JULY 17, 2007

Dear Ones,

     I woke up very early this morning and heard something unusual coming through my open windows.  The sound of waves is not unusual as they are especially powerful this time of year.  What I heard was the Muslim call to prayer being broadcast over Pointe Noire.  It was a vivid reminder once again of why we are here.  Islam is gaining ground in Congo.  Kevin continues to visit his contacts and we continue to pray for fruit.....help us in prayer please.  Some of those he visits are Sese, Housema,  Mahmoud,  Saari, and others.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will supernaturally convince these of the Truth that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to God.  

     We can tell that you have been praying.  What a busy week we have had!  But God gave strength and grace.   For Joyce last week included two counseling sessions,  leading two Bible studies,  and teaching the first level of Sunday School training to 58 new Sunday School teachers!  We couldn't believe how many showed up.  They represented 23 different church groups so we feel that the impact will be widespread.  They had some very thoughtful questions and those that practice taught generally did a good job.  Two former students helped with the teaching,  Alain Makosso, and Donatien Nzila.  It was so exciting for me to listen to them explain the concepts using their own lives as examples.  Oh God is so good!  I had trained Donatien before the war and then lost touch with him for awhile.  He showed up a day after I started praying that I could find him again.  I had seen in him such a love for children.  He is now in Bible school.  He has a job in town as an accountant, but took time off to help out with the teaching.  Alain is one of our graduates of the Bible school here in Pointe Noire. 

     Kevin wants to share something exciting that has been taking place in the life of one of his contacts.  Aimar,is a merchant that sells at the market. He was often very depressed and would often try to cover his problems with strong drink. I invited him to come to our church service about two months ago, and he seemed to really enjoy the singing and getting to know the believers at the local church. I was holding several days of evangelistic meetings in a local neighborhood and invited Aimar to come with me. During the invitaion time, he came forward to accept Christ as his personal savior.

     He has been attending the local C&MA church, and also been coming to the Friday, all night prayer meetings that have been going on for about 3 months now. Needless to say, the drinking problem has stopped , and he has such a joy in his life now. The people at the market are beginning to call him, Pastor, because of the big change they see in his life. Pray for his growth in the Lord, and rejoice with us over this conversion.

     Please keep praying for Kevin as he leads the team here in Congo.  The transition period has been busy and isn't over yet...pray that God will lead and direct and pour in HIS joy. 

     We fly to Brazzaville tomorrow morning to meet with the President of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in the States, Dr. Gary Benedict.  He is coming through Brazza with  vice president, Dr. Bob Fetherlin,  and our regional director, Dr. Chris Braun and his wife Marcia.   Kevin will also meet with the National church leaders.  Pray for wisdom and vision as they plan ongoing ministries. 

     Thank you for continuing to pray for our needs.  We couldn't continue on without you!  

In Him,
  Joyce McCabe