DEEP // WIDE // LIGHT

God is good. On the plane ride to Africa, during the overnight flight I was sitting next to a man from India and an American who grew up in Togo, west Africa. We had many discussions, but the most helpful thing was "when you go to Africa, don't give them a fish... teach them how to fish." What are the chances that the two who needed to advise me were the two who sat next to me? God is good. Our culture shock is minimal, because Alain and Kara translate everything, get us the things we need, and know the church and local pastors. God is good. Even though many pre-trip plans were made, most of those plans were changed. And the motto of every good mission trip is "be flexible." And we are. God is good. We have internet to update those who are praying for us back home and talk to our loved ones. God is good. And even though we feel overwhelmed when we see the great need of those around us, we praise the God who loves all and rescues those who call on him. God i

Africa. I have wanted to experience it for quite some time now, and I'm not sure why. I think God has been preparing me for "such a time as this" . I do know that He has clearly spoken to me and Marion from the beginning about the fact that He wants us there. And He has provided every step of the way. First Baptist is taking a trip to Burkina Faso in west Africa. The trip will be during the week of Thanksgiving, and we are excited about what God will do in us and through us. But we need your help. If you read these words, then I am asking you to pray. Prayer is what can make or break everything Christians do. I am convinced that churches who don't plan to pray will plan to fail. Prayer can bring drought and bring rain and can change anything. Sometimes it even seems as if God is waiting to see how badly we desire Him as measured by our prayers. Why would so much depend on prayer? Blaise Pascal says God does it because He gives us the "dignity of causal