Just imagine working for years towards to goal of bringing truth to a specific people group. Imagine 2 years of training, years learning french, helping with assessment to find the people group you would work with, moving close and learning the second trade language of the area, building your house and finally being ready to move in a learn the language of the people. Then imagine receiving the news that because of security concerns you are not able to move in. This was the reality of the family were were visiting, but to be honest it is only a drop of their story. We had planned awhile ago to visit this family, but originally the visit was the help them as they transitioned to the village and began learning language. Now the focus of our trip shifted as the news came that they could not move in. We were visiting them because it was a time of grieving and we didn’t want them to be alone. We were visiting because we wanted to keep pressing forward in the work that needed to be done in assessing the security situation. We visited them to help with communication to the elders of their village as to why they were delayed in coming. We were visiting them to help them think through what was next while they waited for the green light to go into the village.
In many ways it was a hard trip as it is hard to see others grieving. We also didn’t have all the answers and could only help think through ideas. However in other ways it was such a good trip. We had been in contact with them over the phone, but being face to face is so much better. God made it possible for us to bring our kids along which allowed for much more fun than we could bring just ourselves. They were able to take a trip out to their village while I stayed to play with the kids. We spent spare moments talking, processing and praying.
There are still questions to be answered, but it was a start. There is still grief to process, but that will take time. There is still so much to learn as security concerns are becoming more and more a reality for our field, but we keep pressing forward. This trip was a start, a step on the path, and a reminder of the importance of walking the path together as part of the body of Christ.
Our Trip in Pictures
Clyde M. Burton says
November 26, 2018 at 5:39 amHello from the Great White North. A friend of mine just came back from South Africa and when she left there it was 40 degrees and when she flew into Halifax Nova Scotia was around freezing !I will be praying for your safety and that God would not only watch over you as well as open doors as well as hearts and minds of the people you are trying to minister to. God Bless you all ! Clyde Burton.
Linda Wennermark says
October 30, 2018 at 11:51 pmThankful you were there to encourage and I will continue to pray for your encouragement and safety.
Lauri Amandus says
October 30, 2018 at 6:26 pmOnce again Andi, you have made me feel I was right along with you. Great job. We are praying and thinking of you all before Father.
Sophie freeman says
October 30, 2018 at 5:04 pmDearest Joel and Andi,what a blessing it is to know you are home safe and that the Lord traveled with you and used your hearts and hands to share His love. 😘
Sarah Hovley says
October 30, 2018 at 3:51 pmPraying very much. The EBC prayer team has been praying for your trip and we will pray for this family and Burkina Faso. Love to you all!
Cassie Wence says
October 30, 2018 at 2:13 pmSo sorry to hear about the difficulties! I can only imagine how disappointed they all are right now.
Please tell them we said hello!! Will be praying for God to open doors and for things to calm down in that area.