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November 30, 2005
A good crowd showed up for our Wednesday evening Bible study
and prayer. (With the majority of our students taking night
classes, and two others teaching French at the local school,
it is good to see the attendance climbing back up.) Dominike
continued with his third Bible study on the book of James.
He stressed the relationship that Christians have with one
another and the world. As he stated a true believer will
evidence that belief by his actions, especially in the area
of compassion. It was a good lesson from this young
preacher.
For this month, Dominike reported five new converts in
Boulwando; two in the marché and three during the services.
He also stated that he has started a home Bible study at
Yembi’s house.
===============================================================
November 28, 2005
After the Institute this morning we experienced some
difficulties with the students. (Living in a dormitory for
our men is a new experience. Plus having to relate to other
men from different villages also is a new experience.)
Tempers flared among them. Words were exchanged in a heated
manner just outside our gate.
I have been stressing the reality that living in such an
environment will produce “difficulties” that will need to be
addressed individually. Problems such as these are
unavoidable, and are even anticipated, as a way to develop
Christ-like character and draw us closer to each other. So,
I decided to allow them to deal with the problem
individually and I would deal with the potential fallout.
As I was driving away, Timothée and Douninoma took a
different route to cut me off. Neither was involved in the
conflict, but both wanted to “counsel” me. Apparently having
different men do different things produces animosity between
them. There is a built in jealousy and mistrust of one
another.
After I arrived home, Dominike and David, stopped by, at
separate times. Both were involved in the conflict and both
wanted to verify my confidence in them. It was easy to give
them something they already possess; my confidence. Both
Dominike and David are transparent and have difficulty
hiding their emotions. It is encouraging for me to be able
to teach these men when they are open about their feelings.
Both left my house with a renewed confidence in their walk
with the Lord and, hopefully, a greater respect for each
other and the other students. Please pray for the continuing
development of a “one heart, one mind” team of preachers in
Burkina.
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November 27, 2005
Our “bus route” resumed in Dassasgo with twenty-six riders.
Several others anticipated riding on the “bus” but because
of a lack of space decided to walk to the services. One of
those “bus” riders was Adjaratou and her new born son,
David. It was really encouraging to see her back in our
services. Abdoulaye ZEBRÉ was also back in the services
again. Our chairs were full and the children’s church
continues to grow to the point of needing a second
children’s church for the older children. We are in the
process of seeking the Lord’s will for who will commence
this new program in the very near future.
This morning Alexis left for Tanghin to hold the services
there for the first time by himself. He left on one of new
mobylettes that was recently purchased. Unfortunately he ran
into difficulty with the mobylette. Apparently when they put
the mobylette together they forgot to tighten a few screws
and as he continued down the road parts began to fall off.
He stopped and hitched a ride to Zorgho where he had it
repaired. He continued onto to Tanghin a little late where
thirty-seven people awaited his arrival. During the
invitation three more adults came forward to accept the
Lord; Mata TABSOBA, Noaga COMPAORÉ and Mariam COMPAORÉ, the
sister to Santale. Two others came forward for assurance of
their salvation; Denis DUPAMA and Barthalami KABORÉ. Alexis
was also surprised to see Noelé in the services. She has
moved into her sister’s house in Tanghin. (Wow! She is from
Boulwando, saved in Dassasgo and is now assisting in Tanghin.)
===============================================================
November 26, 2005
This week during our Soul-Winning Club we continued to
emphasis follow-up with the new converts through our street
witnessing program. Five more souls were converted this
week. The interesting, and encouraging, statistic was that
thirty-five recent converts were again visited for
follow-up. Praise the Lord!
===============================================================
November 23, 2005
This evening with Dominike sick in Boulwando I taught on
future events for the Christian. It was really encouraging
to see Abdoulaye ZEBRÉ in the services. After growing in
grace for several months, even assisting in the services, he
began to experience family problems with his new found
faith. So he began missing more and more until he completely
stopped coming. It has been several months since his last
visit to our services. Tonight he mentioned that he went to
his village for several months and has recently returned
excited about growing in faith.
===============================================================
November 20, 2005
There was a lot of opposition for us to return to Tanghin
this week. Friday evening, after our daughters’ sporting
event at school, our starter fell out of the car.
Frantically we sought a mechanic to “fix” it. Then on
Saturday evening, after our children’s youth meeting, one of
our car brake lines was ripped open. There would be no way
to have it replaced before we leave for Tanghin at 6:45 AM
Sunday morning. So, I tried to tape the car brake line with
electrical and duct tape and bought several cans of break
fluid, and then proceeded to Tanghin. (Yes, I realize it is
not a wise thing to do, and I have no excuses for doing it.
I really felt the necessity to keep our services this week.)
About half-way there, the tape gave way. Since we were we
well on our way, we decided to proceed without our car
brakes, realizing that we would not have any car brakes on
the way home.
When we arrived at Tanghin, not one single person was there.
It was a little discouraging after having over sixty the
week before. As Alexis, Harouna and I contemplated the
future of this new work, Santale showed up; then Adama, the
new convert from last week, and as we started singing we had
twelve people. (A few more showed up near the end.) We held
services, preached a strong salvation message and gave an
urgent invitation. During the invitation, I asked for those
who would like to receive Christ to come down to the front.
