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March 31, 2006
Before Dominike departed for Boulwando this morning he
stopped by to report on the progress and blessings there and
in Tanghin.
In Boulwando things continue to progress. The members are
taking more and more active roles in the services, as
Dominike is delegating various faithful members the tasks of
leading the songs, teaching the children, public prayers,
and giving personal testimonies. Six teenagers came forward
during the invitations this month and received Christ.
Several of the recent converts from the marché has started
assisting the services.
Rassibanin continues to assist Dominike in Tanghin. Denis is
fast becoming the unofficial leader as he takes personal
responsibility to make sure things are done in preparation
for the services. During the invitations this month four
responded to the gospel call and received Christ.
===============================================================
March 29, 2006
Tonight we continued with our Bible study on prayer. With
school starting back up again, we had several students out.
Still we had another good crowd and a first time visitor.
Elizabète came with Germane and her sister, Sabine. She
listened intently, taking a lot of notes on her handout.
As we were picking up our “bus route” we had the opportunity
to meet Celestin’s wife who greeted us enthusiastically. She
still has not committed to visit our services.
===============================================================
March 26, 2006
Even with several of our regulars visiting various family
members, we still had thirty “bus riders” this morning.
There were no first time visitors but we had several that
came after a few month hiatus. Alexis continued for the
second week with the young teens; even Evariste who was not
ready for the “bus” walked alone for the class. Ghislain
preached this morning on the personal meaning of Easter. He
used Easter as a way to remind us of our responsibility to
witness to those around us. Several responded to the
invitation.
After the services Alexandre really wanted to be baptized
before his six month trip to Fada. So we baptized Alexandre
this morning in front of the congregation. It was a good
preview for those who will be baptized next week. Please
pray for our baptism, as several are in need of baptism.
===============================================================
March 25, 2006
As I arrived for our Soul-Winning Club, I was surprised to
see the men and a few visitors continuing with their games
from last night. All of those reiterated their enjoyment of
last night and their desire to continue holding these
special nights.
Our second week of this series on Soul-Winning continued
this morning with nine of us present. Including the three
men making professions last night, there were ten
professions of faith reported this week in our Dassasgo
outreach. Twenty-five new converts were visited and one
continued with the discipleship series. It was encouraging
to see Harouna leading another one of his fellow students to
the Lord.
Paul wanted to talk about the continuing conversation he had
with Alexandre last night. Alexandre asked Paul to come to
his house to continue their conversation about his spiritual
growth. They talked into the morning hours. Alexandre will
be moving to Fada this week for his new job at the electric
company; a very good job opportunity. He would really like
to be baptized into our church before starting his six month
work in Fada. Please continue to pray for him.
===============================================================
March 24, 2006
Another minor problem with our Pajero this morning had me
concerned about tonight’s activity. Arriving before the gate
to the mechanic’s garage was opened I patiently waited for
his arrival. One of the mechanics came out seeking to know
the type of problem I was having. I stated I was having a
problem with the tires, as there was way too much shaking
while driving down the road. It was almost unbearable and I
was concerned about the tire coming off while transporting
people to the activity tonight and then to church Sunday
morning. He stated it was a minor problem and he could fix
it quickly. Two hours later it was still up on his car lift.
Apparently a tire rod had broken and he needed to change it.
Five hours after arriving he had it fixed and we were ready
to proceed with our night’s activity. Praise the Lord!
This evening the Fundamental Baptist Church had a game night
activity at the Institute. We invited our members, visitors
and friends, to come to the Institute for a night of board
games and ping-ping. We had a great turnout and people
continued to come several hours after our start time. We
were really encouraged to see some first time visitors as
well some who recently made professions of faith involved in
a good time of fellowship with other Christians.
During the evening we all stopped playing our games to
listen to the testimony of Paul. He gave a testimony of his
life before his conversion, how he was converted and what he
is now doing. It was a short, concise, testimony that was
well received. After his testimony we asked for those
interested in hearing more about salvation or about their
spiritual growth to seek out myself, my wife, or one of the
young preachers.
Alexandre approached me with a desire to talk with me
personally. Paul, Alexandre and I retired to the back of the
building to discuss what was on his heart. He mentioned how
he has been friends with Paul for a long time, calling him
is “best friend,” how he has witnessed a change in Paul’s
life, especially his outlook on life, how he listened to
Paul talk about salvation and teach about salvation for over
a year. Yet he could not overcome his thinking that
Protestants, especially Baptists, are the religion for the
poor people who lack education and any ability to change
their lot in life. Still he could not shake the testimony of
Paul. He observed in Paul a change in his attitude and in
his direction of life. Before Paul’s conversion he was like
him, in seeking material and financial riches, and after his
conversion his attitude changed to one of contentment with
having his daily needs met and his direction changed to
seeking to please the Lord in spite of the financial
difficulties. As he testified, this complete change in
Paul’s comportment had a profound impact upon is life and he
finally responded by repenting and receiving Christ as his
Savior.
Since he started visiting our church two weeks ago he
realized that he was missing out on his spiritual growth and
really wanted to have to have the peace that Paul, and
others in the church, exhibited. Yet, his past continues to
haunt him. Growing up Catholic, even attending parochial
schools, and living in Mali for four years, has brought him
into contact with a variety of different things, especially
witchcraft in which he openly dabbled in. This “dabbling”
has left him scarred with respect to demon oppression and he
desperately wants to walk in daily victory. We continued to
talk about his expectations, God’s expectations, and what he
is willing to do to overcome this difficult past of his. We
prayed together, with him renouncing his past associations
and pleading for the wisdom of the Lord to move forward in
his spiritual growth. He greatly needs our prayers, as do I
as I seek to counsel him with God’s word.
As I was talking and praying with Alexandre, Safiatou
approached Mary about some personal problems. So she and
Mary went outside the gate to continue their private
conversation. Safiatou talked about some tremendous anxiety
attacks she was experiencing. She has been having some
dreams about her suffering and her death. Mary felt she is
dealing with demonic oppression and they continued to talk
with Mary praying after their conversation. She is a new
Christian who was saved just a couple of weeks ago. She
walks almost an hour and a half to the road where we pick
her up for the services. At night she has to walk, or run,
about two kilometers home without the benefit of light. As
we were dropping her off this evening she mentioned that she
runs home because it helps her to avoid the men who
“trouble” her. She really covets your prayers!
As Mary was finishing talking with Safiatou, she stayed
outside for a breather. Two men, Ousséni and Maloame, were
walking down the road, stopped to talk with her. They are
Rastafarians and one could tell by their clothing and hair.
She talked with them for several minutes, explaining what
was happening at the Institute and inviting them in for a
time of fun and fellowship. They hesitated, stating they
needed to return home and change before entering, but she
persuaded them their attire was appropriate and welcomed.
They came in, introducing themselves as they started to
enjoy some of the games with others. Alexis began talking to
them and the conversation turned to spiritual things. Both
Ousséni and Maloame heard a sound gospel presentation,
realized their sin, and in repentance asked the Lord to save
them.
Moussa, who has just started coming this week, talked with
Ghislain during their game of Scrabble which continued after
the game. After hearing the gospel this week, during the
Wednesday evening Bible study, and through both Madi and
Sanfo, he listened intently to Ghislain talk about
salvation. By the grace of God, he also realized his need
for salvation and tonight before going home, Moussa was
saved.
