Healing 2 The Nations ~ Dr. Claudia R. Wintoch ~ Blog June 2006

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Daily Life & Challenges

Life must go on. And it does. The kids have school every morning, do homework in the afternoons, play video games, and watch videos. We watched a Todd Bentley crusade video, and especially Sekouba just LOVED all the miracles, shouting and praising. I can see him doing the miracles of God one day himself!

My strength is getting depleted more and more. Towards the end of the children's program yesterday, I simply got up, went to my room, lay down, and couldn't move for an hour. I was just too exhausted. The quality of what I do has suffered too, and I don't like it. I can't seem to find the energy to do certain things any more.

In one week, a girl from Austria, Johanna, is arriving, just a couple of days before I leave. So I have one week left to do my flyers to hand out while I travel, and I was also gonna do a video presentation like last year. But right now I don't know when or with what strength.

I haven't heard anything back from the architect in Atlanta. I'm still hoping he'd do it - if he's the one God has for us. In any case, they are not even giving us the correct measures before I leave, so it'd be hard to do any drawings at all. We're still waiting for that blockage at the government to be removed, so that the papers will be given.

Tomorrow, the hangar will be installed on our property - but without the plastic tarp on top, because we're still looking for an affordable one. Little, or rather hardly any money has been coming in above the monthly support, and expenses are just so high. I just paid $250 for the phone bill in May (mainly Internet), and $230 for electricity and water, the July rent of $420 is also coming up, and feeding 8 people in a healthy way is more costly than expected. The doctor also wants $100 per month to be on call around the clock.....

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Monday, June 26, 2006

Sekouba Is Staying

Read the report here.

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Sekouba Planning On Leaving Tomorrow!!!

I just sent out an urgent prayer alert with all the info. Read it here.

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Sekouba Rebelling

Since Sekouba's experience Thursday morning, when God told him to obey, He's been doing the opposite, being in constant rebellion. Right now it's after midnight, and he hasn't come home. Paul and the kids (including Sekouba) were watching the JESUS movie tonight, and Sekouba left right afterwards, even though there were only 10 minutes left till bedtime. Paul told him to stay, and he left anyway.

I guess the enemy came right after God's Word, and he's been winning so far. We've talked, we've prayed, but so far...

Ministry On Our Property

Today was the second Saturday in a row we went to the property to pray and minister to our neighbors. We prayer-walked the property, and prayed together, before playing a few games with the 70 kids that had gathered. Then we did a few songs, and our kids got really into it. It was great to watch. Then I spoke a few minutes about who Jesus is, and about Him being our Healer, and we prayed for a few kids that were sick. At all times, the kids were just crowding around us. Even when we arrived, they came running, and everyone wanted to shake my hands. When we left, it was the same again. I enjoyed it.

Hopefully by next Saturday we'll have a hangar up. We reduced the size, but it's still $300 just for the metal frame, and then we still have to buy a big plastic canvas to put on it as a roof.

I have to say, last Saturday as well as today, I was ready to cancel going there when the time came to get going. I wonder the enemy's just trying to prevent us from going there...

I feel like my batteries are empty, and the charger doesn't work. Physically I've felt better thankfully. I'm guess I'm slowly adjusting.

Tomorrow, our kids are fasting for the first time. We're gonna fast every Sunday noon meal. Abdias didn't like the idea at all.

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Remarkable Early Morning Worship Time

Since I just wrote this for my email report, let me just reproduce it here:

Sekouba's eyes were closed, as he was playing the "drums" on the table. A few days ago our djembe (drum) gave way to his playing. and tore. Now he was playing in the Spirit again - it's been a few weeks since he last did like that. Paul, Abdias, Fousseni, and me, we were walking around the table, waving flags, singing and dancing. The intensity increased, and all of us couldn't help but start shouting the name of Jesus, and Hallelujah. It was only 9 in the morning - as an evening person, I just about handle walking up and down praying in the morning. But now I was starting to run around the table with the kids, shouting the name of Jesus joyfully. I don't know how many circles we ran, but I was awake now. And yet, I had missed breakfast once again because I was simply too tired to get up. We have breakfast from 7:30 to 8 o'clock. At 8 we all go be with Jesus for 45 minutes. The kids are still learning to read, so they listen to God's word for half an hour, and then they pray 15 minutes. At 8:45 we all gather together to sing, study a Bible passage, and pray together, until school starts at 9:30.

