Lacoochee-20111203-00117.jpg

Lacoochee-20111126-00114.jpg

When You Go On A "Fact Finding" Mission, You Go Where The Facts Are...

I discovered on this trip to West Africa that "fact finding" missions are difficult because we are discovering many needs and we want to remain true to our mission.

After speaking with some of you about our recent trip, I have heard very mixed responses. Some say that we were "brave", others say we were "stupid", but I feel that it's neither of those. This trip was about trust, because we know that there is no safer place in the world than where God sends you.

During our first week, Holly gave a "women's devotional" in five villages and I spoke at the prayer meeting service at the ministry center in Kpakpara. On Sunday, Holly and I led the worship service in Kamkaniba, the very first village we ever visited in West Africa (yes, this is where Holly was bitten by the bat).

We also installed a solar power system
at the  "youth center" in Kpakpara. This will give the kids in surrounding villages a place to go at night to study, play games and hear about Jesus.


Lynn Kennedy
drove us a little over 2,000 miles and we saw almost every border of Burkina Faso. We traveled with a translator and saw things that he had learned about in school but had never seen. Near the border of Mali, we found farms growing sugar cane, mangoes and rice, which was very encouraging for our sustainability efforts.

On the morning that we left for the small town of Yako to meet with Lynn Peters (founder of "Burkina Faso Outreach") we asked for directions in the office of the mission house where we were staying. After they gave us directions, they said, "you do know you're driving into and al-Qaida area?"

When we arrived in Yako we found a burned up police station and policemen standing in the streets with AK-47s. After spending the day with Lynn P, asking questions about her schools and a not so good nights sleep, we got up the next morning and saw the schools first hand. It was amazing to see children learning math, reading and art through stories in the Bible.

We're still sorting out the "facts" and I'm sure I will have more updates in the near future.


We also have two new agricultural partners, "Chapin Living Waters" in Watertown, New York (they are supplying us with out drip irrigation equipment at very discounted prices) and ECHO Community in Fort Myers, Florida (our resource for seeds and information).

It's good to be home but we do miss our friends in Burkina Faso.


Thank you for being a part of the team!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Jim Dotson
Executive Director



Click Here To Donate
Forward this message to a friend

Fact Finding In West Africa

We met with Lynn Peters, the founder of Burkina Faso Outreach, to collect information about building schools in West Africa. Lynn is in her third year of operating schools and offered a wealth of information for our future efforts.

Here is the slideshow we put together featuring her hard work...

Holly at the "Rural Ramada"

This is the mission house in Bobo we slept at after our long trek in Mt. Tenakourou.

We've Returned From Burkina Faso, West Africa

Most of you know that I need a little time to process my trips before I can really talk about them much so while I do that, I thought I would share our 15 day schedule in country:

Oct. 8: Arrived in Ouagadougou

Oct. 9: Attended the International Church of Ouagadougou and looked for solar batteries.

Oct. 10: Traveled to Diebougou (where Lynn Kennedy lives).

Oct. 11: Visited the village of Naro where Holly taught a Bible lesson to the women in the village.

Oct. 12: Visited the village of Navielgan where Holly taught a Bible lesson to the women in the village. That evening we attended church in Kpakpara where I led the prayer meeting service. We also visited Naamwin Cilo (God's Joy), Fabiena, Mimi, Benedite and Angelique (orphans living in those villages).

Oct. 13: Visited the villages of Nakar and Balembar where Holly taught a Bible lesson to the women in both villages. We also visited Tommy, Anna and Raissa (orphans living in those villages).

Oct. 14-15: We installed a solar power system in the youth center at the ministry center in Kpakpara.

Oct. 16: Holly and I led the worship service at the church in Kamkaniba (the village we lived in on our very first trip to West Africa) and visited with Sanya.

Oct. 17: Traveled to Bobo and Banfora where we saw sugar cane, bananas and mango plantations. It's a long story (I'll write more later) but we did not make it to Mt. Tenakourou.

