(a recent prayer letter received from Charles and Mary Joyce, Burkina Faso)

Several weeks ago at Gikofe, right before Sunday morning services, a young lady would come to the path just in front of the church, She would draw a crowd of onlookers, as she peddled her holy water, while telling the crowd their future. She has been attracting a large crowd, although none of her ‘congregants’ wanted to come into the church services, as Pastor Dominique had asked them several times. Apparently, this has become a regular occurrence every Sunday morning. Pastor Dominique, as he was relating this story to me, brought up that it reminded him of the young woman in Acts 16, ‘a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination.’ Here she is known as a sorcerer, or clairvoyant. He immediately thought about the potential for witnessing to a large crowd still ‘troubled’ by Satanic influence in Gikofe. Please pray that God would give him wisdom in how to reach out effectively to these people, who will come to the church doors to hear a sorcerer, but not take a further step to enter the church to hear about the one true God.

What started out being reported of a mutiny among the military turned into another coup d’etat a couple of weeks ago. We seem to be rapidly deteriorating as a country. We need to work while there is time. As Paul wrote, ‘For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.’

“Bags for Burkina” is a special project to help the people in our churches in Burkina Faso. The people of Burkina Faso are struggling due to the instability of the country. The terrorists have caused havoc, and many people have lost their means of making a living. During the months of November, December, and January, we are asking help to provide food for those affected by this turmoil. Bags represent bags of rice. Twenty-five ($25) will buy a 25 kilo bag of rice and $50 will buy a 50 kilo bag of rice. Poverty is real in Burkina Faso! Will you help provide food for those in need! Please note on your contributions, “Bags for Burkina.” Partner with the Joyces to reach Burkina Faso for Christ during this time of need! Thank you!

Your faithfulness with both your prayers and financial support is the reason we continue to serve our Lord here in Burkina Faso. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be here.