Back Home in Bamako

Friday early evening, Steve and gang arrived back on the yard to some happy family members! We were so excited to see Steve, Sharon, and Pete, and also welcome Anthony to Mali and our home.

The following day was special, since it was Steve's birthday. The morning started with breakfast in bed prepared by the boys, and in the evening the team got together for monthly game night. There was extra excitement in the air, as it turned out to be a cheese cutting party as well. Steve had been able to make a major cheese purchase in Dakar, since the prices there are only a fraction of what we pay in Mali. I think Anthony thought we were all nuts getting so excited about dividing and sharing a bunch of cheese, until he went to the store yesterday and saw the prices himself!

The week has been full of introducing Anthony to people, as well as the needs that are here. As usual, God has orchestrated just the right people along our paths to really give Anthony a good picture of the strengths, weaknesses, and heart of the church and mission. Please pray for his remaining week here, that he would go home even more passionate about his family's calling to Mali.

Today, Steve and Anthony left by motorcycle to go to Chodo, where our friends Jean Baptiste (a pastor) and Rachel live. Jean had come in to town while Steve was in Senegal, very sick with some sort of mouth infection unlike anything I have ever seen. His wife and one of his sons are also suffering from the same illness. They do not have cell phone service in the village where they live, so we have been unable to contact them to find out if the treatment that he went back has been helping. Please pray that they would all return to full health, and that Steve and Anthony's visit would be an encouragement to this family. They face much opposition, and desperately need our prayers.

Pictures of the Senegal trip coming soon!

Steve on His Way Back

Steve is currently on his way back home. He and those he is traveling with left Dakar early this morning. They hope to make it across the border and stay at a guesthouse in Kayes, Mali, tonight. About halfway through Senegal, they plan on stopping for lunch and visiting with some missionaries that we met in Birmingham, but haven't yet seen on this side of the "pond." Tomorrow the trip should be easier, with only about six hours from Kayes to Bamako.

More details to follow on the discussions that were had in Dakar, as I am still waiting to able to talk in depth about all that took place. Steve was very encouraged by the meetings that they participated in, and is excited about what God is forming.

Another exciting aspect was Anthony's arrival. He has now spent two days seeing some sights, and getting over jetlag. We are looking forward to showing him his soon-to-be home!

Steve on the Road to Dakar

This morning, Steve, along with 4 others, took off in our truck for Dakar, Senegal. The primary purpose of this 2-day road trip is to meet with others interested in a combined effort to reach an unreached people group that spans Senegal, Guinea, and Mali. At this point we have no idea what, if any, part Avant Ministries will play in this effort, but we cannot know unless we seek to find out. Already, challenging discussions have been had, and new relationships have been made. We are looking forward to seeing how God directs everyone involved!

One more exciting aspect of this trip is that Steve will be picking up Anthony Fleischmann, Avant's newest appointee to Mali! Anthony will be driving the long trip back to Mali with Steve, and will spend two weeks experiencing life and ministry here. He, along with his wife, Tracy, and two kids became official in January after attending the candidate orientation program in Kansas City. Anthony and Tracy are originally from South Africa, but have lived the past ten years in the US. They are currently living in Birmingham, Alabama, and are members of our home church. Not only are we looking forward to having a part of our Sunday school class here in Mali with us, but we are especially excited to see how God uses their unique gifts and abilities to help encourage and equip the Malian church. We would love to have them here yesterday, but we also recognize that God works in every step along the way: not just when they arrive on the field.

• Please pray for safety on the road, and that there would be no mechanical difficulties along the way. Steve just called and said that a part of the A/C unit on the truck broke (not a good thing in this weather!) but fortunately they were able to find the part and install it in short order. They are up and running once again. I am ever so thankful for a handy husband!
• Pray for the discussions that will be taking place in the next few days. Pray that God would clearly lead each individual and group involved.
• Pray for Anthony's time here in Mali, as well as the Fleischmann's time of prayer and support raising. Pray that they would be encouraged at the same time that they encourage others for missions.

Pictures to come soon! Thanks to all for praying!

BCA's Mana Retreat

From Wednesday to Friday of this week, BCA's middle and high school students went on their annual retreat out at Mana, about an hour outside of Bamako. It is always a fun time where kids get to camp, explore, play games, and spend time in God's Word. This year, play practice for their end of the year program was thrown in as well. Josh was able to join Jonny on the trip this year, and I went along as the cook. We always return hot, tired, and glad we went!

Just one of the fun things the kids did on the retreat!

For a few more photos of the BCA Mana retreat, go to:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=163049&id=683027015&l=ba94a28ca1

One extra thing I got to do the last morning we were out at Mana was go along with Ev B., a "retired" missionary, as she distributed books to the students at Ouelessebougou Christian School. The overstock books had been given by a book company in Canada, and were certainly welcomed by all the students! I will soon be helping the school to put a small library together, so that the kids have access to many other books that they can take home and read. It is important to encourage literacy in a country where there are still so many who are unable to read. Literacy means education, and ultimately the ability to read God's Word for themselves.

Flag-raising at school first thing in the morning

A very large class!

Reading time