Five Followers

Samaritan's Purse Article

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:14:00 +0000

Hey y'all! Is anyone still looking at this blog? Probably not since we haven't added a post in months.

Well, for you faithful few, we wanted to let you know about a feature article by Samaritan's Purse. They helped us arrange our time in Ghana and we are so grateful to them for their help AND for all the work they continue to do throughout the world.

Our story is one of the 4 featured stories scrolling across the top if their homepage.

*****update****** They have updated their blog and added some new stories. Thanks for looking!

Following . . .

Losses

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:26:00 +0000

I shared recently that we lost our family pet to bladder cancer. We found this picture that we wanted to share.

We also were sad to hear today that Jamila, the little Ghanaian girl we blogged about who had a congenital heart defect, died this week. You can read a dramatic tale of her trip to see the American cardiologist in Kumasi by clicking here. Her grandmother, Azura, came to our door and sold us fruit and vegetables almost every day. She had already lost another grandchild a few months back. Please be in prayer for Azurah and her family. She is a young Christian and many of her family members do not know Jesus as their personal Savior.

Following . . . .

Ghana Video

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:05:00 +0000

I want to interrupt the "Lessons Learned" series to let you know about our video on YouTube. It's over on the right side of the screen here, too, but you may not have noticed it in our videos section. If you want to watch it, you can see it on YouTube by clicking here. The pictures can speak in ways that we cannot even put into words.

FYI, the second song on the video is "Better", Evan's newest song he recorded.

Hope you enjoy it!

Lessons Learned -- #2

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:51:00 +0000

Lesson 2: THE POWER OF SCRIPTURE

2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."

The Bible is not just a collection of random stories stapled together to make a big book. It's a chronicle of redemption; a story masterfully woven together by the Creator of the Universe that has running through it the scarlet thread of Jesus' saving blood. It is living. It is powerful.

In 2010, we went through the Radical study as a family. As part of that study, we were challenged to embark on the Radical Experiment. It had several components, one of which was to spend time outside your "context", but another major point was to read through the Bible in a year. So beginning in 2011, we pledged to do that as a family. Throughout our months of preparation and during our time in Ghana, we were reading through the Bible chronologically as a family. Each week we would watch a video sermon focused on that weeks readings. I know it doesn't come as a surprise, but I think it's one of the best things we have ever done as a family. I highly recommend it! To sit with your family around God's Word is powerful.

One example we saw of the power of scripture was during one of Cindy's visits to the Outcast Camp in Gambaga. She did not know that she would be asked to share words of encouragement with the ladies in the form of a devotional. When asked to do so on the spot, Cindy chose to merely read God's word. She read through Romans 3 and then just offered for anyone wanting to know more to speak to her or any of the other ladies there. Immediately, three ladies raised their hands signaling they had just chosen to make Jesus their Savior and LORD! WOW!! Read God's Word and people are saved. No strategy. No fluff. No gimmick. Just God's Word. Why do we try to complicate the gospel?

I wonder how we would feel if, on Sunday, someone stood before us in our churches and simply read aloud God's Words. I would love to see the power that would undoubtedly be released among God's people if we did so.

Don't underestimate the power of God's breath.

Following . . . .

Lessons Learned -- #1

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:35:00 +0000

This begins a series of posts entitled "Lessons Learned." We want to share with you some of the truths God either taught us or reaffirmed to us during our time in Ghana. We pray that these words will fall on hearts that are prepared to hear from Him and will empower feet that are prepared to go for Him.

Lesson 1: GOD IS FAITHFUL -- AM I?

Hebrews 11:1 reads "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Look carefully at that sentence. FAITH -- certain of what we DO NOT SEE. If we want to walk by faith, then when God tells us to do something, we must say "yes" even when we don't have all the answers. This is not easy, but is always worth it.

If you have followed our blog through our time in Ghana, you will recall that we shared a lot of the inconveniences we encountered while living there. (If you haven't, check out the archived posts.) Unmistakably, we saw God's hand of provision every step of the way. When we said "yes" to going to Ghana, we could not see how all the details would play out with our finances, Keenan's work, the kids' school, our families, etc. God was faithful in all those areas. And when we encountered "trials" along the way, God provided just what we needed then too.

