J'ai laissé mon coeur au Sénégal

The title of this entry definitely speaks for itself.  "J'ai laissé mon coeur au Sénégal" or " I left my heart in Senegal".  I am completely overwhelmed with all sorts of emotions as I sit here and process the amazing time we had in Senegal.  The country is incredible, and the people we encountered are some of the most beautiful people I have ever met. 

Seeing God work over there was beyong anything I could have ever anticipated.  It is so easy, when going on a missions trip, to have the expectation that as a team we are going to 'help' or 'save' these people.  I was definitely convicted, and reminded, that we can't and won't save them.  We are called to love them because He first loved us.  We are called to be HIS hands and feet, and to be a vessel for HIS work.  The Lord quickly humbled me and I took a step back and watched Him work.  It was a beautiful thing.   I am sitting here, with my heart overflowing, trying to put in to words what was experienced there, and all of the things The Lord opened my eyes to. 

We were able to serve the Talibe boys for a day. Letting them take a shower, feeding them, giving them their vaccines, and even cleaning out and bandaging up any wounds they had. It was a day for them to escape the chaos of their every day lives and just be little boys. This day was extra special.  Even if just for a moment, we had the wonderful opportunity to look them in the eyes, smile at them, and let them know that they are loved and they are beautiful. 

Doing wound care

After Talibe day we drove from Dakar to Thies to stay the night before heading in to Baback.  Our time in the village was something we all had been looking forward to for months, and it surely did not disappoint.  We were welcomed with open arms and huge smiles.  They immediately treated us like family, and were so thankful and excited that we were there with them.  On Sunday morning we were able to worship with our brothers and sisters.   We were able to visit families, give gifts of love, and spend time building relationships and discussing the struggles and joys of our lives as brothers and sisters in Christ.

We were also able to help MIS with a kids club.  Hundreds of children gathered in the school yard, sang songs, danced, played games, and even heard the Gospel in their language, through the wordless book.  Darla did an incredible job sharing the Gospel with those kids.

some of the kids at kids club

Our time with the young women in the village

One of the most rewarding and encouraging moments of the trip was the time a few of us young women were able to spend with the young women in the village.  These girls are a light in their village.  They are the next generation of the church, and it was incredible being able to see their hearts for Christ and their hearts for their village.  They are regular young girls who struggle with the same things we struggle with here.  It was encouraging to see how devoted they were to being an example of Christ's love in their village.  They spend their Sundays in the church reading their Bibles and fellowshipping with one another.   Our time with them was so sweet and genuine.  They continued to come back daily, sometimes multiple times a day, just to spend time with us.  I think I can speak for all of us, that the amount of love we have for these girls is indescribable.   It is so awesome to think that one day we will be able to rejoice together in Heaven, all speaking one language.

Sometimes we forget how big God is.  I was constantly reminded that the God we were serving in Senegal is the same God we need to be serving here in the United States.  I pray that we continue to worship and love him in our every day, busy lives, the way we did in Senegal.  God has only just begun the work he is going to do over there, and I am so excited to see what else he is going to do. I am already looking forward to next year and the opportunity to continue to build on these relationships and see how much He has done in a year.  Join with me in prayer for the village as well as, then entire country of Senegal.  There may be an opportunity for us to partner with a different village, so pray for MIS as they continue to plant seeds and spread the good news!

Thank you so much for all of your prayer and support during the time leading up to the trip, as well as while we were away.  I am blessed beyond measure to have been able to experience the things I did in Senegal, and he continues to bless me and open my eyes to the plans he has for the future.  And his plans are far more than I could ever imagine. God is SO good!

" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plants to give you a hope and a future.' " Jeremiah 29:11

with my namesake

Sunset in the village

Precious moments

True Beauty

Highlights from this year's trip

This was my 9th trip to Senegal (by God's grace) and once again God did immeasurably, abundantly more than we could have asked or imagined. God opened many doors to share not only the gospel but our lives as well. God has given me a deep love for the people of Babak as well as our brothers and sisters in Christ at MIS. Each year God teaches me things that I can apply in my life as a husband, father and Pastor. I'm reviewing our 8 days in my head and it is so hard to put into words what I have experienced in my heart. Here's a summary of just some of what we experienced for the glory of God during this trip.

