Hello from Madagascar (Joan writing),
Dan, Lydia, Rebekah, Esther, and Gideon are still at our home in Cote d’Ivoire. I have the privilege of being here waiting for Ruth (and Richard Jertberg) to have their baby—that is for the next letter, so pray for us all.
I have a hard time keeping letters short, but the more often you hear from us, the more you can say a prayer right then.
Meanwhile, since the end of June, praise God for the safe delivery of three difficult births. Praise God all went well with healthy moms and babies.
Joseph came out for the summer just in time to help with the kids’ camp. The first week of July, our young adults organized and carried out a camp at our church for children ages 11 to 14. This camp ministry is now becoming a new ministry for our church. During the summer months, when school is not in session, we can use the facility to do summer camps. Out here you can do as much as you have energy and funds to do. So many were involved in this, from planning the schedule, speakers, food, buying the food, cooking, repairs, keeping water available, setting up mosquito nets, building 9-square and gaga ball, and inviting counselors …. I cannot really name them all. Our group slept at the church with the campers serving as counselors, game organizers, cooks, etc. That little “etc.” covers a lot.
Dan’s sister Debbie and her daughter Heather came out in the middle of July, just in time for the singles’ week of camp, which was also taking place at our church. They were able to participate in many of the ministries going on. Heather even slept at the church; this is on a mattress under a mosquito net in a foreign culture with strange food and in a different language. Way to go, Heather!!
This last week of August, the men are coming in from the village works and are having a men’s conference at the church, which is the same idea as the camp. Kids have gotten saved, singles have gotten saved, and decisions for Christ have been made; this is what we are here for.
This place in Madagascar is WIDE open for the Gospel!! Please pray that God will send laborers. Yes, we pray that. It takes a language learning. We need some young folks to learn THIS LANGUAGE in order to be useful. Language opens up the world to the Gospel. If you are my age, encourage your children to learn a USEFUL language—one they are intending to use somewhere for the Gospel of Jesus. Amen!!!!
Saturday morning class continues. I do love to help these kids; they need a lot of love and patience. One of them came with a cut hand from a sardine can and I was able to sew it up. Rebekah and Gideon had 59 last week. Dan, Joseph and Gideon re-did the backboard and net for the basketball. YAY.
Pets: Rebekah's pig is getting big and is great for finishing up ANYTHING. Gideon also has an owl brought to us by hunters who cut all its flying feathers. He is doing well and will soon be able to be let go. Esther’s mongooses continue as the “grubs.” I call them that because they are fat and dig in the back yard. They are male and female so everyone is hopeful of a mongoose family someday. Most Africans cannot understand this kindness to God’s little creatures.
Many praises:
Joseph came for the summer and is now back at Ambassador.
Debbie and Heather came to visit and are back home safely.
Joan arrived safely in Madagascar.
Please pray:
For the church, school, and camp ministries to grow.
For Ruth to have a safe and smooth delivery.
For the safety and God’s blessing of all of the Cuthbertsons scattered around the world.
In His grip,
Joan
