Dear Steppin Out Partners,
It’s been one week now since John returned home from Georgia and still as we sit in the evenings, he continues to rehearse all that he saw God doing after the devastating result of Hurricane Michael. John tells of the enormous amount of work done, the piles of debris that looked like small mountain ranges and the homes that were able to be cleaned out now that downed trees were removed safely. He told of the excitement of homeowners when the team would pull into the driveways or up to their property with the bob-cats and skid steers; It meant today was “moving” day! John shared how at home after home they were greeted with smiles, love, kindness and overwhelming gratitude as the volunteers exited their vehicles and started in on clean up. Story after story he told me of the impact on those who felt hopeless and lost, not knowing how they would ever be able to put their lives back together with all their possessions strewn across the neighborhood and beyond. Faces that say “where do I start?” are now faces of “I can do this, help is here”.
Praise God that He allowed us (Steppin Out Missions) an opportunity to bring Hope! Praise God that homes were restored and personal possessions they thought were gone forever were found amongst the rubble! Yes, all of this is exciting and encouraging, but more important than homes and earthly possessions are the hearts of people that God opened to know Him!! At every home the team worked on for clean-up, there was a Chaplain (Men/Women) that would follow them and spend time with each person, caring for them, telling them of where true Hope can be found. This is the only hope that matters!! John said some of them would in turn show up the Disaster headquarters in the evenings and join the team for a meal, stay for the devotion time and hear the saving Gospel message of a Christ who loves them and gave His life for them. He said there were 2 women who came and ask right then if they could get Baptized!! Just so overwhelmed with the goodness of the Lord and those whom He sent to help them that they didn’t want to wait one moment longer to turn their lives over to the one who brought them Hope!
Isn’t it a blessing to be a part of something so much bigger than yourself? Purpose in life that will follow you into eternity! What a great God we serve that not only gives these opportunities to serve Him, but then fills our hearts with blessings for being obedient.
Thank you for joining us in this project through Your prayers, notes of encouragement and financial support. We are so grateful to represent you on every project and then to be able to share with you the work that our Lord had done.
Well, as I said; John’s been telling me all about his trip and then I look at my phone and there are 7 new emails coming through from Jacques & Sebastien in Ivory Coast. I was anxious to open their messages, read their letters and see what pictures they were sending. OH MY!! What incredible news from Golikro!!
Here, I’m going to let Sebo tell you himself; There are 2 emails – one about the Bible School and the other is telling of the blessings of the wells and the water towers. The pictures he is referring to are in the file attachment in this email.
Hi Dear Mom,
I thank God for this opportunity given to me in this day to be able to send you an email.
things here have not been pretty easy, but by the help of the God, we are ongoing making work.
I started my missionary trip around all our churches in the Ivory Coast, but unfortunately, the motorbike broke down with me so I was forced to suspend the trips. I couldn’t do it with Jack’s Toyota either because of much expenses attached to it. Right now, as I write this mail to you, we have students in class with Jack while I rush to Bocanda to have some pictures sent to you. We have both classes. the graduating class and the freshmen in spite of some absents, we have 35 students in class right now. I might try sending you more pictures before the weekend. The church and the village are well. Thanks a lot for unceasing prayers and support. Attached are few pictures of Students in class…and during lunch time.
Your son Sebo
Hello Mom and Dad,
I am very excited to send you some pictures of the water tower and the couple of pictures of the new and green garden we are making with watering system facilities the water towers are allowing to have. It is so exciting and even unbelievable.
Right now we are getting in the driest season and most water sources are already dried out of water. But for us, God is changing things around so well that we have water…… Our students no longer have to carry water in bucket to bath……. our fresh Garden is looking so well. We have Yam, sweet potatoes, Cucumbers, and a nursery of salad leaves……. We have two Disciples (students) who water the garden every morning and evening.
Praises to God for changing everything around for our good.
In His Service,
Your Sons Sebo and Jacques.
What else could I possibly say, write to you or add to this report that’s more important than Lives being transformed whether it’s in Albany, GA or the Village of Golikro!!
We pray you are encouraged! We pray as you are preparing for the holiday of Thanksgiving that being a part of Steppin Out Missions will be on your list of things to be Thankful for!
I know for all of us: John & Shirley /Joel & Megan /Joe & Tammy /Jacques & Julienne/Sebastien & Kelly we thank our Lord everyday for you!
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting” I Chron. 16:34
Shirley Corley
Steppin Out Missions