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Birthday Thoughts ~ Thanks to everyone for all of the birthday wishes that were sent my way. I spent two days in KY with my family as soon as I returned from Mississippi (a trip that was very successful). Good food, lots of laughter, and the ever present "number" candles....all helped to make my last two days as a thirty something special indeed.  I will have to say that turning 40 did not seem any different from 25 or 30 or 35... My only wish would have been that I could have spent it with each and every one of you who continue to make the work of Faith to Faith International possible from day to day.  I am so blessed.....thank you for your part in making my life so wonderful.

PS: I am so glad that God's Word promises me long life......until I am satisfied (Ps. 91). And just so everyone knows....I am a long way away from being satisfied. There is so much to do to bring The Kingdom to pass on this earth....and so much living I still want to do.

September 25th ~ Since returning from Africa...lilfe has been a bit of whirlwind.

I was just getting over the jetlag (bad this time - ugghh!) when Hurricane Ike blew through Ohio. With 75+ mile per hour winds...shingles flying...flashing being torn from buildings...and trees bending to the ground...the electricity went off and stayed off for three days. No computer....no fridge...no nothing! So much for my catching up on work. The power came back just in time for me to finish Africa laundry in order so I could pack once again -- this time for a trip to Virginia (via KY). I was to attend the Alumnae Council Meeting at my alma mater....at which I had been asked to give the invocation as well as the Sunday morning devotions. It was a long weekend (in more ways than one), but I continue to be amazed at the doors and hearts that are open to me and to the Gospel.

I made my way back to Ohio on Sunday afternoon ( a 7 hour drive) so that I could prepare for my next trip --- a Behind the Scenes Event just outside of Jackson, Mississippi. Got up at 4:45 am yesterday in order to make it to the airport for my 7:20 flight. I arrived in MS...just in time for some southern barbecue and meetings. Will be here through Friday afternoon and have been told that today I am being taken to "THE SWAMP" ...... what does a woman say to that, I ask you? Nonetheless, my trip has already been fruitful, and I am looking forward to the rest of my trip...knowing that I am helping a fellow minister get a few steps closer to accomplishing the vision God has set for the ministry.

On another note....I have been able to post some of my Africa photos to my facebook page....if you would like to see them, please send me an email through the website. I will set you up as a friend so that you can view them.

Thank you for your continued prayers and words of encouragement. All my love, Stephanie

September 9th ~ My last full day in Africa has arrived. It is difficult to believe after all of the months of planning and preparation.  I can honestly say that the ministry trip has gone very well...especially in light of the fact that I was unsure of what I should expect. What I have found is a people who are hungry for God, zealous for His Word, and serious about the Kingdom.

I also have seen a heart of service displayed for days on end...men and women seemingly never tired of going the extra mile (or perhaps I should say kilometer). I have been so very well cared for...by one and all. Seeing their service to me was so very humbling. In fact, I am not quite sure how to aptly describe the way it has made me feel. During my previous journeys to Africa my role was one of server and facilitator. Yes, I ministered often during my years of traveling back and forth...but it was somehow different. This time...my sole responsibility was to receive of the Lord and deliver what He would have me say and do. I believe myself to be blessed to be in this position. Perhaps that is why it has been so very difficult for me to accept with grace the service given me...the care exhibited toward and for me.  To have individuals so ready to meet my needs...even my desires.... WOW! 

I promise to bring a full report upon my return, but suffice it to say that I am already looking forward to my next journey to Africa. Not for the travel...not for the new and renewed experiences! No, my desire is to be able to continue to preach the gospel, the Good News, across the world. My heart is to see men and women of God know their calls and be successful in them. I long to see the Church of Jesus Christ rise up as one Body (without spot or wrinkle). For, I will not be satisfied until I do all that I can possibly do to see the Great Commission completed and Jesus returning.

My gratitude toward all who have given, prayed, and been encouragers can not be aptly measured. I am so thankful that there are those who stand side by side in this quest to fulfill the vision of Faith to Faith International!

In closing, tomorrow will find me sitting on a plane for 11 or so hours before reaching American soil. I am looking forward to my homecoming but know that it will not be long before I once again have itchy feet -- ones that long to take the Good News (Romans 10) to all peoples.  Stephanie

NOTE: Check out the 'Notes from the Heart' page of the website for Simple Pleasures -- African Style.

September 7th ~ It's Sunday!!! The conference has ended, and I have so many things to report to you. I am currently sitting in the guest reception area of the church, using their computer---and it only took me a few minutes to get to this page!!!! (Woohoo....internet connections this trip have been more miss than hit!)

 What a blessing this week has been. I, personally, and the ministry gift have been welcomed and celebrated during the leadership conference. What grace and hospitality have been shown to me. Everywhere I go, I have someone who accompanies me. Her name is Veronica, and she has served faithfully each and every day. A business woman, Veronica turned her computer store over to her staff in order to give of her time this week.

Then, there is Segun...the young professional who has been driving me and one of the other guest ministers to and fro. What driving skill must be exhibited!! Mere inches often separate your vehicle and the vehicle beside you...not to mention the many motorbikes that act as taxis (called 'akadas') for one. This morning I watched as an akata was carrying a young woman with her baby tied to her back.

Yesterday, Saturday, Veronica and Segun accompanied me as I attended my first Nigerian wedding reception. The celebrants, dressed in all the colors of the rainbow, were a sight to behold. I took many photographs and was particularly interested to see the differences in tradition. One in particular caught my attention -- the bride and groom were led to an open place where they and their attendants danced in celebration. They were then joined by individuals and small groups of family members and friends who rained money on them. It was like a shower of notes falling around the new couple. When we slipped away from the reception, they were still dancing and being blessed in the process. The "shower of notes" dance had already been going on for at least a half hour at that point.

