I’ve been waking up early (like 5am) and can’t go back to sleep.  Getting a lot of work done!

Just about got all the packing done for the trip to Niger.  Still kind of hard to figure out how much stuff to take.  Does no running water mean no way to wash clothes?  Guess I’ll be kinda funky after a while.  Normally, I go native.  I see what the people wear, and that’s what I adopt.  Not sure the rest of the team is into that concept.  I always figure that the people that live there long term have got clothing that works best.

Trying to rest and get completely over my cold.  Still stopped up.  Please, Lord.  Speed this healing!

I want to go spend time with Jesse.  He likes going to the bookstore with me.

Peace.

On Monday, Carl & Pat Barrington, Dianne Sheintal and I will head to Niger, W. Africa for 12 days. We’ll be working with the Fulani people WAY out in the bush with no electricity nor running water. We’ll be working with Dr. Cherry Faille. The following is a prayer guide that Dr. Pat Barrington developed for our prayer supporters. Since I doubt I’ll have access to the Web, this prayer guide is the next best way to keeping up with our team. We need your prayers! The Fulani people are nearly 100% Muslim. They need Jesus and we want to show them the Light!

NIGER MISSION TRIP PRAYER GUIDE

Team Members: Carl & Pat Barrington, Tim Cummins, Dianne Sheintal

Feb. 5-17, 2007

We are fully convinced that the two major weapons with divine power in our warfare over darkness are the Word of God and Holy Spirit-empowered prayer. Prayer IS the work.

Monday Feb. 5 – 5:45 p.m. Atlanta–Paris–Niamey, Niger. We arrive in Niger about 4:00 p.m. local time the next day. Pray for our safety and adjustment to a new time zone. Pray that we will make our connection and that we will have no problems at customs and immigration. Pray for Cherry Faile as she drives to pick us up and for the hearts of the Fulani people to be receptive to the gospel. Read and pray Psalm 121 over us.

Tuesday Feb. 6 – After leaving the airport in late afternoon, we will spend the night at the Baptist Mission Center there. Pray for safety and for us to focus on our mission there and not on the circumstances of our accommodations. Pray that we will adjust to the expected high temperatures (about 100 degrees this time of year). Read and Pray II Cor. 10:3-5 over us.

Wednesday Feb. 7 – We will drive about two and a half hours from Niamey over rough roads to the village of Dantiandou where Cherry lives. Pray that Cherry’s pickup truck has no problems. We will unpack and get ready to begin our work. Pray that we will all get situated so no one will be too uncomfortable with no electricity, running water and limited cooking facilities. Pray that the powers of darkness will flee from this area. Pray for our safety from snakes, scorpions and the sun. Also pray that we sleep well in these conditions and that we will focus on God and the Fulani; not our circumstances. Read and pray Psalm 91 over us.

Thursday Feb. 8 – Meet the chief and people of Dantiandou. Pray for the people. Ask God to give us safety and prepare the hearts of the people so that He will be glorified as they are receptive to Him. Pray that our translators are ready and able to help us with everything so the people understand God’s love and His message to them. Pray that we remain healthy and able to adapt to the conditions. Read and pray Romans 12 over us.

Friday Feb. 9 – We will begin going to more remote villages for immunizations, sharing, & praying. Since 98-99% of the people are at least cultural Muslims, pray that God will reveal Jesus to them in dreams or visions so they will come to us and ask more questions and will open their hearts to Jesus and give their lives to Him. Pray that we will be flexible. Read and pray Psalm 3 over us.

Saturday Feb. 10 – In the morning, we will visit the religious leaders in Dantiandou and discuss their beliefs and get to know them. Pray that God will give us opportunities to share Jesus. We continue going to remote villages to do medical exams and vaccines and to tell Bible stories and teach about Jesus in the afternoon. Pray that we focus on Jesus and not on our circumstances. Read and pray Romans 8:28-39 over us.