• Medical clinic with the street boys (Talibe) in Dakar on the first Saturday. This was a wonderful opportunity for our team to love each of these boys who are created in the image and likeness of God. Many spiritual seeds were planted.

• Sunday provided a blessed time of worship in the village. What a joy to worship along with a youth choir that represents the second generation of Jesus followers in the village. Pastors and church planters from other villages also participated. I was blessed to be able to share a message from Ephesians 1:15-22. We gathered around the Lord's Table as well. 

• Later that day we celebrated a time of gift giving with the 24 sponsored children in the village. They are blessed through this program with help to continue on with their schooling as well as being fed spiritually through regular Kids Clubs led by MIS.

• The afternoon ended with a presentation of the gift of many tons of rice and millet from our church to two villages. This gift will touch many families in the village. Our prayer is that they would come to know Jesus as the Bread of Life. The chief praised Jesus Christ and committed to maintaining an open door for future ministry in the village.

• During the week, God allowed our team to have extended visits with more than 25 families throughout the village. There were many prayers prayed for our old friends as well as new friendships that were established.

• This year God provided for the men and women on our team to teach God's Word in smaller groups. I was encouraged to see that they have many of the same struggles and desires that we do. They desire to grow to abide in Christ, to spend meaningful time in relationship with God through time in His Word and prayer, and they desire to shine the light and love of Jesus to those in their community.

• The women on our team had multiple opportunities to mentor a group of teenage girls in the village who have a growing love for Jesus. 4 of these 5 girls were baptized during our 2012 visit.

• On Wednesday, we helped the team from MIS to lead a Kids Club for almost 400 children. They sang songs, played games and heard the gospel in their Serer language.

• I was blessed to be able to break away from our team to visit my family's child that we sponsor through World Vision. This was my second visit in two years and the depth of sharing and openness was encouraging. The family and the village chief ended our time by asking me to pray for the family and the village.

• We learned of new areas of outreach within the village. There are areas that we have never visited and, Lord willing, we will begin to develop relationships in these "neighborhoods" next year. There is also another village that the church planters are beginning to reach out to that we will begin to pray for and ask the Lord to show us what our role may be in the coming years.

• Each member of our team grew in our relationship with the Lord as well as our relationship with each other. A number of team members were relatively new to our church and they felt much more connected as a result of this trip.

• Four people were baptized on the last day in the village. Two members of our team and a husband and wife from the village of Ngonine. 

• God provided the funds this year to purchase many tons of rice and millet as well as to build a permanent storage area in a public location within the village. 165 New Testaments in the Serer language were given to the church. Funds were provided to train 2 bakers who will begin to utilize the bread oven that was constructed last year. Funds for two horses were provided as well which will directly impact outreach efforts to surrounding villages.

• While I was away, God was working at home with my wife and daughter who has been sick for some time. The week was hard for them yet they found strength in God through His children who provided meals and their physical presence. 

Our next trip is scheduled for March 20-29, 2014. Many of this team have already indicated that they desire to return. We can take 12 people on the trip. Maybe God will lead you to join us.

In Christ,Pastor Mike

A Quick View of This World

The sunset in the village. Seeing this makes it a little easier to not be at home.

The Day We Spent with the Talibes

If you have been anywhere within earshot of me in the past month, you know that I am in Senegal right now. This place has overtaken so much of my heart it is ridiculous. When I think about this place, the people here, and the things I have seen God do, my heart literally flutters.

As I write this, we are sitting in the hotel Massa Massa ('sorry sorry' in French - I have no idea about the naming) and we have just finished what we call "Talibe Day." Talibe mean 'disciple'. I am without hesitation, a Talibe Yesu, or disciple of Jesus. In Senegal there is a system of sorts in place where Talibe Boys are known as the ones begging on the streets of the city. Their parents live in the villages and cannot afford to care for them, or desire their sons to learn the Koran. So they send their sons at the age of 6 (or younger) to these Koranic schools, where they learn from a Daara. They memorize the Koran in hopes of using it for ceremonial purposes later in life.

The Koranic schools used to be in the villages, where family was near by and eyes of family were always watching and those who interacted with the boys knew them. Unfortunately, in the 1970s when drought and thus famine came, it was no longer sustainable for the Koranic teachers to stay in the villages and maintain their cost of living. So, the Koranic schools moved to the cities. This caused the parents to send their children far away, some over a 12 hour bus ride to live where they could not see them for most of their lifetime. The boys graduate typically at the age of 16 or 17, meaning they do not have contact with their family for over a decade.

