Sometimes we want to go back and start over but it seems that is not possible. We are not the same people at the end of something than we were at the beginning. Certainly the people of Niger State; their response to our sojourn among them, their acceptance and love, their optimism and their faith in difficult times have taught us that and so much more. No! spend time here and you are changed. Now it is time to say goodbye and start again at Heaven High, Newaygo MI. Much was started. The rains started, many of my Lacuern tree seeds started and were planted. We were able to start and finish two TLT Manuals; Stewardship, and Biblical Preaching in the Hausa language. I received my first sting from a scorpion. After her training Pauline started a first response clinic at the Water Wins staff compound. Gremar was able to start and finish her medical training sessions with the three pastor’s wives and the school’s first response team. I was able to start and finish up one of my classes at Warari Bible School and hand over two more. As missionaries we start again and again and it never gets easier. It was particularly hard this time because we had to let go of Daniel, the ten year old son of Ayuba, one of the Bible School students. Our only consolation is that he succumbed to his illness while praying to Jesus. He has started his new life. God wanted to confirm that for his parents and for all of us, praise the Lord! Starting again can be painful. We leave much behind and start again with the knowledge that Jesus goes with us and as the Spirit prepares the way we go forward in confidence!
The storms are violent at the beginning of the rainy season.
The Pastors and Evangelists
The whole TLT group, we are thankful to God, they came faithfully for four months.
Paulina opening up the first response station.
Everyone is happy.
Hard at work the first day.
The whole compound was there for the dedication prayer.
You do not want to get stung by one of these guys. The pain got steadily more intense and when it reached under my arms I decided to take shock treatment. How? Start up the car, pull off a spark plug wire and start shocking at the spot of the bite (little finger) and go up the arm. At the time I thought to myself the treatment may be worse than the sting! An hour later I knew the shocking worked because it started to subside and gone completely in the morning, normally people are affected for three days.
The school hosted a send off party, we all had an opportunity to thank God for his blessings.
God is good, we have been blessed and are privileged to be able to contribute a little to the development of the CRCN Niger State. Thank you for supporting us, praying for us, and send us back next year.
Heavenhigh 