Saturday, February 5, 2005

We experienced a wonderful worship service at Nyinoumé. It was an incredible blessing to be there for Noa (one of the leaders that Josh has gotten to know) and Hannah's baby presentation. This is their first child after being told that they probably would never have one. Praise the Lord for opening her womb just like Hannah in the Bible.

Immediately after worship, Josh and the men of Tabligbo traveled to Benin to go to a game park. Josh really enjoyed his time with the Kara and Tabligbo men. He was blessed to see many elephants, antelope, baboons, and several lions. One day his car was chased by some elephants. It was one of the most exhilarating things he has ever done. Praise the Lord that everyone was safe and that no one got sick.

Ky was lonely this week with Josh being gone, but she was thankful for the time that she spent with the ladies here. She also enjoyed talking with her family on the phone. We both miss our families and look forward to seeing them soon. Please pray for the upcoming Watchi Men's Conference. May God bless you richly this week. Please continue to pray for us. We love you!

God has blessed us with another good week. Brenda's pregnancy is going well. Ellianna is teething again and may have a little bug on top of that. She is a little cranky, has a fever, has thrown up a few times, and wants to be with mommy all of the time. Josiah is doing well and has really been enjoying school-especially the times when his teacher's husband, Jeremy, gets to play sports with the boys during P.E. and recess.

Jeff's highlight of the week was a trip to a game park with the men of our team and of the Kabiye team from Kara, Togo. The men camped out two nights in the game park in our neighboring country, Benin. They saw elephants, lions, different types of antelope and gazelle, Cape buffalo, hippos, monkeys, baboons, wart hogs, and varieties of birds. God's creation is so vast and incredible! God blessed the men with fun, fellowship, and safety.

This past Sunday we worshipped with the Gbagu Kope church. It takes us a hour and 15 minutes to get there. It's deep in the 'bush' so to speak. The Gbagu church is a small but dedicated group of believers that have stuck together in spite of slow growth and only a few men. The leaders, Francois and Nukunu have really grown in their faith during the past year and are very faithful to the calling that the Lord gave them.

More fun news about our car:) Just in time for the heat (100+ degrees this past week), the AC in our car decided to go on furlough early. Now we have a different kind of AC called 4-50. Roll all four windows down and drive 50 mph:) Also, the brakes started giving us trouble on Monday while we were in Lome. We can live without AC, but not brakes. I was hoping that the car would make it until furlough without having to put it in the shop again. But the brakes couldn't wait:) So, the car will be in the shop in Lome for another eight days getting a long list of needed repairs completed.

While the rest of the guys went on Safari, I stayed home this week to work on video presentations for our churches, prayer warriors and supporters. It was a productive week. We're excited to see many of you and to have the opportunity to bear witness to the mighty things that the Lord is doing among the Watchi of southern Togo!

Pray the for Watchi men's conference next week. That the Lord will provide so that all who want to come, can. Also, that the Lord would bless their fellowship and spiritual growth.

We had a great worship at Afakomi Kope on Sunday with really good attendance. They had worked on their building during the week and now all they have left is to find the wood and hire the carpenter. This is monumental for them as up to now they have shown no initiative whatsoever. Louise and the boys survived while Dad was away with the men on the safari. She took the opportunity to rearrange some of the house. He and the other men camped near the lions and the elephants and had big fun for two days. The meeting with Hammer from Vogan was good this week as Marty learned more about the situation there among some complacent leaders. Hammer has begun a new group of trainees but they are younger which could lead to a power struggle in the church later. He will be seeking to begin an additional group to train of men who could become elders there which will hopefully be a mix of the old and some new. Pray for him to speak clearly to the old group to get them to either step up and be trained or step down frm their positions as leaders. The meeting with Atitogon cluster was great as we taught about giving cheerfully and loving new believers. They should have several conversions in Togbonou Kope, but the need to finish it up with lots of encouragement and follow up. Pray for all the men as they prepare to travel to the men's conference next week. We love you and are so thankful for your prayers.


Anthony enjoyed the trip to the game park with the guys from Tabligbo and Kara, but was very glad to get home after too many hours in the car over five days. Others have already said so, but viewing some of God's more exotic creation, really does lift our hearts to praise him. One thought that came to me was, "This is too intricate to be an accident, and too intricate to be designed by anyone other than an Infinite Being."

Back on the home front, Maureen did a great job of holding down the fort. She took a advantage of having the computer all to herself to catch up on her email. Jeremy was thrilled to be named Student of the Month at our MK school. This prized position rotates among the students, and carries special privileges and responsibilities.

We wish Happy Chinese New Year to all. We plan to have the team over for a "family reunion meal" on the eve, since Anthony will be leaving for the Watchi men's retreat on Wednesday. He looks forward to the fellowship, but not necessarily to the three nights sleeping on the ground.

Click to enlarge images!

Game Park Campsite

Jeff, Jeremy, & Friend

Elephant in Pendjari River

A Closer Look

Cob Antelope

Hippos