From: Chris Lee <c2hleeguinea@gmail.com>

Update 7 September 2009

 

Greetings from Guinea. It has been a while. Internet was down for over a week. 
Every year new challenges and experiences come my way as I follow my Jesus in Guinea and this year is no exception.
What I have learned is to trust in Him and press on.

 

With a heavy but hopeful heart and some tears, our school was closed for the rest of the year on Friday 28 August 2009, nearly seven weeks after the Minister of Education sent the letter ordering our school to be closed. Students were sent back home, a mix of sadness at departing but joy too at returning home.
Late August is a hard time for most people in Guinea: the middle of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, and when most are low on food and money.

 

We are still lobbying for the school to be opened and will continue to do so until the school opens.
Some officials in the ministry of education have praised our school and assured us that the paper work was all in order and would be approved, but a bribe of 2,000,000 Gf (Guinea Franc, about $500 US) would greatly expedite the process.
Of course we will not pay such bribes.

 

How sad that public officials knowing how good our school is will still insist on bribes rather than doing what is best for their country.
But then again, that is why Guinea and countries like it need Christ and institutions like our school all the more.

 

With the school closed, I finally have more time to focus on language study and village ministry,
which is what I plan to do until my time is up in February, God willing.

 

Pastor Joshua and family are returning to the US this Saturday on September 12 to take about 9 months of long deserved furlough.
He has been in the field for over 7 years without ever taking one.
His children, Chelsea and Caleb are looking forward to attend an American school.
They left for Conakry this morning to take care of some work  before leaving for the US.
I will miss them.

 

David Kim, our 18 year-old high school graduate taking a gap year, will also be leaving with them to the US this Saturday as well.
I will remain another 5 months to man our post here.
I will move out of Kabaya and into the Sambouya house for the duration.
I am praying for guidance in future village ministry,
perhaps on the other side of Faranah from our center, into new areas.

 

God’s ways are above ours and He always works for the good of those who love Him,
who have been called according to His purpose,
which is to love Him and take His message of Love to the ends of the earth. Amen.
Praise be to God always and forever.

 

Please continue to pray for the school to re-open and for me as I continue to work here in Guinea.
It will be a new experience for me as well, one I am looking forward to. 
Of course Mr. Benjamin and Madam Rachel along with Mr. Joe and Daniel will still be here
and please continue to pray for them as well. 
 
Thank you always for your prayers and support.
 
In the Lord, missionary Chris