Oct. 18: Returned to Ouagadougou and did some shopping.

Oct. 19: Had dinner with the well drilling team from Canada, Friends In Action. They will be drilling 4 fresh water wells for Shattering Darkness in February.

Oct. 20: Traveled to Yako (just 30 kilometers from al-Qaida) to interview Lynn Peters from Burkina Faso Outreach concerning Christian school construction, funding and sustainability.

Oct. 21: Toured the schools in Yako and visited with the students and teachers then headed back to Ouagadougo. At 3PM we met with Amy Nehlsen at the Dorcas House (a home for girls at risk).

Oct. 22: Arrived at the airport at 7:30PM and got back to Orlando at 8:30PM on Sunday the 24th.

Looking forward to telling you more about the adventure and showing photos from the trip.

God bless!

"Beautiful Outlaw" by John Eldredge

John Eldredge sent me a copy of his new book "Beautiful Outlaw" a few days before I got on the plane heading for West Africa. It was an amazing way to spend the next 18 hours getting to know more about Jesus. The "real" Jesus! His human side and all of His struggles being both God and man.

In the book, Eldredge speaks often about the legalistic, religious spirit that we have grown up believing is the way to view Jesus, when the reality is that we just need to love Him and work on having a true relationship with the One that died for us on the cross.

This is something from the book that sort of sums it all up for me:

"Jesus won't take the shortcut of a power play. He seems rather reluctant to do His miracles. He never overwhelms anyone's will with a fantastic display of His majesty. We woos, He confronts, He delivers, He heals, He shoots straight, and then He uses intrigue. He lives out before them the most compelling view of God, shows them an incredibly attractive Holiness while shattering the religious glaze. But still, He lets them walk away if they choose."

Today Is The 3rd Anniversary Of "HE sent me"

Today is the 3rd anniversay of "HE sent me" and we will be spending it at Mt. Tenakourou, the site that may become our coffee plantaion.

Thank you all for your prayers and financial support that made it possible for us to accomplish so much in just a few short years!

BARKA!  BARKA!!

Our Work In The Villages Is Finished....

We had a great day of praise & and worship in Kamkaniba today. So many of our friends showed up to see us, it was like a family reunion. All of the villages we visited this trip have been so thankful and the love they show us brings tears to our eyes.

It will be so hard to leave Diebougou in the morning, Lynn's grand kids are amazing as well as the orphans. I'm sure it will be a very sad morning as we say good-bye.

Tomorrow we head west to Banfora where the waterfalls are and then up to Mt. Tenakourou to check out the possibility of starting a coffee plantation. We're spending the night at a mission house in Bobo and then back to Ouagadougou on Tuesday morning.

Wednesday we will be hosting dinner for the team that drills our fresh water wells and maintains them.

Thursday we will spend the day with Amy Nehlsen at the Dorcas House.

Friday we will be discussing school construction with Lynn Peters and touring some of her schools.

Saturday night we will be heading for home with lots of data to sort out and many happy memories of our 5th trip to Burkina Faso.

Thursday we will be touring the Dorcas House and meeting with Lynn Peters to discuss school construction and then visit some schools on Friday.

Friday night we head for home with a lot of data and memories of our 5th trip to West Africa....

Greetings From West Africa!!

Yesterday was a very busy day. We installed a solar power unit at the youth center in Kpakpara and then cleaned Lynn's house in Diebougou. Holly rearranged all of her furniture in her living room and it looks awesome!

Today we picked up trash at the ministry center in Kpakpara and then sat in on a Shattering Darkness board meeting.

Tomorrow we will be attending church in Kamkaniba, the first village we ever visited and assisted a medical team. Holly and I will be giving the message at the church service so please keep us in your prayers.

We love you all and look forward to our next update!!

We Visited Nakar And Balembar

We got up early today and went out to Nakar where I worked with a medical team in June of 2010. Holly taught the ladies at the church this morning and then we were off to Balembar. The maternity clinic in Balembar was the location of our first solar install in West Africa. After Holly taught the ladies at the church in Balembar we took her over to the clinic and there was a brand new baby that she got to see. Amazing day today!!

