Today was a ministry day that I've been waiting on for a year and a half. Before I get to tell all about it, I pause to give God the praise, glory, and honor for his patience. And I praise him that I was, for once, open enough to be led.
In February, a group of Hispanic pastors (American citizens) visited Senegal on a vision trip, hoping to find ways they can be used in ministry here in spreading the Gospel to the people of Senegal. I have stayed in contact with one of them, who returned for his third trip to Senegal just last week.
This morning, out of the blue, he gave me a call to say that he was in Theis, and if I had time would I come over to visit and greet his new friends? I said, of course! Just give me an hour and I'll be there. This is West Africa for you, you tentatively keep your schedule open for plans like this. I typically go out in the mornings and in the afternoons, though I never know exactly where I'm going when I go out. This turned out to be my 'afternoon' trip for the day.
When I got to Theis, I greeted his new friends. The men and women are Spanish-speaking Christian ministers living here and ministering to the people. They have translators that they are discipling as new believers-translators who speak fluent Spanish, English, French, Wolof, and probably some other ethnic languages of the people groups here in Senegal. This group is also ministering to people through computer classes, and also reaching out to Talibe boys-boys that follow the teachings of a Muslim religious leader. These boys learn Arabic lessons during the mornings, beg for alms for much of the day, and sit at the feet of their teacher as he tells them stories from the Koran. They start teaching these boys at a very young age. The group of Hispanic pastors also brought some items to share in ministry-music to share songs, and medicines for the people, and I'm sure other things, too.
Already I was blown away by meeting so many Christian believers. To think, I am speaking to a Wolof speaker who tells me that he wants to be an evangelist-in his words-a preacher of the Word of God! Praise the Lord!! You have to understand, I have never, never met a Senegalese man with Christian faith! And I wanted to pick his brain, to sit and talk with him, ask about his past, his family, and when he came to know Christ. I hope for that day in the next couple of weeks, but today time did not allow. I also think I was shocked at what I was seeing.
This afternoon we all loaded up in 2 vehicles to visit a village this team has been working in every day this week. After greeting the people of the village, we all sat under a tree in chairs and on mats, and began to sing praise songs in Wolof and Spanish. I knew 2 of these Wolof songs, but of course did not know the Spanish that we were singing, nor the other 5-10 songs they played. But I'd clap my hands and praise God while they were singing their hearts out.
It was about then that my friend called me over and said, "Brother Roy, do you think you can share with this group what God has on your heart for 10-15 minutes?" Translation-Roy, do you think you can preach God's Word in Wolof for 10-15 minutes? Preach? In Wolof? Go back to that part where I've never met a Wolof speaker who professed to be a Christian. I've gone 18 months without giving a formal message before a group of people, much less in a foreign language.
God is so good, so perfect in his timing. And he has been preparing me for this moment for 18 months. It just so happens that I am carrying my Wolof Bible with me in my car for times that I have the opportunity to share during my afternoon visits. And I did have a thought that I wanted to share. It didn't have 3 points and a poem/joke, but I did take one point (worry) and applied it to our lives. I read Matt. 6:25-34 to them, and talked about how God does not want us to worry. He feeds the birds, and think how much more he will give to us, whom he created to be just like him. He knows the hairs on our head, of course he knows what we think and what is on our heart and in our mind. And I went further to say that for us as followers of Jesus, we know that we don't have to worry. We know there is coming a day when Jesus returns. When he returns, he's going to take us with him to live in heaven with his Father. God does not want us to worry. He wants to give to us daily. Let him know what you need, and talk to him daily from your heart.
I was overwhelmed. Those simple thoughts flowed so well together. Looking back I regret not saying a few things-this is why I prepare sermons/thoughts on paper in order to remember the points I wish to articulate. Next time I get to share this with people, I'll bring out a few of those illustrations that came to mind later. But wow! I shared a devotional thought (I wouldn't call it a formal sermon) in Wolof!!! Also, I wasn't the only one who shared, another member of this group shared another devotional thought, and a third member wrapped up both our thoughts in his closing and prayer time.
Now God is telling me, "see, wasn't that easy? Now do this every afternoon in your village visits." It was surprisingly easy. It did not bother me that I was speaking before a group of strangers. I even had the presence of mind to ask if they were understanding my Wolof clearly. They said they were, and they must have been for the translator commented shortly after that my Wolof was clear.
Actually, since the translator made that comment, the Hispanic team that visits this village invited me back to share more with the people. I will pray about that opportunity. It will be so nice to be around a fellowship of believers more often than I currently am. However, and maybe this is Satan casting doubts in my mind, it is out of my ministry zone. I think 2-3 times a month is not a problem, and promised the group that I would stay in touch with them, and share God's Word with our friends.
We ended the visit by sharing a very late (5pm) meal together, and closed in singing some of the same praise songs before we departed. The people danced and played drums as we praised one last time, and we joined together to pray before leaving. This is my vision for what a Wolof Christian church would look like: Believers together, joining in singing praise songs in their heart language, and 2-3 of their own people presenting the Word of God for them to apply to their lives. I would have loved seeing more open dialogue after the devotional thoughts were shared as the third person spoke. To me that would have enforced the thought that they did understand God's Word to their lives for today. But for today let me escape my Western, Baptist worship mindset and allow God to speak to their hearts as he speaks.
This was a very rewarding day! Thank you, Lord, for using me as your tool today! Thank you, Lord, for letting me see your Wolof people worship you!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
a busy saturday...and bonus cubs news
Yesterday I had the opportunity to go and visit one of my best friends here in his village. I took chicken for us to have rice and chicken for lunch. It was a treat. And I had planned to share a Bible story to the people of the village, however many were working in the fields. Those that did stay around the house took afternoon naps. And my good friend is fighting Malaria, so he wasn't feeling well enough to join us had we talked. I was disappointed not to be able to take the chance to share when I had planned to be in the village for a full day, but I know that I'll get another opportunity soon to do this again. It won't be with a meal like we had! But there will be a chance to talk again soon.
(bonus Cubs report)
See what happens for the cubs when they decide to put Soriano down in the order? They move into first place in the Central!!! And Soriano, now that he's out of his hitting slump, sees for himself that he has the opportunity to drive in more people lower in the order. I'm glad he's happy, he is a very important piece of our offense.
This made me laugh this morning. The Cubs are playing the Marlins in FL this weekend. late in their game Saturday, third baseman Aramis Ramirez got hit in the side by a pitch and had to leave the game. We're short on 3rd basemen, so the guy playing second had to move over to third, and Soriano came in to play second base. Soriano played second for many years for the yankees and rangers, so he has experience there, just not recent experience. The column added that many Cubs position players had to switch positions to make their defense work in the 10th inning, including Soriano who played 3 positions and switched positions during the inning. Why did he switch positions? "To lessen the chance of the ball being hit to him," says Lou! Love it!!
Another Cubs Win! day. Though this one did sting. Our ace Zambrano went out with his back. It must have been bothering him all day, he did not have any control. Ramirez is probably day to day after being hit in the side with that pitch. And our bullpen blew a 6 run lead, and a 3 run lead with 2 outs in the 9th. But I'll take the win. We need to collect them. The cubs have 3 days off the next 2 months. I'll say that again...the cubs team has a total of 3 days off for the rest of the year. I hope Lou's able to manage some rest in for the players the rest of the way. It's going to be a battle to the finish.
(bonus Cubs report)
See what happens for the cubs when they decide to put Soriano down in the order? They move into first place in the Central!!! And Soriano, now that he's out of his hitting slump, sees for himself that he has the opportunity to drive in more people lower in the order. I'm glad he's happy, he is a very important piece of our offense.
This made me laugh this morning. The Cubs are playing the Marlins in FL this weekend. late in their game Saturday, third baseman Aramis Ramirez got hit in the side by a pitch and had to leave the game. We're short on 3rd basemen, so the guy playing second had to move over to third, and Soriano came in to play second base. Soriano played second for many years for the yankees and rangers, so he has experience there, just not recent experience. The column added that many Cubs position players had to switch positions to make their defense work in the 10th inning, including Soriano who played 3 positions and switched positions during the inning. Why did he switch positions? "To lessen the chance of the ball being hit to him," says Lou! Love it!!
Another Cubs Win! day. Though this one did sting. Our ace Zambrano went out with his back. It must have been bothering him all day, he did not have any control. Ramirez is probably day to day after being hit in the side with that pitch. And our bullpen blew a 6 run lead, and a 3 run lead with 2 outs in the 9th. But I'll take the win. We need to collect them. The cubs have 3 days off the next 2 months. I'll say that again...the cubs team has a total of 3 days off for the rest of the year. I hope Lou's able to manage some rest in for the players the rest of the way. It's going to be a battle to the finish.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
August plans
I'm in the process of resting up and setting goals for my ministry these next 3 months. It's hard to believe that I only have 3 months to go before my 2 year term is complete. This time has certainly opened my eyes to ministry and missions.
One thing I have come to learn is that I am called, like all Christians, to share Christ. I can do nothing on my own to bring people to Christ, but by opening my mouth God can choose to draw people to himself. Prayer is a powerful weapon we have as Christians, and the more I pray for my Wolof friends, the more my heart yearns for them to know Jesus as their Savior. My goal is going to be to do more praying while I am here. That's something that I can continue even after I leave here.
