Today is Monday. All weekend I wondered what Monday would bring and prayed often.
It is the day when we knew we would see how much damage had been done to our morning class with all the rumours that a few members of this community where we live had decided to start telling in order to secure themselves some money and a job. Corruption and people wanting to line their pockets is nothing new in Africa, but we prayed it would not touch these girls. We did the best we could at a parent meeting on Friday morning to dispel the rumours and let the truth ring out. We assured the parents their daughters were safe with us.
And it would appear that truth has won out. We had 28 girls (out of 30) present for the morning class! 2 were sick and are expected back when they are feeling better. The afternoon class is also all accounted for. Even the two sisters of the major instigator of all the problems (who swore he would never let them come!) were sitting in class working away this morning. I could not hold back the tears. Thus far, we have not lost a single girl from this malicious behaviour. And truly we have you to thank. I told Paul and Rebecca- these people don’t know what they are up against. There are over 250 prayer partners out there who are lifting this situation up and putting these girls and their future in God’s hands. We won’t go down without a fight. And all weekend I felt that assuredness and peace in my heart like never before. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
I doubt that this is the end, but we hope that the hard part is over. I am sure they will make some more efforts to control the school or use their girls as pawns, but they have seen we will not let that happen. The girls are back after 3 days absence when people in the community literally chased them away. We believe that good speaks for itself. These girls will tell their parents that they love this school, they love what they learn, and I believe they feel our love for them in their hearts. You are making a difference. Don’t stop praying. Every day we enter this battlefield and you are what keeps us moving forward!
And so today- this picture is what JOY looks like!
14 comments
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Mira says:
06/12/2010 at 16:07 (UTC 1)
Oh Chantelle! I am in tears as well! PRAISE OUR GREAT GOD!!! Thank you for taking the time to post!!
Judy says:
06/12/2010 at 19:03 (UTC 1)
Awesome!
Suzanne says:
06/12/2010 at 23:43 (UTC 1)
Praise God! To Him be the Glory! God is Good! So thankful that you keep us so updated in your work in Niger! I love it!
Di says:
07/12/2010 at 09:12 (UTC 1)
YES!!!!!! God is indeed good ALL THE TIME. Praising here today, so blessed to be a part of all the good our God is doing over there. Continuing to pray God will be honored and praised.
Deb Thibeault says:
07/12/2010 at 14:39 (UTC 1)
This brought tears to my eyes. And joy to my heart. What an amazing God we have.
I will continue to pray for this school, the girls and you as well. Good and truth have won!
Gwen says:
07/12/2010 at 16:40 (UTC 1)
Praise God!!! Thank you for the update. Let us continue to pray without ceasing for the Victory belongs to the Lord.
God is good all the time
Lillian Braun says:
07/12/2010 at 18:17 (UTC 1)
Hi, PRAISE GOD!!! What an answer to prayer. You have all been in my thoughts and prayers all weekend long. It’s so good to hear and see that everyone is back to school.
I have one question, can we send an email and picture to our girl. We would love to encourage her.
Thanks for the work you are doing in these girls lives.
Lil
Brenda says:
07/12/2010 at 19:50 (UTC 1)
How amazing is our God! What a wonder it is to bring our burdens to Him and watch Him do miracles! I just cried and cried!
Eileen says:
07/12/2010 at 20:34 (UTC 1)
PRAISE GOD! I am so glad that they are all back! I can’t wait to tell my daughter, she will be so pleased!
Julie says:
08/12/2010 at 01:32 (UTC 1)
Praise the LORD! What a joy to know that He hears and answers our prayers. This news brought tears of relief and happiness. I will continue to pray that these girls are touched by the God who sees them.
Leila Cross says:
08/12/2010 at 05:03 (UTC 1)
Praise the Lord! I will continue to pray. The Lord is the Victor!
Esther Rohr says:
08/12/2010 at 05:30 (UTC 1)
Hallelujah!! Blessings to all of them, and may the Lord give you all strength and His courage, every day.
Marg. Walkeer says:
08/12/2010 at 08:14 (UTC 1)
A word for you Rebecca and Chantelle.
“The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save; He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
Praise the Lord for the miracles that happen there moment by moment.
It is sooo wonderful to see what the Lord is doing, and we will contiue to pray!
Pamela says:
09/12/2010 at 03:26 (UTC 1)
Chantelle, thank you for the update! I love to see God working thru our prayers and He certainly sent a mighty message.
Thanks to you and Paul and Rebecca, for standing together and refusing to back down. I know that God honours your commitment to doing His work in all situations. When you rely on Him, His will is done. It’s really that simple.
Hugs and love to all – you continue to be in my daily prayers.
love,
Pam