a life on mission: April 2016

Monday, April 4, 2016

Reflections!

I simply cannot stop smiling as I CELEBRATE JESUS!! As I reflect on the many months under the dark cloud of Ebola, it seemed at times it would never end. Ministries were modified or put on hold, and some days it was not easy to find much to smile about. But ... with the coming of our October 2015 team, and February & March 2016, God has breathed a freshness into all of us here in Sweet Salone!"

I was reading John 10 earlier this week. The 70 had returned with JOY as they recounted the miracles performed in JESUS NAME! Verse 21 ... "At that very time He (Jesus) rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit!!" Can you imagine?!? Oh the images my thoughts have come up with!! I believe I can see His uncontrollable laughter and praise!!

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples... Speak of all HIS WONDERS! Glory in His holy name... Remember His wonders,... HIS MARVELS!!" (Psalm 105).

"Bless our God, O peoples, and sound His praise abroad!" (Ps 66:8).

"Jesus said, 'I tell you, if these (the multitude) become silent, THE STONES WILL CRY OUT!'" (Luke 19:40).

May we never be silent! It's all for the Kingdom!!

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Tokeh Beach!

What great attitudes the team had after we learned of flight delays! They missed Easter with their own families!! We were able to add an extra day of ministry, and we had a play day at the beach which was a first-time experience for 3 of the ladies. It was a wonderful opportunity for reflection over all that God had done in the lives of those we serve throughout the week!

Auntie Margaret's Kiddos!

So thankful that our February & March teams were able to do modified youth camps for Auntie Margaret's orphans!! It's not easy to work around their school & college schedules, but the time team members had with them was precious!!!

Evening fun!

It's always such a treat for Bo to spend time with teams in the evenings! For Tom and me, the encouragement we experience from team members is like a breath of fresh air in this amazing and sometimes seemingly overwhelming work! We see the excitement through the eyes of those serving, and are refreshed and renewed in the calling that God has placed on our lives! It's all for the Kingdom!

Small group time!

So much planning and prep goes into a youth camp stateside before teams ever hit the ground in Sierra Leone!! Bible studies, worship time, crafts, games, recreation ..., but WOW is it ever worth it to see the excitement on the guys faces!!! And ... they love dum-dum suckers! Ha!