Niger Prayer Guide – Page 2

Sunday Feb. 11 – We will share God’s word in Dantiandou and then in another village. Later we will visit a small group of believers in Gourmanche Village to strengthen and encourage them and fellowship with them. Read and pray Psalm 19 over us.

Monday Feb. 12 – Pat and Dianne will do medical exams and see pregnant women. Carl and Tim will go by donkey cart to two nearby villages to share the gospel. Pray that God will open the hearts of the Fulani to receive His message. We will show the Jesus film in one of the villages that evening. Pray that the response will be good. Read and Pray Isaiah 55:11-13 and I John 4:4 over us.

Tuesday Feb. 13 – We will go to another village to do medical exams and immunizations, pray for the people and share the gospel. Pray that God will bring people to us who will open their hearts to Him and receive Jesus. Ask Him specifically for new believers. We will also visit the local market to visit the people and pray for them. Ask God for divine opportunities to share with the Fulani people. Read and pray Psalm 46 over us.

Wednesday Feb. 14 – We will share God’s word to the people and do immunizations and health teaching. We will pray for the people and witness as the opportunities present. Ask God to open their hearts to receive Jesus. Read and pray Ephesians 6:10-19 over us.

Thursday Feb. 15 – We will say good-bye to the people of Dantiandou. We will teach in Wuro Hesso on the teachings of Jesus. Later in the day we will drive two and one half hours back to Niamey. Ask God to open the hearts of the people to Jesus. Read and pray Jeremiah 32:17 and Habakkuk 3:2 over us.

Friday Feb. 16 – We will be in Niamey to do some shopping and praying for the people. We will debrief and evaluate our trip. Our plane leaves about midnight for Paris and then Atlanta. Thank and praise God for His work in Niger and ask Him to continue it. Ask Him for safe travel for us to home and to Cherry in her drive back to Dantiandou. Read and pray Rev. 7:9-17 over us.

Saturday Feb. 17 – We arrive in Atlanta about 1:30 p.m. Praise God for all that He has done. Read and pray Psalm 48 over us.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Today was such a great day!

I’m finally starting to get some nguvu (energy in Swahili) back in my old body.  Glad to be on the mend.  Not my usual Tiger Tank self, but getting there.

This morning I went out with a new partner from First Baptist Atlanta–Paula Martin.  I took her over to Azalea Place, Huntington Creek and Huntington Station to introduce her to the managers and get her keys to the apartments.  She’s leading a team of singles from FBA to host valentines parties on February 11th.  I’m sure that the kids will have a great time and so will the singles.  This mission stuff is a win-win for everyone!

After visiting the missions we went over to my “Office Dos”—commonly referred to as El Torreros.  I’ve probably taken 200 people to eat over there over the years.  As we ordered, I was taken aback when she started speaking Spanish to the waiter.  I hardly EVER hear gringos speak anything but English.  I was shocked.  As we talked, I felt led by the Spirit to share with her about the Mission Service Corps program with NAMB.  She seemed very interested in the idea of raising her support as a NAMB missionary.  Very exciting to have passionate folks like Paula even considering being on the team.

Seems like lately I’ve had a number of folks I’ve led in that direction.

I’m not sure if you like movies, but my favorites are always the team building themes, whether it’s for a football team, military operation or bank theft.  I love the idea of all these different characters coming together bringing their unique gifts that results in winning the big game.  I’m all about the TEAM, baby!

I regularly have people tell me, “We need 10 more Tim Cummins!”  I’m not sure if that’s a good idea but I’m doing my best to replicate myself as many times as possible.  Pray that the Father will continue to put people in my sphere of influence that I can get in the game.

After my meeting wtih Paula I went over to my office to work on email and catch up on phone calls.  I have a cell phone, but I’m a believer in giving whomever I’m with my total attention.  When I get you on the phone, you have my total attention. Otherwise you go to voice mail.