Another thing that I plan to do is to share in 2 of the villages that I am close to. I hope to spend 2-3 days a week visiting these areas and sharing stories to the people there. Even if I have to read the stories, my goal is going to be to present the gospel to these people so they will hear about God and about his Son, Jesus.
These 3 months are going to fly by. During my quiet times lately God has revealed to me my pride in being too dependent in many occasions. I have learned that I can do a lot of things on my own, but I do need encouragement and teaching from others. It helps to have good teachers so that the life lessons I learn are not always learned the hard way. I've made that mistake too many times! I am still struggling some days in feeling lonely, and hope to keep myself busy enough that the time continues to roll by.
So as I think about these next few months I hope to stay encouraged to work, and that I will walk in God's will as I share to my Wolof friends. Thanks to each of you for your prayers and petitions on my behalf in ministry here.
One thing I have come to learn is that I am called, like all Christians, to share Christ. I can do nothing on my own to bring people to Christ, but by opening my mouth God can choose to draw people to himself. Prayer is a powerful weapon we have as Christians, and the more I pray for my Wolof friends, the more my heart yearns for them to know Jesus as their Savior. My goal is going to be to do more praying while I am here. That's something that I can continue even after I leave here.
Another thing that I plan to do is to share in 2 of the villages that I am close to. I hope to spend 2-3 days a week visiting these areas and sharing stories to the people there. Even if I have to read the stories, my goal is going to be to present the gospel to these people so they will hear about God and about his Son, Jesus.
These 3 months are going to fly by. During my quiet times lately God has revealed to me my pride in being too dependent in many occasions. I have learned that I can do a lot of things on my own, but I do need encouragement and teaching from others. It helps to have good teachers so that the life lessons I learn are not always learned the hard way. I've made that mistake too many times! I am still struggling some days in feeling lonely, and hope to keep myself busy enough that the time continues to roll by.
So as I think about these next few months I hope to stay encouraged to work, and that I will walk in God's will as I share to my Wolof friends. Thanks to each of you for your prayers and petitions on my behalf in ministry here.
Team Poquoson
It sure has been a busy summer, but a great summer in ministry and one that I'm sure not to forget for a long time. Our 3rd and final group of the summer came to work with us here, and we had a wonderful time getting to know each other and sharing the gospel with people we came in contact with.
Team Poquoson was a group of mostly highschool kids and adult chaperones who came to share with the kids who speak English here. They were challenged by the sights and sounds here. I think they were mostly able to sleep through the daily call to prayers, but the animal noises, bugs, and the heat brought out the discomforts in many.
In ministry as missionaries we often begin by telling everyone to be flexible during the journey, because there's no telling when we will have to change plans. This came to be true early on. Our ladies were planning on sharing Bible stories in a nearby village. On the day this began, the people of the village decided they no longer wanted to hear these stories, and asked us not to share any longer. So the ladies said their goodbyes, and we looked for other opportunities of ministry.
The funny trick about ministering with English speakers in town is that nearly all of the highschool students are young men that speak well enough to carry on a conversation. The women, in being culturally appropriate, really had noone they could hang out with and carry on a conversation with. They were persistent in their daily prayer walks around town, but I'm sure they wanted to do more.
Another rough point happened when a man passed away who lived next door to Pat and Elliott. This created a 3 day time of mourning for the entire block, and further handcuffed what the group could do in ministry. We had to be quiet and respectful of the family, and many of their friends who came over daily were not coming over for respect of the family.
Despite this, the group continued to go and visit their friends. They were able to get out, visit their friends at their houses, and do more prayer walking. God truly opened doors through their outgoing spirits. They met several families that we have yet to meet here, sharing pictures, sharing stories, and introducing the gospel to these families. I think they made enough power bands to share with most every person they came in contact with, and even learned how to say the Wolof words to describe the colors of the power band and what the colors represented. I was very overwhelmed how God used their efforts. Now I look forward to continuing these relationships over the next few weeks.
I'm going to miss this group. Having them come again was like having old friends over. Us guys had a wonderful time talking at night, hanging out, prayer walking together, and just catching back up. Meeting the newer ones in the group and hearing their stories was wonderful, too. I look forward to getting the chance to greet them again soon.
Team Poquoson was a group of mostly highschool kids and adult chaperones who came to share with the kids who speak English here. They were challenged by the sights and sounds here. I think they were mostly able to sleep through the daily call to prayers, but the animal noises, bugs, and the heat brought out the discomforts in many.
In ministry as missionaries we often begin by telling everyone to be flexible during the journey, because there's no telling when we will have to change plans. This came to be true early on. Our ladies were planning on sharing Bible stories in a nearby village. On the day this began, the people of the village decided they no longer wanted to hear these stories, and asked us not to share any longer. So the ladies said their goodbyes, and we looked for other opportunities of ministry.
The funny trick about ministering with English speakers in town is that nearly all of the highschool students are young men that speak well enough to carry on a conversation. The women, in being culturally appropriate, really had noone they could hang out with and carry on a conversation with. They were persistent in their daily prayer walks around town, but I'm sure they wanted to do more.
Another rough point happened when a man passed away who lived next door to Pat and Elliott. This created a 3 day time of mourning for the entire block, and further handcuffed what the group could do in ministry. We had to be quiet and respectful of the family, and many of their friends who came over daily were not coming over for respect of the family.
Despite this, the group continued to go and visit their friends. They were able to get out, visit their friends at their houses, and do more prayer walking. God truly opened doors through their outgoing spirits. They met several families that we have yet to meet here, sharing pictures, sharing stories, and introducing the gospel to these families. I think they made enough power bands to share with most every person they came in contact with, and even learned how to say the Wolof words to describe the colors of the power band and what the colors represented. I was very overwhelmed how God used their efforts. Now I look forward to continuing these relationships over the next few weeks.
I'm going to miss this group. Having them come again was like having old friends over. Us guys had a wonderful time talking at night, hanging out, prayer walking together, and just catching back up. Meeting the newer ones in the group and hearing their stories was wonderful, too. I look forward to getting the chance to greet them again soon.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
prayer with a purpose
In planning a vacation, do you typically a) decide to go somewhere last minute, and whatever sounds like a fun time you do spur of the moment, or b) have to plan days, months in advance what to do, where to go, and budget accordingly? I'm in the B group. This weekend I tried to do the A group stuff, but I just didn't have a good time going with the flow. I give it up to those that can do things spur of the moment, I just can't do it!
That's much of my frustration these days. I do like clear direction, lists, direct supervision, and even pats on the back when a job is completed and well done. I've developed my time here as best I can to give me those times of approval. Some days I will only accomplish "see a friend" but know that because I spent time with that person, it was a day that I planted a seed about my faith.
By faith we know that God can move mountains. And we commit ourselves to be his hands and feet wherever we go. Prayer can and does open hearts and minds, and leads us to work through our faith.
The challenge is of course the work. And lately the work that my teammates have planned seem to be destroyed. I'll quote those that I know: unable to direct VBS camp in a village, forbidden to do basketball clinic, not given permission to do medical clinic. All those have in common these things: they happened this last month, to our Wolof team, and all were encouraged by those of authority just prior to the time the work was to begin.
The work, the best made plans, has seemingly fallen through. You can only imagine the disappointment that I feel. Yes, I know the first step in being a worker of God is to be flexible (if I had a nickel every time I've heard or said that myself). But I'm starting to test my elasticity these days. Elasticity measures the flexibility of an object. If it is elastic, it can be stretched and after tension releases it comes back to it's original shape. A rubber band is often thought of in this way as being very elastic. My elasticity is being tested, how will I bounce back form this? I'm not sure that I'm ready to make new plans in work. I'm not sure that I have my optimistic frame of mind when we break the huddle of the next plan.
So I'm brought back to prayer. And prayer with a purpose. My purpose in writing this is to inform you how you can pray for our Wolof team and for missions as a whole. This is my prayer today:
"God, you know the hearts of these people. You call them to yourself just as you died to all people. Lord, I admit that I am just a child, your child, who does not understand all of your ways. My desire, Lord, is that one day the Wolof people will come to know you. I know many are working among them today who may also be like me and feel discouraged. Open my eyes, Lord, and help me to listen to your calling upon my life. Allow me to be better molded and used by you today and these next 4 months to be your servant for the Wolof. Encourage others like me to continue in their work that you have ordained in their lives to do. May this be pleasing to your sight. Amen"
You all know that I don't like to sound discouraged. And I don't intend to be. My elasticity is going to test well, I am still very optimistic. It takes time to work among Mslim believers. Please pray for our next team. They arrive this week and will be here for 2 weeks. I look forward to working with them and will write you stories about their trip after they have visited. Until then!
That's much of my frustration these days. I do like clear direction, lists, direct supervision, and even pats on the back when a job is completed and well done. I've developed my time here as best I can to give me those times of approval. Some days I will only accomplish "see a friend" but know that because I spent time with that person, it was a day that I planted a seed about my faith.
By faith we know that God can move mountains. And we commit ourselves to be his hands and feet wherever we go. Prayer can and does open hearts and minds, and leads us to work through our faith.
The challenge is of course the work. And lately the work that my teammates have planned seem to be destroyed. I'll quote those that I know: unable to direct VBS camp in a village, forbidden to do basketball clinic, not given permission to do medical clinic. All those have in common these things: they happened this last month, to our Wolof team, and all were encouraged by those of authority just prior to the time the work was to begin.
