It was great to meet and spend time with Dr. Emmanuel Mbennah (the new TWR International Director for Africa) while he was in Benin. There were a number of things that struck me about Emmanuel: One, he is passionate about reaching those who do not know Christ. Two, he has a true heart of compassion for the poor and the suffering. Three, Emmanuel thinks and acts strategically. Please join me in thanking God for Emmanuel’s passion, compassion and intentionality and pray for Emmanuel as he leads the Africa region.
This week the hand of our Lord was with us as we had a number of high-level meetings in Cotonou. Praise God that the meeting with the local TWR Benin board was a wonderful time of fellowship and corporation. Our meeting for the shortwave license was very positive, there are a number of procedural items for the licensing authority and a few details through which TWR must work before the license can be considered. Please pray for these items and details to be worked through quickly. Our NGO status is still in process but moving slower than anticipated. Pray that this process would be accelerated and would be without error.
The tremendous joy of the success that God gave us with our meetings this week was overshadowed by the death of my Aunt G, who has been ill. While we rejoice that her suffering in this life has ended and that she is with our Lord, we mourn for our lost. Please pray for Aunt G’s family. (One the things that makes missionary life difficult is times like these when we cannot join our families to mourn together.)
Next week I will take Nehemiah to boarding school in Kenya. Pray for us as we say goodbye and pray for Nehemiah as he enters a new stage in his life.
Corrections: In my blog of August 10 there were a number of errors in the spelling of names. The correct spellings are as follows: Mr. Werner Kroemer, Dr. Emmanuel Mbennah and Rev. Abdoulaye Sangho.
Grace & Peace — Paul