July 2010 Newsletter
1 Chronicles 16:31 “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!"
Dear Family and Friends
I am back in Senegal for the third year of leading the Missionary Training Program. My flight was scheduled for June 29th but was canceled and rescheduled for the next day. Our flight the next day was also canceled and airline sent us to Rochester by car, where we flew to Atlanta, on to Paris and then finally Dakar. When we arrived in Dakar Airport there was a sign going around the baggage claim with our names on it. We went to the lost baggage office, which I know well by now, but the man was not there and we were told to wait. While we were waiting I saw one of my bags unloaded. All three of our bags miraculously arrived. Christine Feather, our new trainee and I spent a wonderful evening with Roger Diatta's family in Dakar. The next day we did some shopping and bought our boat tickets to Ziguinchor. My friend Offie Bolie met us at the boat in Ziguinchor with a taxi ready to take us to Oussouye. After we arrived I called my family in the village Astou and Marcel Diatta to see if we could share dinner with them. To which Astou replied she had lunch ready and waiting for us whenever we were ready. I felt so awesomely blessed by all the Senegalese friends who took care of us along our journey. I also knew there were many friends and family around the world praying for our journey. Thank you all for the prayers that covered our travel.
Now settled into the Training Center we are ready to begin our work. Friday we visited Ziguinchor, I stopped to visit my favorite vegetable seller Ida. She told me that since we prayed for her in January her life has changed. She was married this weekend and attributed the marriage to God's work in her life.
Our friend and ministry partner Ismael Diagne is currently in Elinkine working. Please pray that God would protect Ismael and provide a way for us to continue studying the Bible together. Ismael was set to begin the third school of ministry through DCI World Missions this month. He also helped in my work a great deal doing evangelism with me and teaching the Wednesday night Bible Study.
My church, UCF, in Syracuse sent some hardware for the church's work here in Oussouye. They were amazed and so thankful that they now have the tools to take the Jesus Film to the islands without the need of a huge generator. They were shocked at how small the movie projector was. They lifted the gifts up to the Lord in thanks for his great offering to the work of the Kingdom. The next island trip is planned for the end of July.
Today in church I met a new Christian in my neighborhood named Jean. Jean is from an animist family here in town and met the Lord when she was sent to school in Ziguinchor. Please pray that I am able to pour into this young woman's life during this school vacation.
Lighthouse Christian Fellowship in Westfield, New York sent me a Sunday School offering last year. I used the money to purchase children's Bible stories in French on DVD. All of the children that have watched them so far have been fascinated by the stories and songs. Thanks to all at Lighthouse for this gift.
Saturday, July 11th we spent the day celebrating the marriage of some neighbors. The entire neighborhood turned out for the wedding. All the ladies cooking and all of my friends dancing and enjoying themselves. It was so great to feel, after three years in Senegal of building relationships with the families around me, that I truly belonged among them. Next weekend is the marriage of one of our church members. I am looking forward to the communion with the church members as we prepare for the wedding and celebrate together with them.
I have been scheduled to preach three times in the next few weeks at the Oussouye church. Please pray that God would anoint me for these messages and bring his word to me. This week Christine will begin her cooking classes and the training center course work. We carry a fairly heavy schedule here, pray Christine acclimates quickly to the heat, food and strenuous life.
Check out my blog: www.tinasenegal.blogspot.com
Monthly support for my work in Senegal can be sent to: University Christian Fellowship, PO Box 35293, Syracuse,New York 13235. Note: Kristina Friedrich on your check. Support can also be sent through Pay Pal: The website is: www.paypal.com Click on: “Send Money” Send to: info@ucf.org From: Giver's Email Address. All donations are tax deductible.
Much Love and Thanks in Christ,
Kristina A. Friedrich
July 2010 Prayer Requests
Christine's health, study and language skills
That I can hear more Jola and continue to strengthen my French
Ismael Digne to hear God's voice each day and be filled with the Holy Spirit
My relationships with my neighbors to have more depth
Jean, new Christian, back in Oussouye for the 1st time after receiving Christ
Those children who visit our house frequently to encounter Christ here
For God to protect our home and our health during this rainy season
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