It is a real joy to see my Fulani friends again. These two days have been a flurry of visiting and being-visited, rattling through the greeting sequence, saying inane things like, "Yes, I've come back." Things in Djibo seem much the same, really, except that all the animals and some of the people are noticeably thinner. Also, the yard opposite us is now empty. Jim and Helen and family had to leave at short notice and are back in New Zealand. Please take a moment as you read this to pray that God would bless and protect them as they settle back in.

Keith and I have the rest of this week in Djibo and then move to Boukouma for the rainy season. Boukouma is a village halfway between Djibo and Gorom-Gorom. A few of the Fulani Christians from Gorom are coming there and we shall plant rice, si Alla jabbi. We expect that by living, working, eating and praying together for a few months we will all make progress in discipleship. We hope that our Fulani brothers and their families get enough rice to survive the year ahead.

I imagine this experiment will be quite intense, living in such close community and working hard in the sun. Please pray that we stay cheerful and do not get bilharzia. Also, could you pray for a reasonable amount of rain.

As for the radio project, I haven't forgotten it. We continue to think and pray and plot. Remy Moret (our man in Ouagadougou) is coming up to Djibo later this month for another meeting about it, and I will leave the paddy field for a weekend to see what he has to say. I believe Christian radio is a must for this area and this people group. I have brought some studio headphones back from England with me, in faith!

Please find enclosed a prayer card. Thanks for your letters and emails. News from BB4 much appreciated, though I know it shouldn't be.

Love as ever to you and your families,

Steve