A trip to the Basilica

The Front Door!

Autumn and her friends

Autumn and me

Teresa and Autumn

Looks small from a distance but the columns are the ones pictured above.

Hello everyone,

We have recently finished our two weeks of urban church planter training and are now back into the swing of learning French. We visited several areas of the city with a veteran missionary from Mexico City and discussed so many possibilities in seeking God's wisdom for our work here. The city is divided by a lagoon into different sections so the layout is somewhat different from most cities. Our top priority this first year is to learn French well enough to do what we need to do, the city of Abidjan is second only to Paris in the number of French speakers in a city. Teresa and I have chosen one area of the city called "Treichville" and will spend time each week walking the area, praying, meeting people, practicing our French, ect... Treichville has a few hundred thousand people but I'm not sure the exact number. I was in the area today just looking and seeking God's specific will, we also are looking for those who are searching for truth. It is amazing to think that there are non-believers today who will be saved by God's grace and be future leaders for this city.

I am posting a few pictures of the Basilica in Yamoussoukro, Cote d'Ivoire. We traveled there with our team and our friends from Mexico City. Guinness World Records list it as the largest church in the world. The church cost 300 million dollars to build and has air-conditioned pews (which were not on when we visited!) The visit in itself was amazing because of the sheer size and design. The place is amazing but what a reminder that God does not dwell in buildings made by men but dwells in those who are born again by faith in Jesus Christ. A spectacular thing we saw but no comparison to the eternal life that is within us.

It has been some time since all of you have heard from us but please know we are quite aware of the blessings we receive because of your prayers, we have "breakthroughs" of various sorts and we know it is because the Lord has heard the prayer of those who belong to Him. My prayer for you is that God will strengthen you in these days ahead to pray and enjoy His presence. I know that you have many of the same struggles and the same enemy as us, but what refuge we have found in Christ. Hope you have a great week.

Blessings,

Jon

New addition to the family!!

Autumn got a early birthday present this morning.....a Yorkie puppy! Jolie ("pretty" in French) is 2 1/2 months old and a bundle of energy. Everywhere we walk she is at our heels....even when I am washing the dishes she is snipping my heels! I have to admit it makes Africa more like home with a dog running around.

We have been in urban church planting meetings the last two weeks. They have been very good and we have received a lot of wisdom on how to reach the city. We would love for you come and visit to see the city God has called us to labor in!

We have been out of French class for the last couple of weeks, so we are afraid of what we have forgot. We are eager to get back this Thursday so we can be sharing the gospel in french soon! Continue to lift our language learning up, we covet all your prayers.

Nothing much exciting has been happening in Abidjan...the heat is back after a week break! They say the hottest time of the year is just beginning! Wow, I thought it was always hot! Rainy season will start in April, maybe we will enjoy a little cooler days then.

I better go...the puppy is trying to chew on my computer cord! Send us email and let us know how you are doing.

Teresa