Yes, we are long overdue with a newsletter. Can we just say that we are grateful that we won't have to work on computers in Heaven? We have had major problems with ours which contained all of your addresses! We have finally managed to retrieve most of them. So, here goes.
We have been busy with quite a few things lately. Chad has a greater workload in the office now because his supervisor is out of the office for language study. Chad has been charged with compiling the West Africa region's budget request for 2008, and that has added a lot of work on top of his regular responsibilities. Also, he is taking a seminary class by extension, so he has lots of reading and other assignments.
Crystal is still studying Wolof, but did receive her required level of proficiency at the last evaluation. Praise the Lord!! She is also teaching English and Bible stories to several girls and ladies each week.
Our boys are ages 3 and 16 months now, so they are ALWAYS busy. Chase is learning to speak more French and Wolof, and he is playing better with the children in the neighborhood. Another huge praise to our Lord! Caleb is not talking yet. We think he is just trying to decide which language to speak.He is lots of fun, though, and he loves everyone. They love him, too.
We had asked some of you to pray for Edward as we explained how he must choose whether he wants to follow the ways of the major religion here, or to follow Christ. He has really been sitting on the fence. He had a crisis in his life that allowed us to share very directly with him. He is now doing better as he is working, and he is still reading the Bible. Please continue to pray for him because it often takes people awhile to make such an important decision.
Edward's wife, Anna, is one of the ladies who is studying with Crystal. She is truly a joy to know. She is very open to hearing God's Word, and eager to discuss the various topics. Please pray that she will be saved.
Also, thank you for praying for Mary. She has come back in full force. She is studying with Crystal 3 days a week. She even brings her younger sister, Victoria. We have now met a lot of her family, and are planning to eat lunch with them this Saturday. Please continue to pray that they will be saved as well.
Finally, we have another lady named Mariama who has said she wants to study with us, but she has only been able to attend one class. Please pray that she will be able to continue, and that she will be saved.
Please pray for our group of students who meet in front of the house. We have had many, many interruptions, and most girls have stopped coming.
Please pray that they will return. One praise in this area, though, is that Crystal was able to visit their school with some volunteers. She met the Saturday English teacher, and he invited her to come speak to his class anytime! Pray that we will be able to share with many more students and teachers there.
Once again, we thank each of you for praying for us and for the work here. We know God is working, but sometimes it seems like we are climbing a mountain with very heavy backpacks. Your prayers help to lighten our load. We couldn't continue without you. We pray that you realize the joy of the Lord in your life and work today. As always, be sure to let us know how we can be praying for you.