Dénis PUPANA and Larba PUPANA, two older adults responded
and came forward. Adama again responded for assurance. Still
I noticed there was one older man who stayed seated even
though it looked like he was under conviction, but as
Harouna started to close in prayer, this man, Barthalami
KABORÉ, quieting joined the others at the front of the
services to receive Christ.
With all of the difficulties and possibilities of not
traveling to Tanghin this morning, we were rejoicing on the
way home that we did not give in to the difficulties of
ministry. With three men accepting the Lord this morning it
was well worth the toil to get there. Alexis said he was
very confident in these new converts, especially Barthalami
as he humbled himself at the end to commit himself to Jesus
Christ.
Noël preached today in Dassasgo. He has been traveling back
and forth to Koudougou to assist his pastor, André BAZIE, in
the mission works there. This week he and his pastor decided
for him to stay in Dassasgo for the services here. It was
great to have him preaching in our small mission work in
Ouagadougou. He preached on John 20 about continuing in the
work.
===============================================================
November 19, 2005
Last night at 9:30 PM, as we were leaving our children’s
school, our starter literally fell out of the car. Since we
were planning on going to Tanghin Sunday morning, I had to
find a mechanic to repair and replace the starter. So, I
unfortunately missed the Soul-Winning Club.
===============================================================
November 16, 2005
National Pastor/Missionary Andre BAZIE and I talked after
the Institute about the subject of communion. There has not
been a communion service in an independent Baptist Church in
Burkina, nor yet in any mission work established by
independent Baptists. (After counseling with my sending
Pastor, John Tucker, and after having been commissioned by
our sending church, Northeast Baptist Church, to hold
communion services, we are making plans to hold communion
services in both of our mission works under the authority of
our sending church.) We needed to touch base where his
students would be with respect to the communion services. I
want his students to be in the services to observe this
special and solemn service, but not participate. He agreed
that it would be best for his students to observe the Lord’s
Table being administered in an independent Baptist church.
So we are planning on holding communion services in a couple
of weeks in Dassasgo and during the Christmas season in
Boulwando.
Dominike continued his Bible study on James, emphasizing the
urgency of “good works” as an indication of one’s faith. He
tackled a very difficult subject with poise and confidence.
===============================================================
November 14, 2005
After the Institute this morning Dominike stopped by to
report on the progress at Boulwando. Yesterday during the
invitation a young man came forward and accepted the Lord.
This makes four people who professed Christ this week; three
others were converted during the soul-winning visitation in
the village. They are continuing to make plans for their
building dedication, and to have another baptism.
===============================================================
November 13, 2005
After several attempts to start, God finally opened the door
to hold our first services in Tanghin. Praise the Lord!
As today was the national elections, and as we were meeting
across the street from the Naba’s house where the local
elections were held, there were a large group of interested
people wanting to know what was happening under the tree. We
had over 100 to 150 people stop by to see the “commotion”
with just over sixty staying for the entire services.
Harouna led the singing while Alexis translated my message.
A young man, Adama TABSOBA, responded to the gospel call and
accepted Christ as his personal Savior.
After the services the Naba stopped by to again thank us for
thinking of his village and letting us know that he has
already talked with the other area Naba’s and they are also
excited about this new work. With many of those stopping by
hearing the gospel for the first time, the prospects for
this new work look promising. Please pray God’s will upon
this new work.
We traveled up to Boulwando to speak with the members about
the future of this mission work. There were over fifty
members who stayed behind to greet us. (They already held
their services and after the services many went to vote in
the national elections. Plus this is close to the end of the
harvest season so the attendance was a little low.) I had
the opportunity to share our vision for their very near
future. With the continual spiritual growth of both Dominike
as a pastor, and several of the older adults, as leaders, we
foresee an opportunity to make this an independent, Baptist
Church that will be completely autonomous this summer. Plans
are under way to make this a reality and this is what was
discussed with this young church, or growing mission work.
We could see the excitement in their faces as they continue
to realize God’s hand upon them. Please pray for the
continual development of this young church.
Attendance in Dassasgo was low as the “bus” was sent to
Tanghin and the Pastor was not there. Still they had a good
service with Ghislain preaching on the “Religiousness of
People” from Isaiah 1:10-20. Timothée was scheduled to
participate in the services in a more tangible way this
morning and was really looking forward to his increased
participation, but he was called away on an emergency during
the services. David, who was leading the singing, stopped
for a few minutes to have prayer for Timothée as he traveled
to his urgent rendezvous.
Enoch, the baby boy of Ésaïe, was in the services today.
Despite his cough, both mother and father, were pleased that
he is much, much better. His malaria has disappeared and he
is no longer dehydrated. Thank you for your prayers on his
behalf.
===============================================================
November 12, 2005
The teams have been chosen for our Sunday School Campaign,
which will commence in January. (With a desire to have a
Christmas special, it was decided to carry this campaign
into the new year.) Mary taught the specifics of the
campaign to those present.
