What we did over Spring Break

   A few weeks ago my dad and I spent the night in the bush with 2 teams of teenagers. Ignoring the sweat and grime, we were able to roof 2 churches, and dig a canal. While tearing through the dirt with pick-axes, I often felt as if I was in the movie, "Holes".
   I got to take my very first bucket shower, (which is not as hard as it sounds), and enjoy the lovely restrooms of the bush. Though, I must say that out of everything, my heart is for the children of this nation. It is precious how when you take a picture of them, then let them see it, they will marvel at it because they have never seen their reflection.
   Over all it was an extremely out of the ordinary experience. I feel that words are not enough. So here is a picture montage that I put together. Enjoy.

                                                                                                             -Hannah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbxUFNF-4GY

Skip's Amazing Bush Trip

                                                                                                                     

Tangaye, Burkina Faso

     Skip was invited to speak in a remote village called Tangaye. It was our neighbor's home church. His dad is the pastor there. So between his broken English and our limited French, Skip thought he was going to preach a Sunday message. He left on Friday morning and after driving half the way on roads the rest on dirt, he finally arrived late that evening. Once there Skip found out that it was an evangelistic conference and he was the main speaker. Everyone was told to bring the lost, and the sick. Well, there is much to be said about God knowing what He is doing. Although this was all new information to Skip, it was what he came to Africa for. This particular area is steeped in witchcraft and many people are full of fear even in the church. After Skip gave a clear presentation of the gospel, many gave their lives to the Lord. Many more were healed and set free from various problems. Skip even got to water baptize many of the new believers.

     On Saturday, they took Skip out to the edge of town where the demon possessed are chained to trees. There these men sat, chained up, dirty and not in their right minds. The local believers waited. They expect men of God that walk in power to be able to cast these demons out. Well having never been in a situation quite like this, it was a test of faith. Skip prayed and each man was set free. They no longer needed to be chained, they were free and in their right mind. The first thing Skip did was give them a hug. Who knows how long it was since the last time someone was able to get near them. They gave their hearts to the Lord and came to church. They were able to shower and put on clean clothes and enjoy church. The local pastor has deacons, who once were chained to trees. He disciples them and they become some of the best soldiers for Christ.

     One of the things Skip discovered was that the believers in this area did not know how to exercise their authority in Christ. They were in constant fear of demons and witchcraft, believing that they were helpless to these spiritual things. Skip was able to teach them about the authority we have in Christ. As a son or daughter, God has given you authority; you do not need to walk in fear. Afterwards, people were empowered to pray and began to pray for one another. They knew that they could pray against any attack of the enemy, that the blood of Jesus has more power than any darkness. Now that’s Good News!

The tiny church was packed full of people

Local pastor praying for Skip.

Nearby water source, much like the one Skip got in to baptize believers.

People coming to church.

One of the men, who was chained to a tree. 

Praise God that He still sets men free.

It was an awesome conference, God did so many things to amaze us and prove that He still saves, heals and delivers.  His people were empowered to walk in victory.