October Newsletter 2026
Have you contacted ABWE? There is still time to say, “Yes, I’ll come and help with the roofing project!”
October was a month filled with both highs and lows! We started the month with a guesthouse full of Norwegians who came to help with a Christian school. They were a blessing, and we pray that God will use them mightily. As for us, both Danielle and Luke came down with severe cases of COVID. Danielle was sick for several days, but unfortunately, Luke got the brunt of it. He missed more than a week of school, and we are so grateful for his friends who faithfully sent his schoolwork home each day so he wouldn't fall behind. Luke said: “This is the worst of both worlds. I'm being homeschooled through public school, and I can't stop coughing!”
Speaking of our children, Alyssa has finished her summer internship and has now switched to online college. She is currently living in Maryland with Michele's parents. She has also started a new job with the local county public school system as a bus attendant, working with children with special needs. We are especially thankful to Michele's parents for welcoming Alyssa into their home and providing a place for her to stay while she continues her college education and works nearby.
Last month, we received a very special phone call. Alyssa’s boyfriend, who is also her longtime friend, called to ask for our blessing before proposing marriage, and we were happy to give it! He knows Alyssa so well and planned a beautiful proposal at a gorgeous library. We are thrilled for them and look forward to seeing what God has in store for their future. He will be leaving the area in January to attend a trade school in Georgia, so there are exciting changes ahead for them both.
A new opportunity has opened up here in The Gambia through an organization called Fatou Sister's Home. This ministry, which has also partnered with local police, provides support for battered women and women affected by sex trafficking. We are praying about the possibility of becoming involved in this project and look forward to seeing how God may use us to help. It is encouraging to see Him opening doors to reach women facing these difficult and heartbreaking circumstances. We are praying about how we can best come alongside this ministry and be part of the work God is doing.
Later in the month, Patrick had the opportunity to preach at our partner church, Omega Church. He shared a challenging and convicting message, which was also broadcast online for those who would like to listen. Throughout the sermon, Patrick continually pointed the congregation back to Scripture—not his personal opinions, but the truth and beauty of God's Word. When he finished, the lead pastor stood up and asked the congregation whether they were still friends with Patrick! He knew Patrick had addressed some difficult subjects, touching on issues that are not always easy to hear because they go against the culture around us. Yet, they are firmly rooted in biblical truth. We are thankful for opportunities like this to encourage believers to stand firmly on God's Word, even when it challenges the way we think or live.
Prayers & Praises
~Pray for Patrick’s father Bruce’s cancer treatments.
~Pray for Alison as she settles into Gambian city life.
~Pray for Joan Schmitz on her well-deserved furlough
~Praise God for recovery from COVID.
~Prayer for Alyssa and her fiancé’s future.
~Prayer for an opportunity at Fatou Sister's Home.
~Prayer for the ABWE roofing project and those considering coming to help
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