LIGHT UP BURKINA
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"…end of the earth".

11/12/2015

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Pastor Felix showing other pastors and church leaders our map of our region.  We talked about the need to expand into the vast areas around us without a Christian presence.


There are moments in my life when certain scriptures become more fully clear to me.  Last week I had one of those moments, or more truthfully several of those moments.  In Acts 1:8 Jesus says, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  I love and know this verse well.  It's on the back of our ministry t-shirts.  It is powerful and full of promise and challenges.

Last week, I went to visit, pray for, encourage and exhort some village pastors I hadn't yet met.  Pastor Felix and his wife Pirscilla went with me from our local church in the Banfora area.  We headed due east towards the boundary of the Cascade Region.  The Cascade region is where God has called us to engage in church planting.  Thanks to some recent road work, the first 25km is as good as a dirt road can be here.  From there, the next 100+ kilometers goes down hill in quality, really fast.  With every mile or more accurately kilometer that passed, the roads got worse.  Much worse.  We had set out to visit 5 churches that were planted in very difficult areas. Areas with many unreached peoples and villages.
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Meeting with pastor and church leadership in remote village church building.


Some times now, as we work in different villages, with pastors we know well and villages we are comfortable with we can forget how remote we are in the big picture.  Once in a while, we travel to places that bring the phrase "end of the earth" into focus.  Last weeks trip was one of those moments for me.  I found out later in the trip that our visit was the first visit some had received from leadership within the church, aside from their immediate colleagues in their area.  Wow…talk about isolation, as there are very few believers in these areas!  Is it any wonder that these men and women are in desperate need of prayer and encouragement?  Years of working alone, often without seeing huge impacts.

​When Jesus said that we would receive power from the Holy Spirit and be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the end of the earth…He meant it!  We have indeed received both a great commission and the empowering of the Holy Spirit to carry out that commission.  Why did Jesus remind us that to Him was given all authority and that he would always be with us, even to the end?  I think He told us these things because he understood the cost of the task He set before us.  What will it cost us?  It will cost us our lives.  I have no doubt that Jesus has called many to minister to their neighbors in "Jerusalem".  But, as I sit thinking about those of us called to minister to our neighbors at the "end of the earth", I am overwhelmed by what Jesus said in Luke 10:2-3 as He sent out laborers, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves."
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Small mud brick church in a remote village.



I thank God for the things he shows me, my wife and kids here in Burkina Faso.  Does that mean that they are all pleasant or beautiful to us?  the answer is a definite, No.  Many times the things we need to see, hear and experience are not pleasant or beautiful.  We as westerners, can mistake at times our many blessings as being deserved, earned or even a result of that four letter word "luck".  

Can we really understand the beauty of the resurrected Jesus without rightly understanding the realities of the cross and his brutal substitutionary death in our place?  We often want the glory and beauty of a risen savior in the form of current abundant blessings of wealth and comfort here on earth. In God's economy, we live for Him now as foreigners, while eagerly awaiting true riches in eternity spent with Him.  If we aren't careful we actually begin to believe and live like this world is our home.

As I see my brothers and sisters in Christ who serve our God faithfully as they experience isolation, persecution, extreme poverty, discouragement and illness, I think about what Jesus said and did in during His life on earth.  What lies have I believed?  Do I think that I deserve certain things or comforts now in this life? Do I believe that following Jesus will cost me any less than all I have to give…my life?  Why did God not take me straight to heaven when I was saved?  How should my life look in comparison to those who don't know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?

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Small church in foreground, Pastors house and cookhouse in background.


Trips like last weeks, cause me to cry out to God and to listen for His response.  Is God really most glorified in my present comfort and wealth?  Or would God be most glorified if I took Him at His word?  The fields truly are ripe for harvest and there are fields without laborers all around us.  Where ever you are God has called you to die to yourself and to live only for Him.  There's no way around it…it will cost you your life to follow Jesus.  How is God calling me to love and serve my neighbor?

My prayer is that God would grant us the ability to hear clearly His call to die to ourselves and to live only for Him.  That He would through the power of the Holy Spirit empower us to pick up our crosses and follow Him.  That He would open our eyes to the ripe fields which he has called each of us to labor in and the He would grant us perseverance and joy as we seek to fulfill our roles in His Great Commission. 