During the Soul-Winning Club it was reported that sixteen
people made professions of faith during the street
witnessing this week. Harouna and Paul teamed up together
this week and saw six professions during their time on the
street. Another fourteen people who had previously made
professions of faith on the street were followed up. It is
encouraging to see the desire grow in the club members to
seek out those making professions of faith. (This is a
difficult task given the transient nature of Ouagadougou.)
===============================================================
November 09, 2005
Dominike started his four week series on the book of James.
He is very excited about this opportunity as this is the
only time he can participate in the services in Dassasgo.
With more and more of our men, and a few women, seeking to
further their educational opportunities attendance has moved
down. It is great to see these men, and women, put into
practice, in a very real way, the counsel I have been giving
them.
===============================================================
November 07, 2005
(I had been really encouraging the men in the Institute, and
again during some of the Bible studies lessons at the church
in Dassasgo, to pursue their education. With the exponential
growth of Ouagadougou and the increasing educational level
of many of those living in Ouagadougou, it is very important
that the future leaders of the churches continue to strive
increase their educational background. Many do not have
their high school diploma, as they simply quit pursuing it
as they reached a level above most of their family and
friends. It is not that could not gain it; as several of
them have already done the work but failed to complete the
financial aspects of it, and as many others would simply
need to pass the exams which would be the equivalent of a
GED. They are beginning to take it to heart.)
So, after the Institute lessons this morning, David wanted
to talk with me. He had been in contact with his school
about receiving his high school diploma. Unfortunately, at
every step of the way, he has been confronted with the
financial aspects of it. He can get his diploma by simply
paying several directors a fee to process the paperwork. Of
course those fees are more than he makes in a month. I
encouraged him not to worry about this, as he will still
have three full years to get his diploma before his
Institute years are up. It was encouraging for me to see him
really strive to pursue this, as he is beginning to realize
the wonderful opportunity God has given him to increase his
learning to be much more effective as a preacher. May God
grant us more David’s who understand the necessity of
furthering their educational level.
===============================================================
November 06, 2005
Twenty-eight people rode the “bus” to church this morning.
Four children, friends of Evariste, came for the first time.
Paul preached on “What is the Word of God and Its Effect.”
During the invitation Yanik responded. He made a profession
in August through the street witnessing of Paul and has been
inconsistent with his discipleship and church attendance.
Alexis dealt with him by making sure of his salvation
decision and then by encouraging him to become faithful in
his walk with the Lord.
Yacouba NIKEEMA (NASSA) also responded to the invitation.
Two weeks ago he heard the gospel for the first time and did
not respond. He said he wanted to think more about this
decision. This morning Ésaïe continued his talk with Yacouba
and he responded positively by repenting and receiving
Christ as his personal Savior. Praise the Lord!
After the services Timothée KABORÉ wanted to be baptized. He
was unable to be baptized several weeks ago because his wife
fell ill during the services and he had to bring her home. I
told him that we would make a special effort to baptize him
when he was ready. This morning he was ready and we baptized
one person into the fellowship of this church.
There is an urgent need for prayer for the new baby of Ésaïe;
Enoch. He fell very sick Thursday and he has progressed
downhill since them. On top of the malaria he also has
amebas which is causing him to have diarrhea and vomiting.
There are other complications with his tongue, and I cannot
make out what it is, but Timothée, our resident nurse, has
been seeing him constantly and has been trying to keep him
full of rehydration drink. Ésaïe mentioned that he is not
sure if he will continue to live this week. Your prayers for
little Enoch and his family would be greatly appreciated. (I
will keep you updated.)
===============================================================
November 05, 2005
Our Soul-Winning Club continues to meet on Saturday mornings
with an emphasis on our first ever Sunday School Campaign
that we are preparing for. (Teams are being chosen.
Excitement is building. Expectations are high.) This week
over fifteen people made professions of faith through our
street witnessing. More than thirteen new converts from our
street witnessing were re-visited this week.
Denis, one of our new IBFO students visited with Alexis this
morning and for the first time did most of the speaking. His
French is limited and is Mooré is almost non-existent, but
he did a good job according to Alexis. Harouna went with
Paul this morning and was the primary speaker for the first
time. (He has visited several times before with Dominike in
Boulwando, but mostly prayed and observed the conversation.)
David, Douninoma and Ghislain did some follow-up work today,
visiting several of the recent converts.
We have developed a discipleship program and have already
instituted it, but it has been met with some indifference
with both those being discipled and those doing the
follow-up work. We covet your prayers in this area, as we
would like to continue effective follow-up with these new
converts. (We understand the tremendous problem of
transportation but we are limited on our “bus route.” Many
of these new converts live all over Ouaga and many of them
are visiting Ouaga for a few days before they return back to
their villages. Still we would like to develop an effective
follow-up method.) We are open to suggestions.
===============================================================
November 04, 2005
Today Alexis, Harouna and I drove out to Tanghin to meet
with the Naba. Dominike and Abel met us there and we
proceeded to the Naba’s house where he cordially talked with
us. (Actually he only spoke Mooré so Alexis translated the
conversation for me.) He welcomed us to his village and said
he was excited about having a “protestant” missionary
interested in his village and his people.
