Dan and Marsha Haynes

Evangelical Baptist Missions,

Niafunke, Mali, Africa

Gospel work among Muslim Africans near Timbuktu.

http://www.rightsidefishing.net/

Prayer Update Letter 24, July 16, 2007

"Return, we beseech Thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine .... Cause Thy face to shine; and we shall be saved." - Psalm 80:14,19

Dear friends,
Scattered bits of history hint of God's ancient blessing on the North African people. True believers once held the values of Scripture in regions now buried in desert sands. It has been the privilege of the Haynes family to be a part of God's large program to shine His face again on this people.
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1) During the past three weeks, we traveled on new roads that increase the ease of travel for God's servants carrying His Word. Not too many years ago for example, Niafunke to Douenza would have taken 12 to 16 hours (two days for most). This time, it took only six. Granted, travel is still not considered easy!

2) We shared in three Baptist churches led by Malian believers. One of these is finishing a new building, to be the biggest auditorium of any evangelical church in the capital. Senior pastor Andre will be returning next week after cancer treatment for his wife. Before long, this church will be FULL of new and growing believers. At least eight EBM churches have national leadership and minister in majority M___ areas in Mali.

3) In Timbuktu, the Mission compound (home from '85-'98) now belongs to the national church.  A huge FM radio tower takes the place of the windmill (demolished in the 90's).  The FIRST Christian radio in N Mali beams forth the gospel 14 hours every day. Dan's office belongs to the director. Cisse used to fly with Dan on Operation Jehoshaphat (OJ) missions, modeled after King J who had the book of the law of the Lord taught throughout ALL the cities in his domain. 2Chr 17:9

4) We were met at the Timbuktu airport by M Ag Sabou in his own vehicle. His toddler son sat between us. Back in the 80's, Dan remembers sitting together on the sand dunes during OJ trips praying about Bible school and a Christian wife. Now a graduate of IBB, a full time evangelist, the husband of a fine wife,  MAS also supports himself by renting his vehicle.

5) Yesterday, the first Sunday home in Niafunke, over 50 local people joined us for services. Pastoral intern David is happily settling in and did a fine job covering in our absence. He has support from local members to feed and clothe him. Some of you are helping with ministry funds.

We have EVERY reason to believe that God WILL continue to shine His face upon us because YOU  ARE  PRAYING!!!! May His gracious countenance warm the souls of the lost in many villages open to receive His Word. Just this week, the only believer in nearby Sarafere was here again begging us to start services in his town.

Blessed because He looks upon us, Dan and Marsha

SPECIAL NOTES:  PRAISE that son Mark, having sacrificed gov't scholarship funds in order to serve in Mali Jan-Feb 07, received a surprise check covering his next phase of missionary flight training!  PRAY for daughter Rachel serving this week as Camp Missionary! PRAY for son Jere supporting his family and raising two boys. PRAISE that each of our children are blessed with wonderful mates!