Email the Johnsons!

Greetings from the bachelor pad! Elijah and I are making due while Melissa has gone, along with Mandy Chankin, to the Come Before Winter renewal in Kenya. We appreciate so much the generosity of those who helped make this trip possible. She has been able to let us know that she arrived just fine and is having a wonderful time.

Around here, we continue to be blessed by our time among the Dagara. Last Sunday Elijah and I were privileged to witness two women well into their golden years accept the Lord in baptism in the village of Nyi-Kpier. We continue to be amazed at what good things God is doing here. Also, I've particularly enjoyed sharing a blessing that Melissa chose from the first chapter of Philippians with all of the churches when we visit them for the last time prior to furlough. It seems to really touch them to know that we are committed to praying daily for them, despite the fact that we will be with family and friends stateside.

Melissa's pregnancy continues to go well. Please keep those prayers coming for her and the baby's safety as she is traveling much for this retreat and then again to return stateside.

Finally, this is our last entry before returning stateside for furlough. You will be able to reach us the whole time via our regular email address almjjohnson2002@yahoo.com. While in Texas, you can reach us at (940) 766-5374, or at (209) 221-6601 while we are in California.

Blessings.
Andy (for the whole Johnson family)

Email the Burks!

We have made some progress this month at getting settled again. We have been able to hire a new babysitter who is doing great and really freeing us up to do the work that we've been called here to do. Andrea started Daniel's school two weeks ago. They had a great first week. Our boys do so many things to make us laugh. During their discussion of the story of Adam and Eve in school, Daniel asked if "Eve" was short for "evil?" (Andrea, of course, taught him instead the Hebrew origin of the name and that it did not mean evil). Also Dylan is rolling like crazy and making raspberries with his mouth all the time. Everybody is in fairly good health. Last Sunday, it started to get really hot here, and because of that we are all getting tired and cranky more easily. Please pray that we will be able to find things to enjoy during this difficult time until the rains come and cool us down. Aaron is excited about the possibility of working with the Sorian church whom he met with this week about starting a new church plant in Kompla next week. Please pray that God opens up peoples' hearts in Kompla and gives the Christians in Sorian courage and ability to preach God's truth in love out in Kompla.

May the LORD Bless You and Keep You,

Aaron, Andrea, Daniel, and Dylan Burk

Email the Chankins!

Greetings from a HOT Dagara land! While most of you are enjoying spring, we have entered the hottest time of year in Burkina. Although we don't particularly enjoy the temperatures, we are grateful for March and April because they happen to be the most fruitful months of kingdom work here. The rains will begin in May or June and people will be busy preparing fields for planting, but right now there is nothing to do but sit under the shade of a mango tree and listen to stories of God's love and faithfulness. We praise God for giving us these days.

The last couple of weeks were filled with adventure for both Archie and Mandy. Mandy, Melissa and two of our friends from Togo were able to attend a Come Before Winter retreat in Kenya. Mandy had never been to the other side of the continent and was so blessed by the change of scenery, amazing fellowship and phenomenal worship times. Archie's adventure involved far less travel, but playing Mr. Mom to two toddlers is always an adventure. Both he and the kids survived Mandy's absence and seem to be no worse for it.

Emma and Jack are doing great - learning and growing just as they should. We are constantly amazed by them and are so thankful to God for allowing us the opportunity to love and raise them. They have both been relatively healthy over the last few weeks and we ask your continued prayers for protection over their little bodies. We would also ask prayers of comfort for Mandy and her family. Her grandfather passed away in February and her grandmother has recurring leukemia which she is currently being treated for. It is difficult to be far from loved ones during times of crisis.
We thank God for you and pray that He showers blessings down on each of you today.

Love,
Archie, Mandy, Emma and Jack

Email the Carters!

Our family has enjoyed this team reunion of sorts. It is rare that all four families are in Dano at the same time. We have celebrated it in several ways, from spiritual retreats to efforts in a small bluegrass band.

Last month we asked for prayers for villages watching the Jesus Film. Both viewings went very well and have resulted in growth in numbers as well as maturity. On March 10 in the western cluster, the church of Nakar hosted a leaders meeting focusing on prayer. The Nakar church members were excellent hosts and they made an extra effort to prepare their teaching assignments ahead of time. God was glorified. Please pray for these Christians prayer lives.

We seek your prayers for two new things that will begin this month. The first is the village of Nawile. It has been chosen as a preaching point by the church of Dano-Pari. Chad will join them Tuesday afternoons as they reach out to this village. Please pray that God will prepare the hearts of the people in this town. Also, Aaron and Chad will focus on some specific leadership development in the western cluster. Please pray for wisdom and guidance as we try out some new roles for us. Ask God to raise leaders that are capable teachers, pastors, deacons and elders.

Amy continues to have a healthy pregnancy. Noah might be grasping the idea of a new baby but we are not sure. Noah's current favorite activity is identifying every truck, bus, car and any other vehicle in his line of sight.

Thanks for your partnership in this harvest.
Chad, Amy and Noah Carter