Join us in praying for those who are ministering in difficult places and asking God how we can come along side of them as we run the race together.  Ask God to send more laborers into His harvest fields, whether they are in "Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria or the ends of the earth."  pray for break throughs among unreached peoples and villages.  Pray for God's strength, blessings  and perseverance on those living out their calling, regardless of title or profession.


My hope is not to guilt anyone into doing the "right" thing.  In sharing my thoughts, I hope it stimulates your thoughts, prayers and drives deep into the bible.  I am amazed at God's goodness and faithfulness, even when I am not either of those things.  I fail in so many ways…but, I want to daily run the race set before me and call others to run their race well.  Oh, that we all might hear our Lord say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’  Matthew 25:21

Your brother in Christ,
Aaron
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Year End Giving

23/11/2015

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It's hard to believe that 2015 is almost over!  If your year has been at all like ours, it has literally flown by.  We are thanking God for all He has done and continues to do this year, as well as looking forward to 2016!  As I am working on plans for next year, I'm reminded that ministry opportunities from this year and for years to come are made possible only by God's abundant provision through His people.
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We can't wait to speak with you in person during our 2016 home assignment.  The greatness of our God and the doors He is opening for ministry among the unreached here in Burkina Faso is exciting and we are eager to share about it with you.  If you would like to join in the work of church planting, pastoral and community support, it's time to think about year-end giving before the next tax year begins.  I would encourage you to partner with us in the Lord's work with your year end gifts.  Donations are tax deductible and they go toward reaching the unreached in one of the world's poorest countries.
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100% of donations made toward special projects with Light Up Burkina go to the field.  No administration fees or overhead are taken out.  When you couple that with how much impact your investment has here for relatively small investments, it is a win - win scenario.  Join us in building much needed infrastructure to support church planting among the least reached.  Village churches, pastors homes, orphanages, christians schools, animal projects to help pastors survive in remote areas and provide for their families as they evangelize, church plant and pastor.  Motos for pastors, micro-enterprise and drilling wells are all ways that your year-end giving can hugely impact seeing God's kingdom expanded in Burkina.
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Check out the website and feel free to contact us if you have questions or need clarification on anything.  We are privileged to be the people on the ground who get to see the difference that your generosity makes day in and day out.  Be encouraged as we see God's mighty hand and Holy Spirit moving among peoples and villages that have never had believers or a church presence.  Thank you for your prayers, support and generosity in walking out the call we have as believers to make the name of Jesus known to every tribe and every tongue on earth.  Click here to DONATE.

May the God of the universe richly bless and keep you and make His face to shine upon you!
Your brother in Christ Jesus,
Aaron
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T-Shirt Drive to Build a Church in an Unreached Village

7/11/2015

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How can you play an integral part in seeing a church planted in an unreached village among an unreached people group? 

There are several ways.  The most important of which is through your faithful prayer support.  James 5:16 says;  The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.  We need your earnest prayer as we work to see churches planted where none have ever existed before. 

Another way to get involved is to join us by donating through our T-Shirts for Churches Project.  The image above is of our first Light Up Burkina t-shirt.  It's a great quality shirt that proclaims the need for reaching every tribe and every tongue with the good news of Jesus Christ.  For a donation of $40 or $50 dollars you will receive one of these t-shirts as a reminder to pray for the advancement of the gospel among the unreached people groups of Burkina Faso.  

A quality church building made of cement bricks with metal doors and roofs costs a fraction of what we would anticipate in the U.S.. For just over $5000 dollars we can build a new church building that will last for generations.  We realize that many people can not afford to give $5000 to build a church by themselves. But, by donating through this program we can work together to see churches built and a long term gospel presence in these villages.  It will only take 150 partners at $40 or $50 dollars to see this dream become a reality! 

Only the cost of the t-shirt and actual shipping costs will come out of your donation.  100% of the remaining funds will go directly to the church building!  There is no administration fee!

We are currently taking pre-orders through the end of November.  This will allow enough time to get shirts out to you by Christmas.  These shirts will make great Christmas presents and are a great way to start conversations with people about your faith and the exciting things God is doing all around the world.