The work, the best made plans, has seemingly fallen through. You can only imagine the disappointment that I feel. Yes, I know the first step in being a worker of God is to be flexible (if I had a nickel every time I've heard or said that myself). But I'm starting to test my elasticity these days. Elasticity measures the flexibility of an object. If it is elastic, it can be stretched and after tension releases it comes back to it's original shape. A rubber band is often thought of in this way as being very elastic. My elasticity is being tested, how will I bounce back form this? I'm not sure that I'm ready to make new plans in work. I'm not sure that I have my optimistic frame of mind when we break the huddle of the next plan.
So I'm brought back to prayer. And prayer with a purpose. My purpose in writing this is to inform you how you can pray for our Wolof team and for missions as a whole. This is my prayer today:
"God, you know the hearts of these people. You call them to yourself just as you died to all people. Lord, I admit that I am just a child, your child, who does not understand all of your ways. My desire, Lord, is that one day the Wolof people will come to know you. I know many are working among them today who may also be like me and feel discouraged. Open my eyes, Lord, and help me to listen to your calling upon my life. Allow me to be better molded and used by you today and these next 4 months to be your servant for the Wolof. Encourage others like me to continue in their work that you have ordained in their lives to do. May this be pleasing to your sight. Amen"
You all know that I don't like to sound discouraged. And I don't intend to be. My elasticity is going to test well, I am still very optimistic. It takes time to work among Mslim believers. Please pray for our next team. They arrive this week and will be here for 2 weeks. I look forward to working with them and will write you stories about their trip after they have visited. Until then!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
free time!!
You gotta love it when your supervisor tells you to "get some rest" for a period of 2 weeks. You see what the work load was for us during the month of June. Volunteer teams are great, and I love having them come. They are such an encouragement as well as an inspiration for us the workers living here. But many long days and laughter add up to short nights and much energy spent. I've taken the last week to rest up for our last group who comes so that I may be strong for them. And I can't let these kids out energize me!
So what have I done? Sleep? Not really. It's 100 degrees in my house at night these days. I just can't seem to get it cooled after the sun shines on the house all day long. What I have done, though, is read. I'm on book #3. I read a James Bond book and I read a John Grisham book already. This book that I am on now is the Borne Identity. It's been a surprisingly good book. For those of you who never have read the book but seen the movie, it's NOTHING like the movie. Honestly the only similarity is the 2 characters and that Borne has no memory of who he really is. Everything else is so much better! There's more action, more twists, and of course more detail. I highly recommend this book.
I've also gone to Dakar to spend the day at Goree Island. You can read more about Goree here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gor%C3%A9e
The short story is that it was once a slave trading site where ships would come and take slaves to the Americas (both north and south). They have a slave house that is open for touring. It's amazing how small the quarters were for the people to sleep. And it reminds the tourists that those slaves who didn't die during the voyage arrived weak and malnourished. Goree is a very popular tourist site in Senegal with many sellers offering paintings, jewelry, cloth, and musical instruments to would-be buyers. They have a few museums there (I really enjoyed seeing the museum today) a school, a few government buildings, and many other attractions. Mom and George, I apologize for not taking you guys to see this. From what I saw the first time I visited, it wasn't worth the trip. Today after getting to see it, I was more aware of all that it offered.
I've also got good intentions to still do a few visits with neighbors and friends. I haven't visited much so far this week (just 2 villages), but I do want to get out tomorrow and friday to see some good friends here in Mekhe. One person wants me to play the guitar for him and his family. When all this is done, Saturday I'm taking a weekend vacation to Saly, our beach not too far away. I will go there with the intent to read, swim, and listen to the NASCAR race online.
So that's what's been going on these last few weeks. I do feel rested up and don't want to overdo it before the next group comes. I'll be ready for them!!
So what have I done? Sleep? Not really. It's 100 degrees in my house at night these days. I just can't seem to get it cooled after the sun shines on the house all day long. What I have done, though, is read. I'm on book #3. I read a James Bond book and I read a John Grisham book already. This book that I am on now is the Borne Identity. It's been a surprisingly good book. For those of you who never have read the book but seen the movie, it's NOTHING like the movie. Honestly the only similarity is the 2 characters and that Borne has no memory of who he really is. Everything else is so much better! There's more action, more twists, and of course more detail. I highly recommend this book.
I've also gone to Dakar to spend the day at Goree Island. You can read more about Goree here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gor%C3%A9e
The short story is that it was once a slave trading site where ships would come and take slaves to the Americas (both north and south). They have a slave house that is open for touring. It's amazing how small the quarters were for the people to sleep. And it reminds the tourists that those slaves who didn't die during the voyage arrived weak and malnourished. Goree is a very popular tourist site in Senegal with many sellers offering paintings, jewelry, cloth, and musical instruments to would-be buyers. They have a few museums there (I really enjoyed seeing the museum today) a school, a few government buildings, and many other attractions. Mom and George, I apologize for not taking you guys to see this. From what I saw the first time I visited, it wasn't worth the trip. Today after getting to see it, I was more aware of all that it offered.
I've also got good intentions to still do a few visits with neighbors and friends. I haven't visited much so far this week (just 2 villages), but I do want to get out tomorrow and friday to see some good friends here in Mekhe. One person wants me to play the guitar for him and his family. When all this is done, Saturday I'm taking a weekend vacation to Saly, our beach not too far away. I will go there with the intent to read, swim, and listen to the NASCAR race online.
So that's what's been going on these last few weeks. I do feel rested up and don't want to overdo it before the next group comes. I'll be ready for them!!
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!
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!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Team 2
From Jun 15-23 our team hosted a team of 3 volunteers from Fayetteville, NC, who came here for a medical volunteer assistance trip. We unfortunately were not able to do any health care work in villages as originally planned, but we had a wonderful time getting to know each other. We spent the week prayer walking over ministry here, we visited a few villages close by, and did some general ministry meeting friends.
I had a great time playing games and getting to know these people. They were fun to be around. I'm often teased around here, and enjoy the good humor that comes from that. But to see their passion for wanting to help others was truly remarkable. I'm grateful they were able to come, and despite our first plans not to have worked out, grateful that they were able to minister to Pat and Elliott. These are long time friends of the Nichols, and I know it warmed their hearts to see them come and visit for this week.
Now I am going to rest up in preparation for our next group which arrives in 2 weeks. I'm looking forward to some relaxing time. I plan to spend a few days in villages saying hi to friends. I have a friend who has shown incredible interest in hearing stories, and this will be an area that I will concentrate in the next weeks and months ahead. I'll probably do some reading in my spare time, too.
I had a great time playing games and getting to know these people. They were fun to be around. I'm often teased around here, and enjoy the good humor that comes from that. But to see their passion for wanting to help others was truly remarkable. I'm grateful they were able to come, and despite our first plans not to have worked out, grateful that they were able to minister to Pat and Elliott. These are long time friends of the Nichols, and I know it warmed their hearts to see them come and visit for this week.
Now I am going to rest up in preparation for our next group which arrives in 2 weeks. I'm looking forward to some relaxing time. I plan to spend a few days in villages saying hi to friends. I have a friend who has shown incredible interest in hearing stories, and this will be an area that I will concentrate in the next weeks and months ahead. I'll probably do some reading in my spare time, too.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Vol. group 1
This past week was a really fun week. Karen and Janice came to visit and work as a mother-daughter volunteer group with the Wolof people. We had plans to keep them busy during the week sharing about their stories from home and hoping to get the chance to share Bible stories. Here's some of the highlights of the week:
Saturday they arrived safe and sound. I picked them up from the airport and we headed up the highway to Ngaye. We were invited to join the local high school's English Club's end of year performance. Though it was supposed to start at 10, it started after 12 and ended after 3:30. It was a long performance. A few minor complaints were that yes it started way too late to drag so far after lunch time. And while a few of the cultural lessons were important to teach, the actors were too risque in telling the story. I was embarrassed for my guests.
We spent the rest of the weekend resting up, and we had a worship service Sunday morning together. We did go for a walk in the market, greeting people and seeing some of the sights around Ngaye.
Monday morning we visited the market, did some prayer walking around the neighborhood, and after lunch visited a village. Unfortunately this village had experienced a death, so it was not appropriate to stay. We greeted the family that I am friends with, and I promised to return when I could visit at a better time.
Tuesday everyone met at my house to prayer walk around my neighborhood. We saw the school, greeted some of my neighbors, and prayed for some of the mosques and religious teachers in the area. I let them greet 2 of my neighbors and see inside the compounds. They entertained us as we talked, and we left to go back for lunch. After lunch we left to go and visit village #2 for the week. This village houses one of my best friends here, and they were very excited when we arrived. We greeted the people, had some great conversations, saw a lot of pictures. Pat had a good spiritual conversation with a man there, a man that I have often talked to about spiritual things, too. Karen got to talk in French to some of the people. It was a very warm visit.
And Wednesday Karen and Janice went to the market in Ngaye to get some fabric to make outfits when they return home. We all did our last morning of prayer walking, seeing a house that is home to some of the talibe boys that are learning from the religious leaders and begging during the day around the town to earn their keep. As we walked we also prayed for the neighborhood, the people working, for food to be plentiful and for a good rainy season for the crops this year. We had an invitation to visit the mayor of Ngaye this morning, and visited with him and 2 of his co-workers. It was a brief meeting about what Janice and Karen do in the states, and them telling us of some of the cultural lessons and foods in Senegal.
