Sowing Seed in Ivory Coast: January 2014

In 2013 two church planters lived and ministered in the Beoumi Region. Two churches had already been started the previous year with many new believers. The first couple months were extremely difficult, but they and the new believers persevered and God blessed the work. Just after this past Christmas we headed back to Beoumi to bring them back home. Again, we encountered vehicle trouble with the van starting to overheat after only 1/3 of the way home. Thankfully, the new truck is amazing and we were able to take it slow and tow it back the rest of the way without incident.

During this last year they were able to see three new churches started along with another cell group. They placed a primary emphasis on discipleship and leadership development among the new believers. They completed three training courses and already have four young men who participate in the teaching and preaching. Instead of focusing solely on growing things quickly and trying to win as many as possible, they mentored the new leaders and together they taught and spread the good news of God's saving grace through Jesus. 16 new people were baptized and many others are currently being taught the baptism class by the new leaders among the five churches.

This past year was a great learning experience for all of us. There were many difficulties encountered and overcome: the loss of a pastor's wife on the field, too many vehicle problems to count, some conflict among some leaders, but as James tells us, the trials we encounter test and purify our faith. I am truly proud and excited about the resiliency and solidarity of the young leaders in Beoumi. Greater things are yet to come among them.

I am really excited to see how things develop this year. We have another church planter working in Beoumi this year. Jean Kouame will be there with his family. He is an incredible leader. He is filled with passion and humility and lives his life with great integrity. He will be training and mentoring the young leaders in T4T (Training for Trainers) which is a disciple-making program focused on training people not only to share their faith, but how to train those who come to faith in Jesus to do the same. We will also be training the churches in CHE later this year. The opportunity and potential for growth this year is so tremendous. The young leaders have the desire, passion and unity to do great things for God's kingdom among them.

Please continue to pray for Jean Kouame along with the four new leaders: Laurent, Arnold, Guillaume and Privat. Pray for Andy as he teaches, trains and mentors our pastors and leaders in God's work. Pray for the new believers in Beoumi as they encounter spiritual warfare and difficulties in living out their new-found faith. Pray that the region of Beoumi will be transformed holistically by the good news that Jesus brings.

Our two vehicles loaded down with the baggage our our returning pastors. Our new vehicle was able to tow all that without any problems. Really thankful and enjoying the new truck!