As this is still the harvest season, and it will not end for
about another month, he could not offer us any land until
after the crops are in. He offered his house as a meeting
place until we could secure some land. We hesitated, knowing
the potential problems of identifying the Naba as a “leader”
of the church. So he mentioned that there were two different
trees close by and we could have our pick of either one.
Both were close to his house and within a stone’s throw of a
Catholic mission.
We picked the tree across the road from his house and the
farthest tree from the Catholic mission. We will hold our
first services on November 13, 2005 under a tree. The Naba
assured us that after the harvest season he will get
together with the other area Naba’s and choose a good
location for this “work of God.”
Please pray for this new work in Tanghin and for Alexis as
we begin training him in the ministry here in Tanghin.
===============================================================
November 03, 2005
Today is Ramadan, the end of the month long fast for the
Muslims. Everything was closed down. After fasting during
the day for the whole month without food or drink including
water, (they are allowed to eat during the night hours),
they all went to various family and friends and celebrated
with a big meal.
Even our IBFO students could not buy food on the streets. So
they sought out their Muslim friends and enjoyed their feast
with them. It was good to see that as they were celebrating
with the Muslims they had the opportunity to lead five
people to the Lord.
===============================================================
November 02, 2005
Ésaïe completed his four week lesson on Philippians with a
great lesson on rejoicing in the Lord. I could tell he
really enjoyed preparing the lessons and it was evident that
he did not want to end his lessons, but he still respected
the time.
(Next week Dominike will start a four week series on the
book of James.)
===============================================================
November 01, 2005
Today is a holiday; All Saints Day. We have the luxury of
celebrating all the Catholic, Muslim and national holidays
here.
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October 31, 2005
For several months now Adjaratou has been missing church
services. About the time that she started attending services
she had a relationship with a neighbor. Shortly after her
baptism she realized she was pregnant. She tried to keep it
a secret for as long as possible, but we knew. The father
had pressured her to get an abortion, but she steadfastly
refused. Today she had a little baby born. Both the mother
and son are healthy and should be out of the maternity by
the end of the week. Please pray for Adjaratou as this is a
struggle for her, as it is for many of the women here in
Burkina.
===============================================================
October 30, 2005
We had twenty-one “bus riders” this morning. Several of our
regulars were missing for various reasons. We are beginning
to pray about getting a transporter for our “bus route” as
this would aid us in picking up more people each service. We
have two potential “bus drivers” right now with a couple of
more waiting to get their drivers permits.
The services went well with Ghislain preaching this morning.
His message was on Psalms 33.8-22. He preached a good forty
minutes on the goodness of God. It was good to see Estelle
back in the services for the second straight week. David has
assumed the responsibility for the music and has decided to
start a chorale. He is energetic about this new opportunity
and cannot wait to see the chorale form quickly.
Amadou, Alexis’ uncle, came for the services. He is a devout
Muslim and has been encouraging Alexis to follow the Muslim
faith. Of course he has steadfastly refused. So it was good
to see Amadou in the services and then to have him stay
around after the services to talk with me. (I had met him
before in the old bureau. Today he seemed a little more
open. Please pray for his salvation.)
===============================================================
October 29, 2005
We had another good turnout for the Soul-Winning Club. Ésaïe
is still nursing his sore knees. This week there were five
professions of faith; including the two students that
Douninoma had the opportunity to lead to the Lord. Alexis
visited with Cheick and made sure of his salvation. There
were twenty three other follow-ups of those who had
previously made professions of faith. Timothée and Ghislain
took the time to visit again with our Moonie friends. They
continued their conversation about the gospel, but things
remain as they were.
During the middle of the course, Christène and Marguerite
came into the study. We were in the process of responding to
various questions and began talking about marriage. (It is
amazing how many rabbits one can chase during the course of
a Bible Study on Soul-Winning.) With twelve men it was good
to get the input of two young Burkinabé ladies. They were
interested and were active in the conversation.
===============================================================
October 28, 2005
Douninoma had another chance to talk with another of his
fellow students, Issa, who also responded to the gospel
call. Please pray for these new converts.
Marcel has realized that he is not ready for the Institute.
He was unsure of the amount of work required, and of the
amount of reading and writing that is required. He feels he
lacks the education to continue. Therefore he will be
returning to his village this weekend. He plans on returning
after further education in reading and writing French. (He
speaks another language, Lili, and we are unable to
translate the courses into his language.)
Ésaïe was involved in an accident with a mobylette. As he
was walking near his house, his friend, Issaka, came by on
his mobylette and the two collided with Ésaïe falling on his
knees. I am not sure how serious it is, but we should find
out in a day or two.
===============================================================
October 27, 2005
Douninoma took the time tonight to visit one of his new
school mates from his evening classes. As he was talking
with Hamado, Hamado realized his need for Christ and
received Him this evening. It is really encouraging for
Douninoma to see the Lord using him in this way.
Dominike returned to the village this morning on a
transporter. His mobylette is still broken, but by the grace
of God he received the finances to have it repaired in
Zorgho, a city near Boulwando.
===============================================================
October 26, 2005
Ésaïe continued his study on Philippians tonight. He is
really working hard on communicating the truths he is
discovering through his studies. It is evident that he has
put a lot of time into his preparations. He is still a
little intimidated to speak in French, so we have to have a
translator for him. He is much more comfortable in his Mooré.
