August 6, 2010
Dear Family and Friends,
After three rather turbulent flights (Charleston-Atlanta;Atlanta-Paris;Paris-Abidjan), I arrived back in Côte d'Ivoire the evening of July 22nd. Praise the Lord for my safe arrival and no baggage problems. Needing a few days in Abidjan for rest, banking needs, food shopping, and visits, I returned to Bondoukou on July 30th. Due to our unbelievably bad roads, the trip was long and slow. The following day, I felt like I'd been beaten with a BIG stick! Hopefully, I'll not make that trip again until October when my Ivorian identification document expires. It is good to be back in my African home, and I look forward to the Lord's plans for me in the remaining months of 2010.
My greatest desire is to be used by the Lord to bring lost souls to the Savior. An e-mail from a dear lady spoke of how much she enjoyed meeting our two Ivorian delegates to the recent National Association meetings in Oklahoma. She is praying that our Free Will Baptist missionaries will continue to have fruitbearing ministries all over the world. Pastors Samuel Ouattara and Paul Amiezi represent many other precious souls who have been brought to Christ here in Côte d'Ivoire. American missionaries are now few in number in this country. Thankfully, the Ivorian church is actively announcing the Gospel to their friends and neighbors. Please pray for a bountiful harvest of souls, as we patiently await the return of our Lord.
The month of August is a very busy time for the Ivorian church. The country celebrates 50 years of independence on the 7th. Our churches will be having special prayer services, at the request of the government; the Bouna church will host the National Youth Retreat August 12-18; the First Bondoukou church will host the Pastors and Wives Retreat August 16-19, followed by the General Assembly meeting of the national church August 19-21. The dedication of a beautiful new church building in the village of Kouafo (Bondoukou region) is also scheduled during this time, but the date isn't certain.
I'm so excited about joining Debbie Anderson in the CHE training sessions with the Gouméré church ladies. Debbie did the introductory lessons while I was Stateside and reports a positive response. Thank you for praying for this effort to instill truths in their hearts - truths that will help them to be in good health, which is: being at peace with God, being at peace with yourself, being at peace with your neighbor, and being at peace with your environment.
Once again, I want to thank you for your prayers and words and acts of encouragement during this last crisis with my Mom. I also want to thank you for your faithful prayer and financial support. God bless and keep you.
Love and prayers from your missionary,
Alice F. Smith
July 1 through July 3, 2010
Dear Family and Friends,
Greetings from West Virginia where we mourn the death of our senior Senator, Robert C. Byrd, the longest serving Senator in U.S. history.
I had hoped to be writing this update during my July 1st. flight back to Africa. However, needing a little more time with my Mom, permission was given for me to change my departure date to July 21st.
Thank you for your prayers. When I arrived home the end of May, I didn't expect my Mom to live long. But, once again, she has rallied and is doing much better. We have arranged for in-home Hospice Care to help my sister for the remaining months of 2010. This will free me to return to the field and prepare for whatever the Lord has planned. It is possible that, due to my mother's needs, I'll return home earlier than expected to begin taking steps toward retirement. I shall continue to wait upon my faithful Lord to give daily guidance.
You may remember that I've often spoken of having learned a lot from my African friends. Recently, as I was praying about what would be best for Mom, the Lord used a call from Pastor Jérôme Kambou to share some wise counsel. At age 90 and recovering from three hospital stays and surgery, Mom was becoming so tired, frustrated, and anxious from Home Health and physical/occupational therapy sessions. Her heart rate immediately went too high when they arrived at the house. After hearing this, my African pastor reminded me that Africans, when referring to the elderly, don't say "old" . . .they usually say "tired". He then asked, "and Alice, when someone is tired, what do they need? . . . they need to rest . . . so, let your Mama rest". And, with the help of Hospice Care, my mother's wish to "rest and wait for the Lord to call her home" is being fulfilled. How I thank the good Lord.
News from my co-workers, Verlin and Debbie Anderson, is good. Two CHE (Community Health Evangelism) seminars have been successfully completed. Debbie has also completed introductory lessons for the ladies at Gouméré. As soon as I get back, Debbie and I will share in this effort. I'm really looking forward to that.
At this time, the Anderson family is taking a few days of well-deserved vacation. Please pray for them. Please pray for traveling mercies for our two African pastors who will be coming Stateside for the International Fellowship of Free Will Baptists and the National Association. And, please pray for me as I travel on July 21st. and 22nd.
Many of you have prayed. You continue faithful financial support. You have called. You sent cards with messages of encouragement. You've shared uplifting words from His Word. Thank you, my dear Deleen, for Psalms 32:8, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye". May God bless you.
