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By Andrew Schaeffer, Missionary to Burkina Faso March 8, 2004
Today is Woman's Day in Burkina Faso, a national holiday! So I would like to attempt to express my appreciation for the wonderful woman God has given me by highlighting three of her gifts.
ESTHER IS A GIFTED COMMUNICATOR: Recently, Esther was asked to speak about the Christian family at an Alliance Women's Seminar for the Bobo Dioulasso District women. Esther didn't have much notice, but she worked hard to prepare for each of the three sessions. She prepared messages on the family prayer time, parental words of blessing, and how to lead your child to Christ. Gifted in languages, Esther could have spoken in either French (the language of the educated) or Jula (the trade language). She chose Jula, since most of the 75+ women in attendance understand Jula better than French. Because the seminar took place over the weekend, she was also asked to give the morning message at the Central Church. Since I do not understand Jula, I listened to Esther through the French interpreter. But I could tell her message was a great blessing to many.
ESTHER IS A GIFTED HOSTESS: Last year, our Field Leadership Team asked Esther to lead the field's Prayer Retreat 2004 Planning Committee. Esther did a wonderful job providing meals and caring for everyone's needs during the February 17-19 Prayer Retreat. It was a special joy to host this year's Prayer Retreat speakers, Donald & Elfriede Schaeffer! While Esther effectively ministered to our physical needs, Dad & Mom effectively ministered to our spiritual needs during the weekend.
Just before Dad & Mom's departure, the Central District Vision Team arrived. Esther not only cared for the team, she also organized and hosted a Fellowship Dinner with the Bobo District Pastors and their wives. Team leader Woody Stemple gave a devotional before the meal and Pastors Joe Gause, Bill Krauss and Tim Steiner responded to questions during the fellowship time. The team was a wonderful encouragement to us and our friends.
ESTHER IS A GIFTED WIFE AND MOTHER: Esther gets up at 5:00 every morning so she can have a quiet time alone with God. Before long, our children wander one-by-one into the living room . . . and so her day begins. After breakfast, she drives our children (and some neighbor children) to school. Even though the school is just a mile down the road, it takes her nearly half an hour to make this daily trip. As soon as she arrives home, she gets ready for her classes and Bible studies. She does all the grocery shopping and manages our house helpers. While she is actively involved in ministry, she wonderfully cares for all of our needs.
Recently I read through our Christmas mail. I was touched by how many women write and remember us daily in prayer. Today, on Burkina's Women's Day, we celebrate you, faithful women!
Gratefully with love and appreciation,
Andrew Schaeffer & family
In Memory: Last month, we lost a faithful friend and prayer supporter -- Pearl Swope Taylor. Our sympathy to her family.
PRAISE & PRAYER REQUESTS:
Address: Andrew & Esther Schaeffer Mission Protestante CMA B.P. 3050 Bobo Dioulasso Burkina Faso, West Africa
Email: aeschaeffer@fasonet.bf
Web site: www.TheChristian.com/missions/schaeffer
Send donations to: The Christian and Missionary Alliance ("Andrew Schaeffer work special"), PO Box 35000, Colorado Springs CO 50935-3500.