It is hot here about 37-38+°C during the day and down to 29-30°c at night. We must remember to drink, rest and avoid the midday sun when possible. We are all healthy and have been for a while which is a real blessing. Carine has been wondering if the strand of typhoid she caught early in the new year isn't attempting a come back but so far so good. Stomachs are fine as long as we avoid the roadside dubious brochette outlets and other suspect culinary temptations.

Anaëlle has been overcoming her shyness, making friends and really playing with the neighbouring kids. She is doing really well in school and is up to date on the program. We accepted SIM Frances offer for a tutor from September on. A student by the name of Helene HIRSCHLER has applied for the job. She needs to raise her support. Joshua is growing into a promising terrible-two (why wait). If by chance you get a step behind him, you are in for it. Best to attempt to be a step or two ahead. We did bring a baby Ed. book or two and have found some well read Dobson and others in the Fada Station library. We are holding fort for now, finding him cute but being firm.

Carine is studying with the CNED for a diploma of "Conseillère en Education Sociale et Familliale", that is along with doing the schooling for Anaëlle and the caring for Joshua, organising the house and the housework, counselling and helping out her husband,... but she is also going through some training here to council in a 'centre de dépistage anonyme - Espoir face au SIDA' run by the church.

Mark and the ministry are just fine (smile here). I have been doing a fair amount of plumbing and wiring on the SIM Fada station. But as you know my first assignment was to meet and map youth-work in the EESIM church. This is now over and awaits a report to conclude the time spent.
In a nutshell: The existing structures within EESIM designed for youth seem more concerned about internal power and prestige (possibly money too) than the spiritual well being of the youth. There are a few individuals who attempt to serve youth and some do a good job but on the whole: it is a little short. Also, about that report/letter, I will write it with as much wisdom as possible so as not to offend or arm.

One of the goals of 'etat des lieux' was to assess where I could best fit in. Well... it turns out that during the whole time of meeting and discussing I found that there was a real need in one to one / small group ministry with youth from all sorts of backgrounds. For example: a Muslim puncture repair person asked to meet up to discuss a few things about God. The immediate neighbour to his shop is a catholic girl who sells phone cards and she too expressed interest in some basic bible studies. Here are possibly the makings for a small group. Another Example: On an evening visit the conversation moved from 'purchasing an enchanted talisman to seduce a girl' to what it means to 'put ones faith in Jesus Christ'. The group said that they would like me to join them for another 'causerie'. Still another example: I have spent several sessions counselling and praying with some young Christian welders at their shop, answering questions about the bible and the Christian life.

The Christian youth here is thirsty for God knowledge and many non Christian youths are thirsty for the gospel. There doesn't seem to be many pastors of churches really meeting these needs and I believe I should do what I can to work with the youth at the person to person level.What I am slowly piecing together is a profile for a 'Missionaire/Pasteur de proximité' which will allow me to concentrate on youth as I meet them.Carine too is all in for this. (I guess we'll let someone else reform the church youth structure.)

We will also continue to invest in the youth group from our local church.

Hope this fills you in and will allow you to glean Praise and Prayer subjects for us. God is good. We know that staying close to Him on a daily 'put time into the relationship' basis is the key to staying on top of 'it all'.