While in the UK, I am giving only occasional updates on whatever happened to Keith, but one is long overdue. Thank you for your support and encouragement during this time.

YOU’RE STILL HERE, THEN…?

Yes, I’m still here. The goal of my sabbatical has been rest and renewal, with a review at the end of 2005. That is still the plan, with the aim of returning to the work among the Fulani. It continues to amaze me how run down I was, and how long it takes to regain normal strength. I am certainly better even than when I last wrote, and people are commenting on the difference! I am very grateful to the Lord, and to my church and the many friends who have continued to support me through this time.

SO WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THIS TIME…?

I knew you’d ask that. I am still trying to keep a good part of my time for rest and renewal. It has been a great blessing to be a normal part of church life, and I also meet once a week with a local pastor, to talk through issues and pray together. In the coming months, I will also be going to some spiritual retreats and conferences, which should bring some good input. It is a privilege during this time to be able to receive rather than just giving out. But I have been doing a few other things too:

My website. I now have a website, called Under the Acacias, with information about the work in Burkina, along with stories, photos, and some thoughts on faith stuff. On the “Latest” page is my weblog – an online journal, which I update every day or two with news from Burkina, reflections on Christian and justice issues, and updates on what has happened to Keith. It also has more on all the subjects in this newsletter. It is at www.undertheacacias.org.uk Check it out!

Church. I have taken on two roles in the church. I am now leading the prayer group for our church’s missionaries. It is a real privilege to be able to give back in this way after having been supported by the church over the years. And I have re-started the church Justice Issues Group. This year we are focusing on the Make Poverty History campaign for debt relief, trade justice, and better aid for developing countries. If you haven’t already joined this, I encourage you to do so – find out more from my weblog. I am also beginning to take on more speaking engagements, though still try to keep this to manageable proportions.

Benin. In January I spent three weeks in Benin visiting friends on the Anastasis, of Mercy Ships ministries. This is a wonderful ministry, providing free life-changing operations for people with a variety of surgical needs. It was lovely to be back in Africa, especially without the stresses of my usual work. I helped out a bit with translation, ward visiting, and outreach. I met some Fulani there, too, and was able to spend some good time, sharing Christ with them.

Other. I have also continued to work on my house, and I took a part-time job for a few months, which helped a lot financially. This ended when I went to Benin, and I haven’t yet started another job. I am also following up possible avenues of interest for using my photography more.

NEWS FROM BURKINA

Fulani Believers. Steve reports that the believers in Gorom continue to grow in their faith, although not all are regularly involved in church.

The Locust Swarm. The north of Burkina lost 90% of its harvest this year because of an invasion of locusts that devastated the crops. We have been collaborating with the World Food Programme in providing emergency food aid, and have received over £10 000 to help with this. Thank you to all who contributed. Sadly, we have heard just this week that another locust swarm is breeding, and efforts are being made to stop it developing. Please pray for this.

Radio. We are trying to start a community radio station in Djibo. Many villages have no gospel witness, yet are reachable by radio waves. We also see the radio as a means of contributing to the social development of the region, with programmes on health, education, AIDS, etc. After several false starts, things now look more positive. A good team of missionaries and local churches are partnering in the scheme, and a project proposal is available if you are interested. We will be looking for financial support, both for initial set-up (about £15 000), and regular ongoing support (about £3 000/year).

Steve. Steve is back in Djibo, continuing to develop the ministry there. He continues to reach out to the local Fulani, has been facilitating famine relief following the locust swarm, and is also trying to set up the radio station in Djibo. You can read about all these things at his website Voice in the Desert.

Seydou and Monique. Seydou has just passed his driving test! He is hoping to use this as a means to help support himself in ministry.

PLEASE PRAY
* For the Fulani believers, and for Seydou and Monique
* For God’s protection for the region from further locust swarms.
* For God’s continued work in my own life.
* For Steve’s ministry and the Djibo radio project.
* For blessing on my work with the Justice and Missions groups in church.

Many thanks