The purpose of this short article is a “how to get started” when addressing the issue of trafficking. I hope you find the following suggestions helpful. I invite you if you are reading this on our website or on my facebook notes, to please offer whatever suggestions you may have, so that others might glean from your experience.

For five years now I have been walking for exercise twice or more times a week in our local malls. I have been so wonderfully blessed in these walks these past five years to be given a greater goal than that of physical health. Although about 20 women at different times have alsked with me individually to share in the goal, mostly I have walked alone, (but/and with the Lord). Here are some of the things I have learned from this joyful activity in which I feel the Lord used some things thay may be of interest to you.

1. Have an intentional on going goal to meet and befriend those whom God leads you to. Sometimes I go early when they are setting up their kiosks and no customers are around.

2. Always share the Word either verbally or written. In conversations many have asked me to bring them the source of the scripture that was quoted so many Bibles have been given to those who asked. They will give you their books also and even information on other beliefs.

3. Some have said it takes a hundred...

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FBC Shelby goes on mission to Ottawa, Canada to work with Marc and Kim Wyatt and local churches in their ministry to internationals.

Margaret reflects on the experience in Los Angeles.

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Cara Lynn reflects on the experience in Los Angeles.

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Melissa reflects on the experience in Los Angeles.

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Cindy Dawson reflects on the experience in Los Angeles

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Like a cork exploding from a well-shaken champagne bottle, my six foot five inch body finally popped from my seat and I emerged from the airplane at the airport in Dakar, Senegal. I had prepared for weeks in advance of the trip by studying about the people of Dakar and the local languages, but nothing could prepare me for the swarm of overly helpful taxi drivers and baggage handlers who were waiting as we stepped outside the airport. Fortunately, I was traveling with a friend who spoke Wolof, the local language, fluently. Once we agreed on a price for the cab ride, we sped away through the cool air and darkness in the wee hours of the morning to our accomodations for the week, The Pharedel'Espérance, or “Lighthouse of Hope.” 

We slept a few hours that first morning so that we could adjust to the time change and then headed out to explore one of the many markets in Dakar. Being six and a half feet tall and white did not help me blend in well, so I attracted a lot of attention. Everywhere we walked, we were surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa. Anything and everything could be purchased in the market… live chickens, fresh fish, spices, fabric, clothing, cooking items, etc… The market was my first experience interacting with the people of Dakar, so I thought I should try out some of the Wolof language that I had been practicing. I did fairly well with simple phrases such as “Thank you,” “Yes,” and, “No.” Well, I say fairly well. Judging from the belly laugh reactions from the Senegalese people I tried to talk with, maybe I did not do as well as I thought! One phrase in particular that I really messed up was “Maybe later,” a phrase I used often in the market. Each time I used the phrase, I would receive a puzzled look from the person standing in front of me as I turned to walk away. I found out later that what I was actually saying to the person trying to sell me something was “Peanut butter!” Truly, a smile transcends all cultures and languages!        

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On April 1, Nell Green and I headed to North Africa to lead a conference for migrant pastors of various churches.  This trip was my second trip to the area.  I traveled with a team from our church, Oakland Baptist in January of 2008 to study the refugee highway.  While there, we worshipped with one of the churches.  What we discovered in our first trip was that there are many Christians living in the midst of a Muslim country.  The pastors of these churches rarely have the opportunity for continuing education or seminary classes.  Nell taught the Bible portion of our conference and I taught leadership skills.  These pastors lead churches of 50-75 people in one or two room apartments.  The pastors, along with the people who attend their churches, are from Sub-Saharan Africa.  They have left their homelands because of famine, war, and extreme poverty.  They have left in search of a better life and if possible make it across...

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For several years now Oakland Baptist Church in Rock Hill, SC has had a ongoing relationship with CBF field personnel, Butch and Nell Green. The blessings of the relationship have been on both sides as Oakland not only ministers and supports the works of the Greens, but has journeyed in developing ministries to Internationals in their area. Rock Hill, SC has internationals? You bet! 



 

The journey began as they developed an ESL program. That program has now ministered to over 20 different ethno-linguistic peoples. They have explored ways to dialogue with a community of Muslims in their area. They began reaching out to the International students at nearby Winthrop University. Now they have taken a new step. After receiving training from the Greens on an understanding of Islam, the church is now sponsoring a refugee family from Iraq. Funding for the family came in part from a grant. A year ago...

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