Were going back

Friends and Family,

It is with great joy that we have received the "OK" to return to West Africa. After meeting the Foreign Missions Board they have appointed us to Burkina Faso as Full Time Missionaries. Niger and Mali are both under our care.

Please pray for us as we travel the USA raising support. We will begin Jan. 2nd 2009 and have a schedule through August. Hopefully we will return to West Africa in Spring of 2010.

You can view our page at http://www.upci.org/ under the Foreign Missions Section / Missionary Search.

Ken and Gin

The Wall in Kuma Adamé

Walls have never been something that I would give a good recommendation to. Walls seperate, they divide and they simply and silently scream, "KEEP OUT"! Walls do have some benefits like keeping intruders out and the family dog in.

I recently traveled to a remote village near the town of Kpalimé. It is nestled in the mountains where the air is cooler and the villagers are true villagers. There was something inside of me that was needing to get alone for some time with God. So with a supply of water, and my backpack I headed to the village for 5 days of mental shutdown.

Being an avid hiker the feel of the mountains gives me the John Denver "Sunshine on my shoulders" kind of happiness. You know the kind of feeling that you get while hiking the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Memories of my good friend Brad Gilliland made me long for home. Brad and I hiked all over Rocky Mountain Natl Park a few years back. He is a good mountain buddy!

I treked all over the village mountain range discovering all types of people and food. In the pictures you will see a couple of school kids that I met on the path.

I could not help to think of the thousands of children in Uganda who ran on paths such as I walked hiding from the rebels who hunted them down during the bloody war a few years back.

Back to the wall, every afternoon and evening a knock would come to my door. It was the neighbors bringing me some lunch or dinner. The first night it came at 8 pm. There is no electricity in the village; so with a candle I was trying to make out what lurked in the pot. It appeared to be a corn mush and some ground nut sauce. To this day I do not know what meat dwelt in that dish. Possibly goat or bush rat.

Day 2 came and again another meal. This time some rice with red sauce, again undescribable meat.

Walls are desgined to keep thing out or to keep things in. My wall was different. Every night when the villagers would go to sleep I would sneak to the wall and shuck the food over into the African darkness.

You ask, "Did you eat any of it?" my answer, "Yes, I did."

Did I get sick? Well lets say I have spent the last 5 days drinking lots of water, and eating light. The bathroom has replaced the security of the wall.

So if you are ever in a village, do not drink the water, keep away from meat that is unrecongnizable and live within the confines of a wall.

Village verses City

A few months ago, I was able to visit a village school. WOW! I really did step back in time of what felt like 100 years. I do thank God for what they do have, but how my heart wanted to scream out for the children to have more. One thing I did notice was how happy the children were. There was lots of laughter and singing of songs pouring out of the cement blocks that had high ventilation holes towards the ceiling and a few windows. I would have to guess that there were at least 60 children pressed in together in a very hot room.



A few days ago, I found out that in our neighborhood, a very nice christian lady has opened a school in her home. It started out as just a daycare/preschool, but in the past four years it has grown from 9 students her first year to over 60 children. She I believe to be 5 teachers and a cook on staff.


She asked that I would pray for the Lord to give her a new establishment because she has out grown her home. She said her vision for this ministry was not as big as what God is making it out to be. Madam Seli is taking it one step at a time and trying to go slow to let the Lord lead.

She has secret she told me, that I want to pass onto you. She said that her secret is to teach these children all about Jesus. It is a private school and some parents pay a small amount and some don't.

If anybody who is reading this blog feels anything to help Seli and her endeavors, she gave me a small list of things she is in need of. I have a friend, Venita that is coming here June 14 to visit, and it maybe possible for her to bring some things. Email for further info, if interested. Most of all Madame Seli has asked for prayer.

Let me say this, from what I saw, I believe in what she is doing. Madame Seli is very educated and actually lived in Manhattan, KS for 3 years and worked in our American schools. She is trying to implement all that she learned but is so limited due to lack of resources and funds.





(first 2 photos of the village school, llast photo of Madame Seli and one of her classrooms)

Je suis très contente!

Je suis très contente! (I am very happy!)


