MALI MISSION MARCH09: Two steps forward, one step back

After buying ‘provisions’ (rice, tea, sugar) and spending extra time to tend to the vehicle in K’ba, the now-complete team headed toward the villages. To refresh your memory, the team consists of Keith Arnett, Malian Pastor Barry, a missionary from Senegal who specializes in Yalunkan literacy materials, two IMB ‘Journeygirls’, two translators, and the driver.

Along the way from K’ba toward ‘our’ villages, are a few villages with government ‘checkpoints’.  In the past, our teams have stopped at these checkpoints and proceeded without any questioning.  At one of these village checkpoints today, however, the team was refused further passage and required to go back the 1 1/2 hour drive to K’ba to obtain paperwork from the regional Commandant.  Thankfully, the Commandant held his office open late to give them this paperwork.

This disappointing delay meant they spent the night in K’ba (some in the home of a mission worker in that city and some in vehicles), but will mean that they will miss only a half day of teaching in Village F.  [Remember to PRAY for open hearts as the Jesus Film is being shown in the evening…2 pm Sunday, Texas time.]

Also, as an unexpected bonus, this means the team will have more interaction and a possible witnessing opportunity with the checkpoint village tomorrow. [PRAY for an opportunity for seeds to be planted.]

Added to this, because they will have more hours of daylight travel, the team will possibly have time to stop by Noah’s home, the man with the boat by the river who was the very first person to choose to walk on the Jesus Road. Pastor Barry has seen Noah recently and feels another visit would be beneficial. [PRAY that he will further understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.]

PRAISE GOD that He has gone before this team and is even now ordering their footsteps and their timing!