your faithful prayers for us and our work here. You help to keep us going each day!

Basketball Camp Results

Thank you so much for your faithful prayers for us as we had the basketball camp a couple of weeks ago. The weather was beautiful, and we had at least 125 children and youth participating. Each of them was able to know our Savior's love as our team and the volunteers shared and played with them.

They heard the Good News each day as well. The team visited in many homes; and as they did, we had something happen that we personally have never seen before here in Dakar. Eight people decided to follow The Way !!!!! We are rejoicing greatly. Please pray for these new believers as they learn how to follow our Savior. They will probably face persecution from their families, friends, and neighbors. Ask the Father to give them strength to persevere.
We were not able to visit every home while the volunteers were here, so we are now trying to do that. Please pray that the materials we are giving out will be well-received. Pray that we will meet the parents of these students, and that entire households will be saved.

Also, we have a summer missionary helping us, and she is great! She is living with a Senegalese family. She helped with the basketball camp, and is helping visit homes. She is also teaching English at a cultural center near our church. Please pray that she will have great conversations that will impact her students. Also, that the family she is living with will hear and understand The Truth.

Thank you again for praying. We couldn't make it here without your support.

Upward Bound!

This is the first time we have had a few minutes to write to you about what is happening this week. We have a volunteer team from Florida here to help us host basketball camps. We have a camp in the morning for the younger children, and one in the afternoon for older youth.

After camp each day, the coaches go into the homes of the youth, and share God's Truth with their families, pray for them, and give them some materials about how to follow The Way.
The first two days have gone very well. We would like to ask that you lift up the camp leaders and participants this week.

Please pray for the following:
1. That parents will continue to allow their children to attend the camp.
2. That the leaders will all have strength, energy, and good health. It is very hot and muggy right now.
3. That God's Spirit would go ahead of the volunteers, and the way of salvation will be shared clearly.
4. That many people will watch and read the DVD's and books that are being given out.
5. That those who are truly seeking God will come.
6. That those who are seeking to destroy God's work will stay away.

We have attached a couple of pictures to help you see a little of what's going on. We'll let you know next week how God has answered your prayers!!

There are no words to express the peace that the Lord gives us in knowing that all of you are praying for us and for the work here. We thank you!!!!