GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND
* How are you coping with Britain…? I'm doing a lot better now! The first few months back were really quite hard for me - with the emotion of leaving Burkina, and the culture shock of coming back, and readjusting to life here. But I have been very concious of God's presence and help in every way. I have even ended up buying a house, without really looking for one - something I thought I would never be able to do. And people from the church have helped me out with furniture and a car. I do thank God for his amazing grace, and for the gift of his family.

* What are you doing during this time…? As I said, the main focus is rest and spiritual renewal. I'm allowing at least a third of my time for this, which means planning in time out, and time for prayer and relationships with people. It is also great just being a "normal" member of church, being able to receive from the Lord, without having to be in "ministry mode" at all times. I have also just come back from a week’s spiritual retreat in Hungary, which was a blessing.

Secondly, while I am not taking on any major commitments in ministry at the moment, I am still allowing another third of my time for bits and pieces of ministry-related stuff. I do occasional church talks. I have prepared a video of last year's Fulani Discipling Community work. I did an exhibition of some of my photos from Burkina. I am working on a couple of website ideas. There are subjects I want to take time to study. Sometimes activities get shoved from one category to another - for example, I was planning on having a holiday with Oak Hall. But the speaker for the northern Cyprus trip pulled out, so I was asked at 4 days notice if I would take his place, to do 11 half-hour evening talks. It was not exactly restful, though it was a great time, and I especially enjoyed the scuba diving and paragliding!

Financially, life in Britain is rather more expensive than in Burkina! I am very grateful to all those of you who have continued to support me during this time. I've been especially grateful for this while first back, since I have particularly needed the time and space to readjust and settle. However, to help make ends meet, for the final third of my time I have just taken a part-time job.

* What are your thoughts for the future…? I'm trying not to make too many plans at this time, but I still have a strong and developing vision for the ministry back in Burkina. The Boukouma Discipling Community is very much on my heart, as is the need of the unreached villages, and to see Fulani trained and mobilised into ministry in the Sahel. At the same time, other areas are increasingly on my heart, especially social and justice issues, and member care and training for missionaries. I am also wondering about using my photography in a more positive way. Please pray that the Lord leads clearly about what I should do, and when I should return.

NEWS FROM BURKINA
* Fulani Believers. I don't hear much news from the believers in Gorom, as they don't have easy access to email! But I do gather that they continue to move forward in the faith, and are involved in church, which is a great encouragement. Please continue to pray for Hamadou and Hama and their families, and for Ousemane, Bernadette, Jeneba, Moussa, Adama, and the others.

* Seydou and Monique. Seydou has finished his ministry training, and is now back in Gorom. He is seeking the Lord's way forward for ministry in the Gorom area, but also needs more financial support to free him to be able to move out in this.

* Steve. Steve is in Britain for a few months at the moment. The team in Djibo has changed with a number of missionaries moving on, and so we are praying and talking about where and how Steve takes things forward when he returns. Please pray for him in this. He is also developing his writing gift, and you can read some of his excellent stuff at www.voiceinthedesert.org.uk

* The Ongoing Struggle. According to the UN Human Development Index 2004, Burkina is the third least developed country in the world. We thank God for stability in Burkina, and for the progress that is being made, but Burkina still faces many challenges. Trade barriers in the West to Burkina cotton undermines its ability to trade its way out of poverty. And currently, there is a locust swarm threatening to devastate harvests across West Africa. At present, less than half of the $100m needed to deal with this threat has been pledged by the international community. Read more about this problem at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/3648334.stm Please pray.

* Sport. Did you spot Burkina at the Olympics? Okay, they might not have won any golds, but if medals were given for commitment and enthusiasm.... Also note that, after beating Uganda 2-0, Burkina are currently third in their group in the qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup!

PLEASE PRAY
* For the work of the Holy Spirit among the Fulani.
* For the believers, and for Seydou and Monique
* For God’s protection for the harvest from locust swarms, and for changes to international trade laws to help poor countries like Burkina.
* For my re-adaptation to life in Britain.
* For direction about my priorities for the coming months.
* For God’s work in my own life.