This is a long journal entry, but, praise the Lord, it has
also been a long, profitable day in the ministry here in
Ouaga. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf and on
behalf of the ministry here.
===============================================================
March 23, 2006
Paul dropped by this morning to continue talking about the
possibilities in Tanghin. He again reiterated his desire to
see the work in Tanghin move forward. He is willing to
contribute financially for others to travel there and it
does not have to be him. He would leave the decision of who
preaches and ministers there to me. He is familiar with the
current situation and the potential for problems with a few
others and he does not want to cause any conflicts with
others. I really appreciate his humility in this situation,
and am greatly encouraged by his desire for Tanghin. He is
scheduled to visit Tanghin on April 9, 2006, for his first
preaching service there.
Madi came by for his discipleship lesson, but was a little
discouraged as he had given it out to someone else and did
not have a copy to fill in the questions. We read the lesson
together with Sanfo, who came with him, and Pastor Zacharie,
who stopped early for his rendezvous. Madi continues to
exhibit a desire to grow and to reach out to those around
him. Sanfo has received his first lesson and is almost
finished with it so we can start this discipleship series
with him.
Pastor Zacharie came by for our rendezvous to discuss his
situation. Having been saved over thirty years ago, trained
in two different Bible Institutes, (one in Burkina with AIG,
and the other one with a Baptist mission in Togo), and being
part of Dan Cuthbertson’s church in San Pedro, Cote
d’Ivoire, he felt the leading of the Lord to return home and
start independent Baptist churches in the Ouagadougou area.
He has read our Statement of Faith and is in complete
agreement with it. He has sat down with our Institute
students and they find him “agréable.” He has come highly
recommended by another Independent Baptist missionary. There
is one thing that we are currently working on and we hope to
have it resolved in a couple of weeks. He has been a great
encouragement to us, especially because of his desire to
minister here. Please pray that God would give us, Pastor
Zacharie and I, His counsel in this situation.
===============================================================
March 22, 2006
I noticed as we walked into the services this evening that
we had a new outside light and that the other outside light
was fixed and operational. I asked who fixed it, and the
response was that Paul, who knows a little about
electricity, repaired it. I was even more surprised and
encouraged, to realize that it took some money to buy the
things needed for the repairs, and as no one approached me
about the needed funds, Paul bought them with his personal
funds.
It was good to see Sanfo come to the Wednesday evening Bible
study; his very first visit. We also had several first time
visitors as Germane brought two of her sisters who just came
into Ouagadougou from Koudougou; Louise and Sabine. Madi
also brought his friend, Moussa. Again this was another
“largest” attendance for our Wednesday evening service. We
continued with our series on prayer. After the services Mary
talked with both Louise and Sabine about the Lord. They
responded by indicating their need for a Savior and
receiving Christ.
One of the exciting things was to see the crowds gathering
around each other and talking about spiritual things. I was
greatly encouraged to see several different groups of people
making friendships with the new and recent converts as well
as new visitors. Both inside and outside of the church these
small groups formed and stayed together for some time after
the close of the prayer meeting.
As I was bringing home five men, three of them, Moussa, a
first time visitor, Sanfo another first time visitor and
Madi decided to go to his house to continue reading the
Bible together, because as Sanfo said, Madi has the only
Bible among them. Again, as Mary and I were bringing home
seven of the ladies laughter filled the car throughout the
half hour voyage. We have been praying about building unity
and camaraderie among our people and God is beginning to
answer this specific request. Please continue to pray for
our unity building as we seek to do different things for
this very purpose.
===============================================================
March 19, 2006
Thirty-five people rode the “bus route” this morning
including several first time visitors. We had several
“normal” riders who were missing for various reasons. It
still took four trips to gather all of these riders.
We divided up the children’s church, as it was getting too
big for Rachel, especially with the age difference. So
Alexis took several of our almost teenage boys, (Everiste,
Mombre, Ali and Youssef), for a new class. It appeared to go
well as all participants liked their first course.
The message this morning was on “Growing Up” from Hebrews
5.12-14. As I preached to another overflowing crowd, I could
see the interest in their eyes. Several responded to the
invitation to move on in their spiritual journey. Two of
those responding came for their first Sunday. Rosier, a
friend of Yacouba, who is also our neighbor’s guard, stated
his desire to grow in grace. Also, Celestin, who came
Wednesday evening, responded to his need for spiritual
growth. As we were driving him home, Celestin, said he would
“encourage” his wife to come the following Sunday.
===============================================================
March 18, 2006
We started a new series for our Soul-Winning Club this
morning, picking new partners. Celestin came for the first
time, arriving a little late; apparently there was a little
confusion as to his transportation to the Club. He seemed
very eager to learn and witness to others. He said he has
tried to witness to his wife, but she preferred to “argue”
religious issues. Please pray for her salvation.
During the reporting we heard of five professions of faith
this week, twenty-three follow-up visits on new converts,
and one discipleship continuance. After arriving at the
eighth lesson Ferdinand has developed a life filled with
activities; so much so that he has lost the time to
faithfully continue his discipleship with Ghislain. Please
pray for him and his spiritual growth.
Paul stopped by this afternoon to run a few errands for the
IBFO and to run some personal errands for Mary. After he
completed the chores, he talked about how God has been
opening up doors for him to earn some extra money and he
would like to take this opportunity to spend it on the
ministry in Tanghin and Boulwando. He said he was eager to
begin working more within the mission context. We are really
excited about his desire to take a more active role in the
ministry. Please pray for him and these ministry
opportunities before him.
===============================================================
March 17, 2006
This morning Madi and I continued with his discipleship
lessons. He was well-prepared and eager to share what he is
learning from the lessons. As he was about to leave his
house for our meeting one of his Muslim friends stopped by
his house. So he invited Sanfo to come with him to his
personal Bible study.
After our lesson, I began to talk with Sanfo about his life,
his background and his faith. Our conversation turned into a
great opportunity to witness to him. He listened intently to
the plan of salvation according to the Bible. At the end, he
said he realized he was a sinner, he needed a Savior and he
acknowledged this morning that the Savior he needed was
Jesus Christ. So he bowed his head in repentance and
received Christ into his life. Praise the Lord!
Madi, Sanfo and I went to the Institute to pick up several
other students to visit a family whose son died this week.
Michael, an eleven year old boy who has asthma, was a
regular in the children’s church. Last Sunday morning he
died in his sleep. As we were visiting the parents, Simone
and Mariam, we could see the sadness in their eyes. They
brought out some pictures of Michael from his birth and
continuing up to a few years ago. There was not much to say,
other than our condolences and our prayers. Please pray for
this family who has lost a great deal this week.
===============================================================
March 15, 2006
Our study on Prayer continued this evening during the Bible
study. Tonight was our third in this series and we are
seeing the Wednesday evening attendance growing. With the
students still on vacation we had another great crowd. It
was good to see many of our recent converts here; Germane,
Mariam, Fati, Flore and Safi. We also had several first time
visitors as Paul brought his “best friend” Alexander.