Then on to Kensington Station with some of my favorite partners: Pastor Robert and Shelita Carter and Minister McGee.  I had an INCREDIBLE time with them introducing them to the manager of the largest apartment complex in Georgia–Carlos Martinez.  He’s a super cool guy and really interested in helping this complex come back from being a total war zone to a happy, healthy community.  When I first started working over there the cops would ask me, “What kind of piece are you carrying?  Glock, Smith and Wesson?” When I told them “the Bible,” you’d always see their eyebrows go up  like I was crazy.  Maybe I was.  “We never go there without back up.  Never.”

I always have back up, too.  Regular folks just can’t see Him.

The Carters have enormous experience working in challenging areas like Kensington Station (located on Memorial Drive just behind the Dekalb Jail).  When I first started talking to Carlos about this location I was really led by the Father to contact the Carters.  It’s taken some time but it looks like ministry is going to take off over there.

Made me think of Chris Skinner with Atlanta Youth Project–another of my favorite partners.  Two years ago he faithfully ran a basketball program for the kids there.  Because of his work the door was wide open for us now.  Blessings on you Chris!  He’s having a wonderful  ministry at Avondale High School.

After our time at Kensington Station, we went over to Willow Branch to meet with Bennett Ekandem and the team helping the kids there.  I get SUCH a kick out of seeing all these friends of mine get together, sharing, getting fired up about what the Father is doing.  Ray Vaughn with I Teams, Renee with Campus Crusade, Carters with Greater Faith Ministry, Bennett with Family Heritage Foundation. . . .what a crackerjack team!  As we gathered in a circle, Sister Shelita prayed for me as the Barringtons, Diane Sheintal and I head to Niger.  I dig Shelita!  She gets to praying and it’s a Holy Spirit thing!

My friend, I’m not sure where you are in your spiritual journey.  But PLUG IN wherever you are.  You miss the blessings of seeing the Father work all around you.  There is nothing better.

I dig being in the Whirlwind!

Peace.

Still sick.  Not too bad, but bad enough.

Dr. Pat called in some antibiotics for me last night.  My ears are still clogged up.  30,000 feet is not a good plan if your ears are clogged.

Bennett Ekandem and I had a great lunch with Aslam Masih–the coordinator for Muslim work for all of N. America with the North American Mission Board.  We had a lot of fun getting to know each other.  Aslam is a field operative, it’s always good to meet another partner.

I spent the morning working on the Birth Certificate applications for Ernest, Jouvens and Rosena Mocombe.  Had to UPS the request on to Bahamas this morning.  I sure hope they can find the birth certificates!  What a hassle for these guys.

Just finished up my email and calls.  I’ll head over to Azalea in a few minutes to check on my kids at the mission.

I’ll be speaking at Glover Baptist Church this evening.  They’ve had some of their youth group get involved with gangs in the area.  I’m going over to do my “Scared Straight” speech.  Hopefully it’ll help.  I’ve had a few of my young men get involved with gangs.  It never turns out well.  Pray for me as I talk to them.

Pray that I’ll be 100% healthy soon.

Peace.

I’m still feeling a bit sick.  Went by Eckerds to pick up my prescription that my Doctor had called in and alas it wasn’t ready.  So I’ll pick it up tonight instead.  Bahd luck.

Went to Marietta to meet with a new partner from Kennesaw–Keystone Baptist Church, a new church plant in the area.  I met with Bryan Taylor–he’s their Missions Pastor and Youth Director.  A really cool guy who used to be a Mission Service Corp missionary for NAMB too!  He also worked in Sports Ministry with the International Sports Federation.  I used to work very closely with ISF in S. Africa, Madagascar and in Zimbabwe.  One of my main mentors was Fred Sorrells.  He practically led ISF world wide.  Amazing how the Lord works!

We met at one of the missions on Franklin Road in Marietta.  We had lunch at the International Deli then drove around the area.  I’m really looking forward to working with his team even more closely.  It’s great to partner with other Field Operatives!

