Merry Christmas from the Ward Family
Having spent the past 3 Christmases in Togo, we’re pleased to have already had one
Since arriving in the States in October we’ve had a chance to settle into a mission house our sending church provided us. We’re so thankful for the warm welcome they’ve shown us.
Despite the look on the boys’ faces, they haven’t actually been strapped in the car for very many road trips. We participated in our sending church’s missions conference a few days after arriving. Just a walk across the parking lot. We’ve visited some family in Greenville, SC and a partner church about 2 hours away. We do have many long road trips kicking off at the end of January, though.
One of our goals while we’re Stateside is to meet our financial support requirements. We’re currently lacking 20% of our needed monthly support and cannot return to Togo until that has been covered. Please pray that God will supply for this need. If you or your church are interested in learning how you can partner with us, please let us know, but sending us an email or calling us. We love to share with others how God is working in the church in Togo!
Back in Togo, over 2,900 students enrolled this year in the 15 Christian schools, and we’re praying that many more of them come to accept Christ this year. Several new students are from Muslim backgounds. One new student is Muslim and comes from Ghana. She doesn't speak any French or Ewe. There are a few other students also of her tribe at the school and she speaks to them. Pray that the teachers will have the ability to share the Gospel with her.
Last year, Andrew was helping train a group of new teachers. He said all the students they teach will add up to a village. Roger challenged the teachers to ask themselves what kind of village they wanted to have. What did they want their villagers to become? During the school year when one of the 3 teachers would start to complain or become tired, the others would ask him, "What kind of village do you want? Are you being an example for your village?" They said it changed their attitudes right away.
Andrew traveled to all 15 Christian elementary schools in May and asked the teachers to participate in written surveys and video interviews in order to study their beliefs and cultural values related to student achievement. He’s currently writing his dissertation on this study at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Please pray that it will be completed before we return to Togo in August.
Thank you so much for all your love, prayers, and support over the past few years for our family and for the church in Togo. And have a merry Christmas!
Much love,
Andrew, Mary, Emmanuel, Cyrus, & Alethia
