An Eventful October

Greetings All! We hope this update finds you well in the Lord. Our last blog post, we shared about our first two weeks of school. A lot has happened since then. Right after we shared that post, things started to really heat up here in Cameroon. The discontent and civil disobedience that has been boiling under the surface for the past year now, boiled over in a very violent way. Protesters here in Buea and all over the Anglophone part of Cameroon decided to march and demand their independence from the rest of Cameroon. It culminated in terrible violence and many deaths on the 1st of October, as the government brutally cracked down on those who marched. You can read more about what happened here: https://www.ft.com/content/b656d706-a847-11e7-ab55-27219df83c97 and elsewhere on the internet. It was frightening times indeed, as we heard much automatic gunfire from our house, helicopters flying overhead, and intermittently received messages about ongoing violence.

As many had anticipated violence leading up October 1st, we hosted a number of people who's homes were in areas prone to violence. Our neighborhood remained peaceful even as other neighborhoods were rocked with violence. We thank God for keeping us safe and continue to pray for Cameroon. Things have for the most part calmed down, at least for now, but we pray that God will let there be an actual solution and resolution to the crises that has gripped Cameroon for over a year now. 

In the face of all this tension and uncertainty, we received visitors! Rhys and Sharon, Brittney's parents, came from Missouri for a visit of 4 weeks. We were also especially excited, as they brought our Hannah Ruth back with them as well. 

Dad had an opportunity to lecture at a nearby Bible school. 

There was much for our visitors to do. They shared in our home assembly. 

As well as teaching at Mile 16 on Sundays. 

They visited and shared with many who came by to speak with them. 

And we also enjoyed some wonderful family times together. We are so grateful for their visit and for the time they could spend with us. It was a very encouraging and helpful time. 

Once things calmed down, we were able to resume school. Things have been very busy, as we have more students and less teachers this year. We are grateful for the strength God provides. It is truly wonderful to have an opportunity to help these kids grow and develop in body, soul and spirit. Maybe next year, YOU or someone you know could come volunteer??? 

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Our gym also continues to go well. Until next time, stay strong in the Lord and the power of His might! God bless!