While living in our comfortable lives in America, (by comfortable meaning you have food, a place to live, transportation, medical care; are able to read the words on this screen, etc) we don't always get the opportunity to really trust God. We can really coast along in our lives and do pretty well on our own. But when that security and comfort is removed and you are actively looking for His hand to guide and provide daily, He does not disappoint. It is such a good place to be when you can honestly see the hand of God sustaining you daily. Imagine being one of the Israelites in the wilderness watching for the cloud by day and pillar of fire by night to guide you, and waking to find fresh manna from Heaven each morning.

In evaluating your role in the Great Commission, don't automatically dismiss opportunities because they may seem impossible or impractical. Don't be afraid to do something that may seem crazy to someone else if you feel the Holy Spirit is speaking it into your life. Step out in faith one step at a time. You will not be disappointed. In fact, I'm quite sure you will be absolutely amazed!

Following . . . .

Opportunities and Disappointments

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Three days before we left for Ghana, we received a phone call from someone with the International Mission Board putting an opportunity before us to serve with the IMB in Europe. The position was an urgent support position that would involve living in Budapest, Hungary and coordinating the medical care for all the IMB missionaries in the entire European continent.

While in Ghana, we talked and prayed through the details of the opportunity. Soon after we returned home, we submitted our online applications (we each had to complete one) and met with the IMB personnel. Later that evening, we received a call from the IMB in Richmond informing us that our application had been unanimously DENIED due to the age of our children. Wow.

This would have been a 3 year position and we would not have been allowed to return to the states during that time. Evan would have started college, then we would have gone to Richmond for 2 months orientation then around next January we would have moved to Europe. We feel that we were obedient by submitting our application and moving forward in faith each step of the way. Honestly, when we counted the cost (being separated from Evan through most of his college years; Allie spending the rest of her high school years away from her friends and starting college while we were in Europe; Natalie leaving her friends; leaving behind all our friends and family) we realized that it would not be easy, but we knew we could trust the LORD. Cindy and I finally said, "LORD, we can't make this decision without You. You must make it abundantly clear to us and we will follow You." Well, it doesn't get more crystal clear than "NO".

We also were planning to return to Athens this summer to work with the refugees and serve the medical needs of the missionaries at the missionary conference that would be in Athens this year. As we began to work through the details of that trip, we discovered that multiple teams were wanting to do the same thing. In fact, they really didn't need us. Even though we love the missionaries there and were looking forward to serving them and WITH them again, we decided it was not God's plan for us to go since we would just be a duplication.

So, now we are in the waiting room. Waiting for God to speak clearly to us again. It's awkwardly peaceful. To feel that you have given God a blank check to spend your family's lives as He chooses, then to be stopped dead in your tracks feels uncomfortable and puzzling. We are mourning the loss of the opportunity to serve Him in these ways, but at the same time, it's peaceful to be able to live day by day waiting for God's direction. Knowing that whenever He speaks to us the timing will be perfect, and whatever He desires for us will be magnificent.

Thank you, Father for showing us that we can trust you whether on the front lines or in the waiting room.

Following . . . .

Life Entanglement

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:47:00 +0000

Well, for those of you who may have been trying to keep up with our blog, I apologize. My intention was to have, by now, several posts describing our thoughts about and "lessons learned" during our time in Ghana. I actually have a lot to say about that and it has taken some time to collect our thoughts on the subject. While my plan was to share this with you much sooner, it may have been better that we had some time to digest and recollect our thoughts and feelings as we have re-entered American culture.

As we had expected, it didn't take too long to become entangled in the "busy"ness and chaos of life in America. We have gotten to share at 2 different churches about our time in Ghana (our home church and my sister's church in Alabama) and have been invited to at least 2 more.

The kids are all back in school and doing well. It seems that they are actually ahead of their classmates in a lot of the classes we started in Ghana. That is a good feeling to start the semester ahead of the game!

Evan just finished soccer season. His team finished second in the district and went to the first round of play-offs. Now we are are in full-force with college planning for him. We spent this past weekend at Mississippi College at a scholarship recognition / interview time for him. He has already been named a Presidential Scholar and received a very nice scholarship for that which qualified him to be interviewed (along with about 100 other incoming freshman) for one of 25 Presidential Scholar "with distinction" scholarships or one of 5 Trustee scholarship. If chosen, he will receive a substantial addition to his scholarship package. He has also started working part-time at FATCO (fitness and tanning company). He loves getting to work out while he's getting paid to "man" the gym.

