Greetings from Sedhiou! Thank you so much for praying for the Mandinka.  We are still in the rainy season.  Most people are very busy working in their fields, and unfortunately many are repairing houses from the rain and recent wind storm.  Please pray that our study groups will be able to meet regularly during this month.

We enjoyed having Meghan with us the end of July and early August.  It is always good to be reminded of what life here looks like through “fresh” eyes.  It was great having a prayer partner beside me when making village and compound visits.  Meghan spent some quality time with SD’s niece, ThJ, while she was here.  We are praying that the Lord will use this experience as He guides her in His will.  We also want to continue to pray for ThJ to continue to mature and be bold in her witness for Christ.

Tabaski will be celebrated by our friends and neighbors in the middle of September.  This is their “Christmas.”  It is the time of year that many M’s make the pilgrimage to Mecca.  This is the time that they celebrate Abraham’s faithfulness to be willing to sacrifice his son.  To celebrate this holiday each family tries to buy a ram to sacrifice.  Everyone wants a new outfit or at least a new pair of shoes. It is usually a happy time, because many people return home for the celebration.  Please pray that the MNK will realize that God, not Abraham provided the sacrifice.  Please pray that they will realize Jesus is the Lamb of God.

Thank you for lifting up the ministry among the Mandinka people and our family.  We appreciate you continuing to pray for Alex, Emily, and Aaron.  Alex is still deployed so please pray for he and all of our military personnel that are separated from their families.  Daniel is back in school.  Please lift him up as he gets back into school mode.  Patrick is working and pursuing a contract with the Marines.  I am looking forward to a prayer conference.  Richard will be holding down the fort!  Thank you for joining us in this work.