October 2022

Adama in the US

Our Ministry Partner in Burkina Faso, Adama Ouattara, arrived in the United States on August 29th and headed back home (see below) on September 29th. His last visit with church and resource partners in the US was a year prior to the pandemic and we were all so thankful that he could come again! A special thank you to the churches that made it possible (Southside Baptist - Lufkin, TX, Raiford Road - Macclenny, FL, and Open Arms - Schenectady, NY).

Highlights

Adama arrived at JFK in New York City and spent the first part of his journey with us here in PA. Cindy and I are active members at Myerstown Christian Fellowship and Adama was able to share about the work in Burkina in the worship service, but also meet with the youth Sunday School class that I teach. He gave his personal testimony as a former Muslim who now follows Jesus and a lot of personal details about life in his country and the need to reach his people (the Jula of West Africa).

Since Adama has been to the US before (and we have been in a few churches over the years), he has made friends everywhere! A good friend and supporter through the years, Linda Sweigart, made a special trip just to see him.

I recently got to know the founder and CEO of Global Disciples (based in Lancaster) and a few weeks back told him about Adama. He wanted to meet him and we were blessed to spend time with him (Galen Burkholder) and GD's vice-president for Africa. Global Disciples has a healthy model for making disciples and works in many countries around the world through indigenous leaders like Adama.

After leaving PA, Adama spent a week with Southside Baptist Church in Texas, four days with Raiford Road Church in Florida, and another week with Open Arms Church in New York. In every church and in every conversation, he shared the need of his country and his people.

Getting Home

When Adama arrived in Paris for his return flight to Ouagadougou, he learned that Burkina Faso had suffered another military coup and established a new president. This follows another coup that occurred only eight months ago! As is common with such events, the borders were closed and no flights were allowed into the country.

Adama and about 20 of his fellow countrymen and women were placed in a hotel last night and when they arrived at the airport this morning they were met with uncertainty about how to return. Adama happened (?) to see a former Prime Minister for Burkina and asked him if he could help the group. The man immediately got on the phone and set up transport to Accra, Ghana this afternoon. When they arrive, the Burkina Embassy is supposed to help them find a way back home. Adama reported that because he intervened for the group with the former PM, they consider him to be "famous!" Please pray for continued favor so Adama and the group can be reunited with their families.

We appreciate your intercession for this ministry and ask you to please pray for the following:

• Adama's Return to Burkina Faso: As noted above, he needs to get to Ghana and then to Burkina. Right now it looks like it could be by Sunday.
• Shanna Turbyfill: My former COO, Shanna, has been battling kidney failure for years and PRAISE GOD, she recently received a transplant! She is doing well, but please pray for acceptance and complete healing.
• Ministry Opportunities: I will be preaching at a church in NJ on October 16th.