Allie has joined the Crown Club, a community service organization for teenage girls that is sponsored by the Junior Auxiliary. She was behind in service hours since the other girls began accruing hours in the fall, but they voted to let her join mid-year deeming her time in Ghana as appropriate "community service." They will be having their Charity Ball in two weeks so we have been getting things ready for that. She is so excited. She has also really gotten involved with the Devotional Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes at school. She led the devotion there last week. She will be inducted into the high school beta club next week.

Natalie has started sixth grade band now and is learning to play the flute. She loves it and is already excelling at it! They had their first band test for the semester and she made first chair! Even above the other flute players who had already had a whole semester of lessons. She also just placed first in her division in the elementary school science fair and will go to Mississippi State for the next level of competition.

Cindy is now leading a Beth Moore Bible study on the book of "James." She is leading 3 different sessions of it -- at our home on Tuesday morning for some stay-home moms and Tuesday night with teenage girls and Sunday afternoon at church with another large group of ladies. I think the men are jealous so we are considering a "men's Beth Moore Bible study".

Keenan is back at work, but is not having to work quite as much as he did before we went to Ghana.

On a sad note, we lost a dear member of our family last week -- Rocket. Our rat terrier who had been with us for almost 10 years was found to have bladder cancer that was essentially untreatable. It was sad, but he is now in doggie heaven. We will miss him.

Guess this is enough of an update of our life back in America. Stay tuned for more over the coming days.

Following . . . .

Hey Y'all

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:44:00 +0000

Well, we survived Christmas! We had thought that it would be exciting to reunite with friends and family during the holidays, but we forgot how hectic Christmas in America can be. So, re-entering American civilization at Christmas can be busy. It's not been so bad, though. We've gotten to spend some time with family, but still looking forward to visiting some with our friends. Everyone has been scattered doing their own family Christmas, as we have been too. We have been able to get some needed rest, too. The kids have really enjoyed re-connecting with their friends. Evan and Allie are headed to winter camp this weekend in Gatlinburg with the youth from church. They are really looking forward to that.

I want to give you two links to check out. Some have been asking about any other blogs that they can go to for ongoing information about what's going on in Nalerigu. Hollie Dickens has a blog that she updates regularly and you will love "getting to know" them. So check out the Dickens' blog and send them a comment or an e-mail periodically.

Also, Evan has written another song. He put it on You Tube so check it out here.

We hope you are having a "joyful and triumphant" Christmas season!

Following (and waiting on our next directive from God) . . . .

Home Sweet Winona

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Arrived on schedule into Jackson met by large group of friends and family. First meal in Mississippi -- McDonald's! Natalie got her ears pierced as a late birthday gift. Now back safely in Winona. All our luggage arrived undamaged. Enjoying cool temperatures. Arrived to a beautifully manicured and mulched yard, spotlessly cleaned house, refrigerator and counter full of food, sidewalk and driveway decorated with chalk greetings, yard full of friends welcoming and porch and doors filled with welcome home signs. We love our friends and family! Our departure from Ghana was bitter sweet. We already miss our new friends and family. Thankfully with technology you never really have to say goodbye (quote from Jane Ann Gibbs!) Father, thank you for allowing us to travel safely back to Winona. Thank you for our friends and family throughout the world who are your hands and feet. Following . . . .

We're home!

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:13:00 +0000

Landed on American soil at 4am today. Glad to be back in MS where the cool weather feels great! Following . . . .

Merry Christmas 2011

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:31:00 +0000

"Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you;

He is the Messiah, the Lord."

Luke 2:11

Rejoice with us as we celebrate the birth of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Come, let us worship and adore Him and proclaim His glory to the nations.

Merry Christmas from Ghana!

Keenan, Cindy, Evan, Allie and Natalie Wilson

Difficult Goodbyes

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:30:00 +0000

We have now left Nalerigu and are in Accra awaiting our flight back to America. Here are some random "goodbye" shots of some people very dear to us. This post has been as difficult to write as the goodbyes were to say. We don't have pictures of all our goodbyes because there were way too many. They are in no particular order because they are all very special to us.

Chini in his Disney outfit. We prayed with him as he came and greeted us 3 times EVERY day.

Evan and Benton Hewitt and one last Rubik's cube lesson

Emily, Abby, Allie and Natalie's last painted toenail picture

Not really a goodbye, but a cute picture of some of the kids. The Dickens were out of town :( They took this on Emily's computer.

Bart, Jane Ann and Elizabeth Gibbs. They arrived after we did in Nalerigu, but we have enjoyed getting to know them. Bye guys!!

