March 31, 2007

Twelve people were present this morning and reported a week wherein five people made professions of faith and another thirty-nine people were followed up. Concentration this week centered on visiting again those who recently made professions of faith encouraging them and exhorting them to “examine [them]selves, whether [they] be in the faith.”

This afternoon Serge, the brother of Flore, stopped by the church to let us know that Flore died this morning in the hospital. She has been sick for the last few years, but seemed to be recovering. Last night she felt really tired and started having difficulty breathing. This morning she was taken to the hospital where she passed away around 10:00 AM.

Traditionally, the family performs the burial the same day. Mike Hillhouse, Mary, I and six Institute students visited with the family assembled at Flore’s house, meeting her mother and several other family members for the first time. We also visited the cemetery anticipating the burial services, but were told that they are not ready yet. Around 4:30 PM Paul mentioned that it would be better for us to return home and wait for his call as to the time frame for the burial at the cemetery. Almost two hours later he called asking for us to return to the cemetery. After waiting four hours in the darkness the burial procession arrived and the ceremony started, ending a little after 11:00 PM. It was a very long time, but normal here.

(While at the cemetery Mary commented on all of the “small graves”; mounds of dirt piled up all around this very large cemetery. It is very discouraging to realize that 40% of Burkina’s children die by the age of ten. At the gravesite next to Flore, the young baby was only six months old and died Christmas day 2006.)

Flore made a profession of faith on March 12, 2006 during the invitation. She followed the Lord in believer’s baptism April 02, 2006. Even with her illness she remained faithful as much as possible to our services; attending with her nine year old son, Landry. Her family appreciates your prayers for them during this difficult time.

===============================================================

March 28, 2007

Having a vehicle that is in constant need of “attention” certainly produces “exciting” opportunities during the day for us. Since our vehicle is still down, we decided to walk to church this evening. Arriving at church several of the men were astonished that we actually walked the distance, which became a topic of conversation for the evening.

Augustin continued his study on Philemon. He is prepared but still uncomfortable in the pulpit as is evidenced by his desire to simply “read’ his notes. We had two neighbor men attend this evening, walking in just after we had started, and staying behind to talk with some of the students.

===============================================================

March 26, 2007

National Pastor/Missionary André BAZIE was scheduled to finish his course on Romans this week, but because of sickness was unable to come up to Ouaga. Please pray for his health and his ministry there in the Koudougou area.

===============================================================

March 25, 2007

Thirty-two riders rode the “buses” this morning, with nineteen coming from the Tanghin area. We had several first time adult riders and also a return of a couple of young ladies who have been missing in action for several months. We had a full house in the adult auditorium with an overflow crowd sitting almost under the sun.

Ghislain preached this morning using as his text 2 Timothy 1:7 for his sermon titled “L’Esprit Reçu” (The Spirit We Received). He preached a good message and stayed focused on his four point outline. Several people have commented on his tremendous progress over the last three years. A couple of people responded to the invitation requesting prayer for their spiritual growth and commitment to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

===============================================================

March 24, 2007

Eleven people showed up for the Soul-Winning Club, which we have based upon the “Operation Go” principles we taught in the States developed by Evangelist David Wood.

When it was reported that we had more people making professions of faith than those that were followed up, (twenty-one professions of faith and fourteen follow up visits), we decided to “talk” about their perceptions and of those making professions of faith. Given the statistics for the last couple of weeks it was important to gain a spiritual perspective of what we were “witnessing.”

Keep in mind that we live in a culture that is genuinely nice and people try to be in accord with each other as much as possible (other than the driving part :-). Our conversation turned on two pertinent points, with the first being their expectations of what was happening. To the person, all agreed that many of these professions were simply an attempt by those making these professions to be nice and in agreement with us as to not be offensive.

The second point was a miscomprehension of Biblical faith. It is not in attaching Jesus to one’s life, along with other cultural and family traditional beliefs, thus producing a syncretism within professing Christianity which, unfortunately, is rampant, in this part of the world.

