I’m writing this email on a laptop with super slow Internet in Benin, Africa. (I’m alive!)
Thanks to all those who have been praying for me. God is really moving in this place.
I’ve learnt so much about the culture of voodoo and how it’s so ingrained in the culture here – just this past week, we got to share the Gospel through a drama in a village called Soyo and 38 people accepted Christ out of 200 (a lot of them were already Christians). We’ll be doing more of that in the coming weeks :)
The well construction has been really physically tiring. Most of the time, there aren’t enough shovels for all of us so I’ve been singing songs and playing games with the villagers as we take “shifts” working. This morning, we went to a church that GAiN had built about two years ago. We worshipped in French, English and Fawn/Fon (the local language). The Holy Spirit was so tangibly present there even though the building was just four standing poles and a metal roof. The people here are just as passionate about spreading the Gospel and devoting themselves to our same God.
I’ve been able to communicate fairly well in French which has been such a huge help and my team members are all super sweet. There are 13 of us including our leaders from Canada and we’re still getting to know each other but I’m learning a lot even just by spending time with other like-minded Christians who want to see God work in our time here and are willing to be used in any capacity.
God has been teaching me about the power of prayer. Just this past week, He has been slowly changing my desires to align with His and it’s been SO amazing to see that the things we are asking of Him are actually happening! For example, the first time I saw the villagers, it felt so surreal because they were exactly as I had imagined them to be as I prepared to leave. Some of the children were completely naked, some had distended bellies, and many of them had scarring on their faces (a mark of voodoo). I felt a huge disconnection with them because they were so different than I was and I prayed to God that he would give me more compassion and love for His people. Sure enough, the next day, I met a 10-year-old boy named Kevin (who goes to school and can speak and read in French and is a Christian). I jokingly started calling Kevin my “son.” That night, we went home and as we were praying for what happened in the day, I was filled with this deep sadness that God had placed Kevin there in that village.
I had also been wrestling with Matthew 6 (do not worry) and figuring out what it means for Jesus to promise the provision of food and clothing to those who seek after Him, even though there are people dying of starvation every single day. After more prayer and reflection, I now know that God is raising up locals, Kevin included, to revive this nation. How awesome would it be if the birthplace of voodoo became a nation of Christ followers?
Just wanted to update you all and can’t wait to share more stories. Please continue to pray for my team: we have been getting to know each other slowly but could use a real SPARK. Also, please pray for health (the dietary change has been rough for our bodies). Pray for Kevin and for this nation that they would receive the gospel not as the words of men but the Word of God.
I love you and miss you all but God’s not finished here yet so I’ll see you in two more weeks ;)
Blessings and much love from Africa,
HC