LIVES HAVE BEEN CHANGED !

Ruth reading Amy's words at the funeral

It is with a heavy heart that we return to Burkina Faso, our beloved African home. Our scheduled return date was January 27.Then the horrific terrorist attack took the life of our friend and colleague, Mike Riddering on January 15 in Ouagadougou. We were able to change our flights and arrive in time to be with Amy and his family in Yako.

Laid to rest in Yako

Mike was passionate about everything he did. He lived his life to the fullest and was greatly loved. His funeral and burial was a real testament to the lives he touched for Christ and the impact he had on so many people. 

" I have fought the good fight,I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,which the Lord will award to me on that day-and not only to me,but also to all who have long for his appearing."  2 Timothy 4:7-8 

Crowds gather to say farewel

 Well done, Mike !

Woman to Woman

Many of us would like to make a difference in our world. One woman has stepped forward and made her dream a reality by committing herself to improve the lives of woman in Burkina Faso,West Africa.

Meet Dawn Malcolm, an amazing, compassionate self-giving woman who tirelessly shares her time, talent and treasure with our ladies in Kimini.

Dawn teaching the ladies

Recently she spent time teaching the woman how to use the shea butter they produce to make both bar and liquid soap which they can sell in the market to earn money to help support themselves and their families.

Adding oils

I have not witnessed such pure joy and enthusiasm among the woman in a very long time!

Finished product

Ruth makes a purchase

Curious shoppers

Dawn, thanks for the hope you continue to bring to these sweet ladies.

" Whatever you did to least of my people, you did for me." Mt. 25:40

Karité Nuts to Shea Butter

         

I am always in awe of the hard working Burkinabé women. Karité nuts used to make shea butter are abundant in our village of Kimini.Young children can be seen very early in the morning gathering the nuts during harvest season. 

That is just the beginning of the long, arduous process of producing the shea butter used in numerous beauty products worldwide. 

Boiling karité nuts

Roasting nuts in outdoor ovens

Grinding roasted nuts to extract the butter.

 

Butter is beaten by hand.

Testing  the consistency.

Women selling balls of shea butter for 5 francs which is about a penny a ball.

I never fail to be humbled by the strength and tenacity of these gentle women. 

Coup D'Etat -Thumbnail Version

Burning Tire  Roadblock

Tanks 

It is difficult to summarize the events of this past week and even more difficult to describe the roller coaster ride of emotions they provoked.  Last Thursday September 17, the peace of this country was shaken by the overthrow of the transitional government by the RSP Military Guard led by Gen. Diendere.

Gen. Diendere

The interim President Michel Kafando and Prime Minister Jacouba Zida were held hostage at the presidential palace. Roads were blocked, businesses closed, curfews issued and land and air borders secured.

President Kafando

Yesterday after long negotiation, the transitional government lead by Michel Kafando has been reinstated. Diendere has accepted responsibility for his actions and has agreed to face the consequences and has stated regret for the loss of life and property.

Sweeping Streets 

As for now, word is that elections have been moved to

November 22.

The Burkinabe were out last night sweeping the streets and slowly things are returning to normal. You can sense the air of relief that the much greater tragedy was averted. 

Proud People of Burkina Faso

Through it all we remained safe in our quiet neighborhood far away from the events of the coup.

May God continue to hold the country of Burkina Faso in the palm of his hand through the transition and election period.

Brick By Brick

There has been much activity in our little area of Kimini lately. The construction of the maternity building is well underway. It is amazing to watch the process from brick making to wall raising.

Encouraging the builders

I just wanted to share the experience. So here is a little photo story .

Foundation and iron for reinforced concrete

Bricks turn into walls

Working on front wall

"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. "PSALMS 127:1