Author name: Lois Gillespie

We praise the Lord that our friends Ken and Julie are back from the states. Ken’s doctor assures him that his heart is fine, but that he is ‘stressed out’. For those of you who know Ken, this is amusing. He is one of the most easy-going guys around. If he is stressed, where does that leave the rest of us? We find ourselves even more dependent on taking one step at a time as we try to determine what God would have us do for the next year. 

I’ve been blessed lately to realize afresh that even though I can take only so many things in an evacuation backpack, I am not limited when I take my requests to God. His grace is boundless and unlimited, so I don’t have to prioritize and ‘cut back’. How precious that is to me!

We’re praising the Lord today for the good news we received this morning. Our co-worker and friend who left for the states last week for some medical tests has received the OK to return to Africa. We’re expecting them this weekend. It’s been special to hear the kids pray for Mr. Vaughan; he’s definitely a favorite teacher!

The statement released at the end of the mission leaders and school board meetings last week in Dakar was what we expected: ICA will ‘hibernate’ for the 2003-2004 school year and work towards re-opening for the 2004-2005 school year. At the meeting on Friday night when the statement was read to the staff and students who are here, it was greeted with total silence. Up to the last moment, we were all hoping it would be different. Those who attended the meetings came away with a very clear sense of the need for ICA in central West Africa, and are committed to making that a reality once again. 

Now we have some decisions to make regarding next year. Spending time with the Marines (our West Africa field directors) did help clarify these options for us, but a lot will depend on when it is safe to return to Bouake. We are committed to returning to ICA when it re-opens and will be part of those who work towards its rebuilding. In the meantime, it’s possible we may have the opportunity to do some language work either here in West Africa or in France – something that would position us to be more effective at ICA and in Bouake.

Thank you all for your e-mails and even occasional snail mails, too! We love to hear from you.

We praise the Lord today that we are not asking your prayers for

• comfort because of death of a dear friend
• safety under gunfire
• safety while evacuating through rebel-held territory
• safety while returning to ICA
• safety while trying to leave Abidjan etc. 

It’s amazing to us to look back and see all the ‘perils’ God has brought us through in the past year. It also encourages us to know that He is in the future, too, already preparing our way. So we ask you to pray that we will know His plan. 

The school board and mission leaders have been meeting this week to lay down guidelines/stepping stones for the restart of ICA when Ivory Coast is safe. Please pray for their wisdom and ability to see clearly the way ahead. 

As our youth groups meet tonight at Dakar Academy, they are continuing their study in the “Why Wait” series – a study in purity. Pray that God will use these sessions to call out teens who will purpose in their hearts not to defile His temple.