The afternoon saw us visit village #3. This village just had a new baby! Just this day the baby was born-the father was my good friend that introduced me to the village, and he was away getting a birth certificate. We got to share about work in America, and they talked about the work they do in the village. After talking, we spend 30 minutes playing soccer with the kids. Karen and Janice presented balls for the children, and we left to happy faces.
Unfortunately we didn't get to share any stories during the week. With just women in the group we were conciencious of being culturally appropriate. Women cannot teach men, and cannot really teach children without direct permission. We asked in villages 2 and 3, but it just wasn't appropriate to teach.
But I feel that we were able to make some great connections. Visiting the English club, the mayor, and the 2 good visits in the villages, I thought it was a pretty successful week. I really wish we had been able to share stories this week. I continue to pray that God will use these contacts that we made this week to draw the people to himself. Maybe something could have been said so that they are more receptive in the future in hearing stories from God's Word.
Saturday they arrived safe and sound. I picked them up from the airport and we headed up the highway to Ngaye. We were invited to join the local high school's English Club's end of year performance. Though it was supposed to start at 10, it started after 12 and ended after 3:30. It was a long performance. A few minor complaints were that yes it started way too late to drag so far after lunch time. And while a few of the cultural lessons were important to teach, the actors were too risque in telling the story. I was embarrassed for my guests.
We spent the rest of the weekend resting up, and we had a worship service Sunday morning together. We did go for a walk in the market, greeting people and seeing some of the sights around Ngaye.
Monday morning we visited the market, did some prayer walking around the neighborhood, and after lunch visited a village. Unfortunately this village had experienced a death, so it was not appropriate to stay. We greeted the family that I am friends with, and I promised to return when I could visit at a better time.
Tuesday everyone met at my house to prayer walk around my neighborhood. We saw the school, greeted some of my neighbors, and prayed for some of the mosques and religious teachers in the area. I let them greet 2 of my neighbors and see inside the compounds. They entertained us as we talked, and we left to go back for lunch. After lunch we left to go and visit village #2 for the week. This village houses one of my best friends here, and they were very excited when we arrived. We greeted the people, had some great conversations, saw a lot of pictures. Pat had a good spiritual conversation with a man there, a man that I have often talked to about spiritual things, too. Karen got to talk in French to some of the people. It was a very warm visit.
And Wednesday Karen and Janice went to the market in Ngaye to get some fabric to make outfits when they return home. We all did our last morning of prayer walking, seeing a house that is home to some of the talibe boys that are learning from the religious leaders and begging during the day around the town to earn their keep. As we walked we also prayed for the neighborhood, the people working, for food to be plentiful and for a good rainy season for the crops this year. We had an invitation to visit the mayor of Ngaye this morning, and visited with him and 2 of his co-workers. It was a brief meeting about what Janice and Karen do in the states, and them telling us of some of the cultural lessons and foods in Senegal.
The afternoon saw us visit village #3. This village just had a new baby! Just this day the baby was born-the father was my good friend that introduced me to the village, and he was away getting a birth certificate. We got to share about work in America, and they talked about the work they do in the village. After talking, we spend 30 minutes playing soccer with the kids. Karen and Janice presented balls for the children, and we left to happy faces.
Unfortunately we didn't get to share any stories during the week. With just women in the group we were conciencious of being culturally appropriate. Women cannot teach men, and cannot really teach children without direct permission. We asked in villages 2 and 3, but it just wasn't appropriate to teach.
But I feel that we were able to make some great connections. Visiting the English club, the mayor, and the 2 good visits in the villages, I thought it was a pretty successful week. I really wish we had been able to share stories this week. I continue to pray that God will use these contacts that we made this week to draw the people to himself. Maybe something could have been said so that they are more receptive in the future in hearing stories from God's Word.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
June ministry update
This year really has gone by fast. And with that I know my time left here is going to continue to zoom by. So I know to be intentional about what I do and who I speak with as my time winds down.
I'll first share briefly about my 3 neighbors. I have 3 separate people whom I'm beginning to develop good relationships with. One is a welder that lives in front of me. He is always asking about my guitar and inviting me over to his house for evening tea. I have been a few times and talked with his parents as well as him, just sharing casual conversation. It has dawned on me that I should tell him more about my guitar and why I have it. I brought it to lead worship songs, and he'd be delighted to hear that I use it when I sing to God.
A young man who lives in a village close by but stays 2 houses down from me and I have been talking a lot lately about a lot of things. One day I noticed that he wasn't getting ready for their friday prayer time-which is the most sacred time to pray for Muslims. I'd be similar to a devoted Christian not going to church on Sunday morning. So I asked him, "aren't you going to go and pray." he replied, "no I want to be a follower of Jesus, like you." Well, this floored me. And I wondered what level he was speaking on. Does he see me as a lazy believer, never seeing me pray and thinking that it must be easy to be a follower of Jesus? Or was he serious? I haven't had a moment alone with him to ask more as he's been away since that weekend, but in weeks to come I do plan to speak to him more about my faith.
Another neighbor who lives just next door and I have been talking a lot this week and the week before. He visited 2 separate villages with me and fell in love with some of the girls in those villages! He also has heard me share briefly about my faith to these people, and yet he still enjoys hanging around. So my work hasn't scared him away. I plan to develop this relationship so that he truly hears the gospel message and can choose for himself whom he will serve.
On that note, I plan to spend some time with each of these people this month and next. My other goal is to work in 2 separate areas sharing stories in villages that I come to. I would like for the people that I visit to know the God I serve, hear the gospel message, and hear it clearly enough to choose who they will serve. I pray that God will motivate me to share-this is going to be a big task. But I am confident that by his grace he can use me to speak to these people.
We have volunteer teams coming this month that will also assist in sharing stories to these villages. One group is coming for story telling and prayer walking June 5-12. Another group comes the 15-22 to do a medical clinic. Please lift these groups up in your prayers. And please pray for me to continue sharing about our risen Lord!
I'll first share briefly about my 3 neighbors. I have 3 separate people whom I'm beginning to develop good relationships with. One is a welder that lives in front of me. He is always asking about my guitar and inviting me over to his house for evening tea. I have been a few times and talked with his parents as well as him, just sharing casual conversation. It has dawned on me that I should tell him more about my guitar and why I have it. I brought it to lead worship songs, and he'd be delighted to hear that I use it when I sing to God.
A young man who lives in a village close by but stays 2 houses down from me and I have been talking a lot lately about a lot of things. One day I noticed that he wasn't getting ready for their friday prayer time-which is the most sacred time to pray for Muslims. I'd be similar to a devoted Christian not going to church on Sunday morning. So I asked him, "aren't you going to go and pray." he replied, "no I want to be a follower of Jesus, like you." Well, this floored me. And I wondered what level he was speaking on. Does he see me as a lazy believer, never seeing me pray and thinking that it must be easy to be a follower of Jesus? Or was he serious? I haven't had a moment alone with him to ask more as he's been away since that weekend, but in weeks to come I do plan to speak to him more about my faith.
Another neighbor who lives just next door and I have been talking a lot this week and the week before. He visited 2 separate villages with me and fell in love with some of the girls in those villages! He also has heard me share briefly about my faith to these people, and yet he still enjoys hanging around. So my work hasn't scared him away. I plan to develop this relationship so that he truly hears the gospel message and can choose for himself whom he will serve.
On that note, I plan to spend some time with each of these people this month and next. My other goal is to work in 2 separate areas sharing stories in villages that I come to. I would like for the people that I visit to know the God I serve, hear the gospel message, and hear it clearly enough to choose who they will serve. I pray that God will motivate me to share-this is going to be a big task. But I am confident that by his grace he can use me to speak to these people.
We have volunteer teams coming this month that will also assist in sharing stories to these villages. One group is coming for story telling and prayer walking June 5-12. Another group comes the 15-22 to do a medical clinic. Please lift these groups up in your prayers. And please pray for me to continue sharing about our risen Lord!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
busy but fun day
My! What a fun day I was able to share with friends on Saturday this weekend. I had planned to spend the day in Dakar with my friend, Yvette, and this is how the day unfolded.
The week before I had taken my vehicle in for service to Dakar, and was given a substitute truck to drive while it was in the shop. So Saturday I went first thing in the morning to Dakar to trade vehicles. I left a little later than I wanted, about 8 am, and arrived in Dakar just after 11. A 3 hour drive for 75 miles is never fun. Between construction, slow moving tractor trailer trucks, and vehicles breaking down traffic is often slow along this highway. You learn to just be patient while driving, but there's a bit of aggression you also have to use while driving or else you'll never get into Dakar.
Once I arrived I talked briefly with Arnett and Crystal E, missionary friends who work in Mali. They're in town to have a baby! Hopefully for Crystal, butterbean will arrive tomorrow, Monday. I know she's ready to be able to sleep in more than 1 position, and ready to be a new mom!
Then I took my vehicle (which is running pretty well now!) and drove to Yvette's where we spent some time yaking, went out for lunch, went shopping briefly, and back to her house to watch a movie. Yvette's got a video projector she uses in her college ministry, so we got to see the movie Miracle on the wall-much like a movie theater. We even had brownies!! I enjoyed the movie, even though I had seen it several times. I really enjoyed seeing her happiness as it brought back many high school video memories she had of shooting the mid-level professionals that played in her town. She couldn't sit still!