Arrived In Diebougou...

We left Ouagadougou early this morning and drove about 6 hours (southwest) to Diebougou. This is where we will bestaying for the next six days and traveling to a different village each day. I was able to locate batteries for the solar power unit before we left the city and will be installing it on Saturday at the churchs' youth center in Kpakpara. So many are excited about this because it will not only give the kids more time to learn about God, but also to study French and play games and other activities to keep them off the streets at night. Teen pregnancy and alcohol abuse is a very big problem here.

After arriving, we unpacked the truck and had dinner. The orphans got home from school shortly after that and did their homework and bathed.

I new the children were getting ready for bed and each one stopped by to say good-nite to me. As I settled into my reading, I looked up and they had all gathered in a circle, held hands and were saying their prayers. They were praying in French and Dagara and I could only pick out a few words that I knew but they were all very thankful for the things God had done for them today.

Tomorrow we get up early and head to the village of Naro about an hours drive. Holly will be speaking to the ladies to encourage them with their walk with God.

Please continue to pray for us as we pray for you!

Made it to DC...

on our way to Brussels in about an hour.

We made it to OIA!

All checked in at OIA and avoided a $600 baggage fee for the solar panels. Off to Washington DC at 1:05.

And I said, "Here am I, send me!"

As we pack for our trip to West Africa at the end of the week, I think of each one of you that made this trip possible through your prayers and financial support.

At the first of the year I felt God telling me that we were going in October but with only a few hundred dollars in our travel account, I didn't know how that would be possible.

Then I was reminded of... "But with God, all things are possible"

A big part of this is due to the support of Raptim Travel. We are on a very tight budget this year but God works through everyone to accomplish what He starts.

We will be on a "fact finding" mission to investigate human trafficking, village needs (both medical and spiritual), school  construction, growing coffee, cocoa and bananas and installing one solar power unit.

October 17 will mark the 3rd anniversary of "HE sent me" and I can't think of a better way to spend it than to be on the mission field. And we just learned a couple of weeks ago that due to the success of our first solar power installation in the "bush" maternity clinic in Balembar (just 15 months ago), the Burkina Faso government has installed solar panels in every clinic in the country!

IMPORTANT: I was just made aware that travel warnings have been issued to "Westerners" traveling in the northern part of Africa.

Please continue watching our blog for specific prayer needs!

There is no more important team member on a mission trip than the ones that commit to meet with the Lord daily on behalf of the ones who go. Thank you for being a part of the team!

Please Pray For Your Friends!

Last night Holly and I attended the "Prayer and Healing" service at First Baptist Church, Orlando. After singing some great songs we were each handed a couple of "prayer request cards" that people had filled out that attended our church last week and we were asked to pray for them.

Here's what one of my cards said,

"Pray for my old friend Willie. Even though he cannot be my friend anymore, please pray for his pride to leave his life forever".

Please pray for your friends, even if they are not your friend anymore. They still need you!

Our "Secret" Experiment...

We have germinated a coffee seed!

Many of you remember we started experimenting with growing coffee back in January. Central Florida is very similar in climate to West Africa with temperatures there, being about 5-10 degrees warmer.

While learning about the human trafficking situation at the cocoa plantations in the Ivory Coast, I decided to start my own experiment with growing cocoa.

Much to my surprise, cocoa is even easier to grow from seed than coffee and it's also a high demand cash crop in most of the world. We now have 20 coca trees that are all around 10" tall!

Cocoa #1

Cocoa #2

Cocoa #3

Cocoa #4

Coffee Tree

We're hoping to take what we learn here in Central Florida, to Burkina Faso and stimulate the local economy.

Oh, by the way, here is what one of the little coffee seedlings look like today!

If you would like to donate to this project please click on the link:

 

Thanks for your continued interest and support in The Burkina Bean Company!

