Abengourou

Last weekend we had the honor and privilege of attending a Bible School Graduation.  It was in a smaller town about 3 hours away from Abidjan.  The graduation was held on Sunday with a 2 day seminar before.  Because it was a smaller town, we were expecting "humble" accommodations.  Boy, were we wrong!    Apparently, the town we were in was still a kingdom and because of that there was money!    So we were put up in the nicest hotel in town:  this included hot water, air conditioning,  a T.V. and a real mattress!   And all this for $30/night!   It was a refreshing break from our normal life here in Abidjan!  

 

Back to the graduation!   Andrew and I had Friday night off.  We enjoyed sitting and receiving on Friday night.   Then Saturday the madness began!  Saturday there were two seminar sessions.  Each session had two speakers.  So, Andrew spoke in the morning about how to be a disciple of Christ.  I spoke in the afternoon on the Compassion of Christ.   We were prepared  and so were the people who attended.   God showed up and the people were blessed! 

On Sunday our group of 5 broke up and went to two different churches to speak.  Andrew,  another missionary (our translator), and I went to a 4 square church.   Man, did we have fun!  Think of old school Pentecostal dancing meets Africa!  Wow!  Praise and Worship was fun, energetic and tiring to say the least!  Andrew preached and the people received.  We met up with the rest of our group, did a quick change of clothes, ate very fast and headed on to graduation! 

We arrived on time (which is a feat in itself in Africa)!  The graduates were there (13) and maybe twenty other people.  I was really disappointed for the graduates.  They had spent two years of their lives preparing for this day and no one showed up?  Alas, so quickly I forget African time!  Within the hour the place was full!  We praised, we worshipped, the graduates were encouraged, when they received their diplomas we cheered, wives ran up for a kiss, moms hugged, supporters cheered!  It was so fun!   The students' faces said it all!  By the time they walked out of the church, diploma in hand they were beaming!   We didn't know any of their stories, but we know that each one of them has one.  Each one of them made sacrifices to follow Christ.  Each one counted the cost.  Each one endured.  Each one was experiencing God's greatness in their lives!  And we were part of that!

 

After many pictures, hugs and goodbyes we all packed into the SUV and took the 3 hour drive back to Abidjan.  God is doing some amazing things in Cote D'Ivoire.  There is rich soil and a rich harvest is coming!  We are honored to be a part of it!

Comments

[Stacy]

Love the updates!!! You guys look great and I love your clothes!!!! 38 more days!!!!

XOXOXOXO!

[Grandma S]

Thanks so much for updates and pictures. You both look amazing. Love you

[Josh (Gert's) Gerstmeyer]

Cant wait till we see ya again. Miss ya guys!!