Here in the USA the past few months have been a real test for most people. Perhaps never before has our nation been so polarized – with strong rhetoric and heated discussions on so many serious issues that will define our future as a nation. I am reminded that Jesus said in Luke 12:51 “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you. I have come to separate people.” (NIRV) Having personally lived through (and voted in!) almost a dozen presidential elections, I am particularly saddened that so many loud voices have come from people who seem to be led by mere feelings, rather than sound judgment after searching for truth. So many seem truly “lost” and with irrational fears.

Perhaps it should be no surprise, since so many of the younger generations have grown up in broken homes and been let down by parents, teachers, community leaders and even church leaders. With biblical principles in schools being supplanted by waves of free thinking and teaching of ungodly ideas, children have grown up often without firm standards and guidelines. Seeking to control their own lives and be validated and accepted, many are eager to accept “labels” that (for a moment at least) they feel help identify them. Labels make it easier for them to feel part of a group – yet also tend to be an open door to whatever group ideology is being promoted! As I was praying about how to address this, I realized that many need to hear and understand that Jesus came SO THAT they could be validated and accepted by the only one that really matters – GOD!

Titus 3:5-7 “He saved us. It wasn’t because of the good things we had done. It was because of his mercy. He saved us by washing away our sins. We were born again. The Holy Spirit gave us new life. God poured out the Spirit on us freely. That’s because of what Jesus Christ our Savior has done. His grace made us right with God. So now we have received the hope of eternal life as God’s children.” (NIRV)

Ephesians 3:17-19 “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (NLT)

No matter where we live around the world today, we are called to share this life-changing message so that others can know that they are loved and accepted by our Heavenly Father, who wants to teach us who we are in Christ Jesus! What a wonderful thing to be thankful for as we approach Thanksgiving! Blessings, Shirley.

Pastor Sika in Togo – His monthly report is again filled with encouraging ministry news. He held an evangelistic campaign in Hlande – a village very hostile to the gospel. Very few adults attended, but many children came. As a result, they held a 2-day children’s ministry event with nearly 60 children! Most of the children wanted to continue with the Bible lessons he teaches. This photo shows the meeting. Please pray that God will protect him and his team and enable this group to grow in their knowledge and love of the Lord. May no weapon formed against them prosper, and may the children lead their adult family members soon to accept the Lord also!

His radio ministry continues to bear much fruit. One young lady listener invited them to come and preach to her pagan family. This photo shows them in the priests’ house run by her family. Pastor Sika asks for our prayers as the family wrestles with wanting to understand and make the decision to follow Jesus Christ, while also needing to destroy their fetishes. This is truly a spiritual warfare that he and his team continue to fight, but one that we in the USA often have little understanding of.

He shares a great praise report: perhaps you remember these twins, Christian and Christine, who were abandoned by their mother after her husband died? The children weren’t even 2 years old. Today, thanks to your prayers and donations, these twins have grown up and started school. Many thanks to the Lord on behalf of a faithful supporter, Karen, who is investing a lot in the growth of these twins. We continue to keep these special twins in our prayers.

The Joseph Project currently manages 19 orphans who are cared for by widows who also need support. Since the start of the new school year, one of the orphans (Sossou) has stopped studying and wants to learn to drive a tractor. He is still praying for the funds to pay the apprenticeship fees, which cost $2500. Your prayers are important to enable this young man to leave quickly. Pastor Sika again asks for prayer for God to provide $650 for medical care needed urgently by himself and his wife, Lucie. He also asks for prayer for the disastrous political and financial situation of his country where they are experiencing a financial crisis.

Pastor Honoré in Central African Republic – He recently sent us some wonderful pictures along with some exciting news! He and everyone at the school and church in the CEERCA ministry base are very grateful to God for the public electricity project that has finally reached their property. Although they are located only a few miles outside of the capital, Bangui, and not far from the airport, they will FINALLY soon have access to electricity! This will mean that lights after dark will enable people to read or work longer, discourage thieves, and make it safer for everyone returning to their homes after dark. We pray that it will vastly improve the security of the compound and that Pastor Honoré and his family will soon be able to return to live in their home there as a result.

As seen in these photos, he reports that they distributed some pens, pencils, books, and other school supplies to their 21 orphans (especially those who have lost both their father and mother). The CEERCA school is still going with some faithful teachers, despite many having left because of poor salaries.

The work of the church continues with baby dedications, new salvations, and with a baptism last month as seen in this picture. They also just held a seminar on the End Times. We continue to pray that God will protect and provide for Pastor Honoré and his family as they continue this life-changing ministry to so many in need.