Ghislain brought his friend, Celestin, who accepted the Lord
last Saturday. Daniel, who was saved in January, also
returned tonight, with his big brother, David KORGO. Several
responded to the invitation to become more active in their
personal prayer lives. Several others mentioned they are
greatly encouraged by this series on prayer.
After the services a young boy came to me with a letter from
his mother. About three years ago she fell sick and became
crippled. Today she is forced to walk with crutches.
Recently she found out she has SIDA (AIDS). When she told
her husband, he packed her bags and put them outside his
house. She was forced to go to her brother’s house with her
two children. Being crippled, with SIDA, two children and no
means of support, she struggles to make it from day to day.
She recently gave her life to Christ and is building
confidence in a God that loves her and will always love her.
She needs help. Please pray for decisions that we need to
make with respect to her very delicate situation, but mostly
pray for this young mother and her two children that God
would shower them with His love each and every day.
===============================================================
March 14, 2006
This morning, before the start of the Institute, Ferdinand
stopped by to get his ninth lesson on the discipleship that
he is working on with Ghislain. He has been “busy” and has
not been continuing with his discipleship for three weeks
now. It was good to see his desire to grow return.
Dominike called this afternoon from Boulwando. He just
returned from the hospital where he had been. He fell sick
this weekend and could not make it back to Ouaga for the
Institute studies. Apparently it was something he ate, as he
had the symptoms of food poisoning.
This evening Mariam stopped by the house to request a ride
to church Wednesday evening. She is excited about her new
found faith and wants to grow in grace.
===============================================================
March 12, 2006
We were on the road by 7 :00 AM, and picked up thirty-seven
riders with many first time visitors. Yacouba continues to
see his friends and acquaintances come at his invitation. We
picked up four more first time visitors invited by him.
Noël preached this morning on “A True Christian” taking his
text from James 2.14-17. He preached well, used various
illustrations and concluded well. With several first time
visitors we used Paul to translate into Mooré. As I was
concluding the invitation eight people raised their hands
for salvation. So immediately after the services I asked for
those who were truly interested to come forward and “talk”
with me. Five ladies came forward to continue their quest
for the truth. It was very encouraging to see all five of
them respond to the gospel and receive Christ as their
Savior. Mariam, who came for the first time at Yacouba’s
invitation, responded. Safiatou, who also came at the
invitation of Yacouba, had to walk almost one hour and a
half to meet us on the paved road, also responded. Germane,
who has been visiting for a few weeks, was another one who
responded. Two first time visitors, who were invited by
Ghislain, Safi, and Flore also responded.
Mary dealt with Marcelline, as she also raised her hand for
salvation. She indicated that last week she really did not
understand, but this morning she did. So she accepted Christ
with understanding this morning. Ghislain dealt with Yacouba
on his assurance, as he is having some doubts. After the
services, Fati, Alexis’ friend, came in and talked with
Mary. During the course of the conversation she realized she
needed to be saved and responded to that need.
It was a great day as seven people responded to the gospel.
Driving home took over two hours to get “bus riders” home.
Several were tired of waiting and started walking home
before we could deliver them all. It was a little tiring for
some, as Marcelline arrived at church one and a half hours
early, and others, like Germane, had to wait almost two
hours after the services to be brought home. We really need
to pursue some type of passenger van. Please pray about this
need.
===============================================================
March 11, 2006
Alexis taught the Soul-Winnning Club this morning. All of
the regulars were present and reported eight salvation
decisions on the street, twenty-seven follow-up visits and
one discipleship continuation. Several men continued to
encourage their friends to visit the services on Sunday.
This afternoon Yacouba, who works across the street from us,
stopped by with Safiatou, a young woman, who desires to come
to church with us. We picked a rendezvous place for Sunday
morning and after the services we will take her home to know
where she lives for the next services. Shorting after this
encounter, Yacouba again returned to our house with an older
man, Amadou, who also desires to visit our church. Since he
will be in the neighborhood tomorrow he will come to our
house for a ride to church. Yacouba has been very active in
inviting people to church. We have had over six different
people visit in the last two weeks because of his
invitations.
This evening, Madi, Paul, Mary and I went to visit Madi’s
friend. She was not there but her family was. So we finally
got to meet someone from her house. After this visit we
picked up Urbane and went to Tanghin, the Ouaga
neighborhood, and met with his prayer group at the home of
an older lady, Felicité. We were there simply to meet them.
They were very gracious as we sat and talked about various
things. Unfortunately we were forced to use a translator, as
most could not speak French. Paul and Madi helped us
translate. They invited me to preach for their prayer group
in the future on a Saturday afternoon. (I find it hard to
turn down invitations to preach. So I will accept this
invitation with the expectation that we will only be active
in this capacity and for a limited amount of times.) They
seemed to be a well-formed prayer group and most of them are
active in a local church. One of their pastors was there to
greet us.
===============================================================
March 10, 2006
Sports Day for the Institute was this morning. We took the
students to the American Recreation Center for a morning of
different sporting events. This is one of the ways in which
we hope to build special unity among them. We also hope to
broaden their experiences.
Basketball was first on the agenda. Ghislain, Alexis, Paul,
Harouna and Dominike formed the first team. David,
Douninoma, Noël and I, (Charlie), were on the second team.
After a hard fought game, the second team won 20 – 10. It
does not appear that the NBA will be calling on our two
teams in the near future. :-)
Tennis was then played with four teams. This is the first
time that they had picked up a racket. Harouna and Paul
played four games against Douninoma and David winning 4-0.
Ghislain and Noël played the second match against Alexis and
Dominike and won 3-1. It was an eye-opening experience as
they showed some tremendous possibilities, especially
Ghislain with his serve and Dominike with his ground stroke.
Still it does not appear that they will be ready for the
Burkina Cup next year. :-)
Weight-lifting was the third event. We lifted a series of
different weights and tried our hand at sit-ups on an
incline. They all wanted to know who the strongest was among
them. So a little contest ensured with the bench press.
After the first round only Alexis, Dominike, Paul and Noël
were left. By the four round only Alexis and Paul remained
standing. They ended in a tie. Ghislain, Douninoma, and
Dominike roundly put the others to shame with the sit-ups.
Swimming, in a pool of cold water, followed the intense
weight-lifting. After the initial shock of the water’s cold
temperature, we tossed some balls around and then played
“freeze tag.” This was another first for most of them.
During the “freeze tag” David, consumed with desire to tag
his brother, Douninoma, almost drowned in the deep end. He
went under several times before his large hands finally
found the edge. He pulled himself out of the pool and
recuperated before resuming the swim. We were all stunned at
what was transpiring before our eyes. As it began to dawn on
me that he needed help, he reached the edge. Laying on the
edge brought a chorus of laughs from the rest of his
fellow-students. Harouna was the only one who could not
swim.
Billiards was the final game this morning. We again divided
into teams. As this was the first time for almost all of us,
there was nothing spectacular to report. We all struggled
and struggled. It seemed as if the games would go on and on,
as no one was able to get the balls into the pockets.
Finally as time was winding down, Ghilain, who did not have
a partner, replaced Paul in the final game; whereupon he
begin to pocket five balls in a row with precision shooting.
It was an awe inspiring demonstration of good billiards by
Ghislain, who admitted to playing the game “a few times
before.”
