Dear Friends & Family,
Hope you are well and had a good Easter! It is good to celebrate the risen Lord! Jesus was sentenced to death on a cross even though he had done no wrong. God raised him from the dead, gaining victory over sin and death, so that all who believe would have eternal life. Hallelujah!
“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it.”
Colossians 2: 15 (NRSV)
It was a joy to celebrate Mum’s 85th birthday. She eventually had cataract surgery which has restored her hope as well as her sight, and her general health has greatly improved. Prayer really makes a difference. We are grateful to the Lord for answering our prayers. Thank you all for praying. Mum still needs help every day, so will stay at Rowan House, in Saltash. Consequently, her own house will have to be sold to pay the care home fees.
Celestin recently went to Cameroon to represent YWAM at the funeral of one of the YWAMers who died in the bus accident in Tanzania. It was very difficult, but we know that she is with Jesus and is at rest. YWAM worldwide held their longest ever zoom call (72 hours) for a time of prayer and fasting just before Easter. Different bases around the world shared in hosting the call to lead the praise, worship and prayer. Collectively we waited on God to hear his voice and receive his direction.
Margaret has just arrived in Chad and is pleased that her baggage arrived intact, including a microscope for the health centre, even though time was short between connecting flights. Praise God!
Chad is currently relatively calm but very hot (temperature rising to 46 degrees Celsius during the day). The electoral campaign has started for the presidential elections which will be held on 6th May. This will be the transition from a military-led to a civilian government.
Celestin had to make another long journey to Cameroon by road to assist another funeral of a YWAMer in Cameroon. He is very tired now, especially having caught a cold en route.
La Bergerie school is nearing the end of the school year, with only another month before the break for the summer holidays. Classes start earlier now, so they can finish earlier, before the heat of the day takes hold.
The health centre is ready to expand, now using all the rooms we have built in the health centre. There is still a lot of furniture and equipment needed, including a laboratory to carry out basic tests for people.
Tabitha the cat is growing, and catches lizards and rats, but is now called ‘Tabby’ because she is a ‘he’! In Sarh, the Discipleship Training School which started in January is now on outreach. The students and staff are working with local churches to support them in evangelism and discipleship. We will travel to Sarh soon to meet and plan future activities, including how to start a base/Discipleship Training School in N’Djamena.
Prayer:
- God is good! Praise the Lord for all the prayer he has answered! Praise him for his faithfulness!
- Continue to pray for the elections and security situation in Chad. It would be so good to see a God-fearing, stable, civilian government in charge, able to lead and develop the country.
- Pray for the DTS students and staff as they put into practice what they have learned during the lecture phase of the school. Pray for the churches and people with whom they work and those whom they will meet.
- Pray for our journey to Sarh and the prayer and planning for a new base in N’Djamena.
- Pray for La Bergerie school and health centre. Pray the children and staff continue to learn and develop despite the incredible heat.
- Continue to pray for Mum and for Richard. Pray for Celestin’s health and time to rest.