All of us with Saibu and some of his family-- a teenage guy who helped us a lot around the house. He will be taking his exam in April to see if he can go on to high school. It should be no problem for him because he is so smart, but pray that he will continue to follow the Spirit's guidance in his life.

Radi -- a lady with 4 children (2 pictured here) of her own whose sister died leaving behind 4 orphans (3 pictured here). She came to us needing help. We were able to buy her a large bag of corn that will help them for a while. Please pray as she has these 8 children to take care of.

Natalie loves the puppies and they have grown so much!!

It's hard to see the people, but this is a picture with Manassah by his new house and chicken houses. One chicken house is complete and new chicks have been purchased. Please pray that God will continue to provide the funds to complete this project and to make sure that the chicken farm is self-supporting of the orphanage. Pray for Manassah and his family that God will continue to keep his hand of mercy and grace over him as he seeks to serve God.

Mother with twin boys each named Sandoa (meaning "stranger"). Cindy met them at Koko Duu and recognized that the twins were sick and severely dehydrated. They had not been to see the doctor because they had no money nor insurance. Cindy arranged for them to get health insurance and was able to get it expedited. Instead of the 3 month waiting period that is usually required to get the insurance card, we were able to get them the next day. Cindy told them, "These children will not live 3 months!" They then went to the hospital and were admitted for IV fluids. This picture is taken on our porch after the twins were healthy again. Cindy truly saved their lives!

Hewitts and Wilsons -- we met almost 20 years ago at FBC Jackson and we are so glad we finally made it to be with them in Ghana. They have been in Ghana for that entire time and have been such an encouragement and inspiration to us as we have worked, schooled and lived alongside them for the past months. We love them dearly and pray that God will continue to sustain them as they do His Kingdom work at the Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu.

Saying goodbye at the orphanage was especially hard. We have become close to all these children -- especially Cindy and the girls. They took some coloring pictures Natalie designed to them one day and just had a play time. Later in the week, we went to visit them and took a gingerbread house we made (compliments of Mona!!) for them. We told them how sometimes people in America make them for fun, and then we let them eat the house!! Talk about a sugar rush!!

Victor

Fushina

Natalie helping the kids color a sheet that she designed.

Yes, Mary, God loves you and ALL the little children of the world!

With the gingerbread house -- before they ate it!

Natalie with Atu

They love posing for pictures.

Lots of hugs!!!

Allie with Sugari

Allie with Baba. We saw him on the road as we drove away from the orphanage.

Last picture as we were driving away. LORD we commit them into Your loving hands. We know that you have plans to prosper them. Help us to trust You to provide all their needs even though we are not there to help them.

Keenan and the hospital administrator, Edward. He presented Keenan with a traditional Ghanaian smock and hat as a gift of appreciation for serving at the Baptist Medical Centre. (Yes, the hat is a little tight which gave Keenan an instant facelift!!) Please pray for the hospital in Nalerigu as it provides such a huge ministry to Ghana and the surrounding countries. Lives are truly being changed and hearts are being transformed by His grace. Also, pray for Edward's son, Ronny. He was in an accident last month and has a broken leg and was in a coma for some time. He has improved greatly and will be coming home soon to continue his recovery.

Abigail and Annaleigh Dickens posing for a picture in their cute matching dresses. They so love our girls and the feelings are mutual. We will miss seeing their sweet smiles and hearing their precious prayers on Thursday night station meetings.

Aquia, the mango tree bread lady. She found out we were leaving and came to our house to say goodbye. She is a muslim lady who loved to wave and smile when we drove by her house, and always was especially kind to us when we went to buy bread. She had asked Cindy to pray for her and her business one day and we have prayed for her and her family to come to know the LORD. Cindy offered her a New Testament when she was at our house and she gladly accepted it. She said she could not read it but knew someone who could read it to her. Pray that God will continue to open her heart to receive the Gospel.

Another picture with Chini.

Evan with Daniel. He's a musician at FBC Nalerigu. He and Evan became good friends when they were working on some music together to share at church one Sunday. He's a great guy and great musician. Father, continue to use him as he chooses to use his talents to worship and honor You.

Joel and Hollie Dickens with their children Colt, Abigail and Analeigh. We didn't know the Dickens before we moved to Nalerigu, but they quickly became family to us. We will miss them. LORD, continue to sustain them as they do His Kingdom work at the Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu.

