The Shumaker Family’s Blog

The Bible says that mine eye affecteth my heart. My heart was greatly touched while making our trip to and from Ghana in February.  We saw evidence of the rapid expansion of Islam here in West Africa. I was greatly burdened to see so many mosques, knowing more and more people are being blinded to the truth. Not only do we see mosques in key cities; but, as you can see from the picture below, they are found in the smaller villages as well.  When the mosque is the nicest building in the area, and the only religious institution, of course, people are going to come. For years, we have used every excuse in the book as to why we, as true followers of Christ have not evangelized the world. We say we don’t have enough money, time, or resource, but my friends, look at this picture.  Someone is getting to them before we do.

Every time we travel, we see more mosques. We have seen evidence of the Islam religion growing in just the last two years. How our hearts are burdened to reach this country and the surrounding areas before they are totally closed off.  Please pray with us that God will give us the wisdom we need to reach these precious souls and that he would send forth labors. Perhaps He is even calling you to join in the fight.

I want to wish all of you a great Resurrection day.  We had a wonderful service in the morning.  What was great was that we baptized 10 people.  Baptism is such a special time.  All of them were young people.  Probably between 14-25 years old.  Tonight, we had one profession of faith.

Another exciting thing that happened today was that our sister Eveline was able to come to church.  When I saw her at church, my face lit up and my heart was filled with joy.  A little over a month ago, we didn’t know if she would walk again.  God is good; thanks for your prayers.

We have had a measles outbreak.  I know that we take vaccinations against it but I have never seen anybody actually with it.  I got a call on Thursday night that one of our members(Maria) had it.  I went Friday afternoon and they had blocked off a huge section of land and had tents up.  There were a lot of people that were there being treated.  Maria was being released, so I took her home.  The sickness had wiped her totally out but she is better.  Today, another lady told me that three of her children had it last week.

God is good and I praise Him for the privilege to serve a risen Saviour.

God is continuing to bless the ministry in Burkina Faso.  Salif came back from Roungou and said that 2 people received Jesus.  We had four people at Living Water Baptist Church receive Jesus on Sunday.

The Bible College continues to go well.  We are struggling with the heat a little.  105 degrees while trying to teach or study is a little hard but we are continuing on.

The young men are doing well.  They are growing and I can’t wait to see what God is going to do with them.

We will be having a special service tomorrow night.  We are trying to invite many of our lost family members and/or lost friends to a Good Friday Service.  Please pray for us.  I will let you know what happens with it.

Thanks for all you do for us.  Your prayers are priceless.  We need them greatly.