Greetings Dear Friends & Family! WE hope this finds you well wherever you are and full of hope as Easter weekend approaches. We read from Mark on Sunday about how Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, knowing that people wanted to kill him there. He chose to stay “in God’s will” which meant a horrible death, so that we could be free in life and death. This is a striking reality in the world of violence we live in. It challenges us, as a family, to continue to pray that we are where God wants us, open to be led by him at all times.
March hit hard in spite of cooler temperatures, and as always (after months of no rain), we marvel at God’s creativity and rule over the physical world as the brilliant blooms flare up to color our dusty world. Special lessons in gratitude have been born in the past weeks and we thank you for your prayers on our behalf and for Nigeria as it struggles through many difficulties.
Kyle Reluctantly Rests Our family’s greatest challenge this month has been the serious leg injury Kyle sustained while traveling. Not a car collision but a slip in the shower, resulting in a major V-shaped cut up his calf from a seriously sharp tile. He has been “on rest” for 3 weeks and the 18 clunky but clean stitches were removed yesterday. We are very thankful that the Achilles tendon was not hit and during the slow healing process, no infection has set in. The Doctor continues to be hopeful that blood flow will increase to bring healing so a skin graft will not be needed. (Warning: photo not for those prone to fainting).
School The children are happily back in school after 2 weeks at home (first week was for security reasons and then spring break). So basically all routines were disrupted for a couple weeks which is not easy for kids - or mom! (Picture Gabi and friend Wandoo) School is back on track for the remainder of the semester, we pray, with minimal changes to scheduled activities and increased security measures in place. The recent unexpected departure of two families from the school has been a harsh reality of how the country’s instability can impact our circles of friends.
New Normal Two weeks after the 1st suicide bomber, a 2nd attempt was made to drive into another church. Hannahtu, who works for us, was inside the service when the blast went off. Grief, fear, confusion and anger have gripped people and have profoundly impacted Jos. Streets in front of churches are now blocked off on Sundays, cars may no longer park in church lots and are subject (along with people) to thorough searches. In helping several women to process their experiences at the site of the bomb blast, I am humbled by a spirit of gratitude to God by each one. Although terribly saddened by their stories, I also felt a sense of hope and encouragement.
“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:7 (NLT)
This verse has given a significant sense of the stability and hope we have in Christ as we live in constantly changing circumstances.
Things for which we give thanks and have hope: • The progress of healing to Kyle’s leg, continued regeneration of skin and that he’ll walk again (without crutches) • The sacrifice of Jesus in death and resurrection so we can be free and learn how to live as he did • Peacemakers and those who choose to do right in an environment prone to violence and corruption • Zion & Gabi grow in ability to live with changes, uncertainties and learn to work through losses in life • Attuned ears to listen to God’s voice in our lives & follow his lead • The nation of Mali has had a coup – pray for peace and swift transition to civilian rule.
