Refreshing Rains!

Dry season represents hotter than usual temperatures and lots of dust. Sometimes that seems to describe the ministry too…hot, hard and parched soil, and seemingly little new growth. Certainly there have been and are signs of God at work, but we always wish to see more…wish for those rains to soften and bring new green. This week has brought some refreshing rain.

Laura’s two brothers arrived after midnight last Sunday and within 3 hours of their arrival, the first rains came with lots of wind and thunder. Instantly the temperature lowered and there was a freshness in the air. Both brothers have been long term donors and prayer partners and this was their first time to visit Africa.  Today we traveled to two schools and heard scores of Primary 5 pupils recite the Values Promises they memorized last year and sing the two Honesty songs (which they learned about 7 months ago!).  Several pupils gave testimonies of how learning godly values has made a difference in their lives.  To the delight of all, we distributed more than 300 New Testaments.  Family and friends in Canada packed 160 zip lock bags filled with school supplies and dental hygiene.  What smiles came to faces as they received their own mini pack which included a “sweet” (candy—sort of anti-dental but so enjoyed!). My brothers remarked how quiet and sharp the classes were.  The day was quickly spent and overflowed with many blessings.

Beyond that “shower,” we received an email from a Scripture Union staff saying that during a Training last week, one of the trainees personally trusted Christ as Saviour. Just today we’ve heard that an Invoice had just gone out for the sale of 120 Modules of curriculum!  And another email from our colleague Beth informing us that a Foundation is interested in translating and printing the Biblical Values modules in two East African languages and needs a proposal to be written and submitted. Indeed the Lion of Judah loves the millions of children and youth of East Africa. How we thank God for the refreshing rains, both physically and spiritually…may they produce much lasting and God-honoring fruit!