Tuesday, July 19th

Our breakfast is eaten and we are back on “the road”. We don’t travel as far, but it is just as rough. On our way, we are stopped by “customs” who think we may be illegally attempting to cross the border to Togo. You see, not many vans would be on this road!





Once at Gbetimongpaak, we begin our 3rd leadership lectureship. There are leaders from several area congregations present. Our tummies have the grumblies! No lunch, we work straight through. We finish around 2:30 PM, then the questions begin. The preachers in the area deal with many challenges. We take them one by one, until we and the questions are exhausted. It is now 4:30 and we leave for base camp.










Our tummies will be satisfied! Quansah has killed the fatted ram! We are treated with ram soup, ram chops, ram kebabs, ram in rice, melon, and a few things I will try without knowing, or wanting to know, what they are.





*****The sign says “Don’t drive tired”. How does one drive without tires? I think this sign is an ad for the train. Yes, that’s it. Or am I just tired?*****

As the African darkness covers the land, we have packed up our bags for an early departure in the morning. “The road” will take us once again into the bush, to a place called Nanyiarpaak. Once there, the movie is set up and we begin to sing. It’s a beautiful African night. The moon is just beginning to rise and the sky is alive with stars. As the movie begins, we witness a falling star, then another! Awesome!





The moon is high and bright, giving Jeff the ability to see his audience as he proclaims the Gospel. The movie is paused while Jeff makes the Gospel plain. Then it happens. The invitation is offered… one comes, then 2 and 3. Before the singing stops, 27 have come forward to obey the Gospels call! I am called on to lead a prayer and then the van is loaded. 31 souls will ride to the water in (or on) this 15 passenger van. 13 will ride on top! Only Jeff and our driver will witness the event from our team. No room for the rest of us. We will finish the film with the remaining villagers and wait for our ride to return.







Among the 27 new babes in Christ is the chief of Nanyiarpaak! How effective will he be in evangelizing this place?! Very good, I think! The church is now established in Nanyiarpaak! The brothers in the area will mature this new congregation until it can stand on its own. Much teaching will have to be done. After care is very important. We can’t just dunk them and leave. We make sure this new congregation will be taught how to worship and grow properly. Jeff describes this night as a “joyous” occasion!

Back at base camp, we pack up and get some sleep. It’s 3 AM and wake up is at 5! Oh my.