“For God so loved the world….”
Lovako team
Our time at Lovako School reminded me again of the fact that God gave His Son Jesus so that all people who believe in Him could have eternal life. From the most advanced and developed countries in the world, to the small fishing village of Ampamata where people are mostly illiterate and live in tiny houses made from palm leaves, God does not exclude anyone on the basis of background or position. Christ welcomes you as long as you come to Him in repentance and faith. This was the focus of the morning devotions and Euphrasie brought the children and teachers back to the profound and life giving message of John 3:16.
We quickly settled into a routine for the days to come after our arrival on Sunday; the hike to school across the hill in the morning, teaching and training until lunch time, the walk back to the house while the afternoons were used for making visual aids and helping the teachers with specific problems. Norbert had his work cut out for him as he had to strengthen the one wall of the school. We were usually exhausted by the end of the day because of the heat and humidity. I don’t think that I have ever perspired so much! It rained the last night we spent there and the final hike to school was a tough one. The footpath became muddy and treacherously slippery and with the humidity my glasses kept on fogging up causing me to be half blind. At least I had Thesi leading the way to make sure I made it to school.
Thesi did her part although I think she ended up with the unglamorous jobs; painting blackboards and making visuals. At break time, the children were entertained by her with some games and songs and I started sweating just by watching all the jumping around.
We were blessed with an exceptional high tide which created a pool in the shade of the mangroves in the afternoon where Euphrasie, Thesi and I talked about our day while cooling off. We ate lots of fish and crabs. The simple life.
There were disappointments. Norbert needed some help with the wall, but none of the parents turned up to help. He managed to find someone not connected to the school. The spiritual input at school is not what it should be and the teachers still need a lot of training. Norbert was absolutely right when he remarked that Gabriel needs to put down anchor at the school once again. With Gabriel sailing into the bay each time, the light of the Gospel dispels the darkness. I was touched by this fitting picture of Gabriel’s ministry.
That is why we are eagerly awaiting the work team’s arrival in two weeks time. These men have a tough time ahead of them, but it will give us a much needed boost in the repair of the boat. Please pray for all that still needs to be done before their arrival.
Have a blessed week.