Burkina Faso Outreach :: BFOAfrica.org

What a thrill it was to have David and Shelly Meyer of Hand of Hope/Joyce Meyer Ministries visit us here in Burkina. They have been such wonderful supporters since 2003 so at last they were able to see the ministry in action. Their visit was short - 3 days - but the timing was such that they were able to see all aspects of the ministry.

The first day was the food distribution for the Child Sponsorship Program. We had all the ladies under a tent in one courtyard and all the kids in another. The ladies received little soaps and shampoos and David and Shelly along with our Pastor Badiel shared a word of encouragement with them. They also participated in the children's art activity, the bible story and the games.

The second day was relaxing. We attended my local church followed by lunch with my lead staff.

Their final day I was able to get them to each of our 3 villages where we have preschools and elementary programs. They met a couple of the chiefs, saw classrooms in action, preschool under a shelter, and the new school construction site. We even had time for a couple of nice meals and quiet times of visiting.

David and Shelly - come back anytime! And, thank you for all you do for me, this ministry and the people of Burkina Faso!  (Check out the photos/videos sections for more photos of their visit.)

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GREAT news for the village of Gobila! 

The village of Gobila, where one of our BFO schools is located, is (was) the only village within the surrounding area without a well providing clean drinking water.  After a grueling week, lots of prayer, and what was looking impossible, the drill team hit pay dirt at 80 yards below the ground.  Gobila can now have a minimum of 800 gallons of water per hour!  Praise God and Yeah for the drill team.

Check out the photo section for more photos and a play by play of this exciting event.

Sunday night we invited all the teachers over for movie night and Beef Jerky (compliments of a friend, Jaime).  Susan whipped up some popcorn and we had cokes iced up for them.  We chose the movie, Evan Almighty and what a success that was!  I've never seen this group laugh so hard; and then afterwards they had an incredible couple-hour long discussion about the film.  I heard comments like, "If the Lord calls you to something, the sooner you get to it, the sooner you'll be at peace" and "sometimes the Lord asks us to do things we can't understand, but if we just obey, we'll be at peace" and "sometimes the Lord asks you to do things that you know you're not capable of doing; but look how he sent the monkey with the hammer to Evan" and on and on.  I never would have thought so much discussion could come out of such a film.  

That same friend, Jaime, sent candy over; so I took Susan with me to all of our classrooms and everyone got colorful American candy which was a huge hit as well.  Here's a photo to give you a glimpse!

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It has become tradition at the end of each year to deliver goat meat, rice and all the fixings for a special meal or two to several needy families or widows who do not normally receive food assistance.  Typically these are the priority cases on the sponsorship waiting list or those who do not qualify for the program for one reason or another.  They are also cases who do not have the means to raise a goat, thus the slabs of meat instead of a live goat.

The goat meat and rice is provided by special donations from various donors. One of those donors is an Aunt of mine who has 10 children and has for the last couple years provided a goat in the name of each of her children! 

One of the children pictured here is Belle Faisal.  He is being raised by his grandmother who is gradually going blind since he's been on the waiting list.  They live close by and Faisal was a student in one of our preschool programs.  He did so well, we offered to pay his elementary school fees.  He is on the Child Sponsorship waiting list.

Just a reminder as you're looking at photos - it is custom in Burkina that you do NOT smile for photos; so you just have to trust me - they are smiling big inside!

We had a great turnout for the Child Sponsorship Party this year.  Roughly 120 of the 150 kids came.  Typically those who live further away and the little ones don't make it.  Also, thanks to our generous sponsors, we were able to invite about 20 kids who are on the sponsorship waiting list.

Sarata and Kirsi did a great job of planning the activities.  They had a version of Pin the Tail, but it was "Draw the Tail on the Pig"!  They had a coke bottle fishing game; a Burkina favorite "In the Sea"; and a challenging game where a chalk line is drawn in the ground and the kids have to try to follow it but holding a mirror up and following path with the help of the mirror only - tricky.  Emmanuel held their attention and had them laughing with his bible story telling.  Everyone received prizes and candy.  After games, Kirsi played the 'drums' (a plastic oil container) and they had them all singing and dancing.  Even the young shy ones were clapping their hands and trying to keep up.  

Of course at the end, we had a favorite party meal - rice with sauce and goat meat, and a drink called beesap.  I'd say it was a success!  If you'd like to see more photos, go to the photo tab and check out the Child Sponsorship Party album.

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