We attempted to illustrate this Biblical faith with a coin. Just as a coin has two sides and one cannot simply cut the coin in half and expect to actually use it, so also is Biblical faith with the concepts of receiving and repenting. Both are part of the same coin; different sides but still the same coin. One cannot receive Christ without repentance and one cannot repent (Biblically) without receiving Christ. Both sides are necessary for Biblical faith. Both sides are present in genuine salvation. Both sides are evidence of Biblical faith.

We determined this week to concentrate on communicating more effectively the nature of sin and salvation with respect to repenting and receiving Christ. We covet your prayers in this area of ministry.

===============================================================

March 21, 2007

Augustin continued with his second teaching lesson on Philemon. He decided to “read” his notes word for word in an attempt to stay focused without losing his concentration because of his timidity. His notes were good and he was prepared, but his delivery lacked confidence which can only come with experience.

===============================================================

March 18, 2007

There were twenty-five “bus” riders this morning on the “bus” routes. Mike continues to build personal relationships with the believers in Tanghin, with the anticipation of commencing in another month or so.

David preached his first Sunday morning message this morning. He was very excited since he learned of this opportunity three weeks ago. Even before his time to preach he was very apprehensive and yet excited at the same time. His message was on the Church of Christ taking his text from 1 John 2:14-18. With David being the most emotional student we have, I anticipated an emotional sermon. Yet he was extremely purposed in his words; so much so that he came across as almost reading his well-prepared sermon. It was a good first opportunity for him and it was easy to tell that he was prepared in his notes. (Now we need to work on delivery. :-)

===============================================================

March 17, 2007

Because of our previously scheduled soccer match with the Fundamental Baptist Church of Pong, National Pastor/Missionary André BAZIE’s work, we did not have our Soul-Winning Club. Renting a transporter (van) to take us the two hour drive to Koudougou, we met at our church in Dassasgo at 7 AM, hoping to start the soccer match at 9 AM and be back in Ouaga by 1 PM. We had a good group of people determined to participate, so Mike took his vehicle also.

Unfortunately we could not get the transporter to travel very fast and did not arrive until after 11 AM. The match went well, but we lost 2 – 1. We played a small second game with the people who did not play much in the first match and we tied that game 0 – 0. Driving home we decided to go ahead with Mike’s vehicle and allow the transporter to come back in their time. They did not arrive back in Ouaga until after 5 PM. Several of our people did not make it home until after 6 PM. Still they were excited and encouraged by this opportunity to fellowship with another sister mission church. Mission Accomplished!

===============================================================

March 14, 2007

Augustin taught his first Bible study tonight. He has started a four week series on Philemon. One could tell he was nervous and concentrated on his notes a little too much. He had good content and it was obvious he was prepared.

===============================================================
March 11, 2007

There were a total of nineteen riders on the “bus” routes.

Missionary Mike Hillhouse preached this morning on the Cross of Christ. He used Douninoma as a translator into Mooré. There were two that responded to the invitation to receive Christ. Blaise, a neighbor of Mike, who has been coming for three weeks, and Assetou, who also has been coming for three weeks from Tanghin, repented in accepting Christ for their salvation.

It was a good Sunday all around!

===============================================================

March 10, 2007

As already stated, we did not hold our weekly Soul-Winning Club this morning, as we assisted in the dedication of a church building with another missionary, John and Tammy Cooley (http://bbfi-africa.org/Cooley/ ), in their work in Tensouka. It was a good experience for our men to see another independent, Baptist, church starting up.

===============================================================

March 09, 2007

With a commitment for tomorrow morning, we decided, with the direction of the participants, to hold our Soul-Winning Club this morning. There were a total of ten people present. There were seven professions of faith, including two that Mary and Cecile led to the Lord among the friends of Cecile. Another twenty-two people were followed up with visits of encouragement.

===============================================================

March 08, 2007

Mary and Cecile visited today for the second time, and for the second time in two weeks they visited with friends of Cecile that she has been witnessing to for some time. This evening two young ladies from Boulwando accepted the Lord; Fatimata, and Adeline.