I stopped running around the table, but Sekouba's eyes were still closed. I can see when he's in the Spirit, and when he stopped playing, and we had prayed and sat down, I could tell something was still up with him. His eyes were closed, and even when he opened them, he wasn't with us.

I gave him some time, and when he came back to himself, I asked him what God had shown him. He started talking to the other two kids very seriously, saying that He told him that they all had to listen and obey me because I was now their Mom, and they also had to obey Paul who was now like their Dad. If they did, God would do great things in them and through them. Then he said that he saw our house on the new property, and all of us sleeping there.

Wow. Our time was up, and after a review of yesterday's Bible study, school started with French class, followed by Reading, then Writing, and Maths. By 1 p.m. we were done and ready for lunch. I enjoy teaching, even though it's often challenging with them.

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Monday, June 19, 2006

Fousseni One Month With Us

Today it's been one month since Fousseni started sleeping here. A rule I established is that a child has to sleep out on the porch for one month before knowing him well enough to trust him with sleeping inside, where he has access to a lot of valuable stuff. Tonight is Fousseni's first night inside (where it's really hot - outside it's nice and cool). Nothing will change for him during the day, since he was already fully included in the activities of the day.

Yesterday my camera died, so unfortunately I won't be able to provide you with (good) pictures any more. One more thing to put on my shopping list for the next trip.

Tonight we watched a Reinhard Bonnke video with seven testimonies. Paul was interpreting, and the kids LOVED it! They got so excited, when the person got healed etc. It was a joy to watch them.

I learned today that through CCARA (the German NGO managing the sponsorships for us) I'll be able to take more luggage with me when I travel - and for free. Isn't that awesome? Now I can take all the clothes and toys people give.

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Sunday, June 18, 2006

My Kids

I had a talk with Simeon tonight - another one - and again he said he'd change.

Today we had the second service of the new format, and it's not going so well. People here are not used to look at a Bible passage and answer questions. And if they can't read, it's hard to answer the questions, because they can't simply look at the passage again. However, Sekouba has been a joy to watch. He always tries to answer.

At the services, besides all of us, there is only one other person now. Even Elisabeth hasn't come to a service many weeks. There's always something else that keeps her from coming. She sends her kids over though.

After the service, I had fun with my younger kids, playing with them EYE TOY (Play Station). You connect a camera and actually see yourself on TV, playing with each other the games on the screen. So it's actually sport and much fun. We had a great time together.

I also went over to our neighbors who are very respected in our neighborhood. They have actually lived in Austria (30 years ago), and love me, even though we hardly see each other. I found out that her husband broke his leg last night, so I went over with Paul and Simeon, and we prayed for his healing. He (a catholic) appreciated it. His wife Fanta was also very glad to see me.

It's after midnight, and a long week is ahead. Please keep praying for strength for myself.

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Back To Our Property

This afternoon we returned to our property-to-be to pray and to minister to our neighbors. We are now gonna do so every Saturday.

The kids started gathering around us right away, while we were praying. There were Paul, Simeon, Seybou, and our three kids. After our prayer time, we played some games with our neighbors' kids. There were about 50 of them. They enjoyed themselves, and I was proud of our 3 teenagers taking an active role in managing the games.

After the games, we sang two songs with actions that the kids loved. Then I told them in a few words about God, and closed in prayer. As we were about to leave two hours after our arrival, they all wanted to shake my hands. All the kids were crowded around me, not letting go of my hands. They walked with me to the car, where I had to tear myself away. I told them we'd be back next week.

