Let Not Your Hearts be Troubled

     As I walked across the beautiful WAAST (West Africa Advanced School of Theology) campus, my tranquil thoughts were interrupted by the shrieking sounds of whistles, horns blaring, and people shouting in an overwhelming cacophony of sounds.  The guards had the front security gate closed to only allow one person at a time to pass.  I went to the balcony of the church on campus and looked over the wall from an upstairs “African Window”.  I realized that there was another protest happening right in front of the Bible School.  Trucks were full of shouting protesters, streets were closed, marchers were chanting, and other chaotic activities seemed to be happening everywhere.   I soon learned that protests were happening all over the country.  University students were unhappy because they were not receiving a free education.  Taxi and truck drivers were complaining about the increase in fuel costs.  Political parties were unhappy about the election results from several years ago, and those were just a few of the grievances.  In Togo, which is often considered part of the “third world”, protests are not uncommon.  There seems to be so much bitterness and strife.

     How should we handle the chaos that is going on around us?  The Word of God says in Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  It is amazing how often questionable reports are believed and action is taken.  Proverbs 14:15 The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.  Perhaps it would be wise to consider some Biblical advice for our social media posts as well.  Proverbs 13:3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.  So whether it is ongoing protests and chaos outside our African Window or on our televisions, God has given us a promise and a hope.  He will never forsake us.  John 14: 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Until next time…     Mark & Vickie

All Things to All People

     As Missionaries, we do not profess to be experts at anything in particular but we are willing to do whatever it takes to help reach the lost.  Even produce videos.  Over the last 25 years Vickie and I have found ourselves in villages playing with children, building tabernacles, sweeping floors, teaching at bible schools, putting up tents, and so much more.  We have bandaged wounds, delivered food and books, and helped with church planting.  We have preached, published newsletters, hosted teams, and the list goes on and on.  Oh yes, currently with the Africa Oasis Project we are also drilling many fresh water wells in villages.

    So what are we saying?  We are trying to do our part to be all things that are beneficial to the Kingdom of God.  Our goal is to be a part of this great group of Assemblies of God Missionaries in Africa who “Pursue God through His Holy Spirit for an increasingly redeemed and transformed Africa.”  Please pray with us that we may continue to be effective in this ministry.

1 Corinthians 9:22 (NIV)
²² I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.

 Until next time…..    Mark and Vickie

“If you raise it, I’ll run.”  

     That was the challenge Pastor Mike Tedder made to his congregation at The Tabernacle, an Assembly of God church in Decatur, Georgia.  Pastor Tedder made the commitment to run in the 10 kilometer, 2018 Oasis Race if the church raised the goal of $10,000.  Church members Ken and Amanda Corley led the effort for the Tabernacle to raise funds to help the Africa Oasis Project (the Assemblies of God World Missions – Africa, water initiative) to drill a much-needed well in Africa.  With abundant joy and celebration, a check for $10,000 was presented to Gay Wall, the Director of Children’s Ministries for the Georgia District of the Assemblies of God, to be given to the Africa Oasis Project through BGMC to drill a well.

     We are still working hard to spread the Gospel of the Living Water across Africa.  It has been our joy to continue to fulfill our missions calling in this way.  Thanks you for your continued prayers and support.

Mark & Vickie