Praise Reports:
-The Pad Project went great.
-French is beginning to connect in my brain.
-I am building community.
Prayer Requests:
-That my language skill would grow.
-That the Lord would grant wisdom for future projects.
-For our sister Mabelle, who recently lost her father in a car crash.
Hey loved ones! I hope this update finds you well. I know numerous of you have been praying continuously, and for that I am deeply grateful and inspired. Even one-time petitions for me and your thoughts mean a lot.
To give an update, I’ll skip the boring details of continued life setup and share with you the good news.
The Pad Project is the highlight. Last Sunday, my supervisor Kimberly, a Brazilian missionary friend named Rosimeri, and I headed out to a church in Djagblé. We brought 160 cute gift bags that each included 2 reusable pad bundles, a zipper pouch, a small waterproof bag, a pair of underwear, 6 packets of laundry detergent, and a bar of soap. Shortly after arriving over 100 ladies from the church and community poured in.
I shared a devotional that highlighted the gospel and how Jesus’ values women. Rosimeri
translated it into French, then Madame Sisseni translated it into Ewe. In closing I asked who had decided to follow Jesus that day, and many hands were raised (old women, young women, girls, and a few boys that tagged along with their moms). I can’t be sure how many of these were new to the faith or genuine, but I believe God saved people that day. Praise Him!
Afterwards, Madame Sisseni gave instructions on the supplies in the gift bags, and several women got up and shared testimonies of gratitude. Not all ministry goes according to hopes, but this experience was fantastic.
In other news, my team and I are in talks with some Canadian Christians who desire to minister to orphans in our city. No plans have been made, but we are leaning on God to show us which direction to take. Ideas of hosting another Pad Project, making palliative care kits, and going and assisting a nearby missionary teacher at school have been voiced. We are also just beginning to think about which spiritual and physical needs here most merit grant proposals to Send Relief.
This month I’m joining a young adult group at the chapel here on campus to build community. Shortly afterwards, I plan on hosting a Bible study at my apartment. I could use prayers for setting that up and discernment on how to keep it balanced between French and English!
To add a moment of melancholy, last Saturday Kimberly and I visited a memorial service for the father of our sweet sister in the faith, Mabelle. Her father died in a motor vehicle accident (a prolific occurrence here). She and her family could use your prayers.
There are two miscellaneous additions to this update. My language learning is coming along. I still can’t say much, but in the last few days I’ve noticed I can often decipher the topics of conversation between other people. Praise God!
Lastly (and this is just a sentiment), I have been touched by believers from all sorts of backgrounds coming together. At this point, I have worshipped the Lord with people who are American, Togolese, Brazilian, Beninese, Taiwanese, Malaysian, Canadian, and more. It is a sneak peek of the vision God gave John in Revelation
7:9: “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb….” What a joy it is that we who believe will all be together in His presence one day.
Y’all be blessed.
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