The other day as I entered the hallway toward the kitchen, water was all over the floor and coming towards me. The washing machine was in the rinse circle and the pipe under the sink to the outside was clogged. Steve began immediately trying to unclog the pipe, and I began wiping water up into a bucket. Later, they began breaking the outside wall to get to the pipe. This is the third time it has happened, so we realize that a change needs to be made.

Some changes are easier than others. Bertin, Agnes, and their family came to visit for a week. But when she needed surgery, they stayed a month for her to recuperate. The week after there was another family who could not find housing in town, so they stayed with us for a week. We have learned to adapt to these types of changes, partly from our parents growing up, and partly because it is just life in Africa. Nevertheless, changes are inevitable.

Sometimes changes are more difficult. On July 14th there was an increase in fuel. Literally, overnight fuel costs rose $1.76 per gallon and everyone is feeling the pinch. We started paying $7.60 for a gallon of gas. Taxi fares increased. The cost of food and supplies rose since they need to be transported from the capital city. People responded to this change by taking to the streets. We were in Abidjan at the time, and we received warnings that people were striking because of the high fuel costs.
Although God opened up doors for us to witness while there (see our web page, “Events ” for August), we were glad to leave before the problems got worse.

But there is a change that takes place that is so refreshing and encouraging, that one never grows tired of it. There is a lady in our church, Bintou Séhi, whose husband is a Muslim. She is a precious believer who loves the Lord and is faithful to the ministry of the church. Two weeks ago in prayer meeting, she asked for prayer for her two young sons who are visiting her mother. When their grandmother wanted them to pray at the Mosque, they refused, telling her that their mother is a Christian and takes them
to church. Her mother was very upset, and Bintou became concerned because she did not want to disrespect her mother. After she had a few sleepless nights, her husband told her not to worry about her mother. He wanted her to continue coming to church and to have faith in her God. Mr. Séhi has attended church on special occasions, and he has seen the difference in the life of his wife. What a wonderful change Christ makes in the life of a believer !

Thank you so much for being a part in this ministry of changing lives for Christ. We appreciate so much your prayers for our ministry. We have just finished hosting two weeks of seminars for the pastors and church leaders. The first seminar was in Blolequin (north west of the country), and the second was here in San-Pédro. Dr. Larry Fogle, a missionary with Baptist Mid-Missions, did a wonderful job teaching on discipleship. Your prayers enable us to continue training others. Thank you so much!

May God richly bless you.

Steve and Gayle King
Malachi 3:6