I hope everyone enjoyed a great Mother’s Day! Mine was especially unforgettable as we went to church with our family and were greatly blessed by the service which was both for Mother’s Day and to celebrate several baptisms – one of which was of our 10 yr-old granddaughter, Lily!! I have shared in the past about her many challenges dealing with a very rare genetic illness, autism and epilepsy. But she has come to love the Lord and has developed a very special relationship with Him. Being non-verbal, she was unable to communicate until about 3 years ago when she began to use a speech device on her tablet – and we discovered she could already read and spell perfectly! Despite poor neurological control of her hands, she now determinedly types her schoolwork and also very thoughtful and astounding discussions with us!

About two years ago, Gerald and I began praying that God would reveal Himself to Lily in a special way so that she could feel His presence, especially at night and when she is alone. She accepted Jesus and began to grow in her faith – especially throughout last year which was especially difficult. A couple of months ago, she wrote that she wanted to get baptized. It was decided that she would do so at church, but in a smaller ceremony with just family, as we attend a very large church which is somewhat overwhelming for her. She wanted to share her testimony, and as she typed it out, we were totally amazed at what she has experienced.

A video was made to be shared with the whole church after other baptisms took place on Mother’s Day – and already so many people have said how much it touched their heart! You can watch the baptism service at about the 14 min mark on the sermon titled “Everyone, Everywhere” (and also be blessed by the preaching afterwards!) via this link https://www.reallife.us/ , but I want to share  with you exactly what Lily wrote, in the hope that it will be a reminder of just how awesome and great our Heavenly Father is!     Be blessed! Shirley

Pastor Sika in Togo – A great answer to prayer has come in the form of the rental of a small business property in the town about 12 miles from the orphanage – enabling Afi, one of the former JP orphans who recently graduated from her apprenticeship, to open her own hairdressing salon. This photo shows her in the salon with her 1^st customer. She is excited to not only have her own business but also be able to help train other girls from the orphanage in the future. We pray she has many customers, and also is able to bless many people there.

Pastor Sika also sent us several lovely photos after his visit to the Joseph Project orphanage and church at Easter. They all continue to do well and the church is growing. You can see the children at the orphanage in the 1st photo, and the 2^nd photo shows Pastor Tomety and the widows who help at the orphanage and with the ag project. We pray they have a blessed harvest this year and all the children can continue to do well in their schooling and have good health.

Pastor Honoré in Central African Republic – He sent us some great photos of the Easter celebration at CEERCA church, which also celebrated their 10-year anniversary then. The children helped put on an Easter play, as seen in the 1^st picture.

Sadly, not long afterwards, one of Clarisse’s sisters passed away, leaving 2 children. The funeral was attended by a great number of people as can be seen in these other photos. We pray for peace and comfort from the Lord as the family deals with this season of loss.