If you know me very well, you know I get called to every mission field I visit. Sandy asked me if I was feeling the call yet. I told her that I was but that since it is unusually mild and cool weather for Burkina Faso I was going to wait and see if I was getting a false reading. I imagine you have already read Austin’s blog and seen the numbers for the meeting yesterday. It was one of those special services that will stick in my mind for years. I wished that all of you could have been there.

My pastor preached his heart out all week but last night was the capstone. The men in the room had a real vision placed in front of them. It was the vision of them doing something great for God. Building a team and literally a new society in Burkina Faso that would shake the city and turn it on its head. The service was followed at brother Kieth’s house with a room full of men. Salif, Simon, Bado, Tali, Cofey, Gilbert, Mamadou, Pastor Zachary, Keith, Austin and I. Austin spoke about becoming a team. Keith translated and showed his heart for the men. Bado honored Austin and I on behalf of the church with a couple of beautiful globes made in Africa.

The baptism service was one of the most exciting I have been involved in. The water was extra cold. You would have to understand how hot it gets here to know how cold these people get this time of year. Austin and I are comfortable in short sleeves and most of them are bundled up in parkas or heavy jackets. They would sing and clap as Keith took each of them down. When Keith Shumaker baptizes you, resisting is not an option. You are going down and under. I have been so thoroughly impressed with their love for the people and the people for them. Reality is, these Burkinabaes are beautiful people and endear you very quickly.

We will be working hard today and packing up tonight to leave around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. By Tuesday night I should be back home to my lovely wife and daughters. Here are some baptism pictures.

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