Much has taken place since Steve's trip to Dakar! At long last, here is a summary of Steve's time in Dakar:
Several people met from various missions to discuss, brainstorm, and learn from one another how to best reach the Yalunka people. This tribe consists of people who are 95% illiterate and live in some very end-of-the-world places spanning Mali, Guinea, and Senegal. To date, this tribe is .01% Christian.
Jeremy, one of the guys already working among the Yalunka people in Guinea, shared the story of Abraham's servant, and how he was entrusted with everything that Abraham owned. Abraham sent this servant to find a woman for his son Isaac from his people. The servant was worried that no woman would come with him, and that he would fail at the mission given him. Abraham said that God would lead him and supply the bride if the servant would just GO and ASK her to come. The servant left, was led to just the right girl, and then wasted no time in asking her to come back with him and marry Isaac.
Jeremy simply stated that WE ARE THE SERVANT; it is our job to trust God for the divine appointments and call His bride to join Him and love Him. This is why we go. A powerful reminder!
Besides being challenged and encouraged, it was good to spend time getting to know some people that are a part of the bigger picture of West Africa. Each person involved offered a perspective that helped to expand our vision. It was great to get to know Pastor Siaka and Claire, a wonderful couple from Burkina Faso who traveled along with us. They offered incredible insights to many aspects of missions in this part of the world.
The most fun thing? Living the story with others on the trip
The most uncomfortable? Our truck seats after 20 hours on the road
The most precious? Building of new relationships
The most challenging? Seeing the work yet to be done in West Africa
The most reassuring? Knowing that God is the One behind it, accomplishing His will
Below are a few photos, with many more in an album "March in Mali" at http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=168698&id=683027015&l=f0e88bc46a
Steve and Pastor Siaka
Some of the gang who met for the meetings.This is at the most western tip of Africa.
A mosque overlooking the Atlantic
Great to hear from you guys. How many are in the Yalunka tribe? At .01%, that's 1 Christian in 10,000 people. I'm praying God would give you and the people with the other ministries involved wisdom.
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