Christmas Child and Campaign unrest.

There has been ongoing political and military unrest stirring in the north of Mai for some time now. Some say that it caused by the return of Tamesh soldiers that were Kadhafi mercenaries until recently. (Supplies of arms and men reportedly flooded across the desert when the Libyan leader lost power.) Others think that it is the recurring battle in the class war that has gone on for centuries, interrupted by colonialism for a period of time, and then by the 'independence' of a Malian state. (One people group were the vassals of the other 'noble' class before Malian independence gave everybody the same standing. Now the noble class wants their position back, and their vassals to work for them again in the old way. The 'vassals' are not so anxious to return to the 'good ole days'!

Whatever the cause, there now are large numbers of displaced peoples in Northern Mali (some say 200,000), who have fled their homes and villages and are either internal refugees, or are now in neighboring countries. That displacement complicates the upcoming elections:  If you go ahead and hold the elections as scheduled, a foul is called on the basis of the displaced peoples not having a chance to vote & be represented.   If you delay the elections, a foul is called by opposition candidates (there are over a dozen running for the office of Preident, I am told) for the current President holding onto power. Not a win/win situation seems to me! More like a 'can't win' for the party currently in power.

Pray for us here in Mali, and for others here in Western and Northern Africa.  God is certainly still in control, and we trust HIM.  We are also aware that that doesn't mean that all is 'hunky-dorry' or that there will be no trouble in our lives.  But we know that we serve the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, whom no one can serve a coup on.

On a different note! Some of our children received Operation Christmas Child boxes this week. Yes, I know it is a litte late for Christmas, but a gift is a gift anytime it is received. 3 littles who attend the one school were the lucky recipients, but I saw several others with the goods by the next day. That is the way it is here. The older ones can demand, and expect to get, from the younger ones. T I A! Everyone enjoyed seeing the electric tooth brushes vibrate, and each one got a special something that they will enjoy.  Thanks to all who have helped in this process in the states. 

When Ray comes back into the base on his moto, the kids sometimes catch him and he gives them a little ride around in a circle.  They love it, and he is smiling so I guess he doesn't mind it either.  THis is the most that I have seen on him at one time--usually ony 2 or 3.:))

Julie has been working with one of our boys on his daily Bible memory work.  It is such a delight to see him loving to learn, and especially to see him loving to learn God's word.   Each day he is trying to learn more than just the required one verse, and recently said to Julie, "When you are gone I won't have anyone to help me with this."   It gave her an opportunity to tell him that if it was up to her, she would be coming back, but sometimes those decisions are not ours.  She was also able to tell him that, just like she is missing her friends in the U.S. and has not forgotten them while she is here,  we will be really missing our boys here in Mali, and will not forget them when we return to America.  We will be looking for ways that we can continue to stay in touch with them personally and individually, not just with the ministry.

Well, I am falling asleep on the sofa, so I guess going to bed is the next order of business. I made an attempt to cool our beds by laying a wet towel over the sheet to evaporate while I have been on here. It really works pretty well and is dry again in 1'2 an hour!

Mim in Mali

Trying to continue to be a blessing.