In the closing days of October, 2010 I returned to my post as Mission Director in Guinea Bissau. It was wonderful to be back but I was also very thankful for the great sabbatical I enjoyed over the previous 4.5 months. The highlight of my sabbatical was the trip I took from coast to coast on the Majesty 400 Yamaha scooter, plus two tacked-on loops by car; one up through Vermont, Ontario and New York State during the Fall color season and another south through Virginia.
Everywhere I travelled I visited scenes that were important at some point during my past 70 years. Visits to these communities reminded me of God's faithfulness in ordering and guiding the many paths that have made me who I am. I was able to visit many friends from the past and make new friends along the way. Everwhere I shared about the Lord's power in extending His Kingdom in Guinea Bissau. Everywhere people were happy to learn about the new believers and this forward movement of God's Kindom
Now its back to the routines of life in Catel: tropical farming, people needing medicine, people wanting to borrow the bike tire pump, boys needing their soccer ball pumped, meetings with the guys I disciple, helping to plan outreaches, meeting new people, making plans for the Catel school construction, wondering what this new itch is around my ankles and trying to explain to the 49th person why I didn't bring back anything for him from America.
On my return I have been encouraged by the way Andrew kept the mission programs moving. The rainy season months are not easy because many people find it difficult to come to church services and bible studies with all the agricultural activities when there is lots of moisture. I am also encouraged as I listen to the belivers teach and evangelize among their families, friends and in other villages. I am really impressed at their spiritual growth and how they are able to give such a clear testimony for Christ in this murkey animistic confusion. I am very impressed by their Christ-centeredness and the practicality of following Jesus in daily life. These guys are real Anabaptists. Jesus is first and forming the community of Christ is of utmost importance.
As I talk to other missionaries I pick up that some of them are discouraged and even fearful. Not so at Catel. The believers in Catel and surrounding villages are eager disciples of Jesus and they have experienced first hand deliverance and transformation that following Jesus brings. They are highly missional, always eager to share about Jesus.
For us, worship is important, so is learning to know the bible, but over and above this is the mandate to live the Christ-life daily in all relationships. This gives me great confidence and hope for the future of the church in this setting. I know that God has begun a great thing that He will bring to completion.
Beryl Forrester
November 8, 2010
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