After the movie was over, I said goodbye (sniff sniff). She's leaving to go back to the states in 2 weeks. One of the drawbacks in the life of a missionary is that so many people that are special to you in your life come and go. Missionaries are always on the go and have families in multiple cities, states, and even countries. I've learned that it's always hard for me to leave and have to say goodbye to my friends. But thanks to technology today goodbyes don't have to last so long. Anyone is a phone call away.
So, after leaving Yvette's place (that could be a song), I went to pick up mega voices from my team member, Stan. A mega voice is a solar powered recorder that has Wolof stories on it. So rather than spend time sharing stories with people who sometimes are afraid of what a crowd may say if the individual is interested in hearing more stories about Jesus, the missionary can lend this mega voice to an individual so he/she can hear stories on their own time. It's a good ministry tool. I'm going to ask to use a few as well as I begin to concentrate my work in 2 areas.
I enjoyed my brief chat with Stan. He's a lot like me in that he loves sports. I also like hearing how his ministry is going in Dakar. After leaving his house I started back home. But while going home, I dropped by another missionary friend's house, Jason. Jason has a volunteer team this week and next. I got there just after they finished showing a movie and eating supper, and got to chat briefly with them. It was nice to see them and catch up with Jason, see his family, and have a few more laughs with everyone.
This shows that yes I can have busy days. I enjoy being around people and catching up with their stories. It's interesting to know I can hear people's stories in 2 languages now-however I'll always prefer using English. Yet this is why I've learned Wolof, to be able to share stories about my true love, Jesus, in the heart language of the Wolof people. Continue to pray for me that I can take life stories that are fun and interesting and also share the life stories of Jesus to my Wolof friends. Only 5 months left of ministry here, and I want these months to be as effective as possible so that God's Word may be known to the Wolof people.
The week before I had taken my vehicle in for service to Dakar, and was given a substitute truck to drive while it was in the shop. So Saturday I went first thing in the morning to Dakar to trade vehicles. I left a little later than I wanted, about 8 am, and arrived in Dakar just after 11. A 3 hour drive for 75 miles is never fun. Between construction, slow moving tractor trailer trucks, and vehicles breaking down traffic is often slow along this highway. You learn to just be patient while driving, but there's a bit of aggression you also have to use while driving or else you'll never get into Dakar.
Once I arrived I talked briefly with Arnett and Crystal E, missionary friends who work in Mali. They're in town to have a baby! Hopefully for Crystal, butterbean will arrive tomorrow, Monday. I know she's ready to be able to sleep in more than 1 position, and ready to be a new mom!
Then I took my vehicle (which is running pretty well now!) and drove to Yvette's where we spent some time yaking, went out for lunch, went shopping briefly, and back to her house to watch a movie. Yvette's got a video projector she uses in her college ministry, so we got to see the movie Miracle on the wall-much like a movie theater. We even had brownies!! I enjoyed the movie, even though I had seen it several times. I really enjoyed seeing her happiness as it brought back many high school video memories she had of shooting the mid-level professionals that played in her town. She couldn't sit still!
After the movie was over, I said goodbye (sniff sniff). She's leaving to go back to the states in 2 weeks. One of the drawbacks in the life of a missionary is that so many people that are special to you in your life come and go. Missionaries are always on the go and have families in multiple cities, states, and even countries. I've learned that it's always hard for me to leave and have to say goodbye to my friends. But thanks to technology today goodbyes don't have to last so long. Anyone is a phone call away.
So, after leaving Yvette's place (that could be a song), I went to pick up mega voices from my team member, Stan. A mega voice is a solar powered recorder that has Wolof stories on it. So rather than spend time sharing stories with people who sometimes are afraid of what a crowd may say if the individual is interested in hearing more stories about Jesus, the missionary can lend this mega voice to an individual so he/she can hear stories on their own time. It's a good ministry tool. I'm going to ask to use a few as well as I begin to concentrate my work in 2 areas.
I enjoyed my brief chat with Stan. He's a lot like me in that he loves sports. I also like hearing how his ministry is going in Dakar. After leaving his house I started back home. But while going home, I dropped by another missionary friend's house, Jason. Jason has a volunteer team this week and next. I got there just after they finished showing a movie and eating supper, and got to chat briefly with them. It was nice to see them and catch up with Jason, see his family, and have a few more laughs with everyone.
This shows that yes I can have busy days. I enjoy being around people and catching up with their stories. It's interesting to know I can hear people's stories in 2 languages now-however I'll always prefer using English. Yet this is why I've learned Wolof, to be able to share stories about my true love, Jesus, in the heart language of the Wolof people. Continue to pray for me that I can take life stories that are fun and interesting and also share the life stories of Jesus to my Wolof friends. Only 5 months left of ministry here, and I want these months to be as effective as possible so that God's Word may be known to the Wolof people.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sports Report
I haven't done a report about sports, so for something a little different, here are some thoughts I have lately while keeping track of the 3 big sports going on in America.
My Chicago Cubs.
I don't care how much you do or don't know about baseball. The simple fact is the team that scores the most runs wins every time. Doesn't matter how you score 'em, long as they cross the plate that's all that matters. Consider these stats by the cubs as of May 20.
They are a respectable 21-17. I had my doubts about this team earlier, but since writing about it to a few of my friends they have since played pretty well. However, in games that they score 3 runs or fewer, they are an astounding 0-14. I'll say that again, they haven't won a single game when scoring 3 runs or fewer. And they've played nearly 40 of em! This isn't an accident folks, the teams need to score runs. In games they do score 4 or more runs, they are a very good 21-3.
Where does run production begin? Why, at the leadoff spot, of course. Mr. Alfonso Soriano, please take the stand. Can you tell us, please, sir, how it is that in games that your team has lost, you have the following stats: 13hits in 64 at bats for a .203 average. You've scored a total of 8 runs in the 16 of those games you've played, you have 2 of your 12 home runs and only 3 rbi's, while striking out a whopping 17 times. I make it my mission, sir, to have you in a spot within the lineup that suits your power production. I'm tired of you babying your fans and your team with this me-first attitude-literally seeing as how you cry to your manager any time he doesn't have you in the leadoff spot. You make $17 million dollars during an economic crisis playing a sport that probably half of America would gladly play for free. Please, sir, for the better good of the team, hit third and protect Derrick Lee-especially while our horse Ramirez is out with a shoulder.
My 2 cents on Michael Vick
Michael Vick did an awful thing, as many of you know, by getting into illegal dog fighting and killing the dogs that were not performing well. He was incarcerated for 22 months and served his time. It remains to be seen if he will play another down in the NFL again.
What he did was terrible. While I personally don't think what he did was punishable by a prison sentence--I'm more mad at drivers who drive under the influence. I think they should be locked up, then maybe there'd be less drunk drivers killing innocent people--that can't be taken away from him. It's not like he was killing Benji. The dogs he killed were attack dogs that sat alone in the dark all day long and only got out to chase a squirell tail while running on a treadmill in training to fight other dogs. To me his only crime was running this illegal dog fighting operation. Before you jump over me after I've said that, know that I'm a huge dog lover, as I've had dogs all my life.
Now that he has been freed, he will begin his life afresh (read very big sarcastic asteriks there). IF he gets a chance to sign with an NFL team-John Clayton of ESPN seems to report that just the mention of a team that MIGHT be interested in giving Vick a chance responds to his assumptions with nasty phone calls and hate mail-he'll have to compete for a backup job. Lots of owners I'm afraid already have a preceived notion they will never give this man a second chance. We don't even know what he's learned from these chain of events.
However, none of this probably matters in the first place. I believe that he will never regain the game speed and efficiency needed to run a team on the NFL level. Look at college quarterbacks who begin to learn a new system. It takes them a lot of time to do so. Many learn for the first year before even attempting a pass in a game. And many good college quarterbacks never succeed at the NFL level. Vick has been 2 years removed from a very fast game and will be trying to play arguably the hardest position to play based on speed of the game, timing, and instincts. It's going to be awful hard to get that back.
My 2 cent opinion is this: Michael Vick served a great sentence for a horrendous offense. His time is served and he will never get back those 2 years that he missed with the speed, practice, and timing of the NFL. I personally don't see him ever becoming a legitimate NFL quarterback again, even if he is given a chance. I am sad about this, because I was a fan of his. Vick is a very exciting runner with a cannon for a left arm. Talent like that comes along once in 10 years, and it is a shame we didn't get to see his full potential. Vick, best of luck to you as you start afresh. I hope you're given a second chance on life and that you use it wisely.
Basketball:
LeBron or Kobe?
This is the interesting debate that is going on now. I'm not sure why, there's no question LeBron talent-wise is hands down the best NBA player today-and perhaps the greatest talent we've ever seen. Kobe, on the other hand, is on the down spiral of his career. He's logged over 1100 games plus about 150 post season games. Knees start to wear down once that # games played is greater than 1000. But he is still a very legitimate threat to take over a game at any time.
All players have strengths and weaknesses. Kobe's weakness is that he's a me-first player. Late into his career (and while being surrounded by better talent) he has learned how to be a better team player. However, he still wants to get his. You'll see him quit occasionally (game 3 vs Houston in this year's playoffs) when he is not involved offensively as if to tell everyone, "see, this is what this team is without me." Don't get me wrong, I love to watch Kobe play. He's a relentless defender, and I do like his cocky attitude. I think anyone who is great at sports ought to have a little cockiness to attach to it.