===============================================================

March 07, 2007

Denis concluded his four week Bible study on 1 John tonight. He showed improvement each week with his delivery. He has no problem with the content of his teachings, as he comes prepared. What he lacks right now is the experience of preaching and teaching.

===============================================================

March 04, 2007

We were low on the “bus” routes this morning with only nineteen riders; eleven coming from Tanghin with Mike Hillhouse. Paul preached this morning on the Love of God from 1 Corinthians 13. He is a good preacher with a good delivery that gets better each time. A couple people raised their hands for the assurance of salvation. One of those was Andre, the young man saved this last Thursday on visitation.

===============================================================

March 03, 2007

Twelve people were present for our Soul Winning Club this morning. This is our first week of reporting on our efforts during the thirteen week course on Soul Winning (called Operation Go), and the enthusiasm was evident as several groups went on the street and reported a large number of conversions. There were twenty-three professions of faith, mostly through street witnessing, and another seventeen follow up visits.

(Again, it is a reminder that salvation is of the Lord, and we are only His tools. (1 Corinthians 3.6-7 – “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” We have been planting and watering each week with the realization that it is God who gives the increase.

With the culture here being one of congeniality, it is always doubtful whether one truly understands and accepts the gospel call, but it does not hinder us in proceeding to reach out with the gospel. We can only trust the Lord for His results; trusting completely in His promise in Isaiah 55:11 – “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.“)

===============================================================

March 01, 2007

Mary and Cecile have teamed up for the next thirteen weeks in our Soul Winning Club. This is Cecile’s first time to take this course. Tonight they went visiting for the first time. Mary encouraged Cecile to start by visiting her friends and talking to them about the Lord. Cecile eagerly agreed and in their visiting they stopped by a young man, Andre, whom Cecile had been witnessing to for some time. She immediately began the task at hand and led Andre to the Lord. Mary said that Cecile was very focused and determined in their task.

===============================================================

February 28, 2007

Denis continued his Bible study on 1 John. He centered his teaching on the antichrist from chapter 4. He continues to improve each week.

Beka, with her musician, Mary, being sick decided to host a small party for her ladies chorale. It was an enjoyable time for them, as they attested to after the services.

===============================================================
February 25, 2007

We continue to divide the “bus” route between Mike and I. (Mike and Pam will be commencing a church in the Tanghin area within the next couple of months and these Sunday morning times with our people in Tanghin are a good opportunity to further unite them to each other. Please pray for their soon-to-be work in Tanghin.) There were a total of twenty-three riders, most of them from Tanghin, this morning. We had a good attendance this morning. I preached on Forgiveness with Paul translating into Mooré.

===============================================================

February 24, 2007

We started our third series on “Operation Go” with thirteen people signing up for the thirteen week course. We are really excited about the coming three months. There were two professions of faith for the week with another forty-four follow-up visits.

===============================================================

February 21, 2007

Denis resumed his Wednesday evening Bible study on 1 John, teaching on chapter two. He still seems a little intimidated being in front of his peers; a natural emotion in a Bible Institute setting.

Beka’s Ladies Choral continues to grow with ten ladies present; including the grandmother of Larissa who does not participate, because of the obvious language barrier. (We need to find someone to continue the choral when we leave for furlough this summer. Please pray God would reveal His choice within the next four months.)

During the prayer requests time we learned some discouraging news. Emmanuel, a young man who has been visiting our church faithfully, has been told by his uncle, whom he lives with, that he cannot continue to come to our church. It is a very discouraging development, especially given Emmanuel’s consistent spiritual growth. Please pray about this matter; specifically for Emmanuel’s spiritual growth, and his uncle’s salvation.

===============================================================

February 20, 2007

National Pastor/Missionary Andre BAZIE began his Institute course on the Epistle of Romans. He came into Ouaga with one of his preachers, who will be ordained in the very near future, Joel BAZIE. He came to preach in our chapel. Ghislain translated into French for Pastor Joel, as he does not speak French or Moore. This afternoon three of the students came to me greatly encouraged by his sermon. He spoke on the need to be faithfully committed to the ministry.