As we were headed back to the dorms there was a tremendous
amount of talking about how great this morning was and how
things would be different the next time. It was a morning
well spent. Camaraderie was developing. New experiences were
beginning to enter their lives. We thank God for the
opportunity He gave us this morning.
===============================================================
March 09, 2006
We had our rendezvous this afternoon at the Hotel
Financiers. The person who called for this meeting was not
there. We waited and waited. Finally someone else decided to
help us. He was very personable and helpful. He told us the
procedures we needed to do to get this “Declaration of
Existence.” We really appreciated his desire to help us. We
hope to have this process taken care of in a couple of
weeks.
Madi and I continued our personal discipleship this evening.
Tonight he was prepared with all of his questions answered
and he appeared much more confident as we talked through the
lesson. I noticed he even had a greater command of the books
of the Bible as he turned to the Scriptural references.
During the middle of the lesson Madi’s friend, Eric, stopped
by. Madi has been after him to visit the church, but he
wanted to meet me before committing coming to church. As we
talked with Eric, he realized he was not saved, he needed a
Savior and he realized that Jesus Christ died for him. So
this evening Eric responded to the gospel and became a
Christian. He immediately wanted to know how to grow in
grace. It was exciting to see his new found faith in action.
===============================================================
March 08, 2006
We continued with our Bible study on prayer this evening. As
we were picking up people, Germane asked about becoming a
member of our church. She wanted to know about baptism. (We
are always a little concerned about these types of questions
because baptism seems to be a way of identification with
Christianity, no matter when, where or how one is baptized.)
Please pray for her, and several others, who have expressed
similar thoughts, that God would open their eyes to the
salvation that is only found in Jesus Christ, and not any
type of baptism.
We had a great crowd, as it was a national holiday and our
students were not in their evening classes at the public
school. There were also several first time visitors,
including a young lady, Fati, which came with Alexis. She
wanted special prayer because of an important decision that
is being forced upon her.
We went by Madi’s friend again. She has been promising to
come for several weeks and we have been going to her house
since that time. When Madi returned to the vehicle, I could
tell he was discouraged by her continual “absence.” I
encouraged him that we will continue to seek her, and maybe
it might be better to visit her before this Sunday. So we
will try and visit her and relieve some of her fears about
coming.
===============================================================
March 07, 2006
As I was driving to the Institute this morning, I noticed
two passenger vans loaded with government workers descending
in our neighborhood. My heart jumped a little as I realize
we will probably be visited by them at the Institute. (As
with most governments, they usually find fault with
something. :-(
Sure enough, as I was teaching at the Institute, they
stopped by. Apparently we need a “Declaration of Existence”
to exist as an Institute. I had thought that we had already
received approval to start churches and Institutes, but
apparently this is not so for the city government. So I am
forced to report to their town hall and state the reasons
why we are operating without this declaration. The meeting
is scheduled for this Thursday afternoon.
===============================================================
March 05, 2006
We had the most riders on our “bus route” this morning with
thirty-three riders. It took four trips to gather everyone.
Several were first time riders as Marcelline brought her
younger sister, twenty-five year old Christiane, and Yacouba
brought another one of his friends, Germaine, who is also a
house helper in our neighborhood. (It is encouraging to see
Yacouba take an active interest in inviting his friends.)
Pastor Zacharie GAMBO preached this morning. He is a
national pastor who has just returned from Cote d’Ivoire. He
was an active member in Missionary Dan Cuthertson’s church
in San Pedro. Brother Dan has highly recommended him and has
vouched for his testimony. Pastor Zacharie felt the urgency
to return to his native country and start Baptist churches.
He preached on John 4 and the changes made in a new
Christian’s life. Several responded to the invitation.
===============================================================
March 04, 2006
This morning during our Soul-Winning Club we took the
opportunity to speak on the reasons why we are not involved
in the ecumenical movement. It is a needed subject here,
given the ecumenical predispositions of the vast majority of
Burkinabé. We had six professions of faith through the
visitation efforts on the streets. Fourteen recent converts
were followed up.
During the course, several of our former children from our
old bureau stopped by to remind us to pick them up on Sunday
morning. They have been in the village and have not been
able to come for several months. It was encouraging to see
them walk the distance to inform us that they are back in
town and ready to return to our services.
===============================================================
March 03, 2006
Before Dominike departed for Boulwando this morning he
stopped by to report on the progress in Boulwando and in
Tanghin for the month of February.
When the school in Boulwando traveled to the nearby village
of Zémalga to play a soccer match Dominike took the
opportunity to witness in the marché. There were three men
who made professions of faith that day and one of them,
Adama KINDRÉBÉOGO, came to church the following Sunday.
While visiting the marché in Boulwando throughout the month
there were five more professions of faith with four of them
starting to attend the church services; Roza OUÉDRAOGO,
Moussa KINDRÉBÉOGO, Talato KABORÉ, and Rakiêta KONSIMBO. One
young man, Madi KABORÉ, was saved while visiting the Friday
evening Bible study and then visited the Sunday morning
church services. All in all, there were eleven professions
of faith for the month of February through the Fundamental
Baptist Church of Boulwando.
In Tanghin, the work continues to move forward. The préfet
has again demanded that the church receive her permission to
hold any type of services, even if they are under a tree.
(We have asked Denis DUPAMA to take the initiative and
respond to her request.) One child of eight years responded
to the invitation and received Christ as her Savior. Two
other teenagers also responded to the invitation on February
19 and became converted. Denis continues to be a very active
member by leading the congregational singing for three of
the four Sundays, organizing the physical structures for the
weekly services and by encouraging others to attend. Another
young man, Michelle DUPAMA, who is the Naba’s young brother,
has become active and has started assisting in the services,
even leading the congregational singing one time. Chantale,
the wife of the former Naba in Boulwando has returned and
has become a faithful member each service.
===============================================================
March 02, 2006
This afternoon the students of IBFO played the International
School of Ouagadougou in a friendly soccer match at the ISO
soccer field. It was a humbling experience as we were
soundly defeated 8 – 0. Our students displayed a gracious
spirit throughout the game. Several of the ISO students, and
the ISO sports director, commented on the quality of
character that the IBFO students displayed. (It was a bitter
sweet experience as Caleb played for the ISO team against
his father and fellow church members. :-)
===============================================================
March 01, 2006
We started the second semester of the Institute this
morning. Almost all of the students are back from the
villages. Noël and Denis are still in Koudougou and should
be returning this weekend.
We have decided to try to have block courses for this
semester. Our first block course will be Evangelizing
Muslims; a very interesting and needy course here. There
will be seven other block courses for the duration of this
semester.
This evening I started a Bible study on prayer. We were
encouraged to see Marcelline and Yacouba start coming on
Wednesday evenings. Madi invited one of his friends, but
unfortunately we arrived a little late and she had already
departed. We hope to be able to pick her up on the “bus
route” this coming Sunday.
===============================================================
February 26, 2006
Our “bus route” was down a little this morning with only
nineteen riders. Several children from Saaba did not ride
this morning. We did have a first time rider, Marcelline,
the young lady who wanted to come with Yacouba. There were
several visitors who came back to the services after several
months of missing.