Hello to all our great friends and family. May has proved to be full of lots of fun activities. Or maybe it is just that I am getting use to things here and I am much braver to venture out. Of course our French studies continue to take precedence over any activities we do. Everyday, French! Ken and I have finally come to the realization that this language absolutely has no absolutes. It’s as fluid as water and is just as hard to contain.


Today was girls shopping day. We were so excited when we saw a Macey’s and even a Banana Republic. I can’t really say that is was up to American standards, but hey, one can not be picky. Honestly, I have come to love the open-air markets rather than the stores. Jennifer has gotten very good and bartering. As for me, I’m still working on it.

Beach time is always a favorite. When I am missing home, I especially like to go to the beach and sit on the rocks with the waves crashing below might feet. I stare straight out only seeing the ocean-blue (Atlantic) with Africa behind me. It’s my time, just me and God, and He talks to me. I never leave there not feeling strengthened and comforted. Don’t take this wrong, I love Africa, I just equally miss my family and friends.


New friends are always a blessing. Danielle is a beautiful young lady from the Netherlands God has brought into our lives. She is such a delight to be around and is very anxious to learn more about Jesus. And she speaks English! Being able to communicate and teach her has been very timely a breath of fresh air.

There are days that are not all fun, but requires a bit of work. Jennifer and Erica (Erica is Jennifer’s friend that is visiting us from the states) helped Emma this day to separate the bad palm oil nuts from the good. Emma has become another family member. We all love her dearly.



I am sad to say that it is near the time for Jennifer to leave us. I am cherishing every moment I have with her. I am thankful that God has allowed her to be with us this year. My prayer is that it has forever changed her and has birthed the spirit of missions into her soul.

God Still Moves Over the Waters

God Does Move Over the Waters

In Gen 1:1 the Bible says that the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

This scripture came alive to me yesterday after enjoying a glorious day in the presence of God. I traveled about 45 kilometers to a small village/town called Akoumapa. The congregation was small in number, but large in worship. In the Old Testament it talks about David when he brought back the Ark from Obed-Edom. David danced wildly before the ark and rejoiced. He was elated to have the presence of God back. It was obvious that there was a spirit of rejoicing among this small group of saints. With every song the Spirit of God began to move over the service.

Great Grace was moving among us.

Bonito, our usual taxi driver was not available so he sent his older brother to drive me to the village. He was quiet and did not say much as we journeyed down the road. As we approached the church he told me that he was hungry and would pick me up after the service. Within a few minutes I watched him slip into the back of the church before I began to preach. The Spirit of God began to move upon him.

The temperature was about 100 degrees in that small building so you can image I was absolutely soaked to the bone after preaching and praying for people. We jumped in the car loaded with coconuts, pineapples and oranges given to us by the villagers. Needing something cold to drink I asked the driver to stop so that we could get something to drink. We sat at an outside café and the Spirit of God began to move.

The word of God began to speak to him and told him that he needed to be baptized in Jesus Name. His response, “Oh, can we do it right now? I need to be baptized immediately!”

To make a long story longer, I called Pastor Koffe and we took him and 5 others to the Ocean and baptized them in Jesus Name.

The Spirit of God Hovered over that vast ocean as He washed away the sins of an obedient taxi driver.

(Please pray for Bonito, our friend and taxi driver, his son died this week. He was only 2 1/2 years old. He became sick on Monday and passed away on Tuesday. I think he may have had cerebral malaria. The family is devastated. Bonito has buried a brother, sister and now his youngest son within just a months time. They are in need of the great grace of the Lord.)

Africa needs the help of God.

Anaho Baptism

The town of Anaho Togo is located on the banks of the Atlantic Ocean, which in turn pours into Lac Togo. This Lac is the epicenter for Fetish/Voodoo worship. The spirits of this area are strong and not to be taken lightly. We recently took a boat across Lac Togo and was told of the various beliefs. They are steeped in satanic worship. Is is said that the spirit of the snake rules the lake.


I am here to proclaim differently. Jesus Christ has all things under His feet, including the spirits of Lac Togo.




We were going to the Lake to baptise 9 people in Jesus Name. It was a glorious day for the Kingdom of God. The water was clear and free of debris.