We had a good time again.

The worrying part: We noticed that some people have continued construction work on our property. We're hoping it's some misguided private persons rather than another church. In any case, the government encouraged us even last week to quickly build something on the property to make sure we'll be the ones getting it. This coming week I'm gonna work on having a simple structure with roof built on it.

The paperwork is still being held up somewhere. Please pray for it to come through quickly.

Quieter Day

Last night I told my kids I needed to sleep in today and get some rest. They would have to start the day without me. Funny how in the West, kids want to get up LATER, while my kids ask to get up EARLIER.

In any case, instead of getting up at 7:15, I got up at 10 this morning - pretty late, even for me. And even then I was still very tired and had a hard time getting anything done. In the afternoon I slept some more, still feeling too exhausted to go to the property. I'm glad I did anyway. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

The picture shows the kids in their bedroom.

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Thursday, June 15, 2006

First Week With 4 Kids

Tonight it's one week that the kids moved into the house, and that my life, my daily schedule, changed completely. The roughest has been not to have a free minute from morning till evening, until 10.30 pm when everything involving others is taken care of. By then I'm so tired that I often accomplish little in the remaining two hours of the day I still give myself. Several mornings (like today) I've found myself waking up exhausted already, when the alarm goes off after 6-7 hours of sleep.

On the other hand, things are working out better than expected in many ways. The kids have no problem sticking to the daily schedule, which is great. Of course, there have been problems, and between 1 and all 3 have had to stay in their room all day (after school) as a punishment.

The picture shows their new bunkbeds (and them asleep).

Every morning, after breakfast, they spend three quarters of an hour listening to the Word of God and praying. Then we have another three quarters of an hour for corporate worship, Bible study and prayer. Each kid prays - for the day, as well as other people and needs. By then it's 9:30 and time to start the first of 4 classes - French. Then Reading, Writing and Maths. The music class hasn't been received that well- hey, you have to PRACTICE to play an instrument! They didn't know that before! ;-)

By 1 pm most if not all of them are frustrated, including myself. They have a hard time failing, and are easily discouraged when they don't know the answer. They are also impatient, and struggling with actually thinking for themselves. Thank God for the many years of teaching experience He's given me (18 years) which have prepared me perfectly for this challenging job. However, I did tell the kids they'd go to a Christian school next year if this is not working out with us. I'm considering the option for this coming year anyway.

At 1 pm we have lunch together, and then they go outside until 3 pm. From 3 to 5 they do homework, as well as playing educative games on the computer. We usually eat dinner around 8 pm, and by 9:30 pm they are getting ready for bed. We then all gather together to talk about the day, discuss issues, and then I pray for them individually and blessing them. Once they're off, I sit down with Seybou to do the accounting of the expenses of the day. So it's 10:30 pm by the time I sit down at my desk to get something done.

Quick Update

Paul is the "4th kid" with his 18 years, but he's here to assist me. I believe he's enjoying himself, even though he misses his family somewhat, I think, as well as the freetime he doesn't have any more.

Things with Simeon are at an alltime low.

Our Property

We've been told to build something on our property-to-be IMMEDIATELY so that nobody else can make a claim and have a chance. This Saturday we're staring to go there on a weekly basis to pray and reach out to our neighbors. Tomorrow I'm gonna inquire into building a simple hangar on it, that will also give us protection from the son.

PRAYER REQUEST: Alassane Sent From God?

A few days ago a young pastor-in-training approached me, saying he wanted to work with me, that he was desperate for a job, with his wife and family in the village and no more money left. I know him from a seminar I attended over a year ago. Normally I'm very "allergic" to all the requests for work I get far too often, but something about this one made me wonder whether he was sent from God. I've been praying and contemplating it all, and believe he might be a blessing and enrichment to us, now that we so desperately need more hands. I am right now getting recommendations. Unfortunately, the first people I talked to highlighted some serious problems in the past.

