A man would like any present except a beating.- African Christmas Proverb
Pictures:
 |
| These kids were forced to leave their village and friends when their moms were accused of being witches. A village near Nalerigu has established a refugee camp for them. The children are able to attend school free of charge but their moms must work all day in the fields farming. |
 |
| Julia playing with kids at the Witches Village. |
 |
| 70 women and children had an opportunity to watch the "Jesus Film", a movie which depicts the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These women have been accused of witchcraft and now live in a refugee camp. If they leave the camp the villagers will beat them. They are the least of these and desperately need the Gospel. Pray for their salvation. |
 |
| Meet the newest member of our family; Dorito. |
 |
| Training Dorito to be able to fight off the snakes. |
 |
| Our training has paid off! She killed her first bug; a praying mantis. |
 |
| Julia made home-made cinnamon rolls. They were absolutely amazing. If you come to Ghana she will make them for you. |
 |
| Our 2D Christmas tree. |
 |
| We went mountain climbing. You are able to see into two different countries on a clear day. We sang the theme song from "The Lion King" as we looked out over the valley. |
 |
| This is a Bayobob tree. It was so large it took three grown men to wrap their arms all the way around. |
 |
| We celebrated Julia's 25th birthday. I made her carrot cake from scratch. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done. |
 |
| A ZaZoo bird. Yep, we live in the Lion King |
 |
| Bringing hope and change one biscuit at a time. |
 |
| Carrying the pews for church. |
 |
| Preaching on Sunday Morning. I never thought I would encounter women breast feeding and kids going the bathroom on the floor. It was quite an experience. |
Story:
We know that you have probably heard the Christmas song this year about how there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas; well there may not be any snow but people still know it's Christmas and our very excited. Families celebrate Christmas in ways which don't seem foreign. For example; children write letters to Father Christmas telling him about the presents they would love to receive; however, instead of mailing the letters they burn them. Instead of putting up a Christmas tree, children place their shoes at the end of their beds in anticipation of Father Christmas leaving them a present. And yes, they have trouble sleeping on Christmas Eve just like everyone else.
On Christmas day, families exchange gifts of cloth, hand-made toys, and other goodies. Families also make a big Christmas meal consisting of yam, rice, and meat (usually chicken). Families visit families; like in America; however while they are traveling they make extra rice in order to share with friends they meet along the road. And yes, just like in America almost everyone attends church on Christmas; however the church service is a five hour extravaganza and involves a lot of dancing. God is teaching us about the power, mystery and beauty of Christmas and we are excited to be in Africa celebrating our Savior's birth.
We know that you have probably heard the Christmas song this year about how there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas; well there may not be any snow but people still know it's Christmas and our very excited. Families celebrate Christmas in ways which don't seem foreign. For example; children write letters to Father Christmas telling him about the presents they would love to receive; however, instead of mailing the letters they burn them. Instead of putting up a Christmas tree, children place their shoes at the end of their beds in anticipation of Father Christmas leaving them a present. And yes, they have trouble sleeping on Christmas Eve just like everyone else.
On Christmas day, families exchange gifts of cloth, hand-made toys, and other goodies. Families also make a big Christmas meal consisting of yam, rice, and meat (usually chicken). Families visit families; like in America; however while they are traveling they make extra rice in order to share with friends they meet along the road. And yes, just like in America almost everyone attends church on Christmas; however the church service is a five hour extravaganza and involves a lot of dancing. God is teaching us about the power, mystery and beauty of Christmas and we are excited to be in Africa celebrating our Savior's birth.
Devotional:
Prayer Requests:
1) Please pray we would be diligent in language study. Pray we would have ears to hear the details of the language, tongues to speak, and discipline/determination to put in the hours necessary to learn Mamprulli.
2) Pray God would open doors for us to find ministries which we could pour into here in Nalerigu. Pray we would find a church which we would be able to serve. Pray we would find where God is already at work and join Him.
3) Pray God would form and deepen relationships with Nationals. We have begun forming relationships with various shop owners, Muslim men, women and children. Pray God would grow these relationships and they would lead to Gospel conversations.
4) Pray for wisdom. We are constantly having to deal with the issue of individuals asking for money. Pray God would grant us wisdom and discernment in learning how to handle money.
5) Pray God would continue to draw Julia and I closer together as a couple. Pray God would continue to mold us and shape us into His image. Pray we would have rapid immediate obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you. We love you. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,
The Welch's
No comments:
Post a Comment