LeBron, on the other hand, is still coming into his own after 5 years in the league. The kid's only 24 years old. He can play any position 2-5 offensively and defensively. He constantly draws double and triple teams. His dunks are often viewed as highlight films, and every teenager imagines being him when on the court. At 24 he's being hyped as the best player to ever play the game. However, he has one glaring weakness that I've never read printed nor ever heard debated how this may affect his career. He is a below average free throw shooter. Granted, he still has years to improve on this part of his game. I read once where Michael Jordan told his college coach Dean Smith that it took him 8 years before he felt he could hit a free throw at any stage of the game. Kobe hits his free throws. LeBron will go 6-10 in a one point game and miss 3 in the 4th quarter of that game. LeBron, you want to be great? Spend a little less time on those 40 foot jump shots and a little more time on that 15 foot set shot. With your potential you should be shooting 20 free throws or more a game.
Today I would rank Kobe ahead of LeBron. Kobe has 3 rings, although he was the 2nd best player on those teams. When/if he gets a ring while being the star of his team, he'll climb even further up the ladder. LeBron's not quite there yet. He's never won a conference final, let alone an NBA championship. Let's see where the dominoes fall, but as of today this sports fan puts Kobe on top of this debate. I hope we get to see these 2 warriors compete against each other in the NBA finals this year.
And with that, the sports report rests. Comments?
My Chicago Cubs.
I don't care how much you do or don't know about baseball. The simple fact is the team that scores the most runs wins every time. Doesn't matter how you score 'em, long as they cross the plate that's all that matters. Consider these stats by the cubs as of May 20.
They are a respectable 21-17. I had my doubts about this team earlier, but since writing about it to a few of my friends they have since played pretty well. However, in games that they score 3 runs or fewer, they are an astounding 0-14. I'll say that again, they haven't won a single game when scoring 3 runs or fewer. And they've played nearly 40 of em! This isn't an accident folks, the teams need to score runs. In games they do score 4 or more runs, they are a very good 21-3.
Where does run production begin? Why, at the leadoff spot, of course. Mr. Alfonso Soriano, please take the stand. Can you tell us, please, sir, how it is that in games that your team has lost, you have the following stats: 13hits in 64 at bats for a .203 average. You've scored a total of 8 runs in the 16 of those games you've played, you have 2 of your 12 home runs and only 3 rbi's, while striking out a whopping 17 times. I make it my mission, sir, to have you in a spot within the lineup that suits your power production. I'm tired of you babying your fans and your team with this me-first attitude-literally seeing as how you cry to your manager any time he doesn't have you in the leadoff spot. You make $17 million dollars during an economic crisis playing a sport that probably half of America would gladly play for free. Please, sir, for the better good of the team, hit third and protect Derrick Lee-especially while our horse Ramirez is out with a shoulder.
My 2 cents on Michael Vick
Michael Vick did an awful thing, as many of you know, by getting into illegal dog fighting and killing the dogs that were not performing well. He was incarcerated for 22 months and served his time. It remains to be seen if he will play another down in the NFL again.
What he did was terrible. While I personally don't think what he did was punishable by a prison sentence--I'm more mad at drivers who drive under the influence. I think they should be locked up, then maybe there'd be less drunk drivers killing innocent people--that can't be taken away from him. It's not like he was killing Benji. The dogs he killed were attack dogs that sat alone in the dark all day long and only got out to chase a squirell tail while running on a treadmill in training to fight other dogs. To me his only crime was running this illegal dog fighting operation. Before you jump over me after I've said that, know that I'm a huge dog lover, as I've had dogs all my life.
Now that he has been freed, he will begin his life afresh (read very big sarcastic asteriks there). IF he gets a chance to sign with an NFL team-John Clayton of ESPN seems to report that just the mention of a team that MIGHT be interested in giving Vick a chance responds to his assumptions with nasty phone calls and hate mail-he'll have to compete for a backup job. Lots of owners I'm afraid already have a preceived notion they will never give this man a second chance. We don't even know what he's learned from these chain of events.
However, none of this probably matters in the first place. I believe that he will never regain the game speed and efficiency needed to run a team on the NFL level. Look at college quarterbacks who begin to learn a new system. It takes them a lot of time to do so. Many learn for the first year before even attempting a pass in a game. And many good college quarterbacks never succeed at the NFL level. Vick has been 2 years removed from a very fast game and will be trying to play arguably the hardest position to play based on speed of the game, timing, and instincts. It's going to be awful hard to get that back.
My 2 cent opinion is this: Michael Vick served a great sentence for a horrendous offense. His time is served and he will never get back those 2 years that he missed with the speed, practice, and timing of the NFL. I personally don't see him ever becoming a legitimate NFL quarterback again, even if he is given a chance. I am sad about this, because I was a fan of his. Vick is a very exciting runner with a cannon for a left arm. Talent like that comes along once in 10 years, and it is a shame we didn't get to see his full potential. Vick, best of luck to you as you start afresh. I hope you're given a second chance on life and that you use it wisely.
Basketball:
LeBron or Kobe?
This is the interesting debate that is going on now. I'm not sure why, there's no question LeBron talent-wise is hands down the best NBA player today-and perhaps the greatest talent we've ever seen. Kobe, on the other hand, is on the down spiral of his career. He's logged over 1100 games plus about 150 post season games. Knees start to wear down once that # games played is greater than 1000. But he is still a very legitimate threat to take over a game at any time.
All players have strengths and weaknesses. Kobe's weakness is that he's a me-first player. Late into his career (and while being surrounded by better talent) he has learned how to be a better team player. However, he still wants to get his. You'll see him quit occasionally (game 3 vs Houston in this year's playoffs) when he is not involved offensively as if to tell everyone, "see, this is what this team is without me." Don't get me wrong, I love to watch Kobe play. He's a relentless defender, and I do like his cocky attitude. I think anyone who is great at sports ought to have a little cockiness to attach to it.
LeBron, on the other hand, is still coming into his own after 5 years in the league. The kid's only 24 years old. He can play any position 2-5 offensively and defensively. He constantly draws double and triple teams. His dunks are often viewed as highlight films, and every teenager imagines being him when on the court. At 24 he's being hyped as the best player to ever play the game. However, he has one glaring weakness that I've never read printed nor ever heard debated how this may affect his career. He is a below average free throw shooter. Granted, he still has years to improve on this part of his game. I read once where Michael Jordan told his college coach Dean Smith that it took him 8 years before he felt he could hit a free throw at any stage of the game. Kobe hits his free throws. LeBron will go 6-10 in a one point game and miss 3 in the 4th quarter of that game. LeBron, you want to be great? Spend a little less time on those 40 foot jump shots and a little more time on that 15 foot set shot. With your potential you should be shooting 20 free throws or more a game.
Today I would rank Kobe ahead of LeBron. Kobe has 3 rings, although he was the 2nd best player on those teams. When/if he gets a ring while being the star of his team, he'll climb even further up the ladder. LeBron's not quite there yet. He's never won a conference final, let alone an NBA championship. Let's see where the dominoes fall, but as of today this sports fan puts Kobe on top of this debate. I hope we get to see these 2 warriors compete against each other in the NBA finals this year.
And with that, the sports report rests. Comments?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
light week
Hi all! This last week was one to sorta forget. I don't know why I was down. Perhaps everyone has a rough week no matter what they're doing. I did stay up several nights listening to ball games, so lack of sleep may have made for the tough week, too.
Anyway, I did have a really good weekend. I visited my neighbors on Saturday. One neighbor was having a gamu celebration. I stopped by briefly to listen to some of the music they were playing, and I had tea with everyone. And I visited 2 other neighbors as well briefly.
Today I had a good time visiting 2 families on the other side of town. It had been awhile since I had seen these families so I told some brief stories about my family and about things I have done lately around town and in the villages I work in. It was a good Wolof speaking day for me, and I enjoy the extra confidence that gives me to communicate with others.
Tonight I am again listening to a basketball game before going to bed. It's awful late and I have a big day tomorrow, so I hope that I'll have energy to get through it. Thanks again for your prayers. I'm encouraged that this is going to be a good week, and I'm looking forward to its beginning.
Anyway, I did have a really good weekend. I visited my neighbors on Saturday. One neighbor was having a gamu celebration. I stopped by briefly to listen to some of the music they were playing, and I had tea with everyone. And I visited 2 other neighbors as well briefly.
Today I had a good time visiting 2 families on the other side of town. It had been awhile since I had seen these families so I told some brief stories about my family and about things I have done lately around town and in the villages I work in. It was a good Wolof speaking day for me, and I enjoy the extra confidence that gives me to communicate with others.
Tonight I am again listening to a basketball game before going to bed. It's awful late and I have a big day tomorrow, so I hope that I'll have energy to get through it. Thanks again for your prayers. I'm encouraged that this is going to be a good week, and I'm looking forward to its beginning.
