Author name: Bob Gillespie

We want to thank you for your prayers. We had all hoped that the peace process would continue here in Ivory Coast. No one would have ever expected that the government of Cote d?Ivoire would attack the French peace keeping troops in order to get at the Rebels. Once again Satan had destructive plans for ICA but God had other plans. He even used the French to carry out His plans. After the French took out the entire air force of Cote d?Ivoire, we once again felt safe. We can fill you in on the details later. 

As for now, things are bad down in the coastal city of Abidjan. Many of our friends there have been hiding in their houses from people who are angry at the French and who go after anyone with a white face. We at ICA are in a very safe place, but the political situation is very unstable and there are no good options for leaving the country at this time. We are better off staying here until it is safe to drive out without the risk of loosing at the very least our vehicle. If things continue to deteriorate, we may have to be airlifted out. 

When we get home we are going to catch our breath for a while, possibly starting our furlough year 8 months early (although originally we had planned to take our furlough a year later – after a 5-year term). We know that God has given us these experiences for some reason and we trust that He will lead us into a new place of ministry. We will be looking to our home church and EBM (our mission board) for wisdom in this matter. I am confident that God has the perfect fit for us and soon we will be serving where our gifts, abilities and experiences have prepared us for. 

We trust that you will continue to pray for us in these matters and as we seek a window of opportunity to get out of the country. While here, we do not want to forget the impact that we can have as we minister to the French soldiers and the foreign refugees that are on campus now. They are all so thankful that we have been here when they needed help. God has always used ICA as an outreach to others. This time the outreach is coming to us, right here on campus. Please continue to pray for the students as well. Some have parents living in Abidjan are they are fearful for them. 

School is still going on in order to keep some kind of normalcy. We realize that this can be some of the most important learning times the students will ever have. We can?t teach children how to trust in God; they have to learn it for themselves and by example. What an awesome opportunity we have to demonstrate our trust in the goodness and faithfulness of God! I don?t think that these kids are going to forget these ?classroom? lessons soon.

While people here in Quebec are happy to be having such a ‘warm’ fall with temperatures in the low ’50s, we know we’re in for a very cold winter – definitely not what we’re used to!  Lois is very glad there is a Walmart here, because we’ll probably have to get some heavier gloves, scarves, etc.

We find ourselves just one couple out of many missionary couples here at Laval to learn French. Out of Lois’ class of 17, six are missionaries – all going to West Africa. Some of us are getting together this Friday night for a dinner cooked by a Mexican student; please pray for the witness that we hope to have in his life.

We realize just what a ‘deal’ God provided in our apartment when we talk to other couples and hear what they are paying. Thank you for your prayers!

It seems we’ve found our church home for this year. We attended a church on Sunday whose Pastor speaks very clearly enunciated French. We found it very special to be able to understand the Word again – it’s been a long 4 weeks of going to church and not really getting anything out of the message. I think we forget sometimes how precious the spoken Word is. (Of course, we’d like to think it’s because we’re finally learning…) The Pastor seems very interested in helping us any way he can. He has suggested getting language partners for us within the church who can also help us with homework if we want. It would certainly be a big help! 

We know many of you are considering how you can be a part of our ministry. Currently we are living in Canada at a support level intended for West Africa. Because of your gifts, we’ve managed thus far. Thank you for your part in this, and for the part you will have in the future.

If you’re following the news about the Ivory Coast and West Africa, you’ll know that they are very far from peace. The situation in the Ivory Coast seems to have worsened just within the last week. Please pray for the missionaries who will soon be making decisions about their future ministries and for the ICA school board who will need to make a decision about re-opening in 2004. Although we’re being told by many that there are a lot of French-speaking places where God can use us, our hearts are with ICA, as are the hearts of many others. It was a year ago today that we flew home after being evacuated…it still feels like we left part of ourselves behind.

Please pray for:

• our witness to other students;
• unusual God-given ability to learn French;
• peace in West Africa;
• wisdom for ICA school board in their decision making;
• direction for missionaries in determining their future ministries;
• increased support needs.

I’m writing this newsletter from here in the USA as Lois and I have returned to Ohio for the summer. Since conditions in the Ivory Coast have not settled down enough for missionaries to return, International Christian Academy (ICA) will not be re-opening its doors for the 2003-2004 school year. Our hopes and prayers are that the political situation will continue to improve so that missionaries can return to the Ivory Coast. At that point, ICA can once again provide education for missionary children of West Africa.

When last we wrote, we were at Dakar Academy in Senegal. We knew when we went to Dakar Academy that it was a short-term ministry, so shuffling apartments mid-way through wasn?t that distressing. This summer we alternate between ‘homes’ in Ohio and West Virginia while we visit churches. At the end of August we will move to a small apartment in Quebec as we go to Laval University for further language study until May 2004. We hope at that time to return to our ‘home’ at ICA for the much-anticipated re-opening in August 2004. We’re learning that not only ‘home is where your heart is’ (ours is divided between ICA and here with family and friends), but also ‘home is where you park it,’ and most definitely ‘home is where you make it.’

Graduation 2003 at Dakar Academy was unique in that each school, Dakar Academy and International Christian Academy, received their diplomas from the directors of their respective schools. This year’s theme at Dakar Academy was ‘Blended to Bless’, and although there were many times we wondered about those blessings, we knew God had a plan. We thank Dakar Academy for allowing ICAers to graduate with ICA diplomas.

As Lois and I have put together our presentation and are delivering it to churches, we are reminded each time of how much God has orchestrated over the past couple of years in our two-year introduction to missionary service. I’m not sure how often we get a chance to clearly see the Master Composer at work – maybe it’s because we don’t take the time to stop and listen to and reflect on His symphony. As we reflect upon God’s past plan for ICA, His protection of ICA in July-September 2002, His possible purpose for ICA being at Dakar Academy, and His possible plan for ICA’s future, we are overwhelmed with His tender love and care. Our presentation is entitled “Look What God is Doing” and refers to Luke 8:39 where Jesus instructed a man whom He had cleansed of a demon to return to his village and tell people what great things had been done for him. Included in this presentation is the story of one of the highlights of our stay in Dakar. Some of us had the opportunity to take the students out to the village of Giti for an evangelism and building outreach. During that time, we witnessed a miracle as scores of villagers turned from their idols to Christ through the testimony of Esther, a young lady who returned to her village to share how God had saved her and delivered her from demon possession. We happened to be in the way when God performed a mighty miracle in Giti, allowing all of us to see and experience again that God is still in control and working in the hearts of men. It was a very precious and special ‘end’ for a very difficult and special year.

As mentioned above, currently we are visiting some of our supporting churches and actively seeking other churches to partner with us in our work in West Africa. We urgently need 20% more in monthly support plus funds for French language school tuition. We know this is a huge task in such a short time, but God has shown Himself faithful to us time and time again.

With hearts that are pondering what God is doing, we thank you for your prayers and ask you to pray for:

• increased support needs and tuition needs for language school;
• peace in West Africa;
• growth of new Christians in Giti;
• the future of missions in the Ivory Coast and West Africa;
• the future of International Christian Academy.