Baumacounda

It seems like an eternity since I posted in Kaolack. By the way, we found out after we stayed there that Kaolack literally translated means “gates of hell.” I’ve been in worse though! We left early morning to head toward the Gambia. I was in a car with three Africans – Jean-Baptiste is a Mandyak interpreter and believer, Claude is a Mandyak nurse and believer and Pop, our driver, is a Serer Muslim. On the long ride I got to hear Claude and Jean’s testimonies, which are powerful in light of the persecution they have faced since coming to faith. Pop is a joy to be around and has been listening to everything we say. His father, Moussa, is another one of our drivers and also a Muslim, but a seeker. We got through the Gambia with no problems, arrived late in the day on Tuesday and set up for our first day of clinic. We met the chief and imam of the village along with many others who came out to see the toubobs (white people). Wednesday morning, we started at 8am and opened the doors for clinic. After two days now, we have seen almost 250 people – men and women, infants to aged, Jola, Mandinka, Mandyak, Serer, Wolof, Balant, and Bufa. We have seen goiters, burn victims, HIV, full blown AIDS, many eye ailments, and the list goes on and on. A very sick baby died, which broke our hearts. (see the Calvary blog).We have been joined by Dr. So, a Libyan born MD who is now a believer and operating a clinic in Dara. He has an incredible testimony. I’m so impressed with our doctors, dentist and nurses – both with their skill and their compassion. I have been privileged and blessed to work alongside some incredible men this week on the spiritual end of the team. Antoine (a Jola) and Sebastian (a Serer) are believers who attend Pastor N’Gor’s church. They have trained in and are passionate about evangelism. We pray for each person as they enter the clinic. Whether they are Muslim, animist or nothing at all, they are all receptive to having us pray for them and welcome us to pray in Jesus’ name. We want them to be certain that any healing they experience is a result of God’s grace and mercy, not just the medicine and certainly not their amulets and charms from their witchdoctors. Many have asked questions about the Lord. They really enjoy the Evange-cube because they are such a visual people. Any who are able to read have been given a French bible or New Testament. Some of the most inquisitive have been the teachers at the local school and a policeman who was assigned to us to help with crowd control. If the Lord would save these men, there is no limit to the impact they might have on this village.The imams (Muslim leaders) of the village have requested that we add an additional day to the clinic, which we have agreed to do. The doors have been so open to the gospel in this place. Previous teams have not received such openness in Sansamba, so we want to be where God is obviously working. We will still do a full day of clinic in Sansamba to honor our commitment there. The days have been long and tiring. But we are rejuvenated constantly with spiritual power and zeal from the Lord. I am so glad I was asked and called to be part of this trip. Our team of seven churches, two denominations – American and African, has been so unified and works together so well. What a picture of the true body of Christ this has been. In Him, there is no division. We who know the Lord are one because of the One.
Church family: continue to pray for us as we serve God by serving these precious people. We can’t even begin to describe the conditions the people constantly live in, both physical and spiritual. But our God is beginning to shine a light in the darkness. Soli Deo Gloria!
Paula – I miss you and my babies. I am safe, so do not worry for me. Turn your phone on and keep it by you! I’d rather hear your voice than talk to voicemail! I love you and can’t wait to see you.
In HIM,
Ryan