Love and prayers,
Your missionary,
Alice F. Smith
Dear Family and Friends,
This update comes to you from Winifrede, WV. Needless to say, I'm enjoying the beauty of the Mountain State. I arrived here on May 28th. for a visit with my elderly mother and to give my sister a break from her caregiving responsibilities. If it be the Lord's will I will return to Côte d'Ivoire on July 1st. All is in His hands. I'm praying and waiting upon Him for clear guidance. I am claiming Isaiah 41:10 for my dear mother and for myself, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
After two hospitalizations in April for lung and blood pressure issues, then a surgical procedure for sealing three small back fractures in May, Mom is very weak. We are caring for her at home and, at this time, she isn't responding well to physical therapy. She's tired and just wants to go and be with the Lord. This is very difficult for her and those who love her dearly. I'm constantly crying out to the Lord, asking Him to extend mercy. Thank you for calling on our Father on her behalf.
My heart is so torn between love of my mother and love of ministry in Africa. May I continue to wait upon Him with all confidence that "He will make a way when it seems there is no way. He works through ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me" (and for my precious Mom).
We rejoice in all that the Lord is doing in Côte d'Ivoire:
> On April 25th., Pastor Kobenan Gboko baptized 13 people (9 from Gouméré and 4 from Siago).
> In this month of June, there will be two CHE (Community Health Evangelism) teaching sessions - one for the Bible Institute students at Bouna and the other in the village of Taoudi. Please pray for Verlin Anderson as he will do most of the teaching, since I'm not able to be there to help.
> The Lord has provided and two of our Ivorian pastors (Samuel Ouattara and Paul Amiézi) will be attending the International Fellowship of Free Will Baptists and the 75th. anniversary of Free Will Baptist International Missions during the National Association meetings in Oklahoma, July 18-21. Please pray that their participation in these meetings will be a positive experience for them and that becoming acquainted with these two servants of God will be a blessing to many.
Dear ones, I hope that news about my mother will not be a source of discouragement for you. I hope that sharing from my heart will not be burdensome.
It's just that we've known each other for a long time and you've been so supportive.
I continue to count on you to be there for me, both in my days of joy and in my days of tears. Thank you. God bless you.
Looking to the Faithful One,
Your missionary,
Alice F. Smith (304) 949-2713
Dear Family and Friends,
We have many beautiful days at Bondoukou. However, Saturday, May 1st. won First Prize! "Wow, I wondered, how could anyone not believe in our Creator God on a day like today?" After an all-night rain, everything was so clean and green, the sky was light blue with huge white clouds, and the birds were singing to the top of their voices. How we thank the Lord for the rains which are coming on a regular basis now. At last, the crops can be planted.
The months of April, May, and June are the months for weddings in our churches. There have been so many lately, that I've lost count. And, several more are scheduled in the near future. Because of wedding preparations and other important events, we will delay the CHE (Community Health Evangelism) training for the Gouméré women until their workloads lighten up a bit. Things are done differently here. Instead of the couple and their families, the local church does most of the hard work for the all-day wedding celebration, including refreshments or a meal for everyone. We are thankful for the young couples who choose to remain pure until marriage. They are now blessed to bring forth the third generation of believers in our churches. God is and has been faithful.
Please continue to pray for my witness to Muslim neighbors. One, named Charles, was recently hospitalized with a stomach ulcer. Even in front of his friends, he permitted me to pray for him in Jesus' name. This was a courageous step for him. May he soon come to the Savior. I would also appreciate your prayers for Madame Dongo, wife of Deacon Dongo from the Bondoukou First Free Will Baptist Church. She has recurring breast cancer which has probably spread to other organs. She is in a lot of pain and not much can be done for her. This precious Christian family is in great need of God's touch and mercy.
In closing, I have some Special News. The good Lord willing, I will be in West Virginia for one month of vacation, beginning May 28th., at personal expense. The Mission kindly gave me permission to come and spend some time with my elderly mother. In April, she was hospitalized twice with pneumonia. An abnormality was found on her left lung, but she is too old and fragile for a lung biopsy. She will see the lung specialist again in three months for x-ray follow-up. Thank you for praying for God's perfect will and timing in this situation.
What a privilege it is to be an ambassador for Christ in Côte d'Ivoire. Your prayers and gifts have made this possible since 1976. THANK YOU!
Until He Comes,
Your missionary,
Alice F. Smith
(304) 949-2713
Dear Family and Friends,
My devotional reading this morning centered on Acts 2:23, "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain". As I read, a mixture of tears of joy and tears of sorrow began to flow. I am greatly saddened by my Lord's extreme suffering at Calvary. At the same time, I rejoice in God's wonderful plan for achieving my salvation. Jesus' death on the cross was not a tragic accident. His crucifixion was a part of God's incredible plan for redeeming lost mankind. Praise be to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God! He is Alive! Hallelujah! May you have a Blessed Easter! We'll be having special services on Good Friday evening - singing, praying, preaching, and observing the Lord's Supper and feetwashing. After Sunday morning services, we'll return home to cook, then come back to the church grounds for an African-style potluck dinner. You're invited! Come hungry!
