Team member: Leaving to serve in this East African Island country, it was necessary to check our Western mind-set at the gate, before we even boarded the first plane. . . Recently we went to the visa office to help an intern obtain permission to exit the country. I found myself marveling at just how […]
Region: Africa
You have also learned our strategies!
Team Leader: Day 1 we returned home to the Forgotten Island to find our internet down. Thinking it was a billing issue, I taxied over, walked into the telecom building and asked for my internet bill. To my utter amazement the bill was 100% correct. I paid and skipped happily into the repair office to […]
With heavy heart and tears
A team leader in West Africa writes with a heavy heart and tears in his eyes: Truly speaking, the Ebola epidemic is getting worse. Suspected and confirmed Ebola cases are all over the country including Freetown, the capital city. Five towns are closed. Public vehicles are not allowed in or out, so people must stay […]
Equipment confiscated, work stopped
A team leader reports: A short time ago, the national security officials confiscated all the equipment and archived recordings of a company which produces discipleship materials in the languages of several unreached people groups. The owner and staff were all threatened that if they resisted or even publicized this happening that the officials would “make their days bad.” […]
I never knew what a sacrifice it was.
A team member spoke with “Q”: “Q” is settling into his new home in Central Europe with the Lord’s help. The government granted him refugee status, is helping him learn the local language and get settled. He’s making friends and learning to live in the new culture. He misses family in Desert Sands but is […]
Sharing peace with the fearful
A team leader writes: The many students and patients at our center live in a lot of fear. The education center and clinic is providing good opportunities to build relationships with students and pray for some patients. But they don’t know from moment to moment if they might be deported or spend weeks in an […]
Megan update
Sometimes when it rains it pours. Many of you prayed for Megan’s wrist surgery and for over a year her wrist did well. But four months ago she re-injured it at school doing a push-up. After trying several treatments we returned to the hospital in Springfield. The doctor decided she needed another surgery. With our […]
Warned, watched and wise
From a team leader: A high ranking official issued a warning which was passed on to us by a third party. That’s the way they work. The officials want us to know we are being watched in regards to our faith. They know what goes on in our classes, what friendships we form with students […]
Difficult…but I am happy
A “brother” from the other side of the Island—he’s actually the only “brother” over there—came over to my house to talk. I poured two glasses of cold water, served two large pieces of chocolate cake and we began to talk. Hospitality is important to islanders, cake is important to me, it’s a good fit! He […]
Never give this book to anyone
Five months ago a man asked a team member if he could read a local-language Bible—a rare request. He was loaned a copy and a spot was arranged where he could hide it quickly if needed. Even though he is not a Christian, he would likely be persecuted for even having the Bible. A couple […]
