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Thank you again to everyone who followed my blog and prayed for my family while I was away the past two weeks. It was in answer to your prayers that God watched over Amy and the kids and kept them in great health during the entire time I was away. He also guided me and Marcia on our 7 plane flights and countless car rides in Burkina and Niger. We were encouraged, as usual, by our friends in those countries who are giving their lives to expand God's kingdom in increasingly difficult situations. Their love for the Lord and their faithfulness are quite a challenge to me. They live courageously and not in fear. They sacrifice and give when almost nothing is received in return. In one sense, they are not spiritual super heroes because they really are just like you and me. But in another sense they are heroes because of how they have decided to give their lives to the Lord and walk in step with the Spirit to be used by him no matter what he calls them to. I want to be like them. 

If you're ever interested in hearing more stories I would love to tell you some. Just ask.

Thank you again for your prayers and friendship.

Heading home!

Heading home tonight after a final day in Niger which was surprisingly relaxing. God has really blessed the time I have had in Niger and Burkina Faso. It's always a mixture of emotions leaving because of all the needs here and the great people doing great service for the Lord. But, I can't wait to see Amy and the kids!! 

Thank you friends for your prayers. I would appreciate them for safe travels home and I look forward to talking with each of you soon. 

Preaching

I'm thankful for the opportunity to teach God's word today at the Boukoki church. I shared from John 6 about offering all that we have to Lord so that He can take it and multiply it for his glory. 

We also enjoyed a relaxed Sunday afternoon part of which included observing the calm work in the little Cure gardens. 

Thank you for the prayers! Heading home tomorrow night!

Orphanage

Had a great visit with the directors of an orphanage today. Men full of faith and perseverance! I was also very proud to be an American as I was told that our ambassador in Niger was coming this afternoon to just spend time with the kids. Very cool!

From Oukoufanou

We had a great surprise the day before yesterday when two of our friends from Oukoufanou showed up 100+kilometers away here in Niamey. The two ladies had traveled to visit the Cute hospital so that one of them could have her ankle examined. From what I understood, they set out in their journey with a cell phone, perhaps a little money, faith in God, and what you see pictured. These two ladies have a profound peace and joy.

An amazing passage...

Is this not the fast You have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the cords of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free And break every yoke? Is it not to share our food with the hungry And to provide the poor wanderer with shelter; When we see the naked, to clothe him, And not to turn away from our own flesh? Then our light will break forth like the dawn, And our healing will quickly appear, And our righteousness will go before us; The glory of the Lord will be our rear guard. Then we will call, and the Lord will answer; We will cry, and He will say, "Here I am." If we put away the yoke from our midst, The pointing of the finger and malicious talk, And if we extend our souls to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then our light will rise in the darkness, And our gloom will become like the noonday. (Isaiah 58:6-10) I'm blessed to see many people giving their lives and accomplishing the work described above here in Niger. Pastors, businessmen, missionaries, doctors, directors, nurses, social workers, translators, and more. Thank you for your prayers and following along on my journey!

before and after

Before and after pics of a great little animated boy at Cure!