===============================================================

February 18, 2007

Having a prior engagement that I did not feel I could break, Mary took over the “bus” route this morning, driving the south and east side of the route. (Mike continues to take greater responsibilities in the north and west, Tanghin, where he will be starting a church in the near future.) Mary asked Kadi to help her in the route, which she gladly did. The sisters of Germane came; four of them except Elizabete who was sick. PTL!

The services were full again. Mike preached this morning. During the invitation, Awa, a young lady who made a profession of faith last week, again raised her hand for salvation. Mary talked with her after the services, encouraging her in her new found salvation that has been eternally gained.


===============================================================

February 17, 2007

Mike taught the Soul-Winning Club this morning with nine people present. For the first time since our commencement there were no professions of faith reported. Thirty-six other people were followed up on visitation.

After the course, Mike and Paul sought out the sisters of Germane, who had just moved this week. (Given the recent problems in church about their comportment, it was extremely necessary to seek them out.) They did find a couple of them. Paul went back that afternoon to further ease this tense situation. All confirmed they would be in church tomorrow.

===============================================================

February 14, 2007

This evening’s Bible study was unusual in two ways. Firstly, we had Brother Bruce O’Neal, the Director of Manna International, with us. He is visiting Burkina with our Mission’s Director, Jon Konnerup. This evening, Brother O’Neal taught on “Taking Up Your Cross.” It was an encouraging message for our good sized crowd.

Secondly, today is Saint Valentine’s Day and our students who attend night school were able to come to our services. So our students decided to have special Valentine’s Day celebration. They performed skits, sang specials, and sat around eating a specially prepared Valentine’s cake and drinking a specially prepared Valentine’s punch. Unfortunately because of time constraints, Brother Konnerup and Brother O’Neal had a flight out and had to be at the airport around 9:30 PM, we left before the activities were done. Still it was encouraging to see our people put on a special service that they themselves prepared from start to finish.

===============================================================

February 12, 2007

With our Mission’s Director in town for a couple of day, I wanted to participate in the activities planned so as to capitalize on his presence, so I asked Timothée to teach the Institute for a couple of days. He has been well-received by the students who greatly respect him and glean a wealth of information from his studies.

===============================================================
February 11, 2007

Anticipating the need to start “on time” and “hoping” for a good attendance we decided to split the “bus” route up. Mike went to Tanghin to pick up the riders and had a total of nineteen riders. I went south and east and picked up twenty-four riders. So on our “bus” routes this morning forty-three people came to church; three first time visitors.

Our Mission’s Director, Jon Konnerup, was gracious enough to be with us this morning and preached on being a disciple of Christ. He preached in English, I translated into French and Timothée translated into Mooré. We had several specials as the Ladies Choral sang two specials, the men’s choral group sang one and Ferdinand sang just before the preaching. He preached to a full house; Rachel had fifty-five children in junior church and the adult services were packed out with over sixty-two present (over fifty-five adults). During the invitation four people raised their hands for salvation; as they were being dealt with all four accepted the Lord in repenting of their sins. Three of these new converts had come for several weeks before responding; Adolph, Joseph, and Mariam. One first time visitor, Mariam’s friend, Awa was the fourth to make a profession of faith this morning. Praise the Lord!

After the services there were some problems with respect to one of our visitors who decided to tell some of our other visitors that their attire was not appropriate for church services. Needless to say that descended into a heated discussion among a few of our members and visitors. It was unnecessary; as this visitor does not come to our services much, and those he thought were ill-dressed were visitors who have come very infrequently. Several of our ladies were crying about this sad ordeal. Please pray that we can help calm this tense situation down for the glory of the Lord and the salvation of all of our visitors.

===============================================================

February 10, 2007

Our Soul-Winning Club continues to hold steady with twelve people present. There were five professions of faith declared this week with another thirty-six follow-up visits.

After the club we divided into three teams to visit various areas of our neighborhood reminding people of our Mission Director’s visit tomorrow. All of the teams reported good visits and are looking forward to a great day tomorrow.

