My patience was at stretch point. It was obvious that something important was on his mind as he sat across from me. He kept looking at the book in hands, fidgeting with it all the time while I waited for him and meanwhile had started to feel the electricity build in the atmosphere.Adrienne did not visit often. He was on the team that went to Koba last year. It was about two weeks since we returned from Koba and now he was here to visit. I easily imagined that he had come for small talk as our relationship had improved following the time together in Koba. Yet his manner told me differently. So why was he here? Did he need money? Was there conflict with his family? Was he sick? Well I waited.Finally, he raised his head. “I have come to thank you for the time in Koba” he started. “My background is Muslim. My late dad was a Muslim and he insisted that we all go to the mosque. I have been a Christian for a while but I have never had the opportunity to understand the Bible the way you helped me to. I have never been able to share the gospel with confidence and responsibility the way you led us to do. Since returning from Koba, my Bible reading has changed. I understand what I read more and more. I am also more confident about sharing the gospel with my friends” he declared. Adrienne went on to tell me that he has since started nursing the wish to become a pastor. He said the experience from Koba has transformed his Christian outlook. He can discover the truth of God’s words for himself and has come to understand his responsibilities in the ministry of reconciliation.Going on short evangelistic trips with mainly students is increasingly becoming a very important part of our ministry here. During these trips, we have training in leadership and in Bible study. Besides there is Christian mentoring in conduct, service and evangelism as we spend time together. Koba 2007 was the third trip, following Koba 2005 and a day’s trip to Dubreka in 2006. Adrienne’s story echoes the case of many others and we are just grateful for the opportunity to play a part in the building of lives. The church in
Guinea is very young and small. The need for committed labourers can never be overstated at this time. Knowing that young hearts are being won over is very refreshing and motivating. We are encouraged to know that as young men like Adrienne begin to understand their Christian responsibilities to their own people, a solid foundation is being laid that will set the tone for the future. I have seen Adrienne a couple of times since. He will not part with his Bible or let go of the smile on his face. He is growing steadily and building on the foundations from Koba. I am just glad that we are walking in the things that God is blessing. Please join us as we pray that 

§      God will continue the good work He has started in Adrienne and bring to a glorious end.

§      Others like Adrienne will be raised up in this country to demonstrate true Christian conduct and responsibility.

§      God will give us more opportunities, means and the courage to continue in the things that He is blessing.

§      Nothing will succeed in derailing or blurring your commitment to God and the things of God, especially in the face of growing opposition.

§      God will bless you indeed. 

For his Glory alone!!!

We thank God for the new year. We know that we need Him more than ever and so we come to Him in prayer and invite you to join us. You can place your prayer requests in the comments area so we can pray with you too. Here are some items of prayer from our end;

• Violence erupted around the country on the 4th of January, 2008 following the replacement of one minister of state by the president, Lansana Conte. January last year, violent demonstrations led to a broad based government led by a prime minister, and leaving the President as head of state. This act by him is considered as interfering beyond his powers and unacceptable. Please pray that violence and innocent deaths will be avoided at al cost.
• Though the violence was short-lived, Trade Unions have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike from the 10^th of January 2008 if the decree sacking the minister is not reprieved. Please pray that the leaders will find a quick and amicable solution to all this political mess.
• We have been looking for new housing for the past three months. We are hampered by various conditions including cost, heavy advance demand and religious affiliation. Please pray with us that we will have a break through very quickly.
• Please pray with us that our funding will improve greatly. We presently receive only 30% of our required budget. Please pray that God will bless our friends and brethren so they can give willingly and sufficiently to the cause of the gospel in Guinea.
• We thank God for the support received so far to buy a vehicle. We targeted US$5000 and still have US$4000 to raise. Please join us as we pray that God will bless this venture speedily.
• Pray for the ministry of Pioneers in Guinea. Pray for our teammates, David and his wife Billie. Pray for team synergy, pray for sensitivity to God’s Spirit and direction, pray for courage and humility, pray for obedience and accountability and finally pray for the team’s safety and well being on a daily basis.

Thank you for praying and do not forget to place your requests in the comments area so we can also join you in prayer. Just click on comments and you will be led to the comments box. God bless your new year like never.

Yours on bended knees.