There are days that seem really dark. We all face these days in our life and the form they take differs from one person to another. A missionary is no different. There are days when all we do is survive and right now we are in a few of those days.
We drove home to our house yesterday with our water tanks and all the supplies we bought in Dakar. We walked into our house and made shoe prints in the sand that had piled up on the floor and of course everywhere else. We found around 10 dead roaches on our floor, which means there are many more alive ones left to be found.
The night before we left for Dakar, 3 weeks ago, was a water-less night, which means we arrived home to a very low supply of water. The house was incredibly hot from being closed up for so long. So here we are covered in dirt, hot and no water to begin cleaning with.
None of our toilets flushed which meant that over the three weeks we were gone our water was never turned on with enough pressure to make it up to the toilets. Last night we only got enough water to fill half a tote, which means that we will have drinking water and maybe enough to wipe down the boys before bed.
Our strategy right now is survival and prayer that God would give us a night with good water, so that we can fill up our water supply. The first days back are usually difficult like this and I know that life gets easier once we adjust, but making it through the adjustment is never easy. Pray with us for water and for the strength to survive.
I don’t know you, but God does, and I do know one day we will meet, because we will spend eternity together. So until then, He knows you’re every need, He will supply, He promises! I am Praying for your family, and your needs.
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!!!
Your sister in Christ,
Rene’
God answers prayer requests done in His name. Dear God, may your glory shine, when we see how you answered these prayers. To you be all glory. Thankyou Lord for the priviledge to pray and ask for help for these people, and those they seek to help in Dakar. May your presence be felt by each one there.
My dear family,
I don’t know that I could add a lot to the beautiful thoughts and prayers that have already been shared. I do cling to the fact that God is compassionate. To me that has always meant that He understands our every need and our every weakness. He knows what you are experiencing. He can sustain you through it and provide your every need. To that end I pray.
Love,
Dad
I could get spiritual but living where I do, I know the value of water. Even as I write, Kenya has thousands who have left their homes due to flooding. Africa needs blessings. I pray that the Father of all waters will pour one out on you and on Senegal. Senegal. I will keep Senegal in my daily prayers, for gentle rains, for enough.
Jim
Dear Jesus,
You are the Water of Life. You are our Provider. I pray that You will give the McMartins a night, many nights of plentiful water–in their tubs and in their hearts. Please give the strength, perseverance and endurance for these difficult days. Please draw them close to You, diminish the sight of their struggles and increase their vision of Your goodness. Please help them to see Your provision all around them, and help them to trust that You are enough.
AMEN
Praying for you!
Thank you for the update. Your honesty about life situations helps us know how to pray for you. May you feel uplifted and surrounded by His constant presence and help in this time of struggle.
Praying right now and will keep praying.
“…for He God Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down (relax My hold on you)! Assuredly not!
So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?”
Hebrews 13:5 and 6 (Amplified Bible)
Our God is faithful, compassionate, quick to respond and able to do all things. May we all pray for God’s hand to move in providing water, as He did in the desert with the Israelites.
I am praying for a well. But God has a far greater imagination than I do.
May He carry you through these dark, difficult times.
Even though you are a half a world away, you are in my thoughts and prayers continually.
May you be able to say, “Our God has provided and met every need”.
Please, Lord, our eyes are on You! Help us!!!!! Thank you Lord, for being Jehovah Who provides!
I am praying for you!
You WILL survive. Not only that, you WILL flourish. But right now, you’re in Habakkuk chapter 3:
17Though the fig tree should not blossom
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail
And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
18Yet I will exult in the LORD,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
19The Lord GOD is my strength,
And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet,
And makes me walk on my high places.
For the choir director, on my stringed instruments.
(For the choir director, on my stringed instruments! Love how Habakkuk made a song of the struggle.)