Wednesday, October 30, 2024

October 2024

 God’s timing was superbly perfect for us: we know it always is, but sometimes we are super happy with it - smile.  Jeremiah Daniel Jertberg was born on August 28th after a short labor and delivery.  Praise God that Ruth and Jeremiah are healthy.  He weighed 9 lb 7 oz—a bit of news that is probably only interesting to the women.  Since I was in Madagascar for the month of October, Ruth and Richard were able to leave the kids with me while they made the trip to the capital for his Certificate of Birth Abroad and his passport.  God was in every detail and every contact that was made; I just want to “start in.”  I had a fabulous month with them and great times witnessing on both trips there and back—and wow, the hotel was beautiful.  I felt pampered by God Himself.  

The last week of August, Dan, Nathan, Seth and an Ivorian pastor taught a seminar in the nearby village of Blahou. About forty-five people came in order to be taught the Word of God.  We are blessed to be here with so many preaching and witnessing opportunities.  Thank you for your prayers for safety on the roads, for God to work in people’s lives, and for continued health and energy.  


The cars continue in their maintenance phases.  The new-to-us car is soon to be drivable.  Thank you for those who gave money for this.  Dan does a great job keeping the cars running, especially since Lydia uses our car as the school bus throughout the week.  

 

In our last prayer letter, we included a picture of the boy’s hand, cut with a sardine can; it has healed nicely.

 

In my absence, the family was able to welcome and host our long-time friends Steve and Beth Gault and their friend Bryan MacPhail-Fausey.


Much construction is happening at the church property, and school has started again. We are all involved in making this a great gospel outreach. Nathan has been teaching the Bible class and also trying to visit the parents. Also, the Gideon Bible Society came and passed out New Testaments in our school. I am so happy for anyone who has a hand on the plow physically or in prayer.

 

One of my goals is to keep our letters short: a very hard task.  Seth and Paige are hosting a seminar in Sassandra this week.  If you are willing to house and feed people, they are willing to come—especially if it is free.  Please keep us in prayer; we need God’s power and energy. Seth, Dan, and Nathan are a great team of teacher - preachers.  

 

Gideon’s owl is still with us.  We pray that the owl will learn to eat on his own soon.  Our goal is to let him go as soon as he is able to survive.  

 

Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support for us and the ministry here.  We praise God for His mercy and goodness!  Happy Thanksgiving!

 

In His grip,

 

Dan and Joan