“And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel….And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,) That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam that is beside Zaretan…And all Israelites passed over on dry ground until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.” (Josh 3:7, 16-17)
When those priests stepped into the water, they didn’t know exactly how God was going to move. But they trusted God’s plan.
And when we stepped on the tarmac at Bissau, we didn’t know exactly what God had in store for us, but we knew he wanted us here. Now, just past the halfway point of this trip, it is fascinating to see what God has accomplished.
We have a better standing with the government officials than we have ever had. Some of these contacts have provided greater access to the private schools, while others will help us cut through the bureaucracy surrounding the shipping industry.
Jonathan Quinn and his family now have a house. It really is a cute thing, tucked back behind a family compound on one of the unmarked roads. We found the house the day before we got the container out of port, so we were able to park the container within yards of their house and only a few miles from our hotel. The election ended on Sunday, so we were able to secure one of the campaign vehicles to drive us to the schools. It’s newer, seats 5 people, and has a ample bed for carrying the literature. Plus, it’s only about 1/5 of the price we had been quoted on the first day here.
Finding these schools can prove to be very challenging. Some of them are in the bush, beyond cellular reception, hidden along roads not marked on our maps. Furthermore, many of these schools are currently closed since their teachers have not been paid for a greater part of the year. But we have been continually led to locals who know the routes, and what schools are open. Despite what should be insurmountable odds, we have been able to reach thousands of students in our first few days of work.
Three more locals have accepted Christ. Two brothers spoke with Allen Johnson about the gospel, and each prayed their own prayer, confessing their sins, with other children standing near-by. Abel (one of the Cape Verde seminary students) invited a young man to attend one of the evening Creole services, and was able to lead him to the Lord afterwards.
God’s truth marches on. We are thrilled to get to stand in the middle of Jordan and watch Him work.
Guinea-Bissau Team Update 11/20/2008
When those priests stepped into the water, they didn’t know exactly how God was going to move. But they trusted God’s plan.
And when we stepped on the tarmac at Bissau, we didn’t know exactly what God had in store for us, but we knew he wanted us here. Now, just past the halfway point of this trip, it is fascinating to see what God has accomplished.
We have a better standing with the government officials than we have ever had. Some of these contacts have provided greater access to the private schools, while others will help us cut through the bureaucracy surrounding the shipping industry.
Jonathan Quinn and his family now have a house. It really is a cute thing, tucked back behind a family compound on one of the unmarked roads. We found the house the day before we got the container out of port, so we were able to park the container within yards of their house and only a few miles from our hotel. The election ended on Sunday, so we were able to secure one of the campaign vehicles to drive us to the schools. It’s newer, seats 5 people, and has a ample bed for carrying the literature. Plus, it’s only about 1/5 of the price we had been quoted on the first day here.
Finding these schools can prove to be very challenging. Some of them are in the bush, beyond cellular reception, hidden along roads not marked on our maps. Furthermore, many of these schools are currently closed since their teachers have not been paid for a greater part of the year. But we have been continually led to locals who know the routes, and what schools are open. Despite what should be insurmountable odds, we have been able to reach thousands of students in our first few days of work.
Three more locals have accepted Christ. Two brothers spoke with Allen Johnson about the gospel, and each prayed their own prayer, confessing their sins, with other children standing near-by. Abel (one of the Cape Verde seminary students) invited a young man to attend one of the evening Creole services, and was able to lead him to the Lord afterwards.
God’s truth marches on. We are thrilled to get to stand in the middle of Jordan and watch Him work.
Brethren, Pray for us!
The Preach Team
Guinea-Bissau, Africa
Children Receive the Packets
Brother Johnson leading a young man to the Lord
Abel leading a creole service