As we prepare for our trip next week, I was realizing that travel is becoming a normal part of life and ministry for us. Our travels bring us all over West Africa and sometimes even beyond that. There are some who might wonder why we so often “hit the road” and “take to the skies”. So I decided to write about some of the different reasons that bring us to travel…
- To provide fellowship and encouragement to those who live in isolation…sometimes it is just nice to hear a little English!
Fellowship is an important part of life and the church 
This is why we bring out kids whenever we can. 
Those moments of fellowship for mks are so rare - To be a listening ear
I will be honest this is my favorite part 
Each one has a story to share and not many opportunities to share it - To see if there is any way we can lighten the load.
Life in remote locations is a balancing act 
For a short time we can hold the other end of the board to make the work a little easier - To provide new ideas in Culture and Language Learning – It is easy in language study that often takes many years to get in a rut of activities and sometimes a new set of ideas and activities is what is needed to renew motivation.
New ideas and activities always help to keep learning fresh. - To help people see the progress being made and the next steps that need to be taken.
Culture and languages are so different, that it is easy to get discouraged 
Sometimes it is helpful to see how far one has come 
And to be reminded that the river is not far off. - To be the bad guy…imagine a kid invited to do something that they don’t want to do, so instead of saying no they just say that their Dad wouldn’t allow them to. They are able to express their opinion without jeopardizing their relationship (okay a little exaggerated, but you get the point). This process is actually very culturally appropriate here. Sometimes it is necessary for something to come from the leadership of a mission to leadership of the village so that it doesn’t hinder the relationships of the missionaries there. Or sometimes it is just to help train and direct a new language helper in a way that shows them respect and keeps their relationship with the language learner strong.
- To give an outside perspective to whatever might be taking place in the village.
It is important to bring teams together and look at the big picture 
To step back and look at where the road they are on is leading - To Provide Practical Help, whether that be computers, solar systems, and so much more.
Sometimes there are tasks we can help with
Just a little peek into one large piece of our ministry here in West Africa. It is our way of helping support those in hard places to keep up the work and press forward in the mission God has called us to, that is, to see his truth reach out to all the peoples of the earth.
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