It was good to see Ferdinand Kabore back again for the
Wednesday services. His family will not allow him to attend
the Sunday morning services but do not mind if he comes to
our Bible Studies. We have several young men who are in the
same predicament. They need our prayers. Issaka TABSOBA came
to his very first Wednesday Bible study tonight. Being the
neighbor and friend of Ésaie it was a little easier for him
to find a way to our services.
Several of the other students have started the evening
classes at the local high school. (I had thought that they
were in the process of seeking college courses, but they
must have their high school diploma completed before they
can continue. Many of them have completed all but their last
year.) It is really encouraging to see them take an active
interest in furthering their education.
===============================================================
October 24, 2005
As the Institute started this week with André BAZIE, he
brought up Marcel BAZEMO as opposed to Jean Mark. There are
several prospective students in the several mission works
André is working in the Koudougou area, but we are limited
in space and funds. After talking with these two men, André
felt it was appropriate for Marcel to start this week and
for Jean Mark and a couple of others to wait a little
longer.
The Institute is going well. The excitement of a new year is
really encouraging to see among the students. Things appear
to be worked out among the students from the villages. We
are pressing forward.
===============================================================
October 23, 2005
We resumed our “bus route” this morning picking up a total
of twenty-three riders. One of the new riders this morning
was Nassa Yacumba. He works for one of our neighbors and is
always around our house. He has witnessed the transformation
of several of his acquaintances and decided to ‘check us
out.’ He has attempted to come for three weeks now and
finally made it. After the services he heard the gospel call
and refused to respond, but said he will think about it this
week. Please pray for his salvation.
Noël BADO preached this morning. His title was “Nothing Is
Impossible To God.” Several responded to the invitation for
personal prayer. One of those responding to the invitation
was a first time visitor Daniel. He is a Congolese who has
been in Ouaga for three weeks working on his doctorate in
economics. He was passing by the church when Mary approached
him and invited him into our services. It was also good to
have one of our neighbors visit again. Esthère came to our
services for the second time since our move.
During the services we were visited by Jehovah Witnesses.
They came into our courtyard seeking to ‘witness’ to us. I
talked a little with them about our church. Of course they
were not interested and quickly realized that we were not
going to buy any of their literature or listen to their
appeal. It is hard to believe the cults are beginning to
branch out in Burkina. :-(
As I was dropping off our bus riders, Asseta YAMÉOGO,
Adjaratou’s sister who had been sick, climbed out of the car
on her own, came over to the front door on the passenger’s
side and raised her hand up as high as it would go. It
barely reached to the window, as small as she is. She began
to frantically wave her hand while shouting out “bye, bye.”
I reached over the passenger’s seat to see her. I could not
believe that big, beautiful smile on her little face or
those sparkling eyes. It was obvious that she was very
happy. These are her first words to me since she has been
coming to the services. Even as I lift her in and out of the
vehicle she will not talk with me. Today was different! I
wore a very big smile on my face the rest of the day. It is
amazing how contagious a smile is. :-)
===============================================================
October 22, 2005
As Mary and Rachel were driving into our house from the
marché, Mary noticed two girls fighting across the street at
the local elementary school. She quickly made her was in
front of the crowd of children to help break up this fight.
After she separated the two girls she began to talk with
them. One of the directors of the school came out and
introduced himself to Mary and invited her to begin teaching
English on a weekly basis. They set up another time to talk
about this opportunity. It would be a great chance to get
into this school. Please pray for this opportunity to bear
fruit.
We continued our barnstorming for our upcoming Sunday School
Campaign during our Soul-Winning Club. David KORGO and Paul
SAYOUGA were selected as the team leaders. Within a couple
of weeks each team will have chosen names and members and
will hope to commence within a month. The excitement is
building!
There were six professions of faith through out street
witnessing. Harouna had the opportunity to visit some of our
new converts with some of the other students. It is good to
see him getting active in the visitation program.
===============================================================
October 20, 2005
Dominike was scheduled to visit in Tanghin this morning to
see about a rendezvous with the Naba. (Abel was supposed to
call us this Tuesday about his meeting with the Naba, but
did not.) Unfortunately Dominike was involved in an accident
with his mobylette on his way to Tanghin. He is okay, only
slightly injuring his knees. As of right now, the mobylette
did not suffer too much damage, but it is still on the side
of the road.
(I had made a faux-pas in not seeking a rendezvous with the
Naba before we actually started in Tanghin. Dominike had
visited the Naba several times during the last couple of
months, even securing his permission to pursue a mission
work there. Abel had talked with the Naba several times
about the same thing. Unfortunately, I am still perceived as
the foreign missionary interested in starting the work and
therefore it is up to me to personally visit the Naba and
gain his confidence. I knew this. I have no excuses for not
following the normal procedure in this matter. I had hoped
to have others realize that the desire to start a work in
Tanghin came from the new converts in Tanghin that were
saved out of the Boulwando church and that therefore it was
the Fundamental Baptist Church of Boulwando that was the
motivating force behind the new mission work in Tanghin. It
really is the reason we felt led to Tanghin. Please pray
that we could have our rendezvous with the Naba soon and
that we could start services there very quickly.)