Click this link to buy your shirt(s) today: Light Up Burkina's T-Shirt for Churches Project


By partnering with local churches and church planters we can play a vital role in seeing churches planted in villages for the very first time.  There are still many unreached people groups and villages in this region of Burkina Faso.  The building of a church building is an important step in the planting of a local church.  In this culture a place of prayer and worship is important and it shows the community that the pastor and church is there to stay.  By investing in the villages the people see our heart and willingness to engage over the long haul. These buildings also greatly encourage the village pastors and local believers as they see God working through the local church to advance the Kingdom.


"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”    
Acts 1:8


Contact us with any questions you may have.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
Your brother in Christ,
Aaron


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Moto for Pastor Levi

15/10/2015

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Pastor Levi (white shirt) receiving moto keys

This past Sunday we had the pleasure of presenting a new moto to Pastor Levi.  Pastor Levi and his family are church planters in Bodajugu.  Bodajugu is an unreached Turka village.  When he arrived there were literally no believers.  That was two years ago.  Today there is a small, but growing church in Bodajugu.  Pastor Levi has been borrowing a very old and fable  50cc moto from his father.  He has been praying for God to provide a reliable means of transportation for he and his family for several years.  As a result of partnership with a family from the US, God has answered pastor Levi's prayers.

What a joy to see God's perfect prevision coming through brothers and sisters in Christ.  For just $900 dollars U.S. we can help a pastor and his family by purchasing a new 125cc moto.  These motos are trustworthy and last 10+ years, often many more.  Partnering with Light Up Burkina to provide a moto for pastors and church planters is a very tangible way to show our fraternity and passion to see the unreached peoples of Burkina Faso reached for Christ.  Pastors with reliable transport can minister in their surrounding areas as they evangelize and preach the gospel.

We've had churches and individual families fund these motos and we have seen the blessing and encouragement they are to these men and their families.  Will you pray about partnering with us as a family, small group or church body to provide a pastor or church planter with a new moto?  Check out the Motos for Pastors page on Light Up Burkina under the Church Partnership tab.  Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.  There are always pastors praying and waiting for God to provide.

Your Brother in Christ Jesus,
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.
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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.  
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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.  
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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.
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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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New Moto for Pastor Enoch

6/8/2015

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In response to a newsletter article about funding motos for village pastors, a church in North Georgia felt led to partner with us to supply a moto for the furtherance of the gospel.  As you can see from the photos below, Pastor Enoch's moto was very tired and very old.  Pastor Enoch lives in a remote village with only a few believers.  He travels to at least 3 other villages to hold bible studies/services on a weekly basis and evangelizes in many more. 

The gift of this moto allows him to travel more safely on remote roads and gives him and his family more mobility for ministry and to get into town as needed.  For $900 US Dollars you can partner with a national pastor/church planter as he daily takes the gospel to the unreached.  These motos are easily repaired and regularly last at least 10 years.

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Not only are these motos a blessing for transportation purposes, but they are a huge encouragement to these men and their families as they see God's provision and prayers answered through brothers and sisters in Christ. There are many pastors and church planters in need of a reliable form of transportation. Contact us for more info or go to Light Up Burkina and donate on the moto page.

Blessings,
Aaron

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Kids Bible Camp - Banfora

4/8/2015

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The 2015 edition of our churches' Kids Summer Bible Camp just finished on Sunday night with closing ceremonies and kids headed back to their villages on Monday.  Rejoice with us as we celebrate 12 new followers of Jesus!  Many children came from village churches, but invited their friends to join them.  There were 130 kids between 9 and 15, with over 20 monitors and teachers. Kids came from as far as 8 hours away by bus to take part.  Everyone slept in just 4 classrooms. Lots of singing, dancing, games and most importantly learning from God's word.
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Our family was blessed to be able to run the games for the camp this year.  We held a Summer Olympics with all of the "necessary" games like wheelbarrow races, water balloon toss, sack races, over/under relay and last but not least, 4 x 25m relay races.  Lots of fun and no major injuries to report!
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It is no easy task to run a camp like this on a shoestring budget, but once again the church did a great job.  There was security provided by a local youth group, lots of women preparing rice and too (pronounced, "toe"- see pic below) and sauce.  Everyone pitched in to help and it was a great success.  Many local and village pastors took part in teaching and came to support the camp during opening and closing ceremonies.
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We feel blessed to take part in a camp that is investing in the future of the Burkinabe church.  We made new friends, strengthened existing friendships and heard testimonies of the impact that these camps have in young peoples lives.  Our own pastor shared his testimony of how God used his time at a youth camp years ago to draw him to Jesus.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers.  They matter and they are making a difference here in Burkina Faso!  It is only through faithful partnerships that we are able to in-turn partner with the national churches and church planters to see the unreached come to Christ.

