What a blessing it was, friends, to have Rev. Yohanna with us for the afternoon.

He came in about 12:30.  We had about 10 people for an informal time with him. He enjoyed sitting on the parsonage deck for some down time and eating at The Fountain.

His primary message was thank you:

            Thank you for the health kits;

            Thank you for the Layettes;

            Thank you for the school kits;

            Thank you for supporting the Iowa Nigeria Partnership;

            Thank you for the mosquito nets (Though he would like to see the church distribute them as another opportunity to share the gospel);

            Thank you for Africa University- though it is very expensive and our seminary needs support too.

His ideas include:

            Helping to support a high school for poorer children that he is starting in his district this fall;

            Helping support the digging of new wells;

            Continuing the support of Iowa Nigeria Partnership and the kits mentioned above.

            Any of us would be welcome as short term volunteers in mission

When I asked about the growth of his church and the shrinking of the US church, he replied that the growth of his church is largely because of our support (keep it up), and partially because of cultural differences.  Much of the growth they have experienced (160% in 10 years) is a direct result of their outreach ministries.  For instance they pass out health kits to everyone to needs one- regardless of where they come from or what their religious background is.  Many come back again and again.  Each visit creates an opportunity to share the gospel.  Their church schools are open to everyone.  After participating in a church school (reading and writing) some who are Muslim or otherwise non-Christian come to know Jesus.

Does that have something to say to us about how we do ministry.  I wonder , as we strike out on our picnic this summer and the after school program we have tried this spring, if this might be the new frontier for us in evangelism.  Remember 60% of the people on the streets are “unchurched.”

• He was fascinated with the magnitude of the farming here.  I was sorry that because of the weather delays I didn’t feel it was appropriate to ask a farmer to take time out to visit with him.
• He liked French fries but not cole slaw (both of which were new to him)
• He believes that the general conference may very well change the stance on homosexuality next general conference, but it is not an issue to his people. (“They wouldn’t even know what you were talking about”)

This visit was a true blessing.  Sharing ministry, culture, and family is always a joy.  Sharing faith is a blessing.

I better go – thunderstorm on the way.

I hope you all enjoyed the sunshine.  I know I did.

Grace and Peace

Pastor Terry