I had also mentioned to Dominike last month about getting
together with the church in Boulwando about a dedication
service. The members there, under the leadership of Dominike,
would be in charge of organizing, promoting and paying for
the celebration services. Dominike mentioned that they have
decided to wait for the harvest before having this
dedication service; a great decision.
===============================================================
October 19, 2005
Ésaïe continued his Bible study on Philippians teaching the
reality of our new life in Christ and what it means to be
truly “dead to self” and “alive unto Christ.” Yanik
continues to be faithful on Wednesday nights. Paul is
continuing his discipleship with him on a weekly basis.
Ferdinand came again with a new visitor, Serge KABORÉ.
Alexis is working with Ferdinand with the discipleship
material.
After the Bible study Alexis talked a little with Serge. He
did not appear interested and tried to leave quickly, but
Alexis stopped him for a few words. He heard the gospel but
refused to respond. Please pray for his salvation.
Also Pastor BAZIE and I talked a little with his students
about the necessity of faithfulness to their own churches.
There seemed to be a little tension in the air and I am not
sure everything was resolved. The IBFO exists to assist the
local churches and not vise-a-versa. There are inherent
problems with moving from a village into a large city,
coupled with the movement from a national pastor to a
foreign missionary, added with the “youthfulness” of the
students, will produce potential problems. Please pray for
this situation with the students from André’s mission works.
I want to be sensitive to the cultural differences.
David and Douninoma have started taking University courses
at night. They are determined to better their lives by the
educational opportunities presented to them. So they have
started taking a full time schedule of night classes.
Ghislain has indicated that he has also enrolled in these
courses, but did not start tonight because he wanted to talk
with André and me before proceeding. This is a great
opportunity for them and we can only encourage them in this
endeavor.
===============================================================
October 17, 2005
National Pastor/Missionary André BAZIE came into Ouaga to
start his teaching year at the Institute. He brought three
of his students with him; second year students Ghislain
NAGALO and Noël BADO, and first year student Denis BAZIE.
Jean Marc BAZEMON, the young man Pastor BAZIE has been
talking about for several months will be coming into Ouaga
this coming week. (Vincent BADO is still having vision
problems and will remain at home until his recovery. He is
in need of prayer; as he is greatly discouraged about these
tragic events that have come into his life.)
This is the third week for the Institute. We are presently
at twelve students; our expectation. Please pray for the
success of the Institute this year; that God would continue
to build His workers for the harvest here in Burkina, that
God would continue to touch the hearts of men, and women, to
respond to His call into the Lord’s vineyard, and that God
would continue to provide the finances for the present
needs, and future growth of the Institute.
Étienne BOUGMA came into the Institute this morning and
stayed throughout the teaching day. He was saved through the
street witnessing of Paul in June of this year. Paul had
been working with him and Étienne wanted to “see” what was
going on at the Institute. We continue to get inquiries
about the Institute. We also have several single ladies
interested, but at present we lack the resources to bring
them in. Please pray about these situations; the increased
interested in the Institute, and the inclusion of women,
that God would give us His wisdom in these areas.
===============================================================
October 16, 2005
With our desire to start holding services in Tanghin this
morning we advertised that our “bus route” will not be
running this morning. It was not until yesterday, Saturday,
we found out about the Naba’s decision to have us wait for
land, which was too late to revisit our “bus riders” about
this change in plans. Therefore we left the no “bus route”
plan in place.
Paul SAYOUGA preached this morning on the Infinite Love of
God. He preached a very strong message on God’s love as
exhibited through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, on
the cross of Calvary. He even gave the invitation for the
first time this morning and handled himself quite well.
Several people responded to their need for casting their
cares upon the One who truly loves them.
As Cheick BAZIE was entering the services he again stopped
me to remind me of his hairdo and his need to have it cut.
He seems very intimidated by his “reggae” hairdo. He is a
musician who sings and plays the piano. I assured him the
greatest need he has is for his new heart to grow. It is
exciting to see him tender to those things around him that
he believes are not in accord with his new profession.
Please continue to pray for his spiritual growth.
After the services I had an opportunity to talk with Issaka
TAPSOBA about his family. He is the father of four children;
his oldest is fourteen and his youngest is eighteen days. He
has never brought his family to services, even though he
himself has been faithful for several months. This morning
he assured me that he would bring his whole family very soon
to the services.
Christène SINGBEOGO and Marguerite SAYOUGA came to the
services a little late. It was good to see Marguerite return
from her village. There had been several new converts from
their village of Kougdoughin; about half an hour north of
Boulwando. Paul mentioned to me that he had been praying for
his village for some time and he has a strong desire to see
some mission work started that can reach out to his family
and friends from his hometown. It is a great desire! Please
pray for this desire with him.
===============================================================
October 15, 2005
This morning I received a phone call from Dominike in
Boulwando. He had visited Tanghin this morning at their
request; they had some news about our first services
tomorrow. Apparently the Naba decided we needed some land
before we start holding services. So Abel COMPAORÉ is not
able to open up his “trees” to our usage. Our services
tomorrow in Tanghin has been put on hold by the Naba there.