If we come to the conclusion that he is to work with us (your input is welcome), I could imagine him and his family living on our new property and coming over to join us every morning. Alassane can help me with the school (Paul will be back at his school in fall), while his wife helps Fanta, and could also disciple Fanta (who desperately needs it). They have a 18 months old daughter - great to play with 13 months old Sarata. So, we could have help with the daily operations, and someone to be on the property.

We're still looking for an architect. Please pray we'll find the one God has for us!

Visitors & Visits

I have 4 more weeks in Mali before going on a (much needed) 5-week break to the US. You can look at the details of my itinerary on my CALENDAR page.

I also rejoice that the Lord is sending us visitors who come for various reasons.

In the beginning of July, Johanna is arriving from Austria. She's a student of African studies who wants to improve her Bambara, and will be staying for a few days until I myself leave. When I get back from the US, she's gonna stay with us for another month.

One or two of our kids' sponsors are considering coming in fall, to help with their agricultural knowledge, planting trees and vegetables on our property.

Another young lady from Austria has felt God's call to Mali for over a year and is considering coming in fall for some time.

God knows, we/I need help!!!

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Friday, June 9, 2006

First Day Inside The House

"When you are ready to talk, call me." With those words I left the kids with Paul and went to my room to wait for Paul's call. I had asked them what solution they'd suggest for what they'd done, but none would answer for several minutes. Maybe they'll talk to Paul.

Yesterday, the carpenter came and put the two bunkbeds together in the designated kids' room. They were all so excited, as they watched him do it, and so excited as they moved their stuff inside. Except for Fusseni whose disappointment was visible. He has to wait another 10 days before moving inside. I set up a rule that a kid has to be with us for a month before moving inside; there are a lot of valuable things in the house, and those street kids won't hesitate to steal and make money. So we want to know them first to be sure they're serious about following God and staying.

Today was the first time with their oganized schedule:

7-7:30 get up and wash
7:30-8 breakfast
8-8:45 personal time with God
8:45-9:30 worship, Bible study, and prayer together
9:30-12:50 school
15-17 homework & computer work

Time-wise, it worked out well today.

The picture shows Fusseni - his first time handling a computer. The other one shows Paul reading with Sekouba.

It's going on 11 pm now and I'm exhausted. I'll have to get used to my new life. I had a short break right after noon - just enough to hop into the bathtub. The rest of the day, I haven't had any time to accomplish anything in terms of working at my desk. That's a little frustrating. There were some other frustrating thing today, things that make you wonder, but I since I released them all to God in Paris... I'd better remember that.

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Thursday, June 8, 2006

Moving Into The House

I'm too tired to tell you the details of all that happened today.I haven't had a single moment to sit down and accomplish anything.

However, today an important step was taken - Sekouba & Abdias have moved into the house, as well as Paul. The Christian carpenter did a great job! It's a beautiful room they now live in.

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Wednesday, June 7, 2006

Busy & Long First Day Back

Was the kids' program really today or yesterday? It was this morning. This day has been so long and busy, it feels like it's been several days since getting up in the morning. I guess one thing that hasn't changed is the physical tiredness.

We finished our 13-week course on the BLOOD OF JESUS, and were supposed to start another course today; one I've taught before. However, since I now have three actors in the house who can learn the skits, I postponed the start till next week. Today we played some games, sang songs, memorized John 3:16, and then watched a half-hour kids' movie on David & Goliath. Paul was translating while we watched it. Afterwards I asked questions on what they had seen to see whether they got it. Then I said a few words about God choosing children and having a great plan for each one of them. After a time of prayer, we ate lunch together.

