The Gift Goes On

Yesterday we experienced the work of God through former missionaries first-hand as we worshipped in Baneira about an hour and a half from Niamey in a small village church that was started by a local man. He had been saved under the ministry of missionaries sent out from the states. This church has since started several other churches in the area. These people have only had the Bible in their language for about a year. Missionary Tim Wright imparted the Word yesterday, working through Genesis, teaching these villagers of how God created all things. This is news to them, and they seemed eager to receive it. On most Sundays there are over 200 people crowded in and around a building meant for only about 75. What a blessing to see their hunger for God\’s Word.

Rainy season has arrived. Most of the unpaved roads (which is a good portion of them) are a quagmire if not a pond at times. This is only the beginning, though. The season can last into September, and most hope it does.

We signed a rental agreement last week and are in the process of making repairs before we move in. While the work is being done on our house, we are taking the time to go get our car. We fly to Bamako tonight and hope to drive back here to Niamey some time this week. All depends on what needs done to our car to make it road-worthy, and how long it takes to get the paperwork done. We have a missionary friend in Bamako who has started the paperwork process for us. While there, we will be spending some time with former co-workers from ICA – a special treat. As far as we can determine, we hope to be traveling back here on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. For most of the trip, we will be traversing paved roads. We appreciate your prayers for that trip. We know that God has been answering your prayers; we sense His direction in decisions we are making.