plans change

Our stay in Kye-ossi has been extended for a week.  The way this outreach works is that when we go somewhere it is usually to work with a church, or at least be hosted by them.  In the next town we will visit, Am Bam, the church Jonas has made arrangements with is not ready for us.  It sounds like they are more committed than the one hosting us here, and they want to have things arranged before we arrive.  I think that means we will be busier there, which certainly isn’t a problem.  Because here there has been a lot of down time, and with the limitations we have it is hard to change that.  But we also believe our work here is not done yet…

rat decoys and ways to kill them

more of the 'delicious' fish they insist on putting in what would otherwise be good food

getting ready to rodeo?

one of the garages, this one covered

We’ve now walked the entire length of the town several times on the main road which is where all the business is done, and it has become very familiar.  We aren’t allowed to go ‘exploring’ on our own, so we’ve only gone into the ‘neighborhoods’ a few times.  Beth and I really enjoy that, but we can’t seem to raise the others’ enthusiasm for it.  We go there for home visits, but there are many more opportunities we’d like to create.  Even on the main road though, Beth and I have been engaging many of the locals in conversation, and because we are there so frequently, we aren’t drawing as much attention.  It still always feels like we’re being talked about, though.  I’m sure there are many people at home who feel the same way when outside of their own familiar surroundings.  It’s still difficult to get pictures of many of the people and things we’d like to, as people don’t always seem comfortable with it.  Also pictures and explanations will never take the place of the experiencing it for one’s self.

We have seen God do some exciting things in the lives of some of the people we’ve been in contact with.  For example Jean-Paul and Blanche together have a zeal and glow which comes with finding a new life in Christ.  The other day, after sharing more with them and a friend who was visiting, Jean-Paul was able to explain about his new life, and lead his friend in a prayer to accept Jesus as his savior as well.  There are other stories of new births as the team meets one on one with some of the people we’ve made contact with.  Please pray for these people, especially for follow up and that they can find places to stay connected and continue to grow in Christ.

The next paragraph is difficult for me because it’s an appeal for money, but it’s something I believe in so I’m going for it.  If you want to stop reading now I won’t be offended.

Since our arrival Jonas has been sharing his dream and vision for Kribi, a growing city on the coast.  He and Rebecca believe that is the next place they are called, and he dreams of starting another YWAM base and training center there.  They haven’t known how it was to happen, but were believing God would make the way.  Now a door is opening.  While we were in Kaeli, Jonas was approached with an offer to set up a Christian radio station there.  That person didn’t know Jonas’ vision for Kribi, or (I don’t think) about his experience in radio, which he has.  Broadcast equipment and programming will be provided by an organization in France, but, if he accepts, Jonas must obtain the necessary license and other government requirements, an antenna and a facility to house it all.  There is already a commitment for the government portion, but more money is needed for the other things, as well as for relocating himself and his family.  (Rebecca has begun the transfer application process.)  They need about $5000 to $10000 to accomplish everything.  Beth and I will be helping, of course, but would love to see others involved as well.  If it’s something you want to be a part of let us know and we will work out the logistics.