This afternoon and into the early evening Mary met with the students at the Institute to decorate for our upcoming Saint Valentine’s party this Wednesday. They were all exhausted but very pleased with the results of their endeavors.

===============================================================

February 08, 2007

I have been encouraging the students to get into the habit of having a day off each week, so that when they enter into the ministry they will be accustomed to it. Therefore we have set Fridays as our day of rest from the Institute and church work. Unfortunately, the last several weeks we have not been able to take Fridays off because of the size of our studies and the scope of our outreach at the church.

So it did not come as a surprise when last Sunday, after the church services, Paul asked when he was going to have a day off. I assured him that we would take off this Friday for sure; no exceptions.

With the great opportunities for us these next couple of weeks at the I.B.F.O. we are again being pressed for time. We held our first chapel, and will have our second one in two weeks. Our national mission’s director will be coming next week. I also would like to spend some time with him and the other missionaries in fellowshipping with them.

With this study on 2 Timothy being 117 pages, I knew I would be pressed for time. As the normal time for our end came this morning I pressed on hoping to at least finish the second chapter. The more the time elapsed the more the fatigue became evident in the eyes and comportment of the students. Finally we came to the end of the second chapter of 2 Timothy and one could hear the sighs of relief and see the smiles of contentment that tomorrow will be a day of rest. :-)

===============================================================

February 07, 2007

This evening Denis started a Bible series on 1 John. This is his first opportunity to teach a Bible study, let alone a Biblical series. (He preached one time before. So his experiences in the pulpit are limited.) One could tell he was nervous and intimidated being behind the pulpit and in front of his peers and his mentors. He taught on the fact that man is born into darkness and is in need of having the Light of Jesus Christ in his life. He then stressed the importance of those that are in the Light to share this Light with those still living in darkness.

The ladies choral continues to grow under the leadership of our daughter, Beka. They had nine ladies present this evening; one being the grandmother of Larissa, They have been in the process of preparing two specials for this Sunday when our Mission’s Director, Jon Konnerup, will be with us.

After the services the men, especially Paul and David, began asking one of the ladies to assist them in their drama presentation for our Saint Valentine’s special services next Wednesday evening. Several ladies wanted to be a part of it, but because of their work schedule they could not participate in the practices. Finally Adjaratou said she would be excited to be a part of it and could attend the practices.

===============================================================

February 06, 2007

The students at the I.B.F.O. have been “talking” about having some of the other independent Baptist missionaries to preach to them “every now and then.” With their desires in mind, I have been in the process of setting up a chapel for our Institute. This morning was our first chapel and Missionary John Hallman was gracious enough to be our first chapel speaker. He sang a couple of songs; with his voice it is obvious that God has blessed him with his singing ability, and then proceeded to preach to our students. They really seemed to enjoy his preaching style. We were indeed blessed to have him as our first chapel speaker at the Institute.

===============================================================

February 05, 2007

Our students at the Institute, after just finishing up their final series on Growing in Grace with national pastor/missionary Andre Bazie, have started the second part of the series on the Pastoral Epistles, which I am fortunate enough to teach. This course is on 2 Timothy.

===============================================================

February 04, 2007

Our “bus” route continues to hold steady with twenty-six riders this morning; a normal day. Overall attendance was good again, with a full adult auditorium. It is good to see our neighbors beginning to respond with faithfulness to our services.

I used this morning as an opportunity to preach on “We Need A Vision” from Proverbs 29:18. I stressed the need to have a vision of heaven, of hell and of here. It was a sermon that I had thought would make us realize our need to stay focused on the task before us. It was also a sermon I thought would touch the hearts of those who have “heard” the gospel call several times, but still have not made a profession. Only a few people responded to the invitation. No one responded with the need to be saved.

(When I surveyed the audience this morning before I arose to preach, I had really, really thought that a few of our visitors would respond with the need for salvation. These were not first time visitors and they had been witnessed to many times by myself and others before. So with great anticipation I gave the invitation only to be rebuked by the Lord. I know He is Sovereign and His Word does not return unto Him void of effect, but I really anticipated a harvest this morning. It was discouraging to realize that my expectations were not to be realized this morning. Still I will rejoice in the Lord for the opportunity He gave me this morning to sow some more seed and to water that which has already been sown. I will humbly and eagerly await His timing for His reaping.)