Thank you for praying about the longterm electricity and water cut-offs which we suffered through for over two months. The breakdown has been repaired and, instead of dipping from a barrel, I'm learning how to turn on a water faucet again. As we're still experiencing very hot weather, we're so thankful for running water and the ability to turn on a fan at night.
Last week, I was in Abidjan for my annual mammography. Thankfully, the test results were normal. There are certain areas in Abidjan where it isn't wise for a woman to drive alone - so, I take a taxi (which is frequently quite an adventure).
It also presents the opportunity to share the Gospel with the drivers. Please pray that the seed which was sown will take root and bring forth fruit.
April 25th. has been designated as World Mission Offering day in Free Will Baptist Churches. Though giving to the Mission is slowly rebounding, there remains a large deficit to erase. Decreasing income has led to low budgets. And, dealing with low budgets can be quite challenging and stressful for your missionaries. If you would like to give a gift to help erase the deficit, please send your contribution to Free Will Baptist International Missions, P.O. Box 5002, Antioch, TN 37011-5002. I am touched, but not surprised, by the fact that my generous supporters have remained faithful in their giving, in spite of the financial crunch. Thank you. May our Lord richly reward you.
In closing, I have two prayer requests:
1. The National Retreat for FWB Women in Côte d'Ivoire will be held at Bouna April 6-10. Ask the Lord to provide the means for the women to come. Pray that their days together will be a time of encouragement and spiritual growth. Debbie Anderson and I hope to go for one and a half day.
2. On - field missionaries and the Ivorian church leadership will be meeting on April 23 and 24 to review, discuss, and plan our continuing efforts of advancing the Kingdom of God in Côte d'Ivoire. May we see and understand His perfect plan for building His Church in this nation - a nation in which the number of false prophets is growing by leaps and bounds.
Again, thank you, God bless you, and Happy Easter.
Daily rejoicing in our Risen Savior,
Your missionary,
Alice F. Smith
Dear Family and Friends,
World news and weather reports indicate that many of you are probably tired of the cold temperatures and snow. Cheer up! I know just the place for you to come and get warm - Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa! Yes, for weeks our temperatures have ranged from 98 to 102 degrees F. On Monday evening, I looked at the thermometer at 10:00 p.m. and it registered 92 degrees F! If you want to come, just let me know. My guest bedroom is ready. On a more serious note, we do ask for prayer. Not only are we suffering in the heat, but we are also experiencing longterm electricity and water cut-offs. We are asking the Lord to enable the electric company to be able to correct the problem with one of their big generators. We're trying to not complain, realizing that others are in worse situations. We look to the Lord for grace to cope and endure. I am encouraged by the words of an old hymn, "He giveth more grace when the burdens are greater, He sendeth more strength when the labors increase; to added affliction He addeth His mercy, to multiplied trials, His multiplied peace".
In addition to being a hot month, February has also been very busy. The Hanna Project Team came out again to work at Doropo where they did general and cataract surgery, eye exams, medical consultations, a school building renovation, village evangelism, etc. Once again, the lives of many people were touched in a very positive way, both physically and spiritually. The Andersons and I were privileged to offer the team food, drinks, and a short rest on their trips up and down country. Verlin also came to their rescue with vehicle breakdowns.
On February 3rd., the young wife of Pastor Philippe Fakéyé (Agnibilékrou Free Will Baptist Church) went home to be with the Lord after a long illness. Her body was taken to the morgue at Bouna. I attended a memorial service in her honor on February 26th., at Agnibilékrou. Verlin Anderson will go to Bouna for an all-night service tomorrow and the burial on Saturday, March 6th. Please pray for Pastor Philippe and his little boy, as well as for the Agnibilékrou church. Also, pray for unsaved family members at Bouna. Many will hear the Gospel for the first time during the funeral.
Since I need to start closing down, I won't go into a lot of detail. But, co-worker Verlin Anderson and five Ivorian Christians attended the West Africa Community Health Evangelism Conference in Accra, Ghana February 15 - 25. They all returned excited about all they had learned. God is definitely working through the CHE ministry all over the world. Please pray for the Gouméré Team's outreach to Karako and for Debbie Anderson and I as we will soon begin training sessions with the Gouméré women.
It is almost time for the electricity to go off. So, I'll go and take my bucket bath and get ready for a night of rest. Take care, one and all. Let us "keep our eyes upon the eastern skies and lift up our heads, for our redemption draweth nigh." Don't you love that old song?
With much love and appreciation,
Your missionary,
Alice F. Smith
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