Alexis preached this morning on “The Good News” from Luke
4:16-20. He tied the “Good News” in with the church,
spiritual growth and evangelization. He really preached well
and the message was well received. During the invitation
three people responded. Marcelline responded to her need for
salvation. Mary dealt with her and she realized her sin, her
need for repentance and her need for a Savior. Yacouba also
responded for salvation. Paul dealt with him, with the
realization that he had previously made a profession of
faith. He said his first profession was not sincere, but
this morning he wanted to sincerely accept Christ as his
Savior. Adjaratou also responded and as I dealt with her,
she stated she wanted to be sure that others were praying
for her spiritual growth and that they would continue to do
so.
As we were returning home on the “bus route” Marcelline
wanted to show us where she lived so she could start coming
on Wednesday evenings and for other church services. (She
rode her bike to our neighborhood and had to return to
retrieve her bike.) I could not believe where she lives. She
brought us to a completely new, (for us), neighborhood;
Tanghin. It sure is a small world! :-)
===============================================================
February 25, 2006
Alexis ran the Soul-Winning Club this morning. He taught the
course on “Evangelizing in the 21st Century.” His brother,
Jean-Pierre, came for this lesson. During the reporting
session it was reported that their were three professions of
faith on the street, three more men said they needed to
think about it some more, and twenty-five follow-up visits
of those who have recently made professions of faith.
This evening the mechanic returned our vehicle repaired. It
is now ready for the “bus route” tomorrow morning. Praise
the Lord! As I was returning from the mechanic, Yacouba
stopped me and asked if he could bring someone with him
tomorrow for church. A former neighbor’s cook has decided to
visit our services.
===============================================================
February 24, 2006
This morning Urbane stopped by our house to continue his
conversation about visiting his prayer group in Tanghin, a
neighborhood of Ouagadougou. As Paul was also there, I
reintroduced them and had Paul and Urbane set up a meeting
in the very near future. They decided on March 11, 2006 at
2:00 PM. Please pray for this rendezvous.
===============================================================
February 22, 2006
Alexis finished his Bible study on 1 Timothy this evening.
His theme was Paul’s final exhortation to Timothy. It was
evident that he was really prepared for this series, as the
teaching was well thought out and delivered with enthusiasm.
He opened his study by teaching us a new song, both in
French and in English. It surprised most of us.
I have noticed that he is still very intimidated to be in
front of people. One can see his hand shaking as he lifts
his notes to read. One can even see his feet wavering a
little behind the pulpit. But one of the most obvious signs
is his inability to look at the audience as he teaches. He
will look down at his notes and then raise his head and
begin teaching with his eyes practically closed. I have
asked him before about it and he simply says he is very
intimidated and cannot look upon those he is speaking to.
Then he will again confirm his calling and state
emphatically that this is the Lord’s will and he will gladly
stand in front of people to proclaim the “Good News” even if
his eyes have to be closed.
As we were dropping off some of the people after church our
vehicle overheated. Fortunately it was right after we had
let Kadi off; our last stop. It was a little disconcerting,
as the habit is that when one is broken down, especially an
expatriate, many people will come to your aid. So we pulled
into the “big” paved road and stopped, hoping that no one
will come to our aid. We sat in the car until the
temperature went down. Then I walked to the nearest boutique
and bought some water to put into the radiator. When I
returned, Mary and I quickly opened the hood, put in the
water, quickly started the vehicle and drove towards home.
It looks like the water pump is leaking; another vehicle
problem to fix. :-(
===============================================================
February 19, 2006
Twenty-six riders were on the “bus route” this morning. No
first time visitors, but it was good to see Yacouba ride the
bus this morning. Rachel was again packed out in Junior
Church. Her class continues to grow weekly. She is doing a
great job and really likes the opportunity to teach the
children. (We need to divide the class and are in the
process of praying for someone to take over the twelve and
thirteen years.) We had seventy-three this morning. There
were no professions of faith, but several were responsive to
the preaching.
===============================================================
February 17, 2006
We moved our Soul-Winning Club to this morning because of
some personal stuff this weekend. All of the committed men
were there to begin a study on witnessing to Muslims. With
this county having a fifty percent Muslim population and
with the many new converts coming from Muslim backgrounds
this study is an urgent necessity.
During the study several men shared their experiences in
witnessing to their Muslim friends. Alexis told the story of
a young man who converted to Christianity and was disowned
by his father and had to leave the village. This is a rare
occurrence here, as most are Muslims by culture and not by
religion.
We had three professions of faith with our street witnessing
program, two more who will “think” about it and twenty
follow-up visits on recent converts. Two more continued with
their discipleship studies. It was a good week for visiting
as several new converts have expressed an interest in
growing in grace and have committed to “visit” the church.
===============================================================
February 15, 2006
For only the second time in several years have we been
forced to cancel our Wednesday evening services; there was
no electricity in the entire neighborhood.
===============================================================
February 14, 2006
At 10:00 AM Madi came to our house for his first
discipleship lesson. He was apprehensive as this is his
first venture into the word of God outside of our church
services. As we worked on the lesson it was evident that he
was extremely illiterate of the Bible, which is not unusual
given his Muslim background. Adama, his older brother who
was saved in our church but has since moved to Ghana for
work, Korotimi, his younger sister who was saved through
another ministry and is active in another church, and Madi
are the only Christians in his family, both immediate and
extended. Madi still lives with his family.
During the lesson he shared with me the fact that his father
refuses to talk about his faith in Christ and completely
ignores this new facet of his life. His mother on the other
hand has been very inquisitive about this new found faith of
his, asking questions almost daily. He thinks his mother is
close to turning to the Lord for salvation. Please pray for
Madi and his family, especially his parents’ salvation.
Jean YAMÉOGO, our mechanic, called this afternoon excited
about something he wanted to show me. He asked that I stop
by his shop within a few hours. (I have known Jean for five
years and have used him while visiting Ouagadougou from
Bouaké, Cote d’Ivoire when we were living in Bouaké. He has
been a positive influence in our lives and a great
encouragement to our ministry here.) When I arrived at his
shop he immediately came rushing out to show me a vehicle
that someone was selling. He pointed out the potential
problems that he could fix, and the many positives of the
vehicle, stating that with my type of work in the villages,
it would last a long time. He greatly urged me to consider
buying this vehicle, as he has been keeping his eye open for
something that we could effectively use in our ministry. I
told him we will pray about it and possibly bring it before
some pastors and churches in the States. Please pray that we
will have the confidence of God in either direction.
===============================================================
February 13, 2006
This morning we had a rendez-vous at the Institute to
continue working on the “Declaration d’objectif ” of our
church. Then we started working on the sign for the
Institute, which includes a statement of the Institute’s
objective. Ouahabo returned to assist us in the wording of
both. After the “brainstorming” sessions, Ghislain, Paul and
Ouahabo came to our house to repair a table that we are
moving to the Institute.
After this morning’s event, Paul handed Ouahabo a Bible and
the first discipleship lesson which they will commence in a
few days. It was encouraging to see Ouahabo beginning to
take an active interest in the church and Institute work.
===============================================================
February 12, 2006
There were no first-time visitors on the “bus route” this
morning, but we still had twenty-five riders. Rachel was
overflowing in the junior church with fifty-six children.
