Waga Land, here we come!

Friday is Launch Day! I can't believe the time has actually come. I am heading out to Burkina Faso on the trip of a lifetime! I am filled with such excitement and anticipation. I've been doing my best to keep fear at bay, so keep praying for me that I will have the confidence of the Lord. My biggest issue is speaking in front of people. I was all fired up to prepare my messages and I feel the Ord has given me a speacial message to impart. Now as I think about actually standing in front of people and giving my message, I am not as wild about the idea. It has been so amazing to see how God has brought me step by step. Even little things like having to make that announcement for the Gift Catalog in front of the church last December. I was so nervous and then it went wonderfully. So I need to keep reminding myself that when I get up there God will meet me and everything will go smoothly. Grace, grace; much grace needed, Lord!

So here's the low down. Our team of mighty warriors leave for the airport on Friday morning. The Pecks are here to stay with my kiddies. Pray for them to be able to handle the separation peacefully. Our travel time is 27 hours with all our layovers. The are ahead by 5 hours. Sunday we go to church and hold a business women's meeting in the capital, Ouagadougou (pronounced Wah-ga-doo-goo). Monday through Wednesday will be various ministry opportunities with the orphans and women in the villages. Thursday we begin the "Woman, God has a purpose for you" conference. I will be speaking on Thursday morning on Esther, Woman of Destiny. Then again on Saturday with my life story called Tragedy to Triumph. All the ladies on the team will be speaking during this morning and evening conference held under a tree. Then we fly home Saturday night and Sunday.

Prayer requests:

• Please pray for me and our team of ladies (Erma Yoder, Gail Crites, Heidi Hershberger, Regina Gingerich, Susan Onguko and Sharyl Seih) while we are gone March 7-16.
• Pray for unity among the team and for us to flow in what the Spirit is doing on this trip.
• Pray for protection and safety for us and the supplies that we are bringing along.
• Pray for open ears to hear from heaven and open hearts to minister to these dear people.
• Pray for Burkina Faso to be established in righteousness, and that no weapon forged against her will prevail. Isaiah 54:14, 17
• Pray for strength and health for our bodies as we adjust to the time change, schedule demands and new foods.
• Pray for boldness and confidence as we speak to the women who come for the conference.
• Pray for the seeds that are planted to go deep into the hearts and produce long lasting fruit.
• Pray for peace and stability for my children back at home. I am believing for Isaiah 54:13 for them “Great will be your children's peace.”