Hopefully we will be able to get some land donated to us
quickly. Please continue to pray for the new converts in
Tanghin and for the mission work that is about to start.
There was a good turnout for our Soul-Winning Club. With the
reporting of this week’s successes, it was good to see
Douninoma and David leading several men to the Lord. Over
all we had eight professions of faith during our street
witnessing this week.
We are in the process of brainstorming our upcoming Sunday
School Campaign; a first for our church members. We hope to
start the first ever church outreach campaign in Dassasgo
sometime in the very near future.
===============================================================
October 13, 2005
Alexis had the opportunity to visit again with Issaka. They
had a very good reunion talking about their memories from
school in Zorgho. During the course of the conversation with
Issaka and his younger brother, Adama, Alexis spoke of their
need for Christ. Adama refused to respond, but Issaka was
open to his need for Christ. This afternoon he made a
profession of faith. Alexis, who is very good friends with
Issaka, is excited about his decision, but is a little
apprehensive about Issaka’s desires. Both Issaka and his
brother, Adama, are in need of prayers.
David KORGO also had the opportunity to lead someone to the
Lord through the street witnessing; Matthieu SAWADOGO. This
is the second person David led to Christ, (his first was his
friend Guebrina the end of August), and the first from his
street witnessing. He is very excited about God using him in
this manner.
===============================================================
October 12, 2005
This afternoon several of the men went street witnessing;
including Paul and Douninoma. Today was the first time that
Douninoma had the opportunity to witness wherein someone
responded to the gospel call. Two men made professions of
faith through Douninoma’s testimony and another one made a
profession of faith with both him and Paul.
Tonight Ésaïe started a four week Bible study on
Philippians. He studied hard, using three of our new books
from our fledging library. Attendance was down, with the
commencement of the public schools, but the reception of the
Bible study was high in excitement, enthusiasm and
encouragement.
Cecile KONSIMBO returned for this evening’s services after a
long break. She seemed a little discouraged. It must be
difficult for her to try and grow in grace without the help
of a church family. Her work keeps her away from most of our
services. Since her conversion last December she has been
sporadic in the services. Dominike has been attempting to
disciple her and has made an effort to “visit” with her
almost weekly when he is in Ouaga. Please keep her in your
prayers.
===============================================================
October 09, 2005
The “bus route” went as anticipated; with eighteen total
riders. Several of our normal riders decided to walk the
distance to the church, such as, Fernand, Kibisi, and
several of the children from the old bureau.
The services were also “normal;” (whatever normal is! :-)
Most of our visitors had previously made professions of
faith. During the services we handed out the baptismal
certificates to those baptized last week.
After the services Issaka KABORÉ, one of Alexis’ friends who
is in the airborne division of the Burkina military, stopped
by. They were in school together in Zorgho and had stayed in
contact. Alexis visited him this week and asked him to stop
by the church. Please pray for his salvation.
===============================================================
October 08, 2005
This morning Alexis, Harouna and I met Dominike and Yamba in
Boulwando to proceed to Tanghin to visit with those
interested in starting a church. This is the season for
harvesting and the fields are full of Sorgho, Mille, and
Peanuts. It was very difficult to get through all of the
ripe fields to visit this part of Tanghin. We had to take a
different route the first time and returned by yet another
route. With the fields of Sorgho and Mille towering over our
vehicle we did not have any “route markers” and were
concerned about returning for our first services on the 16th
of October. But we were assured by Harouna that he knew the
way to his sister’s house.
First we stopped by Santale COMPAORÉ, the wife of the Naba
of Boulwando. She was excited about having a church within
her village. Then we went to the home of Abel COMPAORÉ,
where almost twenty people had gathered waiting for our
arrival. Abel is married to one of Harouna’s older sisters;
Abjeta KONSIMBO. He is also the brother to Santale.
Harouna’s other sister, Mamounata, and her husband Rasbanin
COMPAORÉ, were also present. Abel mentioned that there were
many more people present last Friday as we were scheduled to
arrive for our first visit then, but because of vehicle
troubles, our car was at the mechanic’s all day, we were
unable to make the trip. We rescheduled for today. They
mentioned that they were apprehensive about having a church
started in their area, and were full of doubts until we
showed up. Our arrival greatly encouraged them and they are
firmly convinced that God does want a church in this area.
We prayed and talked about the expectations for this new
work. (With over six professions of Christ from this village
in Boulwando and with another two accepting the Lord through
the witnessing of Dominike, we have a great nucleus for a
good church.) We wanted to reiterate that our focus was on
building relationships; on evangelizing, on discipleship and
growing in grace. Hence, we will start our services under
the big tree in front of Abel’s house.
As I was visiting in Tanghin, Ésaïe took charge of the
Soul-Winning Club, teaching and exhorting the club members
and visitors on the necessity of evangelizing. There were
eleven professions of faith this week on the street. Plus
several of the men took opportunities to follow-up on nine
others who had recently made professions of faith.
===============================================================
October 05, 2005
David KORGO led the singing tonight for the first time. He
was very “energetic” and simply did a great job. Yanik
KONDIA continues to show faithfulness to the Wednesday
evening Bible study and prayer time. Paul has been faithful
in discipling Yanik and spending time with him on a weekly
basis. Ferdinand KABORÉ walked in a little late for the
first time since his conversion several months ago.
