Mission Senegal October 2010
Luke 1:37 “For nothing is impossible with God."
Dear Family and Friends
**** Mission Senegal monthly support can be sent to University Christian Fellowship, PO Box 35293, Syracuse, NY 13235. Note Kristina Friedrich on your check.****
Thank you so much for your prayers for the girls camp and the ongoing electricity crisis. The girls camp was wonderful. The house was full up to our ears and the girls had an amazing time. On Sunday afternoon they were begging to stay several more days, promising to fast if they could stay longer. I learned a lot about running a camp for teenage girls in Senegal and lot's of things I will do differently next year. The churches were all very excited about the girls camp and look forward to sending their own girls next year. Some of the people who were touched most my the camp were the leaders and staff themselves. My friend Astou's sister Baby, did all the cooking for us. She used to come out to the Oussouye church and then married a Muslim man and stopped. She joined in all the singing, dancing and discussions when she wasn't working. She also listened to all the teachings from the kitchen. At night she shared a room with Marie Claude from Oukoute, and apparently talked her ear off both nights for hours. Marie Claire, Garard's wife from Kahinda, was also deeply touched during the camp. Marie Claire is in her twenties and came to camp to help out with the girls. She was baptized in the Catholic church when she was young but hasn't yet made a real commitment to separate her life and be raised to that newness she can have with Christ himself. After the camp she told us that she was ready to be baptized. We were all very excited about this. I got to know several girls who have been in the back ground of things at the church for some time. They were sort of drawn out of the shadows and thrust into the foreground with the rest of the girls. We also had a new light thrown on some of the girls we thought we knew rather well. We are still praying and asking God, which of these girls are the ones he would have us to invest in this coming school year. Pray with us that God would lead us into deeper relationships with each of these girls.
The electricity crisis continues in Senegal. We hear new and different stories every day about where things stand nationally and regionally. Nothing we have heard has amounted to much. We are still without electricity 12-18 hours a day and water most or all of that time. I bought a giant barrel last week to store water in, this has been a big help. Please pray that when we do have electricity we are able to get our work done that requires our computers. Pray also for all our electrical equipment that God would protect it.
I have been looking at different ways to improve our Wednesday evening Bible study. I generally have about ten teenagers at the Bible study and a slew of children in the middle of my living room floor. Solange has been assisting me with worship and that has been fantastic. They need some instruction as to what worship actually is but it's a step forward from me leading the same six songs in French every week. Last night was awesome. I explained to them that I was going to ask at the beginning of every meeting “What did God speak to you during last week.” Christine and I gave a few examples. Then our lesson was on how to spend time with God everyday. I told them their homework was to come back and tell me what God spoke to them. I have a solid group of teenagers, I just need help with the kids and the language barrier so that we can all get to know each other better.
We are traveling this weekend to the village of Djembering to share in fellowship with the church there and minister whatever God would give us. We are going to begin traveling more frequently during the next few months to Kabrousse, Mlumpe and Ziguinchor.
The awning project is being talked about again. PLEASE pray that Marcel makes himself available to see this house project completed.
Last month the women in the Oussouye church started meeting separately from the women who are working at the jam house. Long story short, this is working out much better for us. Prayer is never interupted by work. We all want to be there and to know Christ more. Pray this continues to work well and that God would raise up a leader. I am the default leader at present, it's not really my vision to lead a ladies prayer meeting. I'm willing to serve but these ladies have been leading their own group for years without missionary help. Last week we had so much fun opening a box of shoes sent my church in Syracuse, NY. Thanks UCF Ladies!!!!!
My friend Marietou's mother is very ill and the family has all gone to the Gambia. I cannot reach Marietou because of the difference in phone systems between here and the Gambia. Please pray for her mothers health and salvation. I have not seen Ishmael and Muhammad in several weeks. Please pray that they come back around and reconnect with us.
Christine has finished three months of the Missionary Training Program. She will be moving out of observing to more participation and harder challenges. Pray for Christine for the finances she needs to meet her monthly budget. Pray also for Christine to learn to learn the humility of being a missionary and to learn to manage her time. Pray Christine is able to build relationships of depth here with our friends and neighbors.
Many thanks for all your prayers and support. I love you all very much.
In His Service,
Kristina A. Friedrich
October Prayer Requests
Awning Project Completed
Wednesday Bible Study: Order and Vision
Christine: Finances and Change
Ishmael and Muhammad: Where are you?
Marietou's Mother: Healing and Salvation
Girls Camp Girls: Knowing Christ
Kids Club: That I would learn every kids name and more about them
Women in the Oussouye Church: Outward Focus on others
October 24th Skype with a supporting church in Westfield, NY
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