===============================================================

February 03, 2007

Again we had twelve people attending our Soul-Winning Club this morning. There were another seven professions of faith and another thirty-six follow up visits.

We are preparing to launch our third series on “Operation Go” in a couple of weeks. We have taken this series on Soul-Winning which we found very effective in our pastorate in the States and have adapted it to our situation here in Burkina. We are excited about gaining another opportunity to further “adapt” it as we seek to make Biblical principles applicable here.

===============================================================

February 02, 2007

Because we do not have the Institute on Fridays, Paul and I took the opportunity to visit one of our members who was in the hospital. We invited Missionary John Hallman to accompany us with the hopes of visiting a few of our members who ride our “bus” to church each Sunday.

Our member had been in the hospital for about two weeks and will be for another two weeks. Her brother came by last week encouraging us to visit here and make sure she abides by the doctor’s wish to stay longer. (She has Aids, but it is not active.) The doctor mentioned to us her immune system is good and not failing at this time, but he still wanted her to stay longer to make sure her pulmonary system was good; given our recent weather of Harmattan dust. She agreed she needed to listen to the doctor and said she would abide by his wishes.

===============================================================

January 31, 2007

Mike Hillhouse concluded his series on Philippians this evening, teaching on Philippians 2:1-11 on the characteristics of a humble person. He finished well and the entire month was encouraging for those in attendance. His French is improving by leaps and bounds.

Beka continued teaching the ladies in the choral. It was exciting for her this evening as another lady came for the first time, after inquiring about joining for several weeks. Larissa brought her grandmother this evening, which also assisted in the choral.

===============================================================
January 28, 2007

Twenty-five “bus” riders this morning with three adult first-time riders was encouraging this morning; especially given our recent “luck” with the route.

Church attendance continues to slowly climb upward. The adult services were again packed out for our little space. Paul preached this morning on 2 Corinthians 5.17-21 and our new creation. His confidence is growing as is his delivery. A couple of people responded to the invitation for growing more in their new lives.

=============================================================

January 27, 2007

Twelve people were present for our Soul Winning Club this morning. (With my personal computer down, I could not follow the outline for teaching and had to settle on an article by A. W. Tozer. I did not realize how difficult it would be without my information, which was all stored on my computer. :-( )

There were six professions of faith recorded for the week with another thirty-two people followed-up with visitation. Cecil even had the opportunity to lead two of her friends to the Lord from Boulwando.

This evening, just after dark, Mariam stopped by to talk with Mary. She really appreciated our visit and said she wanted to return to church tomorrow. Amen!

=============================================================

January 26, 2207

My computer technician informed me this afternoon that there was no hope for my computer. He said my motherboard was fried. I cannot be without the information already on my hard drive. There is another possibility of another technician looking at it. Unfortunately he is out of Ouaga at this time. If he cannot fix it, I need to somehow get my information off of the destroyed computer. Being computer illiterate, I desperately need some advice. If someone has computer knowledge about these things please email me at : chafrajoy@yahoo.com with your technical advice.

============================================================

January 25, 2007

This afternoon we had our “court date” with the Director de Travail for our recent problems with one of our guards who abruptly quit us and made unusual demands with respect to compensation. (It appeared that others were using him to gain as much money as possible and he was just the instrument to gain it at this time.) It was our second date with her.

Our first date ended without much accomplished because our guard started saying things that were unbelievable. So she had us bring in others who could verify what was true and what was not. We asked that David, Douninoma, and Kadi accompany us. When our former guard saw them he changed his story (or stories) and things were reconciled.

This was a very encouraging day, not because these things were resolved, but because of what happened on the way home. As Mary, the three witnesses and myself were driving home we passed one of the homes of someone who has been absent from our services for about six weeks, Mariam. Everyone insisted we stop and greet her. So we stopped to visit with her. She was not home, but we talked with her family and left some written stuff for her. Hopefully we will see her this week!

