Training and Meeting Our Ivorian Hosts

Today was the day of training as we headed out to Jubliee Church and was greeted again by Bishop Boni. We also were able to hear from our partners at the UN Foundation in regards to the prep work that has been going on for several weeks leading up to the campaign. With the partners that are a part of this wonderful effort we are seeing for the FIRST time NGO, the church and local/national governments come together to provide holistic care in regards to several deadly diseases. Along with the nets, measles shots will be given to all the children -- this specific campagin has reduced the rate of children's death due to measles by 91% in the African continent. Every 30 seconds a child dies of malaria in Africa. It is our hope and prayer that these million nets will be the beginning of reducing the deaths of children by this disease.
During the training for the distrubution -- we met the Ivorian leaders for the campaign in the five districts that we will be working within. ALL of these leaders are laity for the UMC of Cote d'Ivoire. It was a wonderful blessing to meet these indiviudals who have been working and laboring so hard in the past preparing for this distrubution.
After the training and of course lunch that was wonderful -- the Ivorians are such gracious host! It was time to see the city and hit the markets before the hard word begins on Tuesday! After a evening of shopping and experiencing Abidjian traffic -- Houston times 10; we recieved our instructions from the team leaders, recieved water for the next day work and had a wonderful devotion to prepare for a peaceful nights rest!
As I read my devotion for the day -- a verse became so real as I walked the markets and countryside. "Because the needy are oppressed, and the poor cry out in misery, "I will rise up," says the Lord, "And give them the help they long for." Psalm 12:6
This campaign is exactly the Lord using NGO's, Governments and yes the church to provide the help that these families need and long for. Please continue to pray as tomorrow the work begins and may God recieve all the glory for the great things He has and will do in the days ahead!!!