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Coup d'Etat -Day 7

23/9/2015

Burkina Faso's interim president, Michel Kafando has been reinstated as head of the transitional government in word. The transitional prime minister Issac Zida has been reported to have been released by those who lead the coup. For the moment the rouge branch of the military and the national army have retreated some into thier barracks in the capitol and to a position 50km from the perimeter of the capitol respectively. Currently heads of state from other west African countries are in "negotiations" with the different factions. What we see unfolding before our eyes is a mind blowing example of empty words. The coup leader actually greeted the other dignitaries on the red carpet as they arrived.

While it is encouraging to see dialogue versus fighting, we are by no means out of the woods yet. This latest "agreement" is partial and unfortunately does nothing to weaken the forces that perpetrated last weeks coup. There is a brewing sense of the people of Burkina being played by the politicians both inside the country and those here to make a deal. It seems that regardless of the outer appearances, Gen. Diendere (coup leader), his elite group of soldiers and former presidents political party are still in control of this country.

Please continue to pray for Burkina Faso as at any moment things could heat up and the fighting could begin. Neither side has changed positions and the people of the country are weary from the same corrupt few doing anything they please without consequence. Pray for courage and perseverance for the Burkinabe people and those leaders who truly wish to see democracy take root and the will of the people expressed in this country.

We are safe and keeping a low profile as things have improved slightly. But, we have the growing sense that what we are seeing is a show for a local and international audience. If the true issues are not addressed at this time they will certainly erupt again in the very near future when the power brokers are displeased with how things are going.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. The people of Burkina Faso need our prayers as these difficulties are added to the struggle of daily life in one of the world's very poorest countries. We hope to see the international community continue to condem those who lead the coup as terrorists and press for swift justice for their crimes against the people of Burkina Faso. Pray for true wisdom, courage, resolve and perseverance in a difficult context.

God help us and the people of Burkina Faso,
Aaron

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Coup d'Etat

17/9/2015

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Above is a photo of citizens protesting the now official coup d'etat here in Burkina Faso. The group who has taken the transitional government hostage and declared the dissolution of the government is made up of the well-armed and powerful presidential guard, comprised of about 1300 special forces soldiers.

Please pray for the the people of Burkina Faso. Only three weeks away from a highly anticipated election which was to be the first of many peaceful and democratically held elections and transfers of power, the elite military forces who were loyal to the long term (27 years) former president have seized control.

This situation is developing as I write. It is such a shame as Burkina Faso continues to be one of the world's poorest countries. We are praying for a peaceful resolution to this crisis as well as a return to the transitional governments' hope for a smooth transition to a government actually chosen by the people.

We are safe and staying in as we monitor the situation. As God has opened doors for ministry and allowed us to see the power of the Holy Spirit as the church grows among the least reached, we pray and long for peace and a time of God's blessing on this forgotten country. Join us in intercessory prayer for the country, it's people, the local church and those in power. Pray that the desires of the evil one would not come to pass, but instead that God's mercy and favor would be poured out here in Burkina Faso.

There is no word currently on the condition of the former heads of the transitional government. Pray for their peaceful and safe return to their loved ones.

In times like these we are confident that our God is able and mighty to save! Our hope comes from the LORD.

Your brother in Christ,
Aaron

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Pilot Animal Projects

9/9/2015

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Please pray with us for Pastor Badiel from Banfora, as we learn together by comparing "local" pigs to improved breed pigs as an income source for village pastors and church planters. We chose Pastor Badiel because he was already working with what he had. His pen is not far from our home, so we will be able to track the progress and document this project well. Not only will this comparative project help his family, but he understands that our work together will benefit many pastors in the future as we learn best practices together.

We are excited to be starting several animal pilot projects with local pastors. We are using pigs, sheep, goats and chickens- depending on the village setting. (Some villages will not accept pigs due to religious and cultural norms.) Our hope is that we can find ways to partner with pastors and church planters to help them start animal husbandry projects that will provide a much needed income source. They are often living in very rough circumstances and unable to meet many of their families' basics needs. By working together to find viable revenue streams, we hope to see these church pastors and planters flourish.

Through small capital investments, we can provide durable housing for these animals as well as the start up stock. The pastors will provide the rest needed to see these projects succeed. Daily labor, veterinary costs, bringing water several times daily and of course food for the animals. One of the difficulties of living and working in one of the poorest countries on earth is that good building materials are hard to find and very expensive. By starting with building shelters on the church property that will stand the test of time, we are laying a foundation for the present pastor as well as any others that come to work in that village in the future.

