Father Abraham...

When we last wrote, we were concerned about how the story of Abraham’s faith being tested would be received by the students. Well, we just have to say, “Praise the Lord!” and thank you for praying. It took several weeks to actually get to tell the story because Senegal had their presidential elections and school was out more than it was in. However, finally, the day came when Crystal got to share the story. The students listened, answered the questions, and had no problem with it at all! In fact, we learned a song about Abraham in Wolof and we taught them “Father Abraham” in English. Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun. All afternoon, we could hear children singing the songs in the park. Please continue to pray that the Truth will penetrate their hearts and minds so that one day they will understand and desire to follow Jesus.

Thank you, too for praying about the elections. Everything went smoothly and mostly peacefully. There were a few demonstrations, but the country didn’t have any real instability.

You also have been praying for Mary. She took a few weeks off from studying because of the elections. We were worried that she might be politely saying she wasn’t coming back. Yet, she also came again this last week, and we had a wonderful discussion about original sin. In addition, she told me about a movie that is being shown here on TV. It is attempting to scare people into becoming stronger, more religious Muslims. At first we were worried, but now we think this could work to help us. Please pray that people will want to think more about their relationship with God and eternity, and that they will hear the Truth.

Chad continues to visit with some guys in the market near his office. Please pray that he will be able to have deeper spiritual conversations with them.

We also have another young woman, named Anna, who wants to learn English and to study the Bible stories. Please pray that we can work out our schedules to include time with her.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We are so grateful for your prayers, and the role you play in the Lord’s work here.

Standing in the Need of Prayer

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.

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!