Since the beginning of 2011, there has been no week we haven’t visited our mechanic. Our truck, a 1991 Toyota Hilux pickup, served AFM’s Otammari Project for seven years before becoming our project vehicle. We knew from our missionary colleagues that it had chronic mechanical problems. We bought a second-hand replacement engine for the truck hoping it would take care of the trouble, and by the grace of God it did. For the past four years, we have driven the resurrected truck to five different West African capitals for meetings and furloughs, including Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 1,700 km from Kandi.
Unfortunately, not all the problems were confined to the engine. Toward the end of last year, the clutch began to fail, and our mechanic was regularly discovering other worn and broken parts. Also, our children and other back-seat passengers were experiencing more back pain on long trips. The suspension needed major overhauling to restore a minimum of comfort. It was time to say goodbye to the battered old truck.
As we begin to fundraise for a new vehicle, we thank our team members for your prayers and support over the years. My God continue to bless each one of us as we use our talents in mission.—Michée Badé

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