Secondly as with any animal project, the quality of the stock matters a great deal. There are many varieties of animals, some that thrive better than others and some that are more profitable. Take for example the difference in pigs available in southern Burkina. "Local" pigs are small in size, and take years to reach their mature weight. Improved breed pigs are much faster growing and produce many more offspring. Because of their improved value, however, the improved breeds are just too expensive for pastors. We are helping by purchasing a male and two females of an improved breed for their initial stock. This gives the pastors a much needed boost toward seeing a project that can succeed. It is a sustainable income source for our brothers that communicates the love of the body of Christ as American churches and individuals partner with laborers in the field.

You can use the Donate button below or visit Light Up Burkina to help fund an animal project for a village pastor. These projects are a huge encouragement to the pastors. They appreciate the "hand up" that these projects provide.

Blessings in Christ,
Aaron

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Mighty to Save!

7/9/2015

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"Naja" - Spitting Cobra, 3.5 to 7.5 feet long

Let me share a testimony of God's mighty and awesome power. A little while back I was visiting a remote village with several pastors and the local pastor told us that a young woman would be coming soon to share a testimony with us. After a few minutes of talking the young woman pictured below arrived and took a seat. The local pastor introduced us to Marie.

This is what she said. (Para-phased)

A little less than two weeks ago, I had gone to check on my animals and saw that my largest pig had gotten out. I began to look all around for it, but couldn't find it. I decided to go look in a low wet area where the rains had started to fill with water. As I searched for my pig in the grass I suddenly felt something very bad on my foot. At first, I didn't know what happened. I thought maybe I stepped on something sharp or kicked something hidden in the grass. As I looked down I saw the "naja" that had just bit me on the upper foot as it fled into the grass.

I was extremely worried because often people die from snake bites, but the pain wasn't as severe as I thought it would be. I kept looking for my pig for a few more minutes, until my leg began to act strange. I decided to head back to my home. By the time I arrived at home I was hurting and feeling very strange. I didn't know what to do, because we live far from a hospital and only have a small clinic in our village. I decided to go see the pastor, so he could pray for me.

Pastor Tibi prayed for me along with others for a while and my symptoms diminished. I went back home and laid down for a while. I felt bad, but able to walk. I decided to walk to the market with a family member. Part way to the market my symptoms got much worse and I couldn't walk right and I began to feel like I was suffocating. People helped me to the local clinic to see the nurse. They said there wasn't much they could do here and that I should go to the hospital in Banfora. (35 miles away)

I asked to be taken back to the church so the pastor and others could pray for me. They did for a long time. We found a way to go to the hospital the next day. After 2 days at the hospital and the doctors trying different treatments my symptoms were worse instead of better. My foot and leg was in very bad shape, I couldn't walk and was experiencing paralysis in parts of my body. I also felt as if I was suffocating. Because they couldn't help me and of the expense, we came back to the village.

At that point I was very very sick and thought I might die. Everyone around me thought I would die also. So they took me back to our church and the pastor and people from church began to pray over me. They prayed all night long! Over the next days they continued praying for me and God healed me!

At this point I'm praising God for healing our sister and she shows us her foot and leg. It was amazing…if she didn't show me where the problem had been I wouldn't have known about it at all. They went on to tell me that she was bitten on Saturday and that 8 days later she was dancing, singing and praising God in Sunday morning church! Everyone in her community is amazed at the fact that she isn't dead and that she was completely and quickly healed.

She finished by saying that she had just come from her Muslim neighbors courtyard. Her neighbor had asked her to come tell her what God had done. Marie told us she believed God would use her testimony to reach her Muslim neighbors for Christ!

I know people fall all across the board as far as whether God is in the miracle business today. I can tell you that if you had spent the last several years walking beside me and seeing what God has allowed me to see, you would not question the fact that our God is mighty to save and that through the Holy Spirit, He moves in miraculous ways all - the - time!

As a skeptic by nature, this has been and continues to be a struggle as I battle between my western mindset and a truly biblical worldview. My friends, I hope this testimony helps you to take scripture at it's word and stop trying to put our truly Awesome and all powerful God in such a small box of our design.

John 14:12-14 (ESV)

12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

Matthew 17:20 (ESV)

For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph. 3:20-21)

Aaron

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Coup d'Etat -Day 7

Coup d'Etat

Pilot Animal Projects

Mighty to Save!

"Naja" - Spitting Cobra, 3.5 to 7.5 feet long

Aaron & Kristi

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