Please pray for all the camp participants and especially the 12 new believers as they re-enter family and village life.

Blessings,
Aaron


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Painting Crew

10/6/2015

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This isn't our family's first rodeo when it comes to painting.  When I heard how much the bid was to paint the church, I told our pastor that our family could paint the church and all it would cost the church is the materials.  Everyone asked, "Are you a painter?"  Here in Burkina, people most often know one trade only- and it goes against the local thinking for someone to know several...Especially "tubabu" (white people).
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After several more conversations, I continued to offer our man-power, and the pastor realized that we were serious.  We learned that what they call "painting" the exterior of the church, is actually a top stucco coat applied by a hand-cranked hopper.  We decided to let the local painter do the outside, while the Wheaton Family Painters would do the interior of the church building. 
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We learned lots as both materials and tools are very different from what we are used to.   Throw in 100+ degrees, lots of hauled in water, working with lime, high humidity, "interesting" ladders and 2 1/2 days... and voila!
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The end product is a beautiful and finished church building.  What a blessing to see the smiles of church members as we worship together Sunday morning. The pastor has had a vision of a completed church for many years- they began with door-to-door evangelism and now, nine years later, have a finished church that is a gathering place for the village.  People come to be healed, to ask questions, to celebrate and to learn the Truth of Jesus Christ- this is how the Kingdom is growing in Bounouna.
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(Praying for students about to take very important testing at school.)
As I look back at the project, I believe that painting churches or pastors houses would be one great way for short term teams to bless village churches.  Many of them have never been painted or are in desperate need of a new coat.  Let us know if you are interested in visiting and perhaps doing some hands-on work to bless our Burkinabe brothers and sisters in Christ.  Check out our short term page and send us an email.

Blessings in Christ,
Aaron

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Local Church Conference

19/5/2015

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A couple of weekends ago there was a church conference for the church we attend in the village of Bounouna, and it's daughter churches- it was held in a village named Toumousseni.  Above are the pastors, elders and deacons who spoke throughout the 3 day event.  About 70-80 people were able to attend, hear God's Word, pray and worship together.
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Well…my first time preaching in French.  Thank God for Vincent (above).  He is an elder in our church,our language helper, a Bible translator, Jesus' voice in the recently completed Dogose Jesus Film project and a carpenter.  There is a lot more I could add, but in short, he is a man of God who works tirelessly for kingdom purposes.  Needless to say, having Vincent translate my French into Jula was a huge confidence builder, as he is able to understand my ever improving, but not yet arrived French.
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A few minutes into my message I saw everyone turning around and this was why.  3 camels went by on the road.  While we see them most months, they are far from an everyday thing in our part of Burkina.
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Kristi, here with Rebeccah.  Rebeccah, her husband , and her co-wife all came to Christ later in life after years of devotion to fetishes and spirits.  Praise God for His work in peoples lives!  She enjoyed teasing and testing Kristi's Jula while many of the younger women were preparing the rice and sauce for lunch.  Below is a prime example of the cooking that goes on to feed a big crew when there is a gathering.
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Please continue to pray for the lost and unreached villages and peoples in the Cascade region of Burkina Faso.  The needs are profound.  It is great to see the changed lives, but as always there are many reminders of how much work is left to be done.  May the Lord of the harvest guide and strengthen us.

For God's glory,
Aaron
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    Aaron & Kristi

    Married for 21 years, with 3 children. Serving the King of Kings in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

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