=============================================================

January 24, 2007

With our daughters, Beka and Rachel, in Ghana on a school trip the ladies stayed in the Bible study tonight. Mike continued his lesson on Philippians, teaching on Philippians 1:27-30; staying firm in the faith and having unity among the brethren.

=============================================================

January 23, 2007

I have been having some difficulties with my personal computer for some time. It has been getting more and more difficult to start it up because, I thought, of the two power sources; the on button and/or the connection for the power supply cord. So I have been keeping it on constantly. This morning I took it to the Rec Center to do some work there. I could not get it started again. So now I am without the brain of our ministry. :-( I have lost months worth of work and most of my daily and weekly information. Please pray that the technician would be able to fix it quickly.

This evening for our scheduled Bible Institute studies, Alexandre informed me that he would be quitting the Institute and the church. He was insistent that he really needs to do this. It was discouraging news, but one, given the recent circumstances, was expected. (I cannot go into the details.) He is a good man with a world of potential for the Lord. Please pray for him and this situation.

=============================================================

January 22, 2207

Our second semester started this morning with national pastor/missionary Andre BAZIE teaching the fourth course on Growing in Faith. We officially added Benoit as a full time student this morning, making eleven full time students.

=============================================================
January 21, 2007

We are always low on the “bus” route the week after the “bus” did not run. This morning was no exception as we picked up seventeen riders; our lowest number in almost two years.

Still attendance in our services was really good; our adult service was packed out. This morning’s message was on Jeremiah 35 and the Recabites. Ferdinand, who just returned from the fields, sang a special and Timothée translated into Mooré. A couple of hands were raised during the invitation with a desire to be obedient to the Word of the Lord.

After the services there were various “discussions” about our desire to have a Valentine’s banquet for couples. Our goal was to help our men and women fellowship with each other and others in a Christ-honoring environment. It is not being well-received by both the men and the women. During these “discussions” it was evident that feelings are being hurt and anger is beginning to manifest itself. Apparently we have unwittingly made a “faux pas” in this cultural area. Please pray for us that we can undue the damage done and still continue to seek opportunities for these types of Biblical teaching experiences.

===============================================================

January 20, 2007

Twelve people were present for our Soul Winning Club, our second of this year. It was the first time for “reporting” on our collective efforts at reaching Burkina with the gospel. Fourteen people made professions of faith, and another fifty-four recent converts were followed up. These numbers include those whom Paul witnessed to during the Christmas break in Mankarga and Koudgoughin.

At 3 PM we returned back to the church for an opportunity to introduce ourselves among our neighbors. We originally thought of dividing up into four teams with Mike, Pam, Mary and I on different teams, but several others thought it best to only have two teams. So Mike and Pam went with Paul, Eric, and Augustin, while Mary and I went with David, Cecile and Denis. We went to introduce our ministries to them and invite them to our services. We were surprised at how many of our neighbors already knew us, even sending their children to our junior church. Our group did not come upon anyone who was not already aware of our presence. Still they were grateful for our visit.

===============================================================

January 20, 2007

This morning in our Institute we finished our course on 1 Timothy. (Our course is on the Pastoral Epistles, but because of the size of the study, we were forced to break it down into two parts. Our emphasis has been on pastoral training, so everything deemed pertinent to that end has been, and will be, emphasized much more emphatically than other courses. Hence this course was 172 pages, which had to be completed by this morning.) Following the lecture on 1 Timothy a different test was given that was a first for our students; an essay. I could tell by their expressions and comportment that this was going to be a difficult examine for them. I will begin grading them next week and post the results and observations.

===============================================================

January 17, 2007

Each Wednesday evening, as has been her habit, Beka continues with the ladies choral. The ladies continue to enjoy their time and several other ladies have expressed interest in participating, but due to night school, they cannot assist.