After all the kids had left, I gave our kids a few of their gifts, and then went to catch up on some work. Time was short and interrupted repeatedly. In no time at all it was time to go downtown, to a leaving missionary's house, to pick up the stuff I had bought from him - 2 lamps, 2 little bookcases, a bike and a TV. Sekouba came with me. Just when we loaded everything into the car, it started to rain, but it soon stopped again.

Back at the house, the kids did more jumps for joy when they saw the bike and TV. I'm concerned that they love "stuff" more than Jesus, and that "the stuff" could be more of an incentive to stay than Jesus. And I told them that.

The kids were playing outside, while I prepared their room for tomorrow, as well as putting away the stuff from my suitcases. Then it started to really rain, and the kids came inside to watch a movie with the new TV. We had a few power outages because of the thunderstorm - once during the movie, and once later. The kids had complained that it was cold outside after the rain (about 25°C, that is 77°F), and so I gave them another one of the gifts - a set of underwear and a pyjama each. They were laughing and joking around, because it was all too big. A lady in Paris gave the stuff to me from her deceased husband; and even the underwear I bought is too big for little Abdias. I'll have to buy some during my next trip.

Finally, they've gone to bed, outside in the fresh air (not hot like inside), and I have some peace and calm to get some work done. It will be late again tonight, and another busy and eventful day is ahead.

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Tuesday, June 6, 2006

Back Home

I just arrived back home, after a smooth flight and favor at the check in. I left with empty bags 5 days ago, and came back with 49kg in the suitcases, plus 20 carry-on. And most of it is for the kids.

Emma picked me up from the airport, and when I arrived at the house, I had three kids fall around my neck with shouts of joy, as well as Hama who didn't want to let go of me any more.

I thank God for this past weekend, the spiritual refreshing and encouragement, and the first few hours back in Mali are always somewhat "weird". I have a busy 5 weeks ahead before my summer break; 5 weeks of settling the kids into the house and establishing a disciplined schedule.

Last Few Hours In Paris

Every minute counted! I had to get up at 7, because I had an appointment to go to Paris with a guy from the church, to pick up Heidi's book in French (just released) at a Christian bookstore, and I had to be back by noon. In the last minute, the guy from the restaurant joined us, and so the three of us went to Paris. The picture shows Eric & Kaddour in the train. It took us two hours to get to the bookstore, which left us 15 min to do the shopping. I got the very last copy of Heidi's book (thank God!), and bought a few DVDs. I only saw the children's section (I had also come for) when we were on the way out, and there was no time to look at it. We had to hurry back, and arrived late, leaving me half an hour to get my bags and myself ready to leave for the airport. It all worked out in the end. I sure was tired once I sat in the lounge at the airport!

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Monday, June 5, 2006

Final Day In Paris

The last session was in the morning, and I had a very hard time getting up, having put together 54 pictures to show and tell about Mali. Right after worship, I projected my pictures, and fearing that I'd go on too long, I went through the pictures quickly, forgetting to say a few important things.

After the pictures, the pastor prayed for me and added a few words from the Lord (that I don't have recorded), which was another encouragement. Then they took an offering for Mali - thank you, Lord! That way the Lord returned to me all I had given over the weekend, and he added 50%.

In the afternoon, I had an appointment (again) to go to some stores to get my shopping done. I was so exhausted, I finally found half an hour to lie down and had a hard time getting up. It wasn't until 6 pm when we left for the store. I got all the electronics from the store, but the grocery store closed just after I had gotten in and they wouldn't let us finish our shopping.

Having dropped everything off, I went out to eat with Corinne (one of the ladies who came to Mali in April) and another person, which was nice. Back at the church, I spent some time talking to the speaker's wife who I really love, and so it wasn't until midnight when I started packing, and 2 am when I went to bed.

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Sunday, June 4, 2006

Blessed Day

Once again I talked to Paul and the kids on the phone today. It seems that things are going well in Mali.

Here in Paris I was struggling with tiredness all day, so that I couldn't keep my eyes open during the evening service, and kind of drifted through the worship times in the morning and evening.