Monday, May 11, 2009
random list
there's a popular 'top 5' lists going on now on facebook. I'm for some reason not big on those lists, but for some reason feel like making some myself. What makes this interesting is that I will end up posting this under 'notes' on facebook so more people can read it. Please comment if you'd like me to post more top 5 subjects. I'm going from the top of my head on this, and creativity isn't my strong suit!
books I'm in the process of reading or are next on the list:
-Arabian Nights (these are really good tales, if anyone's a novel reader)
-Picture of Dorian Grey
-James Bond
-the strange case of dr. jekyll and mr. hyde
-Bible (always on the list)
Places to visit:
-Cairo, Egypt
-Brazil
-India
-Israel
-London
Places I've been but want to go back:
-Washington, DC
-NYC
-Charleston, SC
-Savannah, GA
-(blank)
Things I do on any given day in Senegal:
-walk to the market
-visit my neighbors
-drink hot tea
-text and speak Wolof with my friends
-spend 3+ hours on the computer because there's nothing else to do at nights
CDs I listen to:
-Toby Mac portable sounds
-Aerosmith's greatest hits
-Elton John's greatest hits
-Billy Joel's greatest hits
-Rescue-the difference
websites I visit:
-my 2 email sites
-wral for news from NC
-espn
-facebook
-google or wikipedia to answer burning questions
meals I cook for myself:
-spaghetti
-chili and rice
-hamburgers/hotdogs and fries
-chicken of some sort
-pork chops
sports teams I root for:
-Chicago Cubs
-NC State athletics
-Boston Celtics
-Carolina Panthers
-(blank)
books I'm in the process of reading or are next on the list:
-Arabian Nights (these are really good tales, if anyone's a novel reader)
-Picture of Dorian Grey
-James Bond
-the strange case of dr. jekyll and mr. hyde
-Bible (always on the list)
Places to visit:
-Cairo, Egypt
-Brazil
-India
-Israel
-London
Places I've been but want to go back:
-Washington, DC
-NYC
-Charleston, SC
-Savannah, GA
-(blank)
Things I do on any given day in Senegal:
-walk to the market
-visit my neighbors
-drink hot tea
-text and speak Wolof with my friends
-spend 3+ hours on the computer because there's nothing else to do at nights
CDs I listen to:
-Toby Mac portable sounds
-Aerosmith's greatest hits
-Elton John's greatest hits
-Billy Joel's greatest hits
-Rescue-the difference
websites I visit:
-my 2 email sites
-wral for news from NC
-espn
-google or wikipedia to answer burning questions
meals I cook for myself:
-spaghetti
-chili and rice
-hamburgers/hotdogs and fries
-chicken of some sort
-pork chops
sports teams I root for:
-Chicago Cubs
-NC State athletics
-Boston Celtics
-Carolina Panthers
-(blank)
Saturday, May 9, 2009
cute story
Let me share a cute story that happened last week.
I was going into a village to meet a friend I haven't seen in awhile. He's a farmer, and lately has been 'rooting' his fields. They do this chore by hand with a hoe on a long stick, so it takes a lot of time to plow the field, put the piles together, and burn the piles. I haven't seen my friend in probably 2 months of visits, though I have spoken to others in his compound.
Today as I went I noticed quite a few changes. They have a new sewing boutique and are training some new workers there, including someone from my friend's compound. And interestingly enough, the boutique is there in this compound. So I spent time talking with the new workers and admiring their work so far. Then I talked with others as well.
It was getting time for me to leave, and I told everyone that I needed to go home because darkness was coming. But sure as I said that, those in the compound said, "no, wait, your friend's coming." So I waited, and sure enough, he came 10 minutes later. And while he showered up I waited outside under a tree.
Here's the interesting part. While I was waiting, I had 4 girls about 10 years old come up to me and ask about me being a Christian. So I shared briefly about my faith in Jesus, and that because I believe in him I believe that when I die I will go to heaven and live with him. They were fascinated, and wondered if I would drive my car when I go to heaven! So I laughed and said, no, I believe that when I die, Jesus will take me immediately to heaven. Then they asked about my prayer habits, how many times I pray, what I pray, how I pray. They wondered if I pray ritually like they do. Muslims bow prostrate when they pray, reciting a verse from the Koran as they do. I said, no, I simply close my eyes and say a simple prayer. And I did pray in Wolof how I would normally pray. I said something like, "Thank you, God, for this day, for my family who lives in America, and for my friends who live here in this village. I ask that you give them peace today. Amen."
At that time, my friend called me into his room, so I excused myself and went to meet him. The kids followed me in his room and after introductions were made they went back to asking more about my faith and praying. But my friend interrupted them and said, "we don't talk about that in here." I looked at him and said quietly that it's ok to me if they do, but his look back indicated that he was not ok with the conversation. So quickly the kids filed out of the room and I didn't get to say goodbye to them.
I am disheartened that this story ended this way. But I am very encouraged that the little influence I have had with this village and family has caused these kids to want to know more. I earnestly pray that they will continue to be hungry for truth from God's Word, and that they will find answers to their questions. I hope that I can talk more with them, too.
I was going into a village to meet a friend I haven't seen in awhile. He's a farmer, and lately has been 'rooting' his fields. They do this chore by hand with a hoe on a long stick, so it takes a lot of time to plow the field, put the piles together, and burn the piles. I haven't seen my friend in probably 2 months of visits, though I have spoken to others in his compound.
Today as I went I noticed quite a few changes. They have a new sewing boutique and are training some new workers there, including someone from my friend's compound. And interestingly enough, the boutique is there in this compound. So I spent time talking with the new workers and admiring their work so far. Then I talked with others as well.
It was getting time for me to leave, and I told everyone that I needed to go home because darkness was coming. But sure as I said that, those in the compound said, "no, wait, your friend's coming." So I waited, and sure enough, he came 10 minutes later. And while he showered up I waited outside under a tree.
Here's the interesting part. While I was waiting, I had 4 girls about 10 years old come up to me and ask about me being a Christian. So I shared briefly about my faith in Jesus, and that because I believe in him I believe that when I die I will go to heaven and live with him. They were fascinated, and wondered if I would drive my car when I go to heaven! So I laughed and said, no, I believe that when I die, Jesus will take me immediately to heaven. Then they asked about my prayer habits, how many times I pray, what I pray, how I pray. They wondered if I pray ritually like they do. Muslims bow prostrate when they pray, reciting a verse from the Koran as they do. I said, no, I simply close my eyes and say a simple prayer. And I did pray in Wolof how I would normally pray. I said something like, "Thank you, God, for this day, for my family who lives in America, and for my friends who live here in this village. I ask that you give them peace today. Amen."
At that time, my friend called me into his room, so I excused myself and went to meet him. The kids followed me in his room and after introductions were made they went back to asking more about my faith and praying. But my friend interrupted them and said, "we don't talk about that in here." I looked at him and said quietly that it's ok to me if they do, but his look back indicated that he was not ok with the conversation. So quickly the kids filed out of the room and I didn't get to say goodbye to them.
I am disheartened that this story ended this way. But I am very encouraged that the little influence I have had with this village and family has caused these kids to want to know more. I earnestly pray that they will continue to be hungry for truth from God's Word, and that they will find answers to their questions. I hope that I can talk more with them, too.
may's news
This year is really rolling along! I find it so hard to believe that the time is going so fast. It reminds me that each day is important and that I need to take advantage of each opportunity to share with others. Lately I have simply taken the idea that I’m here to simply be a friend to those that I know. That concept has helped me to understand that I don’t have to share stories about Jesus everywhere I go. I can’t control when others come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but I can be a friend to those that I come in contact with. I enjoy being a friend and find it satisfying to be able to share more when the opportunity presents itself.
With that being said, I’m spending my days and weeks balancing my time with friends in the villages and here in Mekhe. 2-3 days a week I’ll go out to visit in a village. I have 4 that I go to regularly. When I visit, we typically have casual conversation while drinking tea. I’ve also been able to go and greet everyone in these villages when I do go. That takes awhile sometimes! Or when I’m visiting my friends in my neighborhood we simply talk together about the week, about family, and about life in Senegal. So many people want to go to America here that American culture and life constantly comes up in conversation. I share simple stories about my life growing up, and remind my friends that the life they have here is very good.
Pray for me as I continue these conversations with my friends. I enjoy talking with them all. Pray that I will find the energy to speak Wolof and venture out daily, and also pray that these conversations would lead to a time that I can share spiritual truth. Also, please pray for our Wolof team, that God will continue to use our efforts and show himself to our friends here in Senegal.
With that being said, I’m spending my days and weeks balancing my time with friends in the villages and here in Mekhe. 2-3 days a week I’ll go out to visit in a village. I have 4 that I go to regularly. When I visit, we typically have casual conversation while drinking tea. I’ve also been able to go and greet everyone in these villages when I do go. That takes awhile sometimes! Or when I’m visiting my friends in my neighborhood we simply talk together about the week, about family, and about life in Senegal. So many people want to go to America here that American culture and life constantly comes up in conversation. I share simple stories about my life growing up, and remind my friends that the life they have here is very good.
Pray for me as I continue these conversations with my friends. I enjoy talking with them all. Pray that I will find the energy to speak Wolof and venture out daily, and also pray that these conversations would lead to a time that I can share spiritual truth. Also, please pray for our Wolof team, that God will continue to use our efforts and show himself to our friends here in Senegal.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
so I waited...
Today was one of those days that you just have to laugh at what goes on around you. Although it wasn't enjoyable during this time, looking back later today I did have to laugh as I share the story.