All in all we had seventy-eight present. During the
invitation several responded.
Ouahabo, who was there before the services, responded. He
has been in doubt of his salvation. As I was counseling him,
he agreed that he had repented and accepted the Lord before
and he was serious about his past decision, but because of
his inability to live victorious over certain sins he
doubted whether he was truly saved. Reading Romans 7
together made him realize that he was not alone in his
struggles. As long as he continued to live in the past, with
his past habits and friendships, he will continue to
experience daily defeat. If he truly wanted to grow in grace
then he must commit to personal Bible study, discipleship,
faithfulness in church services, and in witnessing. I
continued to give him the assurance of his salvation and
encouraged him to make this commitment to grow in grace. He
assured me, and himself, that he was sincere in his desire
to grow in grace. He committed to have Paul begin to tutor
him in his new found faith by starting the discipleship
program this week. I had him close in prayer, asking the
Lord for His grace to begin his new life in earnest.
Reluctantly, but excitedly, he prayed his very first prayer
out loud in front of another person.
Another one who responded was Madi. I could tell the Lord
was touching his heart during the invitation. He repeatedly
raised his hand, as if to make sure of his heartfelt desire.
He would not take his eyes off of me, as we continued
through the invitation, demanding of his pastor, “What
should I do next?” Madi said he has been struggling with
this desire to become faithful to the Lord in all areas of
his life. He again indicated that he would do whatever it
takes to grow in grace. I asked him if he was willing to
take time each week and each day for this development of
faithfulness. He quickly agreed that he was more than ready.
He committed to a discipleship program with me on a weekly
basis, faithfulness in all of the church services, and a
commitment to the Soul-Winning Club.
Several others responded and prayed alone during the
invitation. It was very encouraging the response to a
message entitled “Be faithful!”
God has given us a great nucleus of men and women to work
with. Given the great difficulties of living here, with most
of our members unemployed and little educated, with extended
family relationships that trump all else, with a mobile
society that is much more fluid than in the States, we
cannot help but thank the Lord for those He has brought to
us. May the Lord find us faithful servants in His vineyard
here in Burkina!
===============================================================
February 11, 2006
We started out in the Soul-Winning Club by introducing those
problems we encountered with the tract yesterday. Several
different men on the street provided us with a more concise
wording in French. Others offered their insights into their
perceptions of what was being attempted in the communication
of the “good news.” All in all, we had six different
corrections. We are still looking at the first page, the
detailed design that would be the eye-catcher, before
actually printing.
Secondly we have started working on a “Declaration
d’objectif” of our church. All of the men offered their
analysis based upon the repeated teachings of having a
concise declaration of the objective of the Fundamental
Baptist Church of Dassasgo. David offered a promising
declaration that we are revising together.
During the reporting time it was reported that there were
seven professions of faith on the street, two professions of
faith on a follow-up and no discipleship this week, as
several of our young disciples are not in school but are in
examines these past couple of weeks. One of those follow-up
decisions was a young man named Léon, who attends night
school with Harouna. He has been visiting him for many weeks
now, and this Wednesday after classes he decided to respond
to the gospel call.
===============================================================
February 10, 2006
This morning we met at the Institute to continue with our
new tract. (Unfortunately Ouahabo was not there. He was
outside after the meeting stating he had “things” to do.) We
spent several hours revising and rewording the tract. It is
coming along well. I printed up a draft of the tract and the
men used it this afternoon. Their goal was to solicit the
opinions of those on the street. Several men on the street
responded and volunteered a few more insights as to the
French utilized. Overall the response to the tract was
positive. With a few more corrections we should be ready to
print the first batch with the intention of further
revisions as we learn of its deficiencies; both in the
French grammar and misperceptions generated by those reading
it.
===============================================================
February 08, 2006
Alexis continued his Bible study on 1 Timothy with chapters
four and five. He felt pressed for time as he only has one
more week to finish this series, and it showed in his “hurry
up” style. Still he did a great job of conveying the message
from these two chapters. He again reiterated our need to be
vigil in our defense of false teachers and their teachings.
He stressed the importance of personal relationships with
each other and with the pastor. He used various
illustrations from his personal life growing up in a
village, being in a high school in another one, and finally
living here in Ouagadougou. It was really encouraging to
hear him relate his personal experiences to the Word of God.
God is continuing to mold and make him into His servant.
During the services it was good to see Ouahabo walk in. I
have been personally after him for some time to return, and
tonight he did. He also agreed to help us in our tract
development this Friday morning.
===============================================================
February 05, 2006
Twenty-two “bus riders” came this morning with several first
time visitors from Saaba, where Adjaratou lives. We tried
our first “traditional” or “American” type of invitation
this morning. (Normally we have heads bowed and ask for
those interested in prayer for specific things to raise
their hands. Then we immediately deal with them one on one.)
It was a little confusing for most of our members, as we
asked for those with specific needs to come forward as
others were in prayer. Mary played the flute during this
part of the invitation, another first. We hope to “practice”
this type of invitation more and more.
Christène stopped by after the services, as has been her
habit. She is still a little reluctant to commit to come to
our actual services, as she has been warned repeatedly about
our “cult.” Still it is encouraging to have her interested
enough to make an appearance immediately after our services.
Please continue to pray for, as she appears the key for
several others, such as Marguerite and Lea.
Dominike had the responsibility to preach in both Tanghin
and Boulwando this morning. Because he is staying in the
village for the month of February we will not have him
report on the progress until his return.
===============================================================
February 04, 2006
During the reporting time at our Soul-Winning Club it was
reported that there were five professions of faith on the
streets, with another twenty-three follow-ups of recent
converts. Because of the school breaks, no weekly
discipleship happened.
We concentrated on our new track by brainstorming the track
written by Ghislain. After two hours we have completed three
paragraphs of seven. During this week, each of us, eight,
will continue to correct and make changes personally and
then come back together again this coming week for another
brainstorming. It was exciting to see the men work
collectively to make a viable witnessing tool here. Please
continue to pray for this worthy endeavor.
===============================================================
February 01, 2006
This morning Urban called me to talk about visiting with his
prayer group. After further clarifications I realized that
he was talking about the neighborhood of Tanghin here in
Ouagadougou. We misunderstood each other as we were talking
last week, as we were both excited about “Tanghin.” (It must
have been a different Denis DUPAMA, as names are quite
common here. We have four Pendo KONSIMBO’s in Boulwando
alone and two in the church.) So we will make plans on
visiting with his prayer group here in Ouaga very soon.
Tonight Alexis continued his study on 1 Timothy. Since our
vehicle is still down, we could not pick up our normal
riders this evening, therefore attendance was lower than
normal.
This evening the mechanic came by with our vehicle repaired.
Yes, repaired! Apparently it was not the valves or the
pistons. He said it was divine protection, as the only part
broken was a piece that deals with the timing belt, (I am
not a mechanic and those French words are not normal
everyday conversation for me, although, and unfortunately,
they are becoming more and more common). He said he has
never seen this break without also breaking other things,
which I am assuming is the pistons. Praise the Lord! This is
indeed a blessing!
===============================================================
January 31, 2006
This morning I took our vehicle into the mechanics. He
looked at it and said it was either the valves, which would
not be too bad, or it was the pistons, which would be bad.