The pastor stepped out of the water immediately after the baptism. Suddenly a mass of sludge moved across the water. This sludge had the smell of stagnant water and death.



Directly in front of this sludge a snake led the way. It was evident that there was a manifestation of the spirit of this area.




I am glad that we know the true and living God!


There is power in the Name of Jesus!


Even the spirits of this world must stand and wait for the salvation of souls before they can cross the water.

Lomé Togo Crusade

We recently held a crusade in the city of Lome, Togo.

Great faith was among the area churches. An estimated 50,000 fliers were passed out on the streets. The churches did a tremendous job preparing for this event.

The greeters were in position, the follow-up team was ready to capture names and addresses and the singers sang to the glory of God.

People began to fill the field where the crusade was to take place. For three nights we had an average of 3000 in attendance. When the alter calls were made they literally ran to the front hoping to receive something from the Lord.

The bible says that every man is given a measure of faith. The faith that brought them to the front made room for them in the presence of God. There were too many people for us to pray for individually so the people began to pray for one another.

In His mercy and Grace, God filled over 330 with His Spirit, and over 300 were healed instantly. Those who came with lameness walked home without their canes! Those who came burdened down with the weight of the world, danced in the presence of the King of Kings.

He is faithful to hear the cries of the people.

Lome, Togo will never be the same. The hand of God has left His fingerprints on the people.

Please continue to pray that God will continue His favor in Togo and Burkina Faso.

Thank you for your continued financial support. Without it we could not serve in this great land.

In Great African Love,

Ken and Gin

Jennifer has found her place here.

It is early evening, the sun is beginning to set.

From across the wall the children begin to cry out, "Yovo, Yovo!". This means white person in the Eva language.

Jennifer grabs the soccer ball and heads out into the street. When she returns her feet are as dirty as the street itself. Jen is enjoying the people as much as they are enjoying her. I would not be surprised to see her return to West Africa after she completes her studies in the States.

Her days are spent studying the French and Eva languages, while enjoying the company and friendships of the Africans.

Saying Goodbye to Jonathon

"If Love Could be Measured in Tears we Would have Filled an Ocean"

Jonathon boarded a plan Tuesday night bound for the States. Being a private person I never thought that I would post such a writing, but everyone keeps asking how we really are.
Our hearts just found a new hole. Saying goodbye to our youngest really hit hard.

Gin and I stood on the veranda Tuesday and cried silent tears. We were going to say goodbye to Jon in about 4 hours. I did not want him to see me cry, but the emotions would not stop spilling from my eyes. I asked God, "Will it always hurt this bad?" You know telling our children goodbye.

He did not respond, so I am sure that His answer was most likely "yes".

Jonathon visited the orphanage later in the afternoon. The boys, all under 6, hung on him. It was as if they knew that they would never see him again. Jon had a hard time telling them goodbye.

During the last 5 months Jonathon has found a love that is not easy to find, the love of the Africans. It is a love that runs deep in their culture. They value relationships as much as life itself. Many friends came by to say goodbye, their expression of love to Jon overwhelmed us.

As the taxi took off from the front of our house, Jules, one of Jonathon's good friends hugged him and said, "I will see you again in paradise."

Friendships and relationships must not be taken lightly. Cherish every person that God sends into your life.

Please pray for Jonathon as he begins his new life. He will be moving to Omaha Nebraska and serving in Bethel Christian Church. God is doing some great things in his life!

So, "How are we doing today you ask?" Well, please ask us again tomorrow.

Ken

Ok, now a week has past. Jon made it home fine and is VERY happy. We are over the shock and the sun is back out. Thank you for your prayers!

In Retrospect ......

Friends,

Here we are, another week has gone by. There are moments when time seems to be standing still, but then as I reflect back at the months that have already passed, I ask myself, “Where has the time gone?”

I would venture to say my family has settled into what I would call our daily regiments. The life style here is of a much slower pace. I believe this is probably been the most difficult to adjust to. Also, not having our own means of transportation has only contributed to these feelings of confinement. It has taken some time for each one of us to adjust at our own pace. I can only give God the praise for helping us through this period.

