Probably our project that I am most excited about is the church planting project in the Béoumi Region. Last year I shared a story from one of our visits there and the excitement people showed in hearing the truth of God's message proclaimed. Every time I think about the people in the Béoumi Region and how hungry they are for real nourishment, I think of Jesus' words to his disciples,
"You may say there are still four months until harvest time. But I tell you to look, and you will see that the fields are ripe and ready to harvest. Even now the harvest workers are receiving their reward by gathering a harvest that brings eternal life. Then everyone who planted the seed and everyone who harvests the crop will celebrate together." (John 4:35-36 CEV)
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From left to right: N'Dri David, N'Goran Emile, Deahon Tro
Three of the five church leaders who joined me on our last trip. |
About a month ago we made a trip back to Béoumi to teach and preach to Good News of Jesus. Many of those who we had previously met gathered together from various different villages. We studied God's Word together on Friday night, met together Saturday morning, baptized 11 people in the afternoon and evening, then worshipped together Sunday morning. Overall it was a very good weekend.
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Pastor Emile batizes Patrice, an exceptional young man
who has an unquenchable thirst for God's Word. Patrice has
already started evangelizing three neighboring villages. |
We were disappointed to learn that our first man of peace who originally hosted us during our first couple of visits turned out not to be much of a peacemaker. In fact, we had hoped to baptize as many as 60-70 people during our trip, but apparently during the time since our last visit, he mislead both us and the original group of people we worked with. While he was not able to profit from us, he extorted a large amount of money from this group. It wasn't until our latest visit that we learned of the depth of his deception. Much of Saturday morning was spent dealing with the problems created by him. While it was somewhat discouraging, this group of people are still hungry to hear God's Word. What the devil meant to tear down, God protected and reinforced as the truth came to light.
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| The folks in Béoumi gave me a "chiefly" gift. |
Our short visit to Béoumi was not our only efforts, but one of our pastors, N'Dri David, stayed behind to teach, preach and encourage the new believers. He will be spending three months ministering in the Béoumi regions. Since our departure, he has baptized 15 more people, started churches in two different villages and began three new cell groups in three other villages. Though David is only 35 yrs. old, he has been a church leader for over ten years. He himself said that he has never witnessed such a desire to hear God's Word as the people in Béoumi have.
So far, even though we have had some difficulties, God continues to bless to outreach in Béoumi. We are so excited to see how God will lead the new believers and the exciting things He will do through these new harvest workers. Please continue to pray for the people of Béoumi. Pray also for David as he works tirelessly serving our Lord, spreading his Good News. Pray also for Pastor Jean-Claude and his family. David will be coming back home in May, and Jean-Claude will replace him out in Béoumi starting in June. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support. May God guide us in bringing in a harvest of many souls!
