Hello everyone,
 
I hope you all are doing well. I wanted to update you a little on the progress here in the Ivory Coast.
 
Friends of mine gave me a very thoughtful present before leaving: journals. And I'm glad they did! It has been a little more than a month since I've arrived, and the way of life here is already becoming normal. That is a good thing; however, with normality comes forgetfulness. Therefore, in order to communicate some of my thoughts from a month ago and today, I thought writing out some excerpts would be the best way. 
 
For those of you interested in praying for the ministry here, we're opening up the business (internet cafe, photocopy center, Christian bookstore, etc...) November 4. We still have a lot of things to get done and training to do, so please pray for this endeavor!! A lot of wisdom is needed to say the least :)
  
Sept 17
Entry into the Ivory Coast in Abidjan. Made it through customs without any kind of a problem - no questions were asked and no bags were opened. Real answer to prayer.
 
Met oilman on plane from Canada who has been here for 4 years - frustration rests with the fact that nothing changes here. You can train someone but when the teacher leaves, they'll go back to what they were doing....the Bible does change people and the Kings [missionaries I'm with] have seen it personally with their own eyes.
 
Sept 19-20
Set-up of Internet cafe. These past 2 days have been spent at the Bible Institutes preparing the Internet cafe. A couple of problems occurred these few days: loss of electricity, generator not working, etc... however, a lot was accomplished...
 
Cultural note: the larger the wife, the better the husband treats her!!
 
Ate 2 traditional African meals today: 'la sauce feuille' and 'la sauce pistache' - both served with rice which was very good!
 
Special people: Patrice (4th year Bible student) - the Kings gave him money to replace two of his front teeth - cried when that happened - now has more confidence. Also they baked him a cake for his birthday - first time anyone celebrated his birthday
 
Sept 24
First day with ITB (Institut Theologique Baptiste) students. Really insisted on being 'fidele' or faithful from the very beginning. In addition, insisted on the theme of paying for their studies - excuse that this is Africa is NOT acceptable. Seems that the students have a large heart for the ministry and are excited about the new school year.
 
Sept 25-26
The Lebanese have built-up a grocery store which really have everything there that we need. Went to the tailor, wood worker/carver, shoe maker, etc... Went to a small market where multiple women working and selling different items. Very protective of who you buy from. Not very sanitary - that is why all fruits and vegetables bought from them are bleached.
 
Sept 30
Last day of Ramadan for the Muslims. Call to prayer around 8 this morning. Many of them came pouring from the streets (probably the majority of people) from the area, which was a site to see.
 
October 9
A lot of disease here - main prayer request at Wed night prayer service - one women brought her child with her that has a skin disorder - apparently normal
 
October 12
Went to church today - all churches a bit different in style; however, struck me today how the sermons are similar between here and the States - talked about what makes a good member of a church - something what I would here in the States...interesting how the Bible is cross-cultural...
 
October 15 
Yesterday, the tax office could not receive phone calls or have an internet connection because someone stole the telephone cable from them.
 
October 16
Cookie [our pet chimp for a few days] is a fascinating animal. Whenever he eats something, always needs to put it up to his little nose. Always likes taking my hand over his face and in his mouth. Likes playing high 5 or high 20 in his case...not afraid of rolling up his little fist and smacking Sassy (pet rottweiler) in the nose. Locals are afraid of him - literally jump away!
 
 
For more commentary on the project and pictures, go to http://www.steveandgayleking.com/.
 
Joanne
 

Here is a copy of the brochure.  The quality is not the best since it is only a copy from an Adobe file.