A Changed Life

Friends, as we prepare to GO we want to share with you a story from one of the villages where we will be working.  This story comes to us from one of the workers on the field.  We are so excited to meet Mr. S and others and ask that you lift him up in the coming weeks.
    

"Mr. S, a frail, quiet, old man from Chilanga Village has been active in our gathering since September. As the gathering continued and the Truth was presented many times, one by one a group from Chilanga gave their lives over to Truth! One of these was Mr. S. As we continued studying the Book, I’d allow time for questions and most seemed to deal with witchcraft. Mr. S came up to me one day and said, “You know that people call me a witchdoctor, but I’m more of a traditional healer. I help people with asthma and other sicknesses.” I noticed that other people were discussing many things about Mr. S, yet he was still attending and growing in the Word. Recently, we held a leadership conference in which Mr. S attended. At one point he came up to me asking for advice. “I want to get rid of all those things from my old life, but I don’t know if I should.” The Father was clearly working in his heart to lead him to totally walk away from those things he did before. He was indeed the witchdoctor. During the leadership teaching, we gave our stories. Mr. S stood up and explained, "I have been a part of the work of the father of lies by tricking people. But now I know the truth. I have burned all of my items of witchcraft. I no longer want anyone to call me that. When someone comes to the village asking for the witchdoctor, tell them he is dead.” He then went on to describe how he would use magic to lie and deceive, even giving detailed descriptions and examples. Mr. S was not only the witchdoctor of Chilanga Village, but also the head of all witchdoctors in approximately a 200 km radius. He has promised to expose all the other witchdoctors and has since gone to four villages he deceived, telling them the truth and proclaiming that he is now a believer of the Truth. This is a changed life! Lift up Mr. S as he boldly stands against sorcery and witchcraft, and stands for Truth."

Fundraising!

The team had a fun night at our fundraiser.

We hosted a Profs' Night Out allowing all faculty and staff to drop off their kids at the RAWC (Recreation and Wellness Center) on Friday night and requested that donations be given. Here are a few pictures from our night of fun!

They loved the "boy in the yellow shirt" :)

"Hey guys, I have the baby!"

Fun will balloons and static electricity

Everyone minus Lori who had to leave to go to work.

Thank you to everyone who donated!  We are just under $5,000 from our goal.  If you would like to give email us at hopeforafrica2013@gmail.com

For All of Us,

Dayla

Profs' Night Out!

This Friday night our team will be hosting a night out for any faculty and staff at OBU. 

Here is the advertisement:

For all faculty and staff: Need a night out away from the kids? We are here to help!

The "Africa" Team is providing child care on Friday, April 12, from 6-10 p.m. at the RAWC to raise money for their trip. There is no set amount for this event, only donations! If you need a night out bring your children, ages 3 and above, to us!  

Even if you cannot afford to contribute to our trip, we would love to watch your kids while you take a much needed break! We will have games and snacks available, and many of the students are First Aid/CPR certified. All donations are appreciated.

Drop off your kids as early as 6 p.m. and pick them up as late as 10 p.m.! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dayla Rowland at 585-5704 or dayla.rowland@okbu.edu.

If you are in the Shawnee area and need a place to take your kids on Friday night, bring them to us!

Reminder Cards

We have started counting down the days until we leave for Africa.  Please continue to lift us up as we prepare. 

We recently made some reminder cards for anyone who wants one.

If you would like one let us know!  We would love for you to remember us as we prepare and especially when we are in Africa.

Meet Dayla!

Meet Dayla, an OBU graduate and the Student Ministry Associate.

 

 I am so excited to go to Africa for a third time this summer and share the Good News with old and new friends.  I am always amazed at the beauty of the people and the vastness of our world when I am in different contexts.  I look forward to spending time with our team of students, connecting with the workers and making new friends as we live life among the nationals.

Please lift me up as I lead this team.  Ask the Father for wisdom, strength, endurance and a present mind and heart.  Please ask for physical and spiritual protection as we go.

I so look forward to sharing many stories with you on this journey and after we return!  Please check back here on this blog for more updates and information.

 

Meet Kane!

Meet Kane, a Youth Ministry major.

I know that the Father wants me to go to Africa and share the Good News with the nationals. It is my hope to be used while I am there to build relationships and share Good News.

Please lift me up that I might have strength while I prepare and while I am there. For the safety of my team and that we speak the Truth to the African people.

For more information on how you can support Kane, whether financially or through lifting her up, email us at hopeforafrica2013@gmail.com