Unfortunately I missed the sermon in the morning - I heard it was great - because I was asked to interpret for the speaker's wife Silvia. They asked Silvia to talk to the teenagers, and since she's German and her French not yet good enough, she asked me to interpret for her. So I did, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. When she was done, we started praying for the kids one after the other. The Lord gave us insight, the prophetic was flowing, as well as the Father's love bringing inner healing. I enjoyed ministering with her.

In the evening service, when Thierry (an evangelist) was preaching, I had just managed to open my eyes again, when he suddenly zeroed in to me and started prophesying. It came out of the blue. He said afterwards that the anointing came on him and he just had to prophesy. I can't remember everything he said (hopefully I can get a tape tomorrow), but he said that I hadn't come to Paris for nothing. That he could see a center the Lord was building. That the enemy has been attacking to twart the plan of God. That I shouldn't be discouraged. That's about all I remember. I was surprised, blessed, encouraged.

At the end of the meeting, there was no ministry time again, but I asked the pastors to pray for me, and so Annemarie did. I felt some joy as the Spirit was filling me afresh. While on the floor, I released everything into the hands of God again - the church, the ministry, and each team member. They're all HIS, and I'm not to carry the burden.

In the afternoon, I went out for lunch with Pascale who invited me. I enjoyed the fellowship with her, and updating her on what's going on in Mali, and getting her input. We also called Paul who had a chance to talk to her, as well as the kids who loved talking to her.

At the evening service tonight pastor Annemarie announced that I'm sharing about Mali tomorrow. So I spent a few hours until 1 am tonight choosing pictures and putting them into an order - 54 pictures. Though I came to rest, and though I didn't expect getting to share at all, I'm now looking forward to updating the church on what's happening in Mali.

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Saturday, June 3, 2006

Exhaustion

I regretted having gone to bed so late, when I had to get up just over 6 hours later. I was so very tired - resulting from a short night, a sleepless night before that, and the accumulated tiredness from Mali. I ended up having to close my eyes during the session. In the break I went to my room to lie down a few minutes, contemplating sleeping during the remaining hour, but I did go back down, which was good because I got to talk to a few people.

During lunch I was too tired to talk, but the church members around me were asking questions, and as I got talking about Mali, it rejuvenated me some. Then my phone rang - it was Paul. I had told him to call if there was a problem or something, so I immediately asked why he was calling. He said that the kids wanted to hear my voice. Relief. And joy. I enjoyed hearing my kids' voices, and hearing how things were going. Paul had just finished teaching them all morning. Sekouba said, I love you. That was a first! I often tell my kids I love them, but that was the first time one of them said it back to me. It's good to know I'm missed.

The Father's Voice

The Lord has been speaking and downloading to me in the meetings, during worship and during the preaching, showing me things, giving direction, details, for back in Mali. I've had these times before. In fact, it was right here in Paris where God spoke to me last August to start the weekly kids' program and to feed them on a weekly basis. And now, with this time of transition I and we are in, He is speaking again, giving the details. I came here also for those very answers.

When the evening session finished without ministry time again, like all the previous ones, I knew I'd have to grab someone tonight to pray for me. I so much longed for HIM, and I already felt His nearness, as if He was just waiting to break in.

I didn't care if it was the pastors or the speakers, and it ended up being the speakers who prayed for me. They prayed for rivers in the desert, for renewed hope and vision, and His infilling. They also prayed against the enemy's work and attacks. God's presence washed over me, His sweet presence, and I lay on the floor letting Him minister to me.

After the meeting we sat down, the speakers, Corinne, myself, and I enjoyed the fellowship very much. I love those guys!

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Friday, June 2, 2006

Traveling To Paris & Meeting God

On the way to the airport in Bamako last night, Emma got lost. Because of our Bible School Thursday night, we had left the house later than I normally would. And now we were lost! Normally it's very easy to get there, but there is construction work going on there, and a detour, and somewhere we ended up on the wrong road. We asked a taxi driver the way, and finally found the airport. Thanks to my elevated status with the airline, I was able to check in quickly and was still among the first people to be on the plane.

