Dear Friends,
There is some great stuff going on here in Togo! What is neat is that God’s hand is all over it – and it is so fun to see Him work! Let me give you some examples:
Miracle at Dzogbegan: Dzogbegan is a village about 45 minutes away. Strongly religious village (a religion that emphasizes good works, baptism, and church attendance for salvation). Seto and Anani, dear friends from way back when I first arrived in Togo, have been working there for over 10 years, trying to plant a church.
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| Anani and Seto at Dzogbegan Church Plant |
God’s provision for special needs: I wrote awhile back about some specific needs – and it is so fun to see how God has provided for many of those and then get to tell you what He has been doing!
**I mentioned quite some time ago what a huge benefit it would be if one of our pastors (Pastor Martouka) had equipment to be able to show DVDs in the villages – DVDs that would clearly present the gospel of Jesus Christ. A couple in the US responded to that need, bought every bit of the needed equipment, and even shipped it all to Georgia where a container was being packed for Togo! That container arrived recently - and in it was the projector, DVD player, small generator, large speakers – everything that was needed (except a microphone that we forgot about!!) for Pastor Martouka to take God’s Word (through preaching and through DVD recordings) into villages in his area! I got to talk with Pastor Martouka the other day – what a joy to rehearse how God has provided! I mentioned how excited I was, and he said, “You are not as excited as I am”! He is thrilled – can hardly stop smiling!!! Again, your prayers are needed – as soon as Pastor Martouka is fully trained on using the equipment, he will be taking it to the villages, entering Satan’s territory and literally blasting out the truth of God’s forgiveness and of eternal life through Christ! Please pray for him and for his family – and for this incredible ministry!
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| Mme Tchao and new sewing machine |
**As you know, our hospital has some huge financial needs. A short time ago, I received a note from someone in a supporting church saying that she was sending a gift for our hospital ministry. That in itself was fantastic news! But what was even neater was God’s timing. About two hours after receiving that note, I was in our missionary prayer meeting – and the hospital administrator, Annette, asked prayer for hospital finances. She said that the hospital finances were probably lower than they have been in a long time because of some necessary expenditures. How fun to be able to lean over and tell her that God had already touched the heart of one person to give to the hospital! I love it when He does things like that!!
**Then there is the need of a vehicle for our Community Health Evangelism (CHE) ministry. I wrote about some seemingly impossible financial obstacles in getting a car for that ministry. A day after I sent that prayer letter, telling about a $38,000 car that sounded perfect for being able to get to these villages, I received an e-mail from someone saying that she wanted to help out with a donation. I have no idea what that entails – but it does not matter. What matters is that God touched someone’s heart! And that provides such a sense of peace and assurance that He knows the need and that He alone is able to meet that need! I have no idea what God will do; I have no idea how in the world the money will be provided for this need for the CHE ministry, but I believe He is going to do it!
**So many of you literally prayed me through the neuro class for five weeks of this trimester. Wow, did a lot of work go into that class! Literally weeks of study, preparation of student notes, my notes, powerpoint, exams – not to mention teaching time, grading, individual help, etc! I am not sure that I have ever put this much time into a course – or that I have been so excited about teaching a course! Seriously! In spite of being tired (wow, is that an understatement!), it was so neat to see how God gave ideas, and illustrations, and different ways of explaining thing. And how He gave excitement in presenting that information to students! I am not a “natural” teacher – far from it! I am only a teacher through God’s enablement – and am often reminded of how I cannot do any of this teaching or directing without Him!
**Many have also prayed and asked about the tooth pain from several weeks ago. I do not know where it went – the pain, that is, not the tooth! Seriously! Twenty minutes after starting antibiotics at the recommendation of my dentist in the US, the terrible pain was gone. It makes absolutely no sense that antibiotics would work in 20 minutes – but the pain has not returned since! So my tooth and I are staying together for the time being!! Again, thank you for praying!
In case you think that laziness has taken over now that the neuro course is done – not to worry!! I have one more week (this week!) to prep for the next course which is nursing care of the patient with endocrine problems. Another course that I thoroughly enjoy teaching - but one that needs a lot of preparation and can get a little complicated! I once again need your prayers as I begin teaching this four-week course next Monday!
I often say that our nursing program is also a 3-year “discipleship” program! Our students not only learn nursing theory, skills, hospital practice – they also must document growth in godly character and in Christian living. Multiple times each trimester, they journal such things as: application of biblical principles to life, demonstration of Christlike compassion, sharing the gospel with patients and families. I was just grading some of these journals and I read the following account. I want to share this student’s comments with you because they so clearly demonstrate the goals of our nursing program. Here is what this student wrote:
"During this past week, I took care of a patient who had a left foot fracture. This man had been 'abandoned' by his two wives and his 6 children. The patient came to our hospital without any family present and without any help. When I encountered the patient, his clothes were bloody, so I helped him change into a hospital gown and helped wash his clothes. I cleaned his bed and changed the sheets which were also wet with blood. Afterwards, I bought some rice cereal (bouillie) for him because he was hungry, but there was no one there to buy for him. After drinking the rice water, the man started to talk with me and thanked me. He asked this question: 'From where did you know me, that you would do everything like this?' I said, 'It is not necessary for you to thank me. Even though you were abandoned by your family, there is a friend who will always be at your side. His Name is Jesus; He is the One Who works in my life to demonstrate His love. Would you like to know Him? Would you like to keep company with Him?' His answer was 'Yes'!! This patient who had been very resistant to the gospel of Jesus Christ when presented by our chaplains, agreed to hear the gospel and even read for himself such verses as Jean 3:16 and Romans 5:8. At the end of our discussion, this patient made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as His personal Savior. Each day I continue to visit him in the cuisine (place where patients who are discharged can stay). He tells me, 'I have a peaceful heart with my Savior'!"
What a story! You can’t beat the thrill of being involved in a ministry like this! Thank you for the part you have through your prayers, through your gifts and support, and through your wonderful encouragement. You and I have the incredible privilege of working together with God!
Thankful to be serving Him together!
Sharon
Serving in Togo, West Africa with ABWE
ABWE Account numbers: Nursing program (#76355); CHE (#76352); personal (#13787).
Address: ABWE, Missionary Finance, PO Box 8585, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8585
