Our well dedication ceremonies ended yesterday, but we had
the day to visit a village that took part in the “Cattle Project”. This project
is basically an initiative to help communities become self-sustaining…they are
given one bull and a few heifers and can breed them, then pass the offspring to
another community member. This community received their first cattle in 2005.
We noticed that this initiative brought the community
together. We all agree that this was the most-developed “village” that we have
visited so far. The bulls and heifers have provided food, resources, and
fertilizer for crops. The fertilizer, and well (drilled by World Hope, 2007)
have both been used to create a beautiful garden that the community tends
together. The Africans talked to us through one long musical. Instead of
walking us through the garden, they danced us through the garden. The words to
the songs were along the lines of “ Come see our garden, walk along it and
admire our produce.” (Alex and Steffan recorded us dancing with the women
through the garden, maybe the footage will be shown in service one day!)
One of our translators was so impressed, that she decided to
buy a few lettuce heads.
We broke into two groups (men and women separate), like the
days before. Sabrina shared her testimony with the women, and I (Julisa) felt
that God really spoke through her story. Several of the women also shared their
testimony, and then Tracy shared the gospel. Although the conversation ended
“rough”, we believe God will use our words.
The men started into fruitful conversation immediately. Ryan
noticed the prominence of the Wesleyan church in the community… the pastor is a
strong, influential leader with Wesleyan training. An African man stated, “
Even though we live far away, we have similarities.” Ryan brought some truth
with the aid of Alex and Steffan. From what I overhead, there was honest
conversation, rather than fluff.
In other news:
Rachel, a missionary here, made us chocolate chip cookies…I
am sure it won’t surprise their wives, but Alex and Ryan ate more cookies than
the rest of us combined ;) They also did the dishes… Is that surprising? Alex
claims to be a “dish-doer, and a clean person”
Steffan is excited that he learned the new word
“aquatard”…Robyn, is his love of sophisticated words typical? (Steffan also
used the word equivocal in conversation last night…)
Roni made friends with a little boy today, and left him with
her scarf. Her love for the children is evident… Victoria agrees J
Currently, Sabrina is teaching our friend, Daniel, how to
play the guitar…she got ‘dem gifts
Tracy is praying hard and leading well!
And Dad, I am watching out for mom J
Our prayers for the community we visited:
Pray for leadership, and influencers to raise up in the
community…also pray against witchcraft and baby dedication to demons.
*** Sorry no pics today, Internet is being a little funky. Tomorrow we hope!! ***
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