Long-Suffering?

I've heard that word throughout my life but this morning it caught my attention. I was reading a book by John Bevere and he stated that "we are told to be rooted and grounded in the love of God. The seed of God's Word will then take root in our hearts and grow and eventually produce the fruit of righteousness. This fruit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

So all of these are easy to understand but this morning, "long-suffering" seemed to stand out and I realized that I really didn't know what that meant. I started by looking the word up in the dictionary and found this: "having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people."

I then went to the internet and searched the word in Google. This is what I found:

Long-suffering is love on trial. It enables you to forbear and forgive others (Colossians 3:13). As with the other manifestations of spiritual fruit, you can't produce it in yourself. The ability to be longsuffering comes from the Holy Spirit (Colossians 1:11) and by loving God's law. (Psalm 119:165)

Long-suffering is also referred to as patience. Patience is being mild, gentle, and constant in all circumstances.

The real test of patience is not in waiting, but in how one acts while he or she is waiting. A person who has developed patience will be able to put up with things without losing his or her temper. Scripture tells us in James 1:4 "But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting (lacking) nothing." 

Reaching this point is definitely a process which takes a lot of practice. However, we can learn to enjoy life where we are while we are waiting for what we desire.

Coffee Bean Production In Burkina Faso, West Africa

#1) Planted Outside, 100% Shade

Many of you remember we started experimenting with growing coffee back in January. Central Florida is very similar in climate to West Africa with temperatures there being about 5-10 degrees warmer.

We're hoping we can take what we learn here to Burkina Faso and stimulate the local economy.

Well, I thought it was time for an update.

As of today, we have been unable to propagate a plant from seed but we have been very successful with rooting cuttings from another plant! We recently planted 10 seeds in an "experimental" bed and we are expecting to see growth in about 2 months. We'll keep you posted...

We have taken pictures from five different test beds at our Central Florida location. The following is what we have learned so far:

#2) Planted Outside, Morning Exposure Only

As you can see Plant #1 shows great color and growth being planted outside in total shade. We're happy with the growth of Plant #2 but it may be getting a little too much sun even with just the morning exposure. Plant #3 is also thriving and is in a controlled temperature of 70 degrees and full shade. Plant #4 is growing fast with afternoon exposure but has

lost a little of its color. By the looks of Plant #5 I think full exposure to the sun is a little too much for this size plant.

I'll send out another update in a few months to let you know how things are progressing.

If you would like to donate to this project please click on the link:

 

Thanks for your interest in The Burkina Bean Company!

#3) Planted Inside

#4) Planted Outside, Partial Afternoon Exposure

#5) Planted Outside, All Day Exposure

My Birthday Wish!

Hello, and thanks for checking out my Birthday Wish!

For my birthday on June 8th, I'm asking my friends for a special gift: help me raise $1000 for HEsentme.org, Inc.. It's a great cause that will supply one solar power system to a West African "bush" maternity clinic.

I chose HEsentme.org, Inc. because it's mission is to glorify God and help the neglected people in Burkina Faso.

Please consider giving to my Birthday Wish, and together we can bring light to very dark world. If you can't give now, I'd really appreciate if you'd share this page with your friends and keep me in your prayers.

Thanks so much,

Jim 

CLICK HERE TO DONATE, THANK YOU!!

http://wishes.causes.com/wishes/301810

Are You Abiding In HIM?

Abiding in Christ is a process.

I realized this morning that I have been doing all of the correct things in my Christian walk like: reading my Bible, going to church, praying, witnessing and doing good works. If we are not doing these things, our walk with God will be limited.

After doing all of these things (because we are suppose to), I found I was still missing out on the victory, peace and intimate relationship with Christ. I had become "works" oriented instead of "Christ" oriented.

To Abide in Christ is to be in the 'being' mode. I still want to do the things He has called me to do but I now want to do it with God's strength and for His glory. The intimate relationship with the Father is more important than the things we do or don't do.

