july newsletter

Hi friends! I hope this finds each of you enjoying your summer together-relaxing by the pool, mowing grass, sleeping late, and beating the heat. I always enjoy the summertime, though it seems that's the time I'm the most busy. Busy is good, and I'd like to tell you briefly what my summer has held for me so far.

Elliott, Pat, and myself have hosted 2 volunteer groups this summer. The 2nd week of June my friend Karen and her mom, Janice, came and visited for a week. They came to share stories and walk for the Wolof. We had a good time catching up and visiting with friends. We got to see the high school english club perform, we visited the mayor and had a great visit with his speech writer. And we visited several villages with the intent to share stories and build relationships in each village. Unfortunately we didn't get the opportunity to share a story, however, relationships were built and I know God will ordain a future time for stories to be shared in those villages. Please pray for these villages and the people who live here that God will speak to their hearts through future stories. May they be curious about knowing who He is. Incidently, that's my personal assignment for the next 4 months. I do plan to get out to these 2 areas at least once every week with the intent to share a story to the people.

The next group that came was from Fayetteville, NC!!! Small world we live in. There were people from a church actually in Linden who have known Elliott and Pat for over 25 years!! And they were able to come and plan a 3 day medical clinic in a village close by. Unfortunately we weren't able to do the medical work that we had planned, but it didn't stop us from visiting villages, walking for the Wolof, and having a good time together. I think the biggest praise in this manner was the ministering that this group of 3 was able to do for Elliott and Pat. I could tell from looking at them during the week how uplifted they both were. Please pray for Elliott and Pat as they continue their work among the Wolof. I can attest to how dry the work is here. And you've seen from these 2 examples how darkness can stop the best made plans so work cannot be done. Elliott is in the states right now visiting his father who is recovering from an operation. Pray for the healing of his dad and for the separation he and Pat are having to face. Be strong, guys!

Bet you thought our summer was over? Not quite. We still have one final group coming. They arrive next week and will spend 2 exciting weeks working with high school kids here. This group has been here before, and will continue building relationships with friends they already know as well as visiting new kids they may meet. Please pray for Justin and his group of 10 who will come and work with highschool students. Pray that they will have energy and enthusiam to play soccer, dance, and share stories that impact these students' lives.

Thanks for the empty hands held high in prayer. I love each of you!