Riding camel back in Niger Republic

Return to Africa

The last time I was in Africa was from September 1978 to June 1979. I have always loved Africa and have been intrigued by its rich history and heritage. It seems to be a mysterious and misunderstood place and people. When I left in '79, I prayed that the Lord would enable me to someday return. Now the Lord is answering that prayer after 27 years. We won't be going to the same place, but that is ok. I am sure Niger has changed enough that I wouldn't really recognize it anyway. The people I knew are no longer there.

We leave on September 21 for Zambia. It will be great to see our friends the Ripleys there and meet other people on their team. It is probably our fastest growing field in ACTION and it may not be long before they exceed the Philippines in numbers. I don't know for sure what we will do there but I pray we can be an encouragement to their team and learn from them. I think they live in a more challenging environment due to the constant death from AIDS and the myriads of orphans.

Then on October 1 we will go to Cape Town where will attend a few days of meetings with the group that is strategizing how to reach street children around the world with the gospel.

I pray that I will have enough energy to make this trip meaningful and fruitful. I feel I am adjusting to my new dose of thyroid medicine, but this whole process has been much more difficult than I expected. There is not a "quick" cure. It takes time and there are a lot of ups and downs.

Come to Jesus and Live

This song has ministered to us quite a bit recently.

Chris Rice - Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus) Lyrics

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!