These young entrepreneurs are selling hard-boiled eggs and tiny bags of peanuts. Nutritious and inexpensive lunch or snack! They were delighted to see their photo. Maybe they'll save ther earnings toward an education at HAU!!
Moving on to our life on campus:
I really like the focus of Hope Africa University in equipping and encouraging students, not only to recognize African Realities, but to work diligently in their studies to be prepared to go into their world and make a difference.
A big difference we are encountering is the life-changes of those who move from a religion of hopelessness to a faith in Christ as their Lord and Saviour. A great decision we say. It is! Blessings on them, each one. And they receive those blessings! But, let's get behind the eyes and nearer the hearts of some of these new friends of ours.
One stopped by this morning with a very sad, heavy heart. She moved from that religion to faith 3 years ago and has been growing and seeing good changes in her life. A young man has taken notice and they plan to get married. But, not so easy. His father does not believe a real change can be genuine because of the history and strength of the religion she moved away from and is refusing the son to take her as his wife. In this culture, that must be honored. She came from her home to talk to her young pastor who is a student here. He moved from that religion 10 years ago and is leading many others into a vibrant faith in Christ.
Our hearts ache for the deep pain she is experiencing. Let's call her Nancy. She is very discouraged. Will you join in prayer for Nancy to embrace the promises of God, will choose to sing hymns in her heart and pray with faith believing God is going to bring good from this situation as she holds tightly to His hand and keeps her eyes on Him. Yes, it is a privilege and a joy to be able to share together. Stephen was relieved to have "mom" as he calls me, to share from a woman's heart!
The father has agreed to pray for 2 months and then re-consider the situation. Pray please that Nancy will not turn back, but be drawn closer and experience new blessings receive permission to marry the man she loves.
Please pray also for the protection and wisdom for Stephen. He carries a heavy load of responsibilities with his studies in Theology and the steady flow of converts who lean on him for understanding more about their new-found faith.
Another African Reality is that students at HAU must become fluent in both French and English. Wayne just spent 2 hours with several English speaking students who need a little boost in speaking and writing French.
This has been a relaxing day for which we are thankful. Tomorrow's church will be at least 3 hours filled with many many choir numbers; songs written for this service, practiced with slight musical movements (not sure how to define that!!) which is just a part of their music presentation and more, their worship to God. I love it, but could use a more comfortable chair!! Wayne sits really still because sometimes the legs give out on these plastic chairs and down you go, or backward into the lap of another! we've seen it happen....funny when it's someone else!! Seems to happen to the guys more...heavier, maybe? To us, tho, the plastic ones are provided for us as special people and better than the wooden benches!