The more we are abiding in Him, the more we will be faithful. We will hear His voice clearer and have more peace in our life. To abide is to experience His presence...

Remember Sanya?

Remember Sanya? The little girl we were praying for and raising money for her surgery on her cleft palate. God answered our prayers and here she is with her new smile!!

When God Interupts Your Life...

• God's plan is a challenge!
• God's plan has adventure!
• God's plan is miraculous!

                         - Pastor David Uth

On my way home!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

My last look at the Dream!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Its snowing!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

View from the Roy Disney Suite

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Bremerhaven from my balcony.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Hope You Are Touched By The Images Of Our Recent Trip To West Africa

Breathtaking!

We made it!

Hohenschwangau Castle

Having lunch near the castle

Travelogue

Wind Turbine Blade!

Holly Still In The Snow

Germany is Awesome!

I Love Being Cold!

View From Our Hotel Room in Wurzburg

This is what we saw when we woke up and looked out our window this morning.

Papenburg Germany

Holly's first snowfall!

We Made It To Germany!

We are all settled in at our hotel in Papenburg and taking showers. Looking forward to having dinner with Donna and Jeff.

Pumpkin soup here we come!!!!!

Arrived in Paris

We just arrived in Paris and it is 60 degrees colder here than in Ougadougou! We leave for Dusseldorf, Germany in a couple of hours to start our mini vacation until I go back to work on the Disney Dream. I will be sending pictures and updates when I can.

Thank you all again for your prayers, the entire team made it safely to Paris. Some are on their way home and some are staying in Paris for a few days to rest before going home.

Love and prayers Jim, Holly and the team.

Current Travel Status

All checked in at the Ougadougou Airport and will be leaving for Paris in 3 hours.

Thank you again for your prayers throughout this trip!

Back in Ouagadougou

We left the village early this morning and we are back in Ouagadougou. I don't have the exact numbers yet but we treated around 700 people, 25 people gave there lives to Jesus and we cut 6 witch doctor idols off of children. 

We're shopping and then back to the mission house for showers and then to the airport at 8PM for an 11:50 flight. 

Thank you for your prayers, they were felt and heard. 

Prayer Request

Lynn Kennedy needs your prayers. Her asthma is bothering her along with a very annoying cough and cannot sleep.

Thank you for keeping her in your prayers.

Decisions for Christ

We have had almost 20 people in Tenkiedougou give their life to Jesus Christ... the most I have ever seen. Tonight we are showing the Jesus film in the village. 

Please be in prayer. 

Prayer Request

Please pray for two very sick and malnourished babies that were brought to us today. Patrice drove them to the hospital in Dano just before sunset. Not sure they will make it through the night.

Happy Thanksgiving

God has been so good to us today. We finished with the school children in the morning and opened the clinic back up to all. Vegetable stew for dinner tonight. So much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!

No one on the team has gotten sick. Praise His name, this has never happened before. God's love is all around us.

Wound Care

Another awesome day in West Africa! Today Holly and I cleaned wounds for the wound care specialists in the morning and in the afternoon we did malaria testing. Time for dinner and a bucket shower. Tomorrow is our last full day in the village.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Clinic Day

What a day we had today! The hardest but most rewarding I can remember. So many wounds and malaria. At lunch time we had 124 children from the village school come through the clinic with various illnesses and wounds. The kids are amazing, I want to bring every one of them home with me... If you want your reward before you get to heaven, go on a mission trip! We're all exhausted and need your prayers!

Finished First Day

We just finished our first full day in the village and treated 37 cases of malaria, various infected wounds, one broken thumb and prayed with every patient. Your prayers are being heard. The Healer is with us always! Love and prayers, Jim, Holly and the entire team.

Please pray! Today a woman brought her very dehydrated young baby to us for treatment. Prior to that, she visited a witch doctor who told her to starve the baby and then kill her as a demon sacrifice. I prayed away all curses put on this child and we are praying that she will live to glorify God all the days of her life.

Jim & Holly