The disconnection from family leads to other dilemmas. The boys are not near people that they know and who care for them. This opens up the door for much more exploitation and abuse. Because the parents cannot afford to pay a tuition to the Daara, the boys are sent out to beg on the streets. In a Muslim nation, this also allows those following the five steps of Islam to give alms, satisfying that religious need. This is where they encounter the harsh realities of city street life. Most get hit by cars, many get taken advantage of and a majority get sick.

The greatest and most obvious loss for them is the loss of being seen and cared for. Its an unwritten rule in every major city in the world that when you see someone begging, you turn away. You avoid looking into the eyes of someone that your heart knows you need to respond to, but can't help. If you give money, you are supporting the Talibe system. If you don't and he goes home to his Daara without enough money he gets punished for stealing, or laziness, or disobedience. Sometimes this is harsh, sometimes it is not as bad as a similar punishment would be in the village. But without knowledgeable eyes and people that know and care about the boys, the line is crossed into abuse far too often.

So what is the answer? Simply put. We don't know. What we do know is that when Jesus was on this earth, He didn't solve every social or economic problem. He will, but He hasn't yet. He loved, He looked into people's eyes and gave them respect, dignity and truth. So today we supported that calling for us to do the same.

There is a beautiful woman named Jane Hampton who has run a ministry to the Talibe boys for over 15 years. She pulls resources together to give them a day where they can get vaccinations, a bowl of oatmeal, play soccer, and be loved. While keeping open communication with the Daaras, Jane brings the boys in to her clinics for a day where they can get the shots they need (she keeps track on very simple cardstock using date stampers and handwritten notes) and also be seen, be cared for and loved.

My role has become my favorite over the two experiences I have had with Jane's ministry. It is called 'the triage table' but how I see it is one where I get to look each boy in the eye as I take their weight and temperature. I make them stand on the scale until I see a smile (they think I am just slow at reading weight). I want them to know that I see them, that I am not afraid to look them in the eye and smile. I see how they are fearfully and wonderfully made. They are human, they are image bearers of a God I am madly in love with.

Today was an extra above-and-beyond blessing. The 'street boys' that we saw last year, from only two out of the fifteen schools Jane ministers to were the SAME ONES we saw this year. I know it was only small glimpses into their eyes and momentary smiles when we didn't understand each other's language...but there was a previous relationship. I was able to build on it this year. When the boys walked up to me, they remembered me. The smiles came quicker and the moments were sweeter.

I know this was only one day in their lives out of years full of chaos and confusion. But I truly believe God opened up a door for us to be His hands and feet in a very obvious way to them. Just as He is our refuge and escape from this fallen world we live in, the environment Jane and the team created became that escape for the boys. They were free from the stress of begging for enough money to not be in trouble, and they were able to simply be boys. Even if it was only for a few hours. They escaped the reality of their situations for a brief moment and simply were.

I squealed a little bit every time I realized the handwriting on the cards was mine from last year. It was a special gift from God directly to me. I was building on previous relationships. They were small, they were momentary, but they were beautiful in a simple way. I could not have asked for a better first day of ministry here in Senegal. My heart is overjoyed with the blessing of this day, and the loving sovereignty of my God.

One of the sweet younger boys. 

Even the older boys enjoyed the time with the team.

The CFC team preparing the immunizations. 

 One of the many boys that our team had the wonderful pleasure of seeing for a second time.

The same boy above in 2012. 

 Emily went above and beyond in her service. She did wound care, something most of us shied away from very quickly.