Sunday as I hung out with a friend, I met one of his friends who is a mechanic. He told me anytime I had problems with my car I could take it to him and he would be happy to fix it. And I asked him if he could fix an air conditioner. My a/c is not cold anymore, and if I could get it fixed it'd probably be cheaper than my business office doing it in Dakar. So I planned to take it to him today. Well, after 3 hours of waiting, they finally came to me and told me that they needed to get some gas (I'm assuming this is freon) to charge it. He says he can fix it tomorrow. I'll take it to him again tomorrow afternoon and try this again.
During the time I did get to talk with a friend for awhile. We had a good talk catching up. It had been awhile since I had seen him. He's a national missionary living here in Ngaye. Since he's done a lot of traveling lately we had just missed each other lately. So it was nice to catch up on ministry stories, asking about family, and about some computer stories he had lately. I like listening to him talk-his Wolof is very clear. When I hear him speak I understand very well. Today was a good understanding day in Wolof, especially during this conversation.
Ok, back to more funny waiting. I decided that I was tired and wanted to try a new restaurant in a nearby town. I see this "restaurant-fast food" sign on the highway each time I pass through, and I wanted to see how the food was. Fast food here simply means hamburgers, fries, and sandwiches. It doesn't necessarily mean fast service. So I knew that going there, and I also knew that I arrived a little early. But what happened is not normal. When I arrived I greeted everyone and sat down to talk to everyone. During the conversation I did say that I had come for lunch and wanted to have a sandwich. 20 minutes later noone had brought me a menu or said anything about lunch coming. So I went to buy something and said that I'll eat when I get back. I returned, again asked for a sandwich, and again sat down and talked. While we all talked there were 3 of the workers busy cutting up potatoes for french fries. After another 30 minutes, I say that I'm going for a quick walk and will come back. I come back 2 minutes later, again go up to a lady, and say, "Ma'am, can you cook me a hamburger? I want to eat, I am hungry." "ok, it's coming," she promised. I never saw her for the next 40 minutes. Finally after waiting for a full hour and a half, I decide this is not worth it, and stand up to leave. I say goodbye to everyone. They didn't even ask or offer that lunch was coming-which is an oddity in this culture. I can't visit anyone here in town during the day without them asking me to stay for lunch or for supper. So I will never go back to this restaurant. I got back home, fixed a peanut butter sandwich, and took a nap. I was exhausted after all this waiting today.
Sunday as I hung out with a friend, I met one of his friends who is a mechanic. He told me anytime I had problems with my car I could take it to him and he would be happy to fix it. And I asked him if he could fix an air conditioner. My a/c is not cold anymore, and if I could get it fixed it'd probably be cheaper than my business office doing it in Dakar. So I planned to take it to him today. Well, after 3 hours of waiting, they finally came to me and told me that they needed to get some gas (I'm assuming this is freon) to charge it. He says he can fix it tomorrow. I'll take it to him again tomorrow afternoon and try this again.
During the time I did get to talk with a friend for awhile. We had a good talk catching up. It had been awhile since I had seen him. He's a national missionary living here in Ngaye. Since he's done a lot of traveling lately we had just missed each other lately. So it was nice to catch up on ministry stories, asking about family, and about some computer stories he had lately. I like listening to him talk-his Wolof is very clear. When I hear him speak I understand very well. Today was a good understanding day in Wolof, especially during this conversation.
Ok, back to more funny waiting. I decided that I was tired and wanted to try a new restaurant in a nearby town. I see this "restaurant-fast food" sign on the highway each time I pass through, and I wanted to see how the food was. Fast food here simply means hamburgers, fries, and sandwiches. It doesn't necessarily mean fast service. So I knew that going there, and I also knew that I arrived a little early. But what happened is not normal. When I arrived I greeted everyone and sat down to talk to everyone. During the conversation I did say that I had come for lunch and wanted to have a sandwich. 20 minutes later noone had brought me a menu or said anything about lunch coming. So I went to buy something and said that I'll eat when I get back. I returned, again asked for a sandwich, and again sat down and talked. While we all talked there were 3 of the workers busy cutting up potatoes for french fries. After another 30 minutes, I say that I'm going for a quick walk and will come back. I come back 2 minutes later, again go up to a lady, and say, "Ma'am, can you cook me a hamburger? I want to eat, I am hungry." "ok, it's coming," she promised. I never saw her for the next 40 minutes. Finally after waiting for a full hour and a half, I decide this is not worth it, and stand up to leave. I say goodbye to everyone. They didn't even ask or offer that lunch was coming-which is an oddity in this culture. I can't visit anyone here in town during the day without them asking me to stay for lunch or for supper. So I will never go back to this restaurant. I got back home, fixed a peanut butter sandwich, and took a nap. I was exhausted after all this waiting today.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
just friends
I think it has taken me until this month perhaps just to get comfortable with my role here as a missionary. Yes, that weighs heavy on me because it shows that I am not a fast learner. That'd be a good characteristic to have. Maybe I can find ways to improve on that. However, now that I've learned what my role can be here, I can own up to that more and define it with purpose. And that purpose is simply to be a friend to others here. There's other things that I can add to these relationships when the time comes. But my main objective with people is to be their friend.
So you may ask what I've been doing with my time? Well, I'm continually adapting to this culture, and I'm gaining friends by talking to new people each week. But my intent was to be sharing at some point with these contacts, and trying to schedule when appropriate times to share will be. Now, I'm just letting myself be more natual in the opportunities that are presented. I can't control opportunities, but one thing I can do is simply be a friend to others.
With that in mind, this month I've opened myself up to simply going out and visiting with friends that I am close to. Several of my neighbors call me over to visit or come and sit at my house themselves. I've enjoyed these visits so much. Within the visits I'm just being myself-joking with them, asking about their family, their day, their work or what they learn in school. And if the conversations drift to talking about God we will comfortably talk about that.
Now that I've said that, I do claim this as a victory despite it taking so long to get here. I do hope to stay comfortable in this role with those around me. And I hope that spiritually I will be strong enough to know when good times come available to stretch these friendships into sharing about my Father. Right now though, despite knowing that my friends are lost and have no knowledge of Jesus as their Savior, I wish to simply be a person that points to Jesus. I pray that one day they may come to know him. When that day comes, to God be the glory!!
So you may ask what I've been doing with my time? Well, I'm continually adapting to this culture, and I'm gaining friends by talking to new people each week. But my intent was to be sharing at some point with these contacts, and trying to schedule when appropriate times to share will be. Now, I'm just letting myself be more natual in the opportunities that are presented. I can't control opportunities, but one thing I can do is simply be a friend to others.
With that in mind, this month I've opened myself up to simply going out and visiting with friends that I am close to. Several of my neighbors call me over to visit or come and sit at my house themselves. I've enjoyed these visits so much. Within the visits I'm just being myself-joking with them, asking about their family, their day, their work or what they learn in school. And if the conversations drift to talking about God we will comfortably talk about that.
Now that I've said that, I do claim this as a victory despite it taking so long to get here. I do hope to stay comfortable in this role with those around me. And I hope that spiritually I will be strong enough to know when good times come available to stretch these friendships into sharing about my Father. Right now though, despite knowing that my friends are lost and have no knowledge of Jesus as their Savior, I wish to simply be a person that points to Jesus. I pray that one day they may come to know him. When that day comes, to God be the glory!!
quickie
I am uneasy thinking about this with 6 months still to go in my term, but I have ordered and received confirmation on tickets back home. In thinking about my 2 years going by as fast as it seems and that I still wish that I could do so much more than I have done here, it's tough to think about going home already. I have many friends here whom I love. The day I leave will be very tough to say goodbye. However, I will enjoy so much getting reaquainted with so many of my friends and church family from home.
Since I'm sure you're wondering, I'll tell you that I will arrive home Nov. 3. More info to come at a later time!
Since I'm sure you're wondering, I'll tell you that I will arrive home Nov. 3. More info to come at a later time!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
new team mate
Our Wolof team is welcoming a new worker to Dhara this week. Bertha V., a masters missionary from Houston, Texas, will begin her ministry in Dhara after spending the last 6 months learning Wolof in Dakar. Bertha is an extrodinary person to meet, and you quickly know from talking with her that she loves her family, loves Jesus, and wants to see you make yourself better. I wish her well as she transitions to Dhara to begin ministering to the Wolof in the area there.
This week I had the opportunity to ride to her apartment to help set things up. Elliott, Pat, and myself all went up together to see what final touches needed to be made before she arrived. We'll do some final preparations when we all go with Bertha later this week to make her home as comfortable as possible. She may still have a few things she'd like to do that she can ask her new friends and her land lord to do for her. Her house is really lovely.
I will say that I enjoyed the trip up to Dhara to see the house. With my construction interests and servant heart, I love the chance to do things like this. It was a good way to get away for a day and do something a little different, too.
Remember Bertha in your prayers as she begins making new friends and settling into her new home! :)
This week I had the opportunity to ride to her apartment to help set things up. Elliott, Pat, and myself all went up together to see what final touches needed to be made before she arrived. We'll do some final preparations when we all go with Bertha later this week to make her home as comfortable as possible. She may still have a few things she'd like to do that she can ask her new friends and her land lord to do for her. Her house is really lovely.
I will say that I enjoyed the trip up to Dhara to see the house. With my construction interests and servant heart, I love the chance to do things like this. It was a good way to get away for a day and do something a little different, too.
Remember Bertha in your prayers as she begins making new friends and settling into her new home! :)
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