Bambacounda – Day 3
Another awesome day in B. We are amazed at the open doors the Lord has shown us here. Last night, as Gary and I were praying before we went to sleep, I asked him to pray that God would open an opportunity to preach before we worship on Sunday. Today, the local school brought 80+ kids to clinic. Before they came in, they sang some songs for us in the courtyard. Then their teacher, who is a seeker, but not yet a believer asked if I would like to read a Scripture. I quickly read Romans 10:9-10 and shared with them that this is the real reason we are here. We are called and glad to provide any physical help we can, but our desire is to see God reveal the full extent of his love to them through Jesus. They stood there and soaked it all in. Even the Imam was sitting there listening to every word – and never left nor attempted to discredit it. What an open door! We are going to see if the Chief and Imam will allow me to preach a full message tomorrow at the close of clinic. Please be praying that this door opens too. We are also praying that God would raise up a young man or young boy as a pastor or evangelist for this community. There are so many seeking here, but they need a leader beyond what we can provide in just 4 days to disciple and encourage them.
The other touching story of the day was baby Anastasia (name suggests some French catholic background in the family, but they are total animists). Her mother Angelique has brought her every day. She got her ticket to the clinic, but hadn’t yet gotten a green armband to allow her in. (Long story – but that’s the way we know who is really legit. Lots of back door scheming among the locals to get preferential treatment for their friends and family.) Anyway, when we decided to close for the day, she was the next person in line after all the green bands. As we started to close the doors, she just came up pleading for me to let her bring her baby in. After awhile of this, I don’t know if I was softened or just tired of listening to her, but her persistence paid off and I let her in. (Read the story of the persistent widow in the bible!) Anyway, once she got in, we found that her baby had congenital cataracts and was born blind. We all gathered to pray in faith for this precious child. We are still praying and ask you to pray that as God opens the eyes of this child that it will open the eyes of this entire community to the truth of the Gospel.
Pray especially hard today. We will be closing clinic in B. tonight and that will be hard on us and the people.

In HIM,
Ryan