Departure and arrival

       The  start of a journey begins with a step.  Or perhaps it simply begins with a decision to follow the call placed on your heart by God.  Today after months of anticipation and planing, we are on our way.  We began this morning, meeting at church where after balancing out our suitcase load, we had a time of devotion sweetly stepping into the presence of God.  The central theme was recognizing Him as "The Lord is".  He is faithful, loving, capable, mighty, and wonderful.  If you asked a crowd of people who He is, the attributes would be endless.  After a time of communion and our church family sending us off covered in prayer, we boarded our bus to Dulles International.  There began the awesome favor of God.  "The Lord provides".  He provided peace to our loved ones at home who some of which have tremendous weight to bear in our absences.   He provided a huge bus which provided for a comfortable trip.  He provided safety on the roads.  He provided ease with our luggage check in.  And where we worried over the poundage, He said, 'My child, I've got this".  He provided for a sound system to be accepted for cargo and at half the anticipated cost.  Praise Him!  He provided ease of checking and no lines through security check in.  Well except for confiscated "Jiffy", sorry  Ms Sharry.  Amazing how He has already provided.  He has gone above what we could ever imagine already for which He has provided in the preparation and for MIS and the Village of Babak.   Praise HIM!  Sorry I did not get this posted before we boarded our flight.  I admit I was one who fretted over the luggage weight staying up late, and by the time we arrived at the airport.  Well I was kind of mush brain.  We are now in flight. Departure went off  without any delays, dinner served and with any luck we will get some restful sleep.  Hope to post when we arrive at Beacon Of Hope.  "The Lord is," and it's going to be an amazing journey.  

Good Morning from Senegal.  The Lord has provided us with  a safe flight.  Everyone did well with traveling.  All of our luggage arrived and we again  had ease and abundant favor from The Lord.  We are happily here at Beacon of Hope.  It is wonderful to see our friends again.   We've enjoyed breakfast and now are starting to settle in.  

Prayer requests and praise:

Praise God for He is a mighty awesome God.  He has every detail of this trip well within his grasp. 

God would be glorified by EVERY aspect of our trip.

Each of us, as well as those whom meet, would have a personal and powerful encounter with God.

The unconditional love of God would radiate in and through each of our lives.  

 God would give us strength and good health through out the trip.

God would protect and provide for family members back home.

Ready...Set...Pack

 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" 

                                                                                     Matthew 18: 20.  King James Version

       Thursday is fast approaching.  All of us are extremely excited!!!  It's difficult to concentrate on matters at hand because our minds and hearts are racing ahead to Senegal.  Tonight we gathered together to pack our gifts, supplies and generous donations from many caring people.

       The above verse came to mind not only for the gathering tonight but also for the days that lie ahead.  I stand in awe at how The Lord weaves His team together.  We met monthly and prayed that He would give us unity and direction as a team.  We haven't left yet (well not physically) and He has gone way above our desires and answered many prayers already.  Why should that shock me or make me look at Him in awesome wonder?  After all isn't He Lord and doesn't His word say, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them."  It is incredible that He not only formed the 10 of us together as a team but He drew such a large home team together to cover us in prayer.  AMAZING GOD!!!  No detail left forgotten.  Whether you are on the west side or east side of the Atlantic Ocean, one thing is certain, God is and will be in our midst as we gather together in prayer.   Let us praise HIM!  How cool is it to be part of His plan  to sow some wonderful seeds into an abundant harvest.  For with God all things are possible.

       

Valentine's Day

     Exactly one week from today, we leave for Senegal.  The excitement is electrifying!!!  As I was doing my morning devotionals, it occurred to me that today is Valentines Day.  A day celebrated each  year that is associated with love.  It made me think that when one knows The Lord, it is Valentines Day everyday.  Perfect love from Abba Father to all who will receive it.  As we prepare for visiting our adopted village of Babak, my hearts desire is for all there to know that Our Father in heaven has this incredible gift of love for them.  I wish for them to know he is a very personal God, one who will meet you wherever you are and one that is always faithful.  One who loves you fully and who sees you as beautiful.  One whom you can always rely on; our rock, our strong tower.

     I have for the Lenten season decided to do a 40 day prayer challenge and I am using the book by Mark Batterson called, "Draw the Circle."  My first two days have even more so impressed upon me the importance of prayer.  These scriptures were reviewed thus far:  Acts  10:2 "He prayed to God regularly."  Quoting Mark Batterson, "The plans of God are only revealed in  the presence of God."  Proverbs 16:9 "In their hearts humans plan their course, but The Lord establishes their steps."  Again I would like to quote Mark Batterson, "We can't plan God-ordained opportunities.  All we can do is seize them.  We can't perform miracles.  All we can do is pray for them.  Our job is to hear His voice.  His job is to establish our steps.  And if we do our job, God will do His!"

     Please come along side of us in prayer as we travel back to the village.  I am so excited and feel that The Lord is going to move mightily in Senegal. 

     Acts 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me...to the ends of the earth."