Waking from a restful night’s sleep, I took a deep breath of the warm air that poured into our bedroom. Birds were singing, and in the distance the sound of the Muslim call to prayer brought me quickly to the reality of where we were. Suddenly, the family cat pounced on my feet. She had wormed her way inside our mosquito net ever so quietly.

We were on our first visit to the AFM Great River Project, and the Church family had graciously opened their home to us. Their newly built house, like most every other dwelling along this river, sits about eight feet up in the air on stilts, making it feel like a treehouse. At this height, it is well prepared for the floods of the rainy season. Their four precious children obviously take great delight in their simple, rustic home surrounded by a large grove of cashew, banana and mango trees.

We celebrated the Sabbath in two nearby villages. What a blessing to hear the people heartily singing Christian songs with such deep meaning, some in English and some in the native tongue! Both services featured Bible studies. God’s Word is “sharper than any double-edged sword,” and the small groups eagerly heard and discussed the truths presented.

Later, I accompanied Boaz Church and his short-term assistant nurses who run clinics in two villages. I felt privileged to witness the tender concern and gentle personal attention they gave to people in need.

English language classes are in high demand in this area, especially when taught by a native English speaker. Rachel Church works alongside the short-term missionaries, offering English classes to the grade-school-age children. With their special gifts, missionary children help make the mission project a success.

We are excited to see what God has in store for the Great River Project this fall as the expanded team comes together. Noah and Emma Roberts will finish language study later this spring. Also, Derek and Marley Vida are raising support and hoping to attend AFM training this summer. Wonderful things are in store when these three missionary families combine their gifts and passion for the Great River People. We thank you for your prayers and ongoing financial support for this project.

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