The drums beat with incredible speed in ancient Mali tradition. We were in the village of Banankoro for the first time, and they were giving us a presidential welcome! Our fellow missionary and Malinke project team leader, George Tooray, had received an invitation from the village of Banankoro to assist them with medical needs and other community development.

Brother George had worked to make friends with the village leaders and also let them know that we were coming and wanted to help. So shortly after arriving in Mali, we met with them under the shade of a tent outside their local health clinic. They spoke gracious words, most of which I did not understand, as I was new to Mali.

However, a highlight of the meeting was when they gave us local Bambara names, those of chiefs and famous people from their village. The name they gave me was Deguemori Magasouba. Sonya they named Konté Koné. Luke was Lahaou Sow. Lily, they named Alima Magasouba. Another highlight was a little girl who continually stared at me. We suspect that I was the first white person she had ever seen in real life.

The village leaders gave me a chance to speak. Third John 2 came to mind, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

Please pray that God will continue to open doors for medical mission work here in Mali, leading people to physical health and spiritual renewal through Jesus Christ.

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