Man, looking at an empty text document page is so bland, or maybe overwhelming is the right word: where to start. I may ask that question, but I am here on behalf of the One with the great master plan. It's a comfort to know that each day, hour and minute, each circumstance, conversation and adrenelaine rush has all been forseen by the Almighty and He is ever-present living out each moment with us.
To start off I want to say “Happy Thanksgiving” from Senegal, Africa!! Wish we could be there with you but we're also glad we're here instead.
Random Stuff
Haha, funny story- Last night in the middle of the night, my air matress deflated and I had to blow it up. Jesse thought I was hyper-ventalating..... Picture it............... and then laugh along.
Haha, funny story- Last night in the middle of the night, my air matress deflated and I had to blow it up. Jesse thought I was hyper-ventalating..... Picture it............... and then laugh along.
These past two weeks have been a wonderful routine-like 2 weeks securing Etiolo as home. We have had some funny 'Only in Africa' situations this past week. The most impressive is when Jesse and Aliu went hunting and shot a 3 meter long snake! It was a “monkey swallower.” A reminder that when hiking through, it's important not only to watch the rugged path but also to keep your head up searching out trees trees for dangers..... or better yet, dinner.
These guys skinnned the snake which could end up being part of a cool souvenir but then we actually ate it! After 2 hours of cooking in a pressure cooker with some garlic.... Mmm Hmm it was fall off the ribs (and there were a lot of ribs) good. None of the locals took up our offer to try some.
I've had the chance to hike around the area where I've taken some great shots with my camera. It's fall here in Africa and in some of the pictures you'll notice the leaves are changing colours. Hiking in some parts reminds me of the Gatineau hills.
We built a tree fort in the pictures you'll notice too, for business of course. The pastor has a couple corn fields about 2 km away from the church. We've been recruited to stand (or sit, hence the fort) and guard for monkeys which have been eating the corn, ruining the crop. Like I said: strictly business..... Crazy awesome fort building business that is!
Church
The life of the church is just that: a verb not an adjective. With regular teachings on Sunday as we continue in Matthew chapter 3 this week and on Wednesday night we are continuing in the book of Acts chapter 2.
This past Wednesday night we had a packed church (see pics) mainly youth and I could feel a burning desire inside me to deliver the good news of Jesus Christ. I went with the Holy Spirit and not my notes, and just talked about how awesome He is. Very exciting stuff!
The life of the church is just that: a verb not an adjective. With regular teachings on Sunday as we continue in Matthew chapter 3 this week and on Wednesday night we are continuing in the book of Acts chapter 2.
This past Wednesday night we had a packed church (see pics) mainly youth and I could feel a burning desire inside me to deliver the good news of Jesus Christ. I went with the Holy Spirit and not my notes, and just talked about how awesome He is. Very exciting stuff!
As we keep our eyes on Jesus we're just growing together as a body. It's so great to be part of the body of Christ. My favourite time in the service is the time of testimony and prayer as the whole congregation is sharing testimonies of how God's worked this week in their lives or bringing forth needs in faith that He'll meet them. THAT'S AWESOME , I LOVE THAT!
There's some young people around who are just excited about the Lord and about the Bible which is so great to be a part of. Interpreting on Sundays is getting smoother and smoother as poor Augiste gets used to my french which is obviously improving now that I use less english words with french accents and more real french words. Haha, ie: confidencé?
The harvest is slowing down and school should be starting up next week and we have the chance to help out with some books, bags and school fees and to show God's love by helping to meet a need.
But their reactions are quite funny. As a tribe, the Bassari make it a point to never show a lot of emotion. For instance: if you leave for a long time and when returning a Bassari would see you, they would avoid you untill the next day untill they can get their emotions under wraps.
But their reactions are quite funny. As a tribe, the Bassari make it a point to never show a lot of emotion. For instance: if you leave for a long time and when returning a Bassari would see you, they would avoid you untill the next day untill they can get their emotions under wraps.
Prayer Requests:
As a culture, tribe and village Etiolo prides itself on some customs that really don't glorify God. For the boys there's the initiation which involoves Idol worship and fighting with spirits. There are also a lot of other social events with drinking and dancing but with a spiritual element to it, It goes along with the buying or charms and just a lot of superstitions and sorcery. In regards to this I was reading in the book of Numbers and God enouraged me in chapter 23 vs 23-24. The scene is that Balak hires Balaam to curse the children of Israel for him because he's afraid of them since God's with them, but Balaam instead blesses Israel. He says “For there is no sorcery against Jacob, nor any divination against Israel. It now must be said of Jacob and of Israel, “Oh, what god has done!” Look, a people rises like a lioness, and lifts itself up like a lion; it (Israel) shall not lie down until it devours the prey; and drinks the blood of the slain.” No sorcery or Idols are going to prevail against God in power. But they still exist because the worshippers have hardened their hearts against the One LIVING and TRUE God. They worship created things instead of the creator.
As a culture, tribe and village Etiolo prides itself on some customs that really don't glorify God. For the boys there's the initiation which involoves Idol worship and fighting with spirits. There are also a lot of other social events with drinking and dancing but with a spiritual element to it, It goes along with the buying or charms and just a lot of superstitions and sorcery. In regards to this I was reading in the book of Numbers and God enouraged me in chapter 23 vs 23-24. The scene is that Balak hires Balaam to curse the children of Israel for him because he's afraid of them since God's with them, but Balaam instead blesses Israel. He says “For there is no sorcery against Jacob, nor any divination against Israel. It now must be said of Jacob and of Israel, “Oh, what god has done!” Look, a people rises like a lioness, and lifts itself up like a lion; it (Israel) shall not lie down until it devours the prey; and drinks the blood of the slain.” No sorcery or Idols are going to prevail against God in power. But they still exist because the worshippers have hardened their hearts against the One LIVING and TRUE God. They worship created things instead of the creator.
-So let's pray that they would turn towards Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith.
-Also pray for the church body here that we'd be a light for the lost here, filled with the Holy Spirit.
-There are so many youth running around here let's pray that they get come into a relationship with Jesus, talking to Him, just being with Him, that's what it's all about.
Enjoying Eternal Life
Joe