I was then invited to attend a birthday celebration. It was a barbecue --- chicken, beef, goat, sausages, and fish --- all very very spiced. My lips and tongue were on fire!! (And I had been told that it was mild :-) I laughed and talked one on one with many of the guests. The atmosphere was casual, and it was a pleasure to be able to share life stories with many.

Well, I should update you on the conference. I taught three separate times and was also asked to be part of a three-member panel to answer ministry and theology questions. The students were hungry and eager to draw upon the gifts of their instructors. On Tuesday I taught upon the gifts of God and how we are uniquely created and placed in the Body of Christ. Wednesday, I then followed up with a lesson on love, God's love. I set it before the class that love must be the basis for everything we do. I used I Corinthians 13 as a basis for the teaching and stressed the importance of ministering from a position of love -- a love that moves us to action. Then, on Friday I finished with a teaching on service and servanthood. It was a powerful time...especially since the Holy Spirit had directed me to wash the feet of Veronica (the young woman who has been accompanying me). I later found out that there has been some incorrect teaching in Africa concerning the washing of feet -- isn't the Holy Ghost wonderful that he dealt with the issue, using a woman from America who had no clue about what has become a very odd mixture of culture, Bible, and the occult.

I have been given copies of the messages in CD and DVD form -- I will endeavor to make those available to anyone who would like them. Stay posted.

Well, I had better sign off at this time for as I have been writing the church has been praying and worshipping. What fervency and passion!!! I shall be called into the service any moment. Praise the Lord for his mercy! Praise the Lord for his grace! Praise the Lord for the opportunity that I am having to preach the GOOD NEWS, encourage believers, and open the Word to shore up those who are leaders and ministers in this nation and the surrounding areas.

Once again, thank you for your support. Without you my being in Africa would not have been possible. Please know thart you have much that has been added to your heavenly account this past week. All my love, Stephanie

September 4th ~ Greetings from Nigeria!! First of all, allow me to say that I have so much to say but know that there is no way that I will be able to do this in the time and space I have....so hold on for the condensed version. I have been unable to access this site since my arrival. One of the fellow ministers has allowed me to use his laptop, for the hotel has wireless access. WOW! I am so thankful. Each day I have tried and tried to get on and update this page...but to no avail.

My journey was a good one last Friday. After my first flight and a three plus hour layover in Atlanta I boarded the plane to Nigeria. It was an 11 hour journey -- the longest I have ever taken, but I was so thankful not to have the stop in Europe. I arrived in Lagos around 10:15 am local time, Saturday morning. (That's 5:15 am eastern daylight time!) Customs went very well -- no questions :-) It was the wait for the luggage that had me praying. We waited for almost an hour before our bags came off the conveyor belt -- the last group to make it. Everything arrived finally, and we walked out to a marvelous welcome from some of the members of Latter Rain Assembly. The rest of the day was spent resting and preparing. That evening I had the pleasure of meeting two more of the ministers who were slated to teach at the leadership conference. They are from London, England. Check out the website: www.hughosgood.com. Also, you can check out the website of the fourth member of the team: www.teachallnationsmissions.com.

 Sunday was a pleasure! For, you have not lived if you have never had the priviledge to be in an African praise and worship service. The freedom and the passion seen and heard are wonderful to behold. I was asked to greet the church. I have been told the sanctuary holds 5,000 -- and it was packed! I was treated as one who has come home after a long absence. That evening I sat in the audience to watch an original drama about Judah and Tamar.

Monday came.....I left the hotel around 8:30 am. I had been asked to make a journey to Ogun State. We -- Pastor Tunde Bakare (my host), Dr. Delron Shirley (Teach All Nations Missions), and I -- travled to Pastor Bakare's hometown, Abeokuta....where the first Christian missionaries came in the 1800's. In fact, it was to Pastor Bakare's great great grandfather that the first Bible was given by missionary Eric Townsend.

One of the stops that day was at a memorial that is almost completed -- one that sits on the very site where Townsend gave the first Bible to the local leader. We wove our way through narrow alleys before coming to a small courtyard that was ringed by small homes that had short, open doorways from which you could see small children and old women peering. One particular African woman drew me to her side and began to speak to me. Wizened eyes looked intently into mine, she speaking to me in her language and I nodding and patting her hand. Finally, someone heard her conversation and began to translate. She wanted to know who I was and was very happy to receive my smile and my blessing. Her name was Janet. I wish I could have stayed longer and shared more with her.

Other stops included a visit to Pastor Bakare's birthplace that has recently been renovated and given to the state. His family's vault is there as well. I viewed the graves of his father and his granfather (the local Imam for a number of years). Note: Pastor Bakare came to Christ in college, having been raised in a Muslim family where he was the first boy of the 10th wife.

I will share more about Ogun State later.

Monday evening brought the opening session of the CLASSIC leadership conference. Dr. Osgood ministered a wonderful message about the responsibilities of a steward, looking closely at Luke 16.

I first ministered on Tuesday morning -- speaking on our 1 Peter 4 theme but taking the students to I Corinthians 12 in order to discuss our place in the Body of Christ.

(I only have 3 more minutes of computer time....so I will add more later.) BUT....

I ministered yesterday on our motive in ministry -- and that LOVE is to be the basis for all we do.

I minister again tomorrow morning (Friday) -- I am planning to teach on servanthood. I will keep you posted.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!!!!! All my love and appreciation for making this journey possible. I am blessed to be back in Africa.......................Stephanie

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