Sueba and Haadi, Manassah's orphaned niece and nephew that he's raising. They came to visit us the day before we left Nalerigu and we were able to give them a New Testament. As you can see, they are very happy. In Ghana, even if you are a Christian or in a Christian family, you don't necessarily have access to a Bible. LORD, we know that Your Word will not return void.

Our Nalerigu Christmas tree. Thanks Mona for letting us borrow it!

We will continue to update the blog as we are able to on our journey back to America and hope to also include some thoughts on what God has shown us and taught us during this season of our lives. We look forward to sharing that with you. You have been faithful to follow us to Ghana and back and for that we are eternally grateful.

LORD, we commit all these people into Your hands because we know we can trust You with their lives as we have trusted You with ours. Serving in Nalerigu for the past few months has been an honor and privilege for us. Thank you for calling us to this place for this season of our lives. You have been faithful as we knew you would. Thank You for growing our faith as we saw You provide for us physically, financially, emotionally, relationally and spiritually. Our lives are richer because of the time spent in Ghana. For those who will continue to serve in Nalerigu, we ask a special prayer of comfort and strength as they sacrificially follow you with their lives.

Still Following . . . .

Back Online and Over 16,000 Hits!!!

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:53:00 +0000

If you've been looking at the blog over the past few days, you will see that we have been silent. This is due to -- what else -- internet problems. We are back online now so we will be uploading some backlogged posts. To read them, you will have to go backwards since they are pre-dated. Sorry to send them all "rapid fire."

We also see that we've broken 16,000 hits !!! Thanks again for all you faithful blog readers. That's why we keep putting up posts.

Following . . . .

Elmina Fishing and Slave Castle

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Here are a few pictures we took at Elmina Castle in Elmina, Ghana. This is one of the slave castles on the coast of Ghana. While there we also got to see people pulling in a large fishing net and the busy market area in this fishing town.

Female slave dungeon

Pulling in the net

Gate of no return -- the place where the slaves left the castle and boarded a ship

Male slave dungeon

Looking off the top of the castle

Everyday Jesus -- YES!!

View of the port from atop the castle

Sign hanging in the castle

Inside the castle compound

Following . . . .

Cape Coast

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

As the sun begins to set on our time here in Ghana, we had a chance to watch a beautiful sunset on the beach at Cape Coast. It is near Accra so we were able to take the bus down to relax for a day before we head home. It was a well-needed time of rest.

Keenan reading his Bible app

Cindy and the kids chilling

Run Natalie!!!!

Father, thank You that You always know what we need. Thanks for allowing us a time of rest and reflection.

Following . . . .

Another Snake

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Here's a shot of another snake we killed in our yard recently. Not sure what kind it was. It was greener than it was in this picture after it was killed. Some think it was a very poisonous Green Mamba!!

This was a day that we had felt particularly under attack. Lots of things were going wrong. And a good friend, James, was in a motorcycle accident and broke his leg. James is the husband of Rebecca. She helped us around the house with cooking, cleaning, translating into Mampruli, telling us what was a good price for things, helping us know who were some of the neediest people around, explaining Ghanaian cultures, Nalerigu history, etc., etc., etc. . . In other words, we could not have made it without her.

Rebecca is also DEATHLY afraid of snakes. She can't even look at a picture of a snake and doesn't really even like to talk about them. She was out back in our storage room and she saw a bright green snake slithering down a tree. She immediately ran for help to keep an eye on it until they could get the watchman to kill it. Thankfully, it was killed.

After seeing, the snake, we were reminded of who our enemy really is. But thankfully, just as this snake was crushed, Satan has been defeated by Jesus Christ. It was even prophesied in the Garden of Eden --

". . . he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." Genesis 3:15

Father, we are so grateful that we do not have to worry or fear because You have already defeated our only enemy.

Following . . . .

FBC Youngsters Get New Uniforms

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:57:00 +0000

The First Baptists Youngsters' Football Club now have new uniforms thanks to North Winona Baptist Church. It was a joy to be able to provide them for this great outreach ministry. Evan presented the uniforms to their team captain. The boys immediately put them on and began running and jumping around with joy.

Evan with Pastor David "modeling" the uniforms

Had to show you the team's Disney Princess bag they put their uniforms in for safe keeping

Last Day With Hewitt and Gibbs Kids

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:50:00 +0000

About a week before we left Nalerigu, the Hewitt and Gibbs kids left for Burkina Faso for a home school networking time with other homeschooled MK's. This means we had to say goodbye a little early. Here's the last picture of our kids with their kids. They all did very well, considering they had really bonded during our time in Nalerigu. They will continue to communicate via technology. They have truly become part of our family now and we will miss them very much.