He would not be able to tell until he took the engine apart,
which he will do tomorrow.
Dominike stopped by on his way to Boulwando. He is very
excited to be able to spend the entire month there, without
any trips into Ouagadougou. He really likes the opportunity
he has there and looks forward to the growing tasks as the
pastor.
Given the small disagreement with a few others about the
work in Tanghin, we have decided to let Dominike handle the
increased workload of preaching, teaching and evangelizing
Tanghin with the help of the members of the Fundamental
Baptist Church of Boulwando. Not only has Dominike responded
positively to this new challenge so has many of those in
Boulwando. Both Yamba and David help in visiting and
evangelizing on Fridays. They also help in the Bible studies
on Saturdays. Then a young twenty-one year old new convert,
Rasanbanin, comes Sunday morning to assist Dominike in the
services. (Of course, Denis, one of the new converts in
Tanghin, continues to assist by leading the congregational
singing and preparing for the Sunday morning services.) The
work in Tanghin is proceeding well and all parties are
excited about its progress. Please continue to pray for the
work there.
===============================================================
January 30, 2006
As Mary picked me up downtown this evening she mentioned the
vehicle has been making strange noises. Driving home I
realized those noises were not normal. This vehicle has been
a constant source of patience building for us. There always
seemed to be something wrong with it. Yet, God seems to take
care of these problems in time for its usage on the
weekends.
===============================================================
January 29, 2006
With our “bus” making the trip to Boulwando last week, it
was not available for its route here in Ouaga. Therefore the
“bus route” today was low as we only had fifteen riders. We
are seeing a pattern of low attendance on the “bus” the
following week that it does not run. Somehow we must find a
solution to this dilemma. Still we do rejoice in those who
have been, and are, faithful to ride our little “bus” each
Sunday.
As the time to start our services approached, David, our
song leader, was not there. So I turned to Alexis to lead
the congregational singing. During the third song David
walked in quickly with his brother Emmanuel. He had left to
seek his brother to make sure he came to the services. This
was his first “Baptist” church service, if not his first
protestant church service. He was the only visitor, but we
had several “friends” who had not been there for some time;
Esther, our neighbor, Ferdinand and Kibsie who walked to the
services. No one responded to the gospel call this morning,
but several responded to the invitation to walk closer to
the Lord.
===============================================================
January 28, 2006
This morning the Soul-Winning Club was down in members, as
several have returned to the villages for the next five
weeks. Still we had seven men there. Throughout the week
there were three professions of faith, eighteen follow-up
visits and one continuation of discipleship. (Several new
converts who have started the discipleship material have had
problems continuing for various reasons. Abdoulaye ZEBRÉ
moved to Cote d’Ivoire with his older brother, Abdoulaye
OUÉDRAOGO found a full time guardian job, which is an
average of six days a week, twelve to thirteen hours a day,
and another one has “lost” interest.)
We are out of tracks and are in the process of producing one
among ourselves. I have encouraged the men to begin to write
tracts that we can use here. This morning Ghislain proposed
a wording for a tract that looks good. We will have it typed
up and then checked and rechecked for its language. Finally
we will have it passed through several other pastors,
missionaries and Institute students before actually using it
on the street. It is a long process that we greatly look
forward. We covet your prayers for this endeavor.
David brought another one of his “brothers” from his
village, Emmanuel KORGO around. This evening he and Alexis
talked with him at the IBFO about his need for Christ. He
refused to respond and said he wanted to think about it some
more. Please pray for his salvation.
===============================================================
January 27, 2006
As I was driving in Ouaga, Urban, a crippled man who had
visited us several times last February and even played for
our soccer match with Boulwando, stopped me. His friends
have started a prayer group in his village and he wanted me
to preach to them in the near future. My mouth dropped open
when he told me he was from Tanghin. His mouth nearly
dropped open when I mentioned that we had recently starting
holding services there in a small mission. He even
acknowledged that he knew Denis Dupama, one of our faithful
members who has been leading the singing. We made plans to
visit together in the near future. It is amazing the
providence of God in our daily lives!
===============================================================
January 25, 2006
Alexis began his four week Bible study on the book of 1
Timothy this evening. His point of emphasis, or his theme
was : “la mission confié à Timothée au sujet des faux
docteurs“; (The mission entrusted to Timothy with respect to
false teachers). He was poised and persistent in his theme.
He spoke well, but he lacked a little confidence as he had a
little difficulty with eye contact. (It takes a lot of
courage for him to speak publicly, as he has attested to
before, but he is confident of God’s calling upon his life
is eager to allow God to use him through public preaching.)
===============================================================
January 22, 2006
As we were driving to Boulwando we stopped by Tanghin so
Alexis could descend for preaching there. Denis, as is his
habit, was there to great us. He continues to grow and
exhibit a desire to serve the Lord, assisting in the
services by leading the congregational singing. He also
gathers the broken tree branches for the benches and
encourages others to be faithful. This morning they had
fourteen. Alexis said during the invitation all of the
children came forward for salvation, as they had been doing
for some time. The lack of basic Bible knowledge is a little
difficult and we will continue to deal with these children
on their salvation.
Mary and I continued to Boulwando to hold our first
communion services there. There was a large crowd and I was
concerned about the potential problems with non members
participating. Since the message was on communion we simply
continued into the communion services. As we were partaking
of this communion I did notice that several visitors did not
participate. It was encouraging to see this young church
exhibit signs of maturity this morning. Harouna came with us
to participate in this communion service and to visit his
family and friends.
The mantle of preaching in Dassasgo again fell to Paul. He
preached this morning on prayer. Attendance was low, as the
“bus” was not running, but several visitors were there
including Aimé who was recently saved, as well as Ferdinand
and Yanik.
We left the motocyclette with Paul to visit with a few
members this morning before the church. Unfortunately it
fell ill, as usual. We have had many problems with this
motocyclette. It is exactly the same ones we had previously
purchased with no problems. The seller will not make it
good, even with the realization that we are seeking two more
to purchase. Apparently we will have to seek another avenue
to buy these other two.
===============================================================
January 21, 2006
During the Soul-Winning Club it was reported that four
people made professions of faith this week, eighteen recent
converts were followed up, two more people were visited to
follow up on their decision to accept the Lord, and one
continued with his discipleship lessons.
We had two first time visitors to our Club this morning;
Leon, Alexis’ friend, and Aimé, David’s little brother who
just made a profession of faith Tuesday as he visited the
IBFO. Christène and Marguerite were there washing the
clothes of some of the Institute students. They have been
coming around throughout the week, but are afraid to come to
the services. (According to Paul, they have been told that
we are a cult. Please pray for them, as Christène has made a
profession and Marguerite is still “thinking” about it.)
===============================================================
January 18, 2006
Paul finished his Bible study on Titus this evening with an
emphasis upon the relationship of a Christian with the
government and again emphasizing the necessity of good
works, or a good testimony, for the Christian. His four week
study was well prepared and delivered with compassion and
commitment to the Lord and His work.
