In October 2002 a civil war broke out in the Ivory Coast. We had to leave because of this crisis. In September of 2003 we returned despite of the ongoing problems. Upon my return a young man named Wedson confronted me with the possibility of going to his village to start a church. Wedson was born into a Muslim family. His father has four wives and 22 kids. Wedson is a twin and the oldest son. He began to wonder if the Muslim religion had any hope and began to search for the truth. He came to Jason Hamby's church in 2001 and God convicted him of his sin and he got saved by the grace of God. Since that time God place an overwhelming burden in his heart to win his family to Christ. He lived about 20 miles from his village but began to visit and write letters. He decided that he would walk to the village if he had to, to win his family. That was around the time that we returned. We decided to visit his village named Divo Nord. When we arrived, I was immediately burdened for this village, as there is nobody preaching the Gospel in it. We began to visit with the people and Wedsons family. His twin brother soon trusted Jesus Christ as His Saviour.

We began to hold services at the school. The work has been slow as this is almost a totally Muslim village but we know that the seed has been planted. Please remember to pray for Wedsons father. We have given him the Gospel and he understands the truth. Now he must accept it and that is a hard decision in his situation.

Update: Wedsons twin brother Ouseni is being persecuted. When we left the Ivory Coast in the fall of 2004, we left Ouseni in charge of the work at Divo Nord. He grew up a Muslim. His father has accepted his sons being in the ministry but others have not. A few weeks back, some Muslims approaced the father of Ouseni and told him that Ouseni is a pagan and that he should kill his son. He said that it was God that created him and he wasn't going to be the one to take his life. Please lift up Ouseni and his father in prayer.

Above: We started building the church building a few months ago and on Saturday Oct. 30, 2004 we had our inauguration. We had many first time visitors with us. We praise the Lord that 4 people trusted the Lord with one of them being a Muslim.

Below: These are some of the church kids. They love to help.

Above: Jason Hamby placing tin.

Below: Bro. Jason and I working on the roof.

Above: Rebecca teaching the kids at Divo Nord. I am so thankful that God gave me a wife that loves the ministry!

Below: Keith preaching at Divo Nord.