Mike is continuing with his Bible study on Philippians. Without a translator, it is much more difficult for him, but he has risen to the occasion and is doing a great job in both the Bible study and the French communication. With his weekly handouts, it makes it much more “in depth” for our people. Tonight Mike taught from Philippians 1:12-26 on our tribulations. I seriously doubt that anyone present had difficulty in understanding his French.

===============================================================

January 14, 2007

Another difficult day for our “bus” route as our vehicle sits at home, broken down again for the umpteen time. :-( So we were unable to run our “bus” this morning; stranding many people who had the expectation to be in our services.

(These “petit” problems, although not insurmountable, are surely taking its toll on our confidence in continuing the “bus” route. I realize that God is Sovereign, that He is in control, that He will accomplish His will in His way, and I also realize that our adversary is real, that he detests our goals for the “bus” route and that he will do anything he can to see it fail, but it is beginning to be difficult in ascertaining His will in this area. We do want to do His will. Please pray for us; that we would have His wisdom as we seek to do His will here in His vineyard.)

Arriving at church I had thought our attendance would be low, but I was really surprised to see a good crowd in our adult services. (It was really encouraging to know that the Lord will continue to build His work His way, in spite of the trials and tribulations that befall us.)

Beka and her ladies choral had been scheduled to sing, but because the majority of the choral group are “bus” riders she decided to wait until later. I took the opportunity to preach this morning from Galatians 5, on running the race and those stumbling blocks that hinder our race. Many people responded to the invitation in asking for God’s grace to overcome these stumbling blocks that have hindered our race (walk) with the Lord.

===============================================================

January 10, 2007

Arriving at the church for our Wednesday evening services we noticed that we were the only ones without power. David said the power just shut off about ten minutes before our arrival.

We are on a “CashPower” box; an electrical box that one has to pay for electricity in advance. We have paid for our electricity for the first two months we rented the building, but realized that we were not using much electricity and decided to see how far our electrical money was stretching. This week Paul mentioned that our meter was getting low but he thought that we have another week or so. Two days later, today, ten minutes before our evening services, our cash ran out. It was a little discouraging knowing that we had the opportunity to buy more time, but waited until it was too late for our services. At the same time it was also encouraging to realize that our “CashPower” lasted from August of 2006 to January of 2007.

We prayed in the dark and returned home, determined to avoid this pitfall in the future.

===============================================================

January 09, 2007

This afternoon I received a very exciting call from Lucien. He was one of the first students in our Institute before he left for the States. He called after almost two and a half years to let me know he is in the process of returning back to Burkina Faso within the next three months. It was really encouraging to hear from him and even more encouraging knowing that he will be returning home to be with his wife and two small children. Please pray for him and his return.

This evening Alexandre and Timothée continued with their studies. Having Timothée there has added to the discussions and the overall atmosphere of these evening Institute courses.

===============================================================

January 08, 2007

The Institute recommenced this morning after the holiday break. We have one more lesson to complete before we move into the second semester. It seemed the enthusiasm was high and expectations were rising for this coming year. Please pray for a great year for our Institute and our students.

===============================================================

January 07, 2007

Things seem to be returning back to “normal” in our weekly routines. We had thirty-one “bus” riders this morning, a normal crowd. Attendances in our church services were average.

With Ferdinand back, he participated in the services by reading the Scripture. Douninoma preached this morning on the Value of Reading the Word of God. Several people responded to the invitation, with one man, a first time visitor, Ibriham, accepting the Lord.

===============================================================

January 04, 2007

Alexandre and Timothée studied this evening. We actually had an in depth discussion about knowing the will of God. It was a little deviation from our current topic, but one that was pertinent as we talked for almost an extra hour.

==============================================================

January 03, 2007

I have been sick for the week with something; everyone says it is because of the Harmatan dust in the air, but this is my fifth season of Harmatan. :-( Either way, I could not make it to church this evening.

Mike HILLHOUSE started a series on Philippians this evening. He will not be using a translator, as his French continues to greatly improve each week.

Ferdinand returned from his “sejour” in the village. He said his work is completed and he will be staying in Ouaga. It was really encouraging to have him back in church again.

===============================================================