During the prayer requests, Dominike gave a short testimony
on the divine protection of God over his life. As is his
habit, Dominike travels to and from Boulwando several times
a week. This week as he was returning to Boulwando, he came
upon the rock quarry on the top of a hill. As he was turning
around a curve, he noticed a “man” dressed in red, standing
in the middle of the road. The closer he got the more he
realized that this was not really a “man” but possibly a
“manifestation.” Concerned he pulled off the road and began
praying. Another motocyclette came by which Dominike
attempted to stop. The driver refused, and as Dominike
observed him reach the spot of this “man” he crashed his
motocyclette. Dominike rushed to his aid and proceeded to
help him until others arrived. He did not see this “man”
again. Dominike is convinced he saw a demon, or at least a
“manifestation” of a demon, and that God opened his eyes and
protected him from disaster. With demon activity very real
here, it is hard to really say what exactly Dominike say.
What is sure is that Dominike saw something that frightened
him so much so that he stopped and proceeded to pray.
Another driver passed Dominike and crashed at the very site
he saw something. Dominike has given all the glory to the
Lord for his protection. We covet your prayers here; both
for us and for our growing ministry team.
===============================================================
January 17, 2006
National Pastor/Missionary André BAZIE finished his studies
for the IBFO this morning. This concludes the first semester
of our third year. Our second semester will begin the March
01, 2006. Noël and Denis will be returning to their village
until the start of the second semester. Ghislain will
remain, as will the other students.
This morning Aimé KORGO, the young brother of David,
(meaning the same extended family), again stopped by the
Institute. After hearing the gospel from various students
since Saturday, Aimé decided to respond, repent and receive
the Lord this morning. Amen!
===============================================================
January 15, 2006
Early this morning, around 3 AM, I woke up with a chills,
high fever and aches and pains all over. Mary tried to nurse
be back to health but by the time church rolled around I
still had a high fever and was unable to drive the “bus.” So
Mary took over the “bus route” and picked up twenty riders.
Dominike continued to preach in both Tanghin and Boulwando.
He started in Tanghin where Rasanbanin again came from
Boulwando to help him with the music. Denis continued to
lead the congregational singing. Two ladies, Maman and
Mounata, came forward during the invitation, repenting of
their sins and turning to Christ for salvation.
In Boulwando the services went well. Dominike continues to
be excited about the faithfulness of Hamado. He was strongly
encouraged into a marriage to a lady almost twice his age by
his family and the elders of the village. (It is a
complicated story, but one that is common around here. This
woman’s husband died and left her with two young children.
Since Hamado was the closest male relative on the husband’s
side, he was selected to fulfill the marriage commitment.)
He has remained faithful since the start of the building
project. His faithfulness continues through his marriage and
still continues today. Moussa SIMPORÉ, who was saved during
the Friday Bible study came to the services for the first
time.
===============================================================
January 14, 2006
We re-started the Soul-Winning Club for this coming year.
Ferdinand and Aimé KORGO, who is David’s seventeen year old
brother, came for the first time. There were four
professions and twenty-two follow-up visits this week. Two
young Christians continued their discipleship studies this
week.
===============================================================
January 13, 2006
While Dominike was visiting in the marché, God gave him the
opportunity to witness to a young teen, Adama DIPAMA,
fifteen years old. After the conversation, Adama decided he
needed Christ and received Him this afternoon.
Since Dominike is in school, at the Institute, until Friday
morning, it was decided that Friday evenings was the best
choice to have Bible Studies. Tonight during the Bible
Study, two young men, Moussa SIMPORÉ, seventeen years old,
and Moussa KABORÉ, twenty-three years old, turned to Christ
for salvation. Praise the Lord!
===============================================================
January 11, 2006
We started the IBFO for 2006 this morning; continuing the
first semester studies. We hope to complete this semester
the end of January. After the Institute Ouahabo stopped by
to assure us he is really desirous to grow in grace. He has
been missing regularly for some time, even though he lives
right by our Institute. He insisted he would be in the
services this coming Sunday. Please pray for him, as it is
very difficult for him to grow in grace.
We also started the Wednesday evening Bible study and prayer
time this evening. Paul continued his study on Titus. Daniel
OUÉDRAOGO was in the services for the first time since his
conversion Monday.
===============================================================
January 09, 2006
Daniel OUÉDRAOGO moved back into Ouagadougou. He originally
came in August. Being from the same village as Paul, David,
Douninoma, Christène, Marguerite, Léa, Dominike and several
others we have been dealing with, makes it easy from him to
come to the IBFO every time he is in town. In August he
refused to respond to the gospel, insisting he wanted more
time to think about it. Well, today, as David was talking
with him, Daniel decided it was time to make his decision.
He decided he wanted to give his live to Christ and become
and Christian. Praise the Lord!
===============================================================
January 08, 2006
There were twenty-three “bus riders” on our “bus route” this
morning. It was a little low, given the fact that we had a
few first time riders, but it is always a little low the
week after the “bus” does not run. Madi finally came back
from the village and this morning brought two young neighbor
children. It was also good to see Yacouba on the “bus”
again.
During the invitation, Yanik again responded. He made a
profession of faith in August and has started discipleship
with Paul. Still he is having some difficulties and has
sought assurance several times. Ghislain dealt with him this
morning; attempting to assure his heart of the complete
forgiveness he has in Christ. Several others responded to
the invitation; indicating a strong desire to follow the
will of God in their daily lives.
Dominike preached in Tanghin this morning before proceeding
to Boulwando to hold services there. He brought a young man,
Rasanbanin with him from Boulwando to assist in the music.
Denis DIPAMA, who has remained faithful, led the
congregational singing. During the invitation a young man
came forward and accepted Christ as his Savior.
===============================================================
January 03, 2006
Ghislain and Ferdinand stopped by our home early this
morning. We have decided to take a two week break from the
Soul-Winning Club for the holiday season. Since Ghislian was
the only student to stay around for the holidays he wanted
to continue his weekly discipleship with Ferdinand. They
stopped by to get the fifth lesson in the discipleship
material.
===============================================================
January 01, 2006
We decided to hold communion services in Boulwando this
morning. As we were driving to Boulwando we stopped by
Tanghin to let Harouna hold the services there. Denis, Adama
and a few others came up to us to greet us. Denis has been
faithful for every service since our start in November.
Just outside Meguet, our tire blew and we had to pull over
to change it. As we were changing the tire, David KONSIMBO
and several other bike riders stopped to assist us. David
indicated that the Naba of Meguet, who is over the whole
region, called for a New Year’s celebration at his home.
David and the others were on the way to this celebration.
David also said that all of the adults of Boulwando would be
involved in this celebration this morning.
Continuing to Boulwando we came upon Yamba and another man
on their motorcycles heading to this celebration. Yamba also
stated the intention of the adults to obey the Naba and take
part in this celebration. When we arrived at the church,
Dominike confirmed that the Naba had called for a
celebration and that all of the adults would be at the
celebration instead of church. After talking about it, both
Dominike and I decided it would be better to postpone the
communion service until January 22.
In Dassasgo Ghislain and Douninoma preached. This was
Douninoma’s first message. During the invitation, a young
man, Martine, responded and received Christ as his personal
Savior. With the New Year’s celebrations and without the
“bus” running attendance was low, but the services went
well. |
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Web
Editor- Don Tarvin
Updated 11 Jan 2007
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