I’ve been at my office at FBC Doraville for the last two hours working on admin stuff.  We’ve already got 5 teams coming to help us this year: two during Spring Break!  EXCELLENT!  I always get excited to work with new teams.  It’s a life changing event for these folks experiencing the International Village for the first time.

Been helping Jouvens Mocombe with his immigration problems.  We’re trying to get his Birth Certificate from the Bahamas now.  What a hassle.  The form they faxed my office says you need to fill out a Birth Certificate application, but they don’t include it!  Typical of the Government.

Pray for my health.

Peace.

Hit the ground running this morning.

Another major fire at a sister property of one of our missions.  I collected donations from our mission at Huntington Ridge plus food donations from Campus Crusade and took them over to the property where the 16 families got burned out.  What a sad situation.  Left their apartments without even a toothbrush!  And we think WE have it bad!

I nearly had my house burn down last year.  That was one scary piece of business.

I helped a partner of mine, Deborah Hayes, relocate her office to the office across from mine this morning. She’s a dear friend working with a Pregnancy Resource Center. here in Doraville.  Any way we can help her we want to.

Still feeling sick.  My ears are still stopped up and my head hurts, but I’m better.

I need to go check on the kids at the mission.  Got most of my admin stuff done.  Never stops.

Peace.

Sunday, January 28, 2007

I preached to the Youth this morning.  We had a great time.  They are a sweet bunch of kids.  They are SO different than I who I normally work with:  ie all white.  I’m sure they’re; going to be goggle eyed when they come check out my end of the stick.

We also went over to my brother in law’s house.  He gave us a car to use.  Lord know we need it!  Kathy’s been driving our old van.  That thing runs on pure Holy Spirit power!  The mechanics still don’t know how it keeps on going.  It’s been a huge help to our ministry.  That’s how I haul our band’s equipment around, plus  all the table, computers and STUFF that keeps the missions running!

I’m still sick. But a bit better.

Peace.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Kathy and I rode up to Foothills Community Church in Marble Hill, Georgia.  We had a great time while we were there.  Even though I am still sick, I start preaching and the Holy Spirit just takes over and gets me GOING!  I hope to get many of them to come and visit with us here in Atlanta.

I’m still feeling weak.

I’ll call back the Niger embassy in a little while to verify they received everything.

I’m working on my email.  Then I need to write the newsletter and go get it copied.

I hope to also get the title transferred for a vehicle that my brother in law gave the ministry.  If I feel strong enough.

Pray for me.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Still feeling sick and weak. I had to cancel lunch with Todd Harrison–a big supporter of our ministry. I hate that, but I’d hate getting him sick even worse.

I called the Niger embassy about our visas. She asked me, “Did you send a return envelope?” I told her, “There was no mention of this return envelope on any of your forms or on the web site.” She said, “I know. But you still need a return envelope.” So I dragged myself out of bed to go get a money order for one of the visas and to UPS to overnight the request and include another overnight envelope for them to send the 4 passports for our team back to me. Welcome to Africa.

I went over to Azalea to check on the kids. They also helped me with the labels for the newsletter. Also picked up the tax return that Clatie Lewis had done for Ashley.

Then straight back home to bed. I enjoyed watching House with Kathy. Went to sleep early.

Pray for me.

Met with the Central Precinct police and the apartment managers around the Memorial Drive/Clarkston area this morning. The meetings are always informative, if not somewhat depressing when I hear all the bad stuff that is going on. It’s great to meet so many managers at one time. These meetings are a direct result of the amazing amount of outreach we had with Campus Crusade on December 30th in 62 apartment complexes!

I went to Marietta to meet a new partner that wants to work in the international area on Franklin Road. I waited at the office for him for about 45 minutes before I left. White people are normally right on time! Turns out, he was waiting for me at the front gate! Bahd luck. Chalk it up to spiritual warfare. We got it sorted out and I’ll meet with him next week.