Is it all pedals of sweet smelling roses? Has our time here been the utopia of life’s experiences? I would only be lying if I said it was. Truth! This is what I want to convey to you. My heart rips every time I see a small child sitting in the street with his belly bulging from mal-nutrition. Or when I see a human all twisted from birth defects sitting on the street corner begging for just a morsel of bread. With my own eyes, I see on continual bases things like a teen-age girl, using water from a dirty puddle, in the middle of town washing

her hair.

You may say to yourself, these things go on in America as well. But I would say to you not at this great of magnitude. Thank God for America and its welfare system. I know that most would agree that our welfare system is broken and we are only heading for a collapse of the system if changes are not made, but if you could see what I see. Not having humanitarian needs in the fore front of the government system has brought great deficiency among this nation and its people.

Do you know that 80% of the taxi drivers here have a college degree? And believe me when I say there are a lot of taxi and moto drivers. The women that sell vegetables and fruit on the streets for the most part have degree’s as well. Why so much poverty? The infrastructure of some of the African countries, and Togo being one, does not have industry coming in. The instability of the government causes the countries that could come in and help to develop are not willing to take the risk, therefore causes the lack of jobs, which in turn causes the onslaught of poverty. I find myself thanking God everyday that I was born an American at the same time hearing the cries of the people of Lome saying, “Why couldn’t have I been born in America?”

In retrospect, for the members of the UPCI here in Togo, I see great joy, pure worship, and a true desire to serve our Lord. For the people that have found Christ, because of their great hardships, their reverence for God goes deep within there very being.

Our desire is to continue to seek out the people of Togo, and to help take them off of the road of hardship and put them on the road of blessings. Please continue to pray not only for us, but for the people of Togo and the pastoral leadership that is here.
God Bless you all
Ginny

Another Day In Togo

Friends,

The day started early today. What would take just a few minutes in the states takes a few days here. The only thing quicker here is a smile and an embrace.

I had taken a moto to a cross road to meet a friend. Naturally, I was 20 minutes early. Everyone here is 20 minutes late.

To redeem the time I walked to the corner where a woman was selling fruit and I purchased an orange. She peeled the skin for me and cut a small hole in the top. I began to squeeze the juice from it. We do things much different here. I must have worked on that orange for 30 minutes making sure not to waste any of it.

Hundreds of Africans drove and walked past watching this Yovo, (white man), make a mess of something so simple. Juice had poured down my chin and on to my shirt.

An older man in rags walked by asking for something in Eva, the local language. I smiled. He laughed since we could not communicate. It would have been great to have been able to find out his story. Everyone has one you know. Most stories are filled with pain, but lathered in Joy.

Every wild moto ride;
Every smell;
Every taste;
Every embrace;
Lets me know that I am still alive.

Africa has taken my heart and I pray that it will not give it back.

In great African Love,

Ken

Village Life

This village was different than what we had seen in the past, beautiful palm and coconut trees lined the road we traveled. At times it seemed that the truck would topple over from the extreme terrain.








Women sold fish and vegetables from the side of the road. There was barely enough room to pass.
They live on less than 2.00 per day.

We were in awe of the conditions here, no electricity, no running water, the homes were modest at best. Most consisted of mud huts with thatch roofs.The streets were clean, and children played.

Around different areas there were wooded or stone idols. There is a great deal of Fetish worship that goes on in these villages. A tradition that has gone on for several thousand years.





The chief from the village came with his delegation to our service; from the picture you can tell he enjoyed himself. I preached about your faith will always make room for you. It came from the story of the 4 men who lowered the lame man down through a hole in the roof to get to Jesus; it is so true that God always makes room for our needs.

We were able to pray for these men. The chief came in contact with the King of Kings that day!



After the service Gin and I were invited to a pastors home for some refreshments. We enjoyed coconut milk together. After the milk was finished the coconut was opened and we ate the coconut meat from it. Awesome!




Gin and I, through the grace of God, have found where we are the most happiest; among our brothers and sisters in West Africa.

We appreciate your continued financial support. Without it we would not be here.

In Great African Love,
Ken and Gin