Father, continue to protect and undergird the missionary families in Nalerigu that we have grown to love so dearly. We thank you for the short time that You have allowed us to serve along side them in Ghana.

Following . . . .

Hobo Day

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:38:00 +0000

Every Friday, the kids chose a theme and dressed up. Here are pictures from "Hobo Day!" As you can see, they really had a lot of fun!

Following . . . .

More Senior Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

We got another chance for a photo shoot with Mona Hewitt for some senior pictures of Evan. Here are a few of our favorites.

S'mores

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:00:00 +0000

One night recently it was a little cool (for Ghana), so we decided to build a fire and make s'mores. Thank you Nyhuses for leaving the graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars in our refrigerator when you left. Afterwards we watched a movie with some of the other families on campus and had peppermint milkshakes!! (Thanks Hewitts -- Mona's parents are friends with a man who has a Chik Fil A restaurant and they had sent them some of their peppermint shake mix.)

It doesn't always seem like Christmas in Ghana since it's so dry and hot, so times like this "help to make the season bright!"

Following . . . .

Soccer Game

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:30:00 +0000

We have posted about the First Baptist Youngsters Football Club earlier. We were able to give them some new balls and some new uniforms. We got to go to one of their matches. They actually had not received their new uniforms yet, but they used one of their new balls.

While we were waiting, we attracted a large crowd of children. Cindy found a little girl that was sick with malaria and, as you can see, she found a comfortable place in Cindy's loving arms. Cindy loves kids so dearly!

Before the match, Pastor David asked Evan to share a few encouraging words and a prayer. It was a really cool experience for Evan since he plays soccer and these younger guys here really look up to "Heaven", as they call him.

Notice there is no net -- just little boys.

It was an exciting game but ended with a score of 0-0.

Pastor David is doing a great job with this outreach ministry. Some of the players are Christians, but most are not. They have weekly Bible study as well as ongoing guidance and nurturing from Pastor David.

Pray for this ministry and for these guys that through their connection with Christian leaders that they will come to have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Following . . . .

Day after Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

This is a late post, but on the day after Thanksgiving Cindy was busy. No early morning "Black Friday" sales though. She went out to the Nalerigu High School to their Friday afternoon Bible study. We had worshipped with them on Sunday and it was such a great experience. They get out of school early every Friday and they choose to use their free-time on Friday to study God's word. How awesome!! Cindy actually led the Bible study the following week.

Later in the day, Cindy and the girls went to the orphanage to make a special delivery. We had been given some money for ministry so we bought all the orphans a new back pack. They get so excited just when we come to visit. But when we come bearing gifts, the excitement goes to a whole new level.

Here is Falila sporting some sunglasses left by a volunteer for one of the orphan girls. She's such a diva!!

Natalie's Funky Summer Christmas Birthday Party

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Well, now all the kids have celebrated their birthday in Ghana. Natalie turned 12 (or as Ghanaians say "tyelve") on December 8, but we had a big party about a week and a half ago. Some of the MK's were going to Burkina Faso for some schooling, so they were not going to be in Nalerigu on her birthday. So she had a party before they left then we celebrated again on her birthday.

As you can see, she had an interesting theme -- "Natalie's Funky Summer Christmas Birthday Party!" We had Christmas decorations and treats, but not just regular decorations. We had hot pink, purple and turquoise Christmas decorations making it "funky." And since it was hot, it seemed like summer.

We invited everyone on the compound for cake and ice cream. Cindy made a homemade birthday cake with delicious pink icing. Then Natalie got some neat gifts from everyone. Then all the kids went on a scavenger hunt around the compound. It was a LOT of fun!!

Then on her birthday, we started the day with the Wilson family tradition of "birthday pancakes." That evening we watched "Miracle on 34th Street" (the new version) and had popcorn and milkshakes!!

I think it was a fun day. In fact, Natalie said, "This has been the best birthday ever!!"

Thank you LORD for our children and for tendering their hearts to serve You.

Following . . . .

Showing Their Colors

noreply@blogger.com (The Wilsons) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

The kids have been showing off their new WHS spirit t-shirts that were sent to them recently with the Winona team. (Thanks Shonnie, Keeley and Wesley Walker!!)

They are beginning to wind down their school semester and are looking forward to re-connecting with all their friends back home.

Following . . . .