Life creeps back

As light gently suffuses the eastern horizon at dawn, so life and hope creep back after the dark night of cisplatin chemotherapy. Yesterday afternoon I enjoyed a full 30-minute walk in the warm sunlight.

A lovely story unfolded this week. I received an email from a church leader in Australia asking for an update on a story I'd published in the SIM magazine five years ago. He had saved it all this time as a reminder to pray for the Nigerian missionaries it told about. Yusufu and Zainabu had left good government jobs to follow God's call to give the Gospel to groups in northern Nigeria who still follow traditional religions. They formed the Caravan Gospel Mission, live in simple huts, travel by donkey cart, and show the JESUS film and preach in every village they can. The story was titled "We Can't Be Intimidated," because they face so much hostility.

To continue this week's story. I gave contact information to the Australian gentleman, and my original source in Nigeria (an American missionary) immediately wrote back to say that Yusufu and Zainabu are faithfully continuing their ministry. They have seen many people put their faith in Christ, and have started several small churches. The continuing concern of the reader, the prompt and courteous response from Nigeria, and the ensuing interchange of email messages--all were big encouragements to me. To think of the enduring power of a printed story! See why I love my work?

Friends from Michigan routed their trip south through Charlotte so they could spend today with us. We're excited to see them.

Our Liberian friend turned out to have a severe blood infection, which is now clearing up well, though he's still in the hospital. We're continuing to pray he'll be approved for a heart transplant. But now his wife is in serious medical trouble. She was hospitalized for difficulty with breathing and speaking, and doctors discovered a significant mass behind her airway. Last I heard she would probably need surgery. She's in her mid-70s and still works full time. How much more must they endure? I'm grateful to you who are willing to pray for them.

Love,
Carol