Since my appointment didn’t show up (I thought!) I went on to lunch by myself and one of my favorite restaurants in Marietta–the International Deli run by a group of Turkish folks. After eating, I went to my car and this really fancy blackChrysler pulled up to me. The driver rolls down his window and says, “You don’t  know me, but I know you.” I thought, “Hmmm. Another example of being secretly famous.” I pulled out a card and introduced myself. He said, “You eat at Madina don’t you?” (Madina is a Somali restaurant I take guests to regularly in Clarkston–about 45 minutes from Marietta.) I told him I did. He says, “My name is Pastor West. I’ve seen you there talking to people about mission work with Muslims. Got time for lunch?” I told him I’d just eaten, but I’d drink coffee with him. Turns out he’s really interested in missions and in particular with what I’m doing in the International Village.

I thought, “Well I guess this is why the Father wanted me in Marietta.” Later, it turns out my other partner was there the whole time too!

This sort of stuff happens to me so much, I’m not even surprised by it any.more.

We serve a miracle working God!

I’m feeling a little under the weather. I don’t usually get sick, just feel a little weak. Pray for me. I need to be 100% all the time, but in particular before I head to W. Africa.

Peace.

I had a great meeting with a new partner today: Ray Vaughan with International Teams.  Ray has been working with refugees for over a decade in London.  He is back in the USA to start a new team and if all goes well he’ll be a major source of manpower.  It’s exciting to think about!  Terri Earl was also with us.  Terry has been one of our best Mission Directors and has worked with us for three years.  She’s also interested in serving with our refugee population.  Pat Maddox with Friends of Refugees and Bennett Ekandem were also there to welcome our new team members!  It’s fun to see the excitement in their faces as they see this incredible mission field.

Ray couldn’t believe what open access we had to the population here in Clarkston.  In London he legally wasn’t able to walk up to kids and invite them to our ministries.  He was elated!

After our recon of the Clarkston areas, I went back to Chamblee to check on my kids at Azlaea.  I helped several with their their math and geography projects.

Also talked with Clatie Lewis who is our main computer guy.  He’s such a fantastic partner and it was fun to talk with him about how the ministry is going and how important his service is to our ministry.

I’m glad my tooth isn’t hurting although my tongue keeps going over to the back of my mouth checking out the damage.  Bizarre.

Peace.

Monday, January 22, 2007

This morning I had the pleasure of doing the invocation for the new Walmart that opened on Chamblee-Tucker and Peachtree Industrial.  I gave them a super enthusiastic, somewhat capitalistic, prayer!  They told me they were giving us a donation, but gave it to the special needs kids at the center across the street.  I was disappointed with that, but I’ve had some of my kids go there, so I felt better about it.  The city of Chamblee told them “Give the money to Tim.” I appreciated their support.  The mayor of Chamblee is a friend of mine and went on and on about how much they have appreciated what our team has done in what I consider “my” city.

For lunch I enjoyed hanging out with MY mentor: Sam Bandela.  Sam is from India and has had a HUGE impact on me and how I do things.  He is a true field operative and is currently in charge of reaching India for Christ with the help of about 100 indigenous Indian pastors!  Bob Speer from Shallowford Gardens also was with us.  These guys are two of my longest term friends on the planet!

My brother in law David Doverspike is donating is used car to our ministry.  We spent time yesterday working on transferring the title and going over legal stuff.  Jesse is helping him develop his web site.  I took some pictures of the location, he and his wife and the office to put on the site.

Went by Azalea to check on the kids at the mission.  They have a bunch of dioramas due soon.  We were cutting and pasting like madmen yesterday!

I had the job of breaking off a piece of my back molar last night.  What a drag.  It doesn’t hurt, but what a hassle.  Going to the dentist is like being in a car wreck–it ain’t ever cheap.

Peace.