Already we are stretching and growing. These days in Ouaga have been crammed with stuff. The heat is intense (100+). The pace has been crazy. But the African people have been so amazing, so precious. Our translator, Mamoudou, has been extremely eager to please and wanted to show us every sight to see in his city. We have visited 4 orphanages, a park, the shopping district, the international school for MKs, and various missionaries here. The orphanages were appalling in how bare and minimal their resources but the people were incredibly sweet and the kids-so precious. I sang to two sweeties "Jesus, loves you…" They were mesmerized and their eyes never left my face. Wow! Jesus so hungers for these little ones to know Him. My thoughts lately have been about abundance, how He always takes our little and pours out His fullness. These dear ones have nothing and yet He pours out His joy on them. One place was like a halfway house for mothers. The head lady said they were orphans who had gotten pregnant; orphans having orphans. My heart broke. But as we smiled and Joshua entertained, joy was in their sweet smiles and welcome in their eyes. And just like Heidi Baker, I could see Jesus reflected there.
Another wonderful experience was meeting with Jonas, national director of Compassion. A gracious and Godly man. After talking with him, we asked to pray over him and it was so powerful. I felt Jesus there and began crying while praying for Him to pour into Jonas and fill him to overflowing with mercy, the Spirit, and wisdom. Afterwards, Jonas thanked us and said that he has been feeling poured out and totally empty, that he had been moved when we prayed that he would be filled as he emptied himself, that he had never heard that and he was amazed. Wow!! Jesus is so good, is He not?! All our thoughts, our dreams, our struggles are intimately known to Him! We are thrilled to be here to speak His words. Pray for many more opportunities like this.
Jeffrey has been amazing to watch here. I am so moved as he connects with the people here. Each man he passes he greets in French and shakes their hand. Their once somber face blooms with a huge smile. Jeffrey showers respect and real concern on them. Its so awesome. He is the same way with women, and the kids surround him to bump fists and laugh. Joshua loves to call out "bonjour" and "ca-va" (hello, how are you) to all on the streets. The kids LOVE him and all want to hold his hands and touch his shirt and water bottle. He just stands real still and tries to talk to them (in English!). Its so precious. He also loves to hold the babies.
Our prayers are that we want to know "what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe…," that Jesus will smooth out the path before us and behind us, that as we leave this morning for Yako we would be an incredible blessing to all of them. One more thought: the air here is thick with burning. Cooking fires mostly, some trash burning. But it reminds me to burn, to offer all, to offer myself, to be an alter where praise continually rises. For yes, I am desperate for more of Him. May you, our dear family and friends, burn with passion for Him. Be willing to lay it all out for Him. He is more than enough. He is worth everything. Know we think of each one of you and are praying for you.
-Kristine
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