Wow! We have so much to share with you. First of all, we want to thank you for your many prayers on our behalf this past week. We have seen God answer in ways we did not expect.
We mentioned last week that we would be having an opportunity to share “grace” with one of our professors. She had heard the song Amazing Grace in English and had asked us to explain the meaning of grace. In an interesting turn of events, she found out the next day that she would be teaching a new class at the university and would not be able to continue with our class of 5 missionaries. However, she would be continuing the private tutoring sessions with me – it was up to me to explain what grace meant (in French, of course). I spent the weekend preparing for this, especially for transitioning into the full plan of salvation. Tuesday, as the others were praying, she wanted me to share everything during my private class. After going through the plan of salvation, I asked her if she had ever placed her faith in Jesus Christ. She began to tell me that when she was young she was invited to a Baptist church -something very culturally taboo in Quebec. However, she went to that church and heard the gospel and received Christ at that time. She went on to tell me how the Catholic church emphasizes works, but that she had a relationship with God. She has been going to the Catholic church because of family pressure. So, if she is saved, why did she want to know what grace means? I believe that it had been so long since she has heard the wonderful story of grace, that she wanted to hear it again – Tell Me the Old, Old Story. She is living in a waste land and she wanted to have a cool fresh drink from the Lord again. Please continue to pray for her as this is a very special opportunity for her and for me as I learn to communicate the good news in French. What a blessing!
If all that wasn’t enough, just minutes ago, we received a much-anticipated e-mail from our director at International Christian Academy. You recall that the school board was meeting this week on the campus, attempting to determine what God wants for the future of the school. We really didn’t expect to hear the news this soon, so you can imagine our hearts as we read the following:
“Dear Friends of ICA , We would like to thank the many of you who have prayed for us during these critical meetings. It is very obvious to us that God answered your prayers. When the current CBI and incoming inter-mission board members, some mission reps and cabinet left Abidjan for Bouak? on Monday, we had many misgivings and were wondering how we could manage a huge campus in an unstable situation, take care of the needs of missionary children, and pick up the pieces of a world that is no more. After two days of deliberation and prayer, we are rejoicing that God has brought unanimity to all present, even though we began with diverse opinions and uncertainty. We believe God has led us to reopen the ICA campus for the fall of 2004. We have a committed nucleus of staff who are returning with their families.
“We realize that there is still risk in this situation. Some of the criteria for reopening we set forth in 2003 have been met, and others are showing definite progress. There is a peace accord and the Forces Nouvelles have re-entered the government. The disarmament process is beginning and only a few check points remain between Abidjan and Bouak?. Missionaries have been traveling throughout the country unescorted for months. Some shops and businesses are reopening, other expatriates are returning, and during the day, things are quiet and basically safe in town. We believe the risk of reopening ICA in Bouak? is being lowered to an acceptable level. This is based on our own experience, and our discussions with local authorities, French military, and the grapevine. Another missionary school in the area is also planning to reopen in September 2004. We, and the administration will be monitoring the situation carefully to assure that these conditions continue to improve.
“We spent many hours deliberating the following possibilities: reopening ICA on the current campus; temporarily relocating to Yamoussoukro, Abidjan or elsewhere; hibernating for another year; or closing permanently.
“We felt led to make the decision to reopen ICA for the following reasons:
“The Bouak? campus is the best available facility and can be developed into a good boarding option again and become the MK educational resource center that we envision. Its central location is accessible to many areas with few other educational options. The campus has been miraculously preserved when many other buildings in the area have been looted or destroyed.
“It is the best option for retaining our quality, committed staff members, and for laying the foundation for rebuilding the school for the future and directing our energy towards that goal. The other locations considered would require sizeable expenses for temporary arrangements, and would blur the focus of prayer, love, energy and material that has been and is being invested in this school.
“The smaller beginning size will allow the staff to continue to align the school with the vision that was cast following Dr Graybeal’s visit in 2002. The board believes that the world of missions and mission education is changing and that ICA also needs to adapt in order to help address those needs, particularly those of home-schooling families. The smaller operation would give the staff time to carefully plan these new developments.
“God moved in the hearts of all of the participants and board members to convince us that this is His leading. The decision was unanimous.
“It is very important that any family considering sending children to ICA for this fall realize that it is still not without risk. Each family needs to decide before the Lord that He is directing them to send their child to ICA . We will not urge anyone to come who does not feel this leading. We strongly suggest that any family sending children to ICA send at least one parent ahead of time, to see the situation for themselves, and decide whether the level of risk is acceptable for them. If a parent cannot come, perhaps a mission representative could make the trip.”
Our hearts are so full of praise. Lord, We Just Want to Praise You . We know that you are a part of this decision because you have been praying that God would direct the hearts of those making this decision. Please accept our thanks once again.
As you can imagine, there is much to be done on the campus to ready it for school to open. We need to return as soon as we can, but first of all, we need to finish language school, and then fulfill commitments to share our ministry with some of you and raise additional support. We ask that you pray that we will be able to stay focused as we still have a ‘job’ to do here in Quebec and friends with whom we can share the good news of ‘grace’.