Dear Prayer Partners,

When Jeff returned to Benin following the West African Summit in the States one of the items he carried was a gift for Papa Fa from a frequent Benin volunteer. We coupled this new gift with several others given to us by another volunteer that we'd not yet presented him. On Sunday, April 20th, we left the baking heat of the cement walls surrounding the homes in Calavi (kal-ah-vee) and headed to church in the leafy, tree-filled, red clay village of Ouega (way-gah). Following praising, singing, dancing, prayers and a pop-sermon on Job by Jeff (the leader introduced him as the day's preacher at the moment of the sermon without giving Jeff any forewarning! "Be ready in season and out of season...") we drove several paces further to see Papa Fa.

He wasn't sitting under his divination shelter, but on a mat on the cement floor of a porch a few steps away. Although months had passed since we'd had the opportunity to visit him,due to our extensive travels, he greeted us well. Jeff sat on a low stool to his right while I remained on my knees on his left. We'd alerted the Ouega church of our intentions to visit with Papa and along with prayer support they'd sent two representatives from the church with us.

One volunteer, Audre, who'd operated on Papa's big toe following a medical clinic last October, sent him slippers and a "Jesus Loves Me" t-shirt. He gleefully put the slippers on and was delighted with the t-shirt (of course he couldn't read what it said as it was in English!).

The other gift, from another volunteer, Sheila, came with a long message that Jeff translated into French. The man who'd come with us from the church translated into Ayizo. The gift was a watch. The essence of the message was that time was growing short and Papa needed to choose life in Jesus Christ. The watch would be a constant reminder of this fact. At one point during the translation's speaking of his need to give himself to Christ he said, "Gbede!" (beh-day!) Which means "Never!" But the message was clear and he once again heard.

When we handed him the card I wondered if he would just crumple it and toss it away, due to his response, but he kept it, as a treasure.

But then I looked into his eyes--and his eyes betrayed his harsh words. His eyes are often masked, not with a physical mask, but a spiritual one. When he looks at you its as if he isn't really looking at you. But for several brief moments he astonished me as he looked directly into my eyes with eyes full of love. My heart told me his tough response was due to the number of folks standing around hearing the witness and closely observing the reaction of Papa.

When we left he was proudly wearing the watch for all to see.

Today, before you close this letter, pray again for Papa, his entire family and village.

We praise God for you!

Laboring where the laborers are few,

Barbara and Jeff