We took off at 11 pm and arrived in Paris at 6:30 am local time (4:30 am Malian time). Someone from our sister church picked me up from the airport, and little time later I was at the church with Corinne - one of the two ladies who had come to Mali in April. We had breakfast together, and then it was time for their Bible School at 9 am. They have half an hour of worship before the classes, and I was eagerly looking forward to that time with them.

We started praying, and singing, and God was touching me already. I knelt down and sobbed for the rest of the worship time. It was a sweet time. I wept for my shortcomings, my insufficencies, for the losses we've suffered in Mali, for the state of our church in Mali, for the lack of honor and obedience, and because God to chose to interrupt my desert time and draw close

I didn't really want to get up, but the students left for their classes, and I went to my room, my heart still just craving for His sweet presence, sobbing at the water suddenly flowing into this desert. I was communing with Him on my bed and soon fell asleep.

Three hours later I had a very hard time getting up, because I was still so very tired. I went out for lunch with Corinne (right) and a guy from the church here, and we had a great time. Back at the church I got to see Pascale (left) and some other people. Pastor Annemarie was there and had a few minutes for me, and so we had a good conversation. It was very helpful what she had to say, the advice she gave me. Thank you, Lord!

Then it was time for some shopping. Annemarie dropped me off at the nearest shopping center, and for 90 minutes I walked around buying all kinds of stuff for my kids - sheets, underwear, games, movies, watches, crayons, folders, etc. Wisely, I had taken my rollable carry-on with me, knowing I would have to walk back and carry everything. I ended up with a full backback, a full carry-on, and a plastic bag. Then it was time for some sports - up the hill and up the steps, back to the church. :-)

Back at the church I was being awaited to help someone with computer stuff. When we were done, I found out that the pastors had been looking for me, so I could join them and the speakers for dinner. Now they were done, but the speaker's wife, Silvia, stayed with me while I had some food. I greatly enjoyed seeing Silvia again and talking to her. She's a great lady.

5 minutes were left before the evening meeting. I was very much looking forward to it. I enjoyed the worship, and ended up on my knees before the Lord again. Then Thierry preached on the state of the church and unity; quite a few things he said I had just preached last Sunday. It was a rather confirming, and sobering, sermon, after having been encouraged by pastor Annemarie in the afternoon.

There was no prayer time after the meeting, and I sat down for some time with the speakers, enjoying being with them. By now it's nearly 2 am - which is midnight in Mali - and I should get some sleep before another great and long day.

Send me your comment on this blog

May 2006
Apr 2006
Mar 2006
Feb 2006
Jan 2006
2005

Thursday, June 1, 2006

Doctor Alan

Doctor Alan came by again, and we were able to talk without 40 people all around. He said he'll make us a good price, and he would be our doctor, on call any time, and we'll also have all our kids tested for various diseases. He took out the threads of Abdias's head today. He also talked to Fanta and Seybou, telling them, how they should feed their kids, especially 1-year old Sarata who is visibly malnourished. Imagine, she still only feeds on her Mom's breasts!!!

Then we were back on the subject of changing the way things are done. Seybou was quite "passionate", but in the end he gave in. Maybe the doctor's arguments worked? I'm now paying the food for everyone, and that way, our kids, as well as Seybou's family, will eat healthy, wholesome food. Praise God!

Gosh, I'm so tired - constantly dealing with conflicts, quarrels, demands,... I'm looking forward to boarding that plane to Paris in a few hours. Please pray that Paul will be able to handle everything during my absence.

When I get back on Tuesday, the bunkbeds will be ready, and the 3 kids and Paul will move in.

Please pray for my weekend in Paris - for rest, for refreshing, encouragement, and that I'll be able to get all my shopping done.