Memory of Chad

Last time we were in Chad

This past week we were able to visit with some American friends of ours who we met and worked with when we lived in Chad.  It was wonderful to see them, sit with them, chat with them, and to hear of the good news that has been spreading in Chad.  We love our friends deeply and they are doing a great work there.  They are deeply loved by the people in that village, whom they love and serve so faithfully.

It has been over 6 years since we’ve been to Chad.  We lived there a total of ten months.  While we were there we struggled to learn language.  We struggled to make friends.  We struggled to “fit in.”  We understood so little.  Those who befriended us had to have great patience.  And yet there were some…

Saying goodbye in Chad- 6 yrs ago

One we called Fatime.  She seemed to be a bit of an outcast.  She had no family around, no husband, no children.  She wasn’t much more than a teenager herself.  But she had lots of free time.  She came over almost everyday.  Sometimes she would sit with us for hours just watching us.  She wouldn’t even say much.  I remember trying to learn language from her, but she was barely educated herself and it never seemed to get very far.  My last memory of Fatime is when we were leaving.  She brought us a fan.  It was very well made and she had made it herself.  She gave it to us as a gift.  It was special because she had nothing and when we first arrived she had scammed us and sold us a similar fan (of lower quality) at a very high price.  This fan seemed to be saying, “We’re friends.  I wouldn’t cheat you anymore.  I’m going to miss you.”  We still have the fan and use it frequently on hot island days.

That was over 6 years ago.  If we saw Fatime today we wouldn’t be able to speak to her.  We’ve forgotten almost all of the local Chadian language.  We might not even recognize her or vice versa.     Yet how special to receive a gift from her through our American friends.  In all this time, she hasn’t forgotten us and when she heard they would be seeing us, she was determined to send them with a gift.   We only received part of it.  We are told she prepared a good deal of local food that would have been impossible to carry and keep fresh.  But she also did something much more special.  She went with her three children (she had none when we knew her) and had a family picture taken.  This is a special gift.  After all this time she still remembers us.

Our friend, 7 yrs ago

And after all this time we still remember her.  We asked our American friend if they’ve ever had a chance to share any good news with Fatime.  She said that they have a standing tea appointment to sit down and talk about things that really matter; things about the world and God and love that she needs to hear.  She will tell Fatime that Tom & Megan wanted her to hear this news too and we hope she will listen carefully.  Maybe as they sit over a cup of tea and Fatime will understand and accept the love that God has for her. We pray.

PRAYERS ANSWERED
The conferences went really well.  We learned so much and have so much to think about (in regard to that--sorry for the lateness of this blog).  We were greatly encouraged.  We saw many old friends.  We made many new friends.  And everything went very smoothly.  We are so thankful for the news our friends from Chad shared with us, not only about Fatime, but all the exciting things going on in their village.  If you want to hear more about it, send us an email.

PRAYERS REQUESTED
Pray that we would be able to take all the wisdom and good advice we learned from the conference and remember it, apply it, and put it to good use on the islands. Pray for all those who went to the conference--that they too could apply the things they learned and be encouraged.  Continue to pray for our island friends.  We are hopeful that our time away is leading them toward greater independence from us and greater dependence on Him.  Pray for our island team as we all shoot off to different parts this week for much needed rest and vacation.  Pray for relaxing times, refreshment and reflection.