June, July, August??? What?! And NOW it is September!! Every day is one day closer to Jesus coming back. Here is just ONE title of a message — LIVE like You are LEAVING. Amen.
The first week in June, my mom, sister Pam, and her daughter Emily came out to visit us. During their very first week, Pam fell and broke her wrist. Praise God that she received prompt treatment and a cast on that same day. Mainly, we got to witness to the doctor and to all those involved. Just pray for so many people who have heard the Gospel. I have witnessed to this doctor over the years many times and it seems that God is working in his heart (and sent me over there again - against my will - for another opportunity to witness to him.). Pam enjoyed going for walks to the clinic to pass out tracts and witness to any English speakers she could find.
Opportunities to witness abound. Praise God that this country is still wide open to the Gospel. We keep sowing the seed and praying for God to give the increase. Just know that the Sunday all-day teaching and preaching, Wednesday night prayer and Bible study, Saturday morning kids’ class and afternoon visitation continue. I read an illustration of bees flitting here and there spreading life-giving pollen. That is our job. We need to just be faithful in spreading the Words of Life and discipling those who are saved. My personal heartbeat is evangelism and teaching. Praise God He has put us in a place where we can openly preach Jesus. We are only limited by our energy.
The Africa Soccer Cup is coming in February 2024. We are going to print tracks in French and English to give out; we are running on empty with the tracts, though it is not hard to get some printed. We use this opportunity here in the states to take back lots of tracts with us.
June 22, Malachi Andrew was born to Nathan and Hannah Schrock. I had the privilege of delivering the baby. Praise God for a healthy baby and mom and that all went smoothly. They were also able to get his birth certificate and then Certificate of Birth Abroad, and then an emergency passport, so that Hannah could make this trip for Isaiah and Alyssa’s wedding. Each of those things was a small hurdle.
The 4th of July, we spent at the pool. We never go on a weekend and during the week, it is just us. What a beautiful day it turned out to be in the middle of our rainy season. Pam managed to not get her cast too wet.
Two boys got baptized the first week of August; it was great. Praise God for them. I am planning to add another class at my house for some serious discipleship.
The end of July, Dan cut Pam’s cast off. The doctor had had a family crisis and had left town. Pam had her arm in a cast practically the whole two-month visit! We DID take it from the Lord as the witnessing continued.
August 7, we took Momma, Pam, and Emily to Abidjan for them to go to America. Our flight was two days later and now, we are in America helping Joseph (freshman) and Josiah (junior) into Ambassador Baptist College.
Isaiah and Alyssa were married on September 1, and we ENJOYED all the family time and getting to know Alyssa’s family a bit as well. This was a whirlwind trip and we are headed back tomorrow!! Nathan is doing a super job keeping up with all the preaching and teaching. He has Daniel and Azariah, while Hannah has Olive and Malachi here. It is very difficult to be apart; we miss them and they us. We have had a better trip knowing that the ministry is still moving forward in our absence. Some of the difficulties have been resolved, and we are excited to see what God has for us in this new year.
Thanks for your many prayers.
In His grip,
Dan and Joan
