2011 CA Vision Discovery
Mission Team Updates #4 & 5
Dear Friends and Family,
We began Saturday with a devotion where we discussed worry and how it can distract us from hearing and seeing God at work in and through our lives. We arrived at Good Samaritan Orphanage and were greeted by the children who had prepared a musical presentation for us. We spent the morning listening to them sing and recite bible verses in French. Danika, a missionary associate and our translator, did an amazing job of discerning the words coming over an echoing microphone. Later, we opened the bins of soccer balls, basketballs, and footballs we brought in our luggage which launched a 2 hour session of games. We also presented a guitar from a couple at Radiant Church to Samuel, a student they support. His eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and excitement as he saw the new guitar emerge from its soft-shelled case.  We were able to see the well that the LINK™ built for the orphanage. As part of their new LiveTen24 campaign, they plan to build several wells in Niger to bring fresh water and good health to those who would normally have to travel up to 10 miles for clean water. We enjoyed lunch at a restaurant in the city and spent some time in the marketplace where we were introduced to many of the small shop owners. By bringing them business through our teams, the LINK™ is able to build relationships with them and live out the gospel through interactions with the largely Muslim business community. In the afternoon, we visited the church of Pastor Djibo in the bush just outside of Niamey along the Niger River. He pastors two congregations, one on each side of the river, and travels close to four hours each Sunday. In the church building we visited, we found all the worldly possessions of one young man who had been kicked out of his family home because he became a Christian. We were in awe of the sacrifices regularly made by those who come to faith in Jesus here. From the church, we went down to the riverbank and rode alone the river on traditional Nigerian canoes. At the end of that voyage, we went up into the sand dunes of the desert and saw the beauty and harsh living conditions of daily life. The day ended with prayer on the roof with Pastor Terah and our team. We were all very tired, but energized by the work we see God doing among the beautiful people of Niger. The past two days have been absolutely amazing! God is weaving together something great here in Niger. It hangs in the air, almost tangible... like you can just tell that rain is on its way. This hot, dry, almost forgotten country is ready for a healing rain.
Yesterday's morning wake-up at 7:30am was to the lovely sound of Mr Leonard LaVache singing "Good morning Pastor, how are you today, this is your buddy Lenny, hey hey hey hey hey!" Now you have to understand that our friend Lenny is a true salesman. His french introduction here in Niger is.... "Bonjour, Ja me'pelle Leonard La Vache. Como se va?" which can be roughly translated, "Good day, my name is Leonard 'The Cow' how are you?" Funny right? I thought so... I guess the slight grin on the face of Nigerian children at the mention of his name is far more understandable with this information in mind. We spent our Sunday morning at the church of Pastor Jeremie... Yep that's right, same name as me. The worship was wonderful and full of life. We complimented one of the choir members on his sweet dance moves. I was struck that a church with so little by our standards, loved so much. They took two offerings, one for the church and another for missions work! They danced, sang, and smiled as they gave their gifts. The pastor asked us to sing a song. Since the last mission team to visit was a music team, I guess he thought we might sing better than we did.
After church, we ate lunch at a Chinese restaurant, where Roland had the honor of feeding shrimp the their mascot, a crocodile. In the evening, worshiped with the missionary community of Niamey. I couldn't believe how many there were. So many have sacrificed and risked so much to bring the message of Jesus' love to the people of Niger. They began with an announcement regarding recent security issues the same way I talk about the men's bbq or women's bible study group. We realized what a completely different place we are in. They rely on God in ways we have never experienced. I pushed back tears as the read from Psalm 46 "The Lord is our refuge and strength" because these word meant everything to them. We were overcome as we sang "We share in His suffering" while taking communion in a room full of real heroes. We prayed for their families, for their missions, and for their protection. Will you join us in praying for Niger? In praying for those missionary families? 
With Love,
The LINK™ CA Vision Discovery Mission | 
