Greetings from Ghana,
It is very hot these days, even the Ghanaians are saying, “It’s so hot, we wish the rain will come.” Malaria cases are “plenty”, a couple of our friends have been very sick. The heat has been rather extreme lately and dehydration makes us more susceptible to malaria. In the past, this disease was incurable and untreatable. Many of the first missionaries died from it. It is still the most prevalent disease on the planet, and more people die every year from it than any other sickness. “Here it is in a nutshell: Just as one person did wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death, another person did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, He got us into life!” Romans 5 the Message
Power & water have been inconsistent lately. When Jesus is at Jacobs well in the desert talking with an outcast, “unclean” woman, He speaks of “living water.” He says, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life”…”Sir give me this water so I wont get thirsty,,,” He then speaks of true worship, true worshipers, worshiping in spirit and in truth. Jesus then tells her who he is. She goes and tells the people to come and see; go and tell… come and see,…He is the one!
Jesus often begins his communications with “I tell you the truth”, or “You have heard it said, but I tell you”,,, It’s like he is saying to us, You think you know – the truth, the way it is, the way it should be, you think you know God and His ways but you do not. Listen close, I am about to blow your mind with profound simplicity, the truth of God in it’s most honest, revealed and livable way. “I am the truth”…. “Follow Me!”
Our new brother continues to be in awe of God and how “a righteousness from God, apart from the law has been made known, and this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Having been a Muslim until two weeks ago, He is very familiar with “the law”. He’s now going public with his faith and decision. This young man can speak nine languages, among them including Arabic and French. He has a very keen mind and when we review scriptures which we have previously read he can quote much from memory and explain meaning in his own simple and profound words. He continues to help with whatever work or outreach we are doing, even misc. volunteer work for neighbors, and he is an excellent, thoughtful worker. He has been saying, “Jesus’ living water is welling up inside me and I often cannot contain my great joy.” He has been having discussions with his Muslim friends and giving “the reason for his hope and joy.” Those around him are noticing his newly found gratitude, humility and passion for God. We had a group of seven of us go to church Sunday. The number of folks waiting to begin the home study continues to grow, we have ordered fifty chairs to start. Please continue to pray for the “connecting and preparing” of the soil.
Our new brother also had Malaria last week, it hit him hard and fast. He stayed with us through this time and in the midst of trial, he saw more of the love of Christ at work in his life. He has made a great recovery and we are continuing to spend time every morning and evening seeking God together. God has given us the opportunity to really do life together for a season, and some wonderful missionary friends have also made the effort to love and build him up. PTL! He now knows, that it is through your giving and prayers, that we are here and the Good News has come to him. He knows that many of you have been praying for him. He asked us to tell you, “Thank you from all his heart and give thanks to God, this son of mine was lost and now found, dead but now alive.” Simple, profound, deep and beautiful!
He has begun talking about the need for us to go north, into the more remote regions where they have not had opportunity to hear the good news or taste the living water. Who better to reach out to a people group than one of their own, especially someone who has been transformed by our Lord and Savior! We think that when we do get a vehicle, it should be a Land Rover or a similar “bush vehicle”. Although English is commonly spoken, we believe that we must learn Twi, the most common local language, so that we can speak the true heart language of the Ghanaians.
Please continue to pray for our new brother’s protection, good soil in his heart and for his commitment of full devotion to Christ.
– that we will live and love in such a way that people see Jesus, and seek God.
– clear leading and timing for reaching out – farther.
In Him,
Gary & Siham
https://www.jasmundoutreach.com/