As we were leaving Ouahabo SAWADOGO approached me outside
the church. He has not been consistent, and has not been in
our services for almost three weeks straight. He lives very
close to our church; so transportation is not a problem. He
wanted to let me know he has been sick, and he has been
missing his “talks” with Ghislain who was discipling him
after his conversion. He assured me that he will be there
this Sunday and that he would like to continue these “talks”
with me until Ghislain returns from the village.
===============================================================
October 04, 2005
Alexis arrived a little late for the start of the Institute
this morning. He stated he had a rendezvous with the
director of his former school. While he was in the school,
which is an educational school for future public school
teachers, he had the opportunity to teach others French as a
way to earn some money. He was basically done with his
studies when he came to our Institute. He is qualified,
studies wise, to receive his government teaching
certificate, but this director is not inclined to give it to
him, unless he returns to the school and the teaching
profession. With this certificate Alexis will have more
doors of opportunity to seek part-time employment. Alexis
assured the director that he has been called into the
ministry and has no desire to return. Please pray that God
would move the director to grant Alexis this certificate.
So, after the Institute Alexis stopped by to talk with me
about the opportunities in Tanghin. I had asked him just
over a week ago to pray about assuming some of the
responsibilities in Tanghin as we begin out there. He
responded today that he felt it was the Lord’s will for him
to assume these added responsibilities. It is not so much as
it is in preaching, praying and visiting, but also he will
be assuming the financial responsibilities of his trips and
of his personal needs. (It is a long story and one I hope to
expound upon a little later, but one that is necessary from
my perspective on the ministries here.)
===============================================================
October 03, 2005
Today was the start of the Institute. We had eight men from
our works present for the opening session. Third year
student Dominike KONSIMBO, and first year student, Harouna
KONSIMBO, were present from the Fundamental Baptist Church
of Boulwando. The other six men are coming from the
Fundamental Baptist Church of Dassasgo; third year student
Ésaïe OUÉDRAOGO, second year students, Alexis KABORÉ, Paul
SAYOUGA, and Timothée KABORÉ, and first year students David
KORGO and his brother Douninoma. (Six of these eight men
were saved through the ministries of our two missions’
works; Boulwando and Dassasgo.) National Pastor/Missionary
André BAZIE was still in conversation with his students.
There are a few more ground rules that need to be understood
and accepted by his men. They should be arriving soon for
the continuation of their studies.
===============================================================
October 02, 2005
Two new riders came on the “bus route” this morning with
Madi OUÉDRAOGO; his brother Lassané and their friend Issouf
Sangaré. There was a total of twenty-eight on the “bus
route” this morning. During the invitation both Lassané and
Issouf responded and received Christ as their Savior. Praise
the Lord!
After the morning preaching services we held a baptism for
five of our new converts. David KORGO, his brother Douninoma,
Madi OUÉDRAOGO, Abdoulaye OUÉDRAOGO and Kadi THIOMBIANO
followed the Lord in believers’ baptism and united with the
Fundamental Baptist Church of Dassasgo. Abdoulaye had
invited his mother to see his baptism, but unfortunately she
could not make it. Also during the services Cita, Timothée
KABORÉ’s wife, fell sick and had to leave the services.
Timothée, who was scheduled to be baptized, will have to
wait until the next baptism, which hopefully will be next
month.
(We have been using various swimming pools for our baptisms,
but this time we decided to try something new. So we looked
high and low for anything that might accommodate our needs.
We found an old water tank and bought it for this purpose.
It was our desire to start having baptisms on our own
property and to have them immediately after the services.
After seeing this water tank I was unsure of its’ potential
effectiveness, but after our baptisms this morning, I
realize that it works great!)
Several different people approached us this morning, both
before and after services, about visiting our church. As we
were picking up several members from our “bus route” two
different people approached us about the opportunity to come
next Sunday. Then this afternoon, one of our neighbors
stopped me on the way to the store to ask if he could visit
our church services.
===============================================================
October 01, 2005
The Soul-Winning Club continues to meet and continues to
have success with our street witnessing. We had more than
five professions of faith this week. (This was also the
first week of our club for Harouna, who came into Ouaga this
week for the start of our Institute.)
After the club David and Douninoma stayed behind to talk
with the other students about the Institute. They are very
conscientious about this important decision in their lives.
Both want to make sure they are making the right decision.
They have been in prayer for the last month about God’s will
for their lives. Please be in prayer for them as they are in
the process of making a life changing decision that will
affect their lives both now and in the future.
This afternoon Alexis, Paul and Harouna visited with several
of our new converts. One of their visits brought them to
Joël KABORÉ. We have been very excited about him and his
recent conversion in our services. He seemed very sincere
and excited about growing in grace. We have been working
with his family for some time; almost from the start of this
church in Dassasgo. Unfortunately, Joël has decided to take
a step back with a different crowd. He has received
financial help from various Muslim groups and has decided to
follow the money; (basically his own words.) Please pray for
Joël, and his family. |
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Editor - Don Tarvin
Updated 30 Jul 2006
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