The Copeland Ramblings/

Quick Trip to Conakry

Late Tuesday night I returned home from a four day trip to Conakry, Guinea. It was very important to us that before our return to Canada I had the chance to get down there and greet our close friend Pastor Samuel Kondano and his church which hosted us during our time there.

After a short 50 minute flight and wading through the murky waters of West African customs I was greeted by Pastor Samuel and his two brothers whom we also know very well. I had no agenda, I simply wanted to spend some time with them.

We had a great time together visiting people in the neighbourhood, praying for the sick from the congregation, and checking out some of the church’s new outreach programs. Pastor Samuel’s wife Charlotte has opened up a small shop where she teaches women who have no skills how to sew, cut hair etc. This will help them learn how to support themselves but more importantly she will have opportunities to share the Word of God with them. During the Sunday service I shared with them what God is doing in our lives and was greatly encouraged by their perspective on what I had to say.

Another important part of the trip was to meet Samuel and Charlottes daughter, Maël. They adopted Maël when she was only a few weeks old. Adoption is a courageous act in West Africa. Those who can’t have children naturally are often looked down upon, adoption doesn’t change people’s view. Nevertheless, Samuel and Charlotte felt God leading them in this area and they went ahead in faith. She has been warmly received by the church family who definitely spoil her!

Another interesting part of the trip was staying in our old home. After we left, the church took it over and has been using it along with our power backup system as a studio where they create Christian videos that are shown on the only public TV channel! It’s a real blessing, even two and a half years later, to see how God is still using our time there.

We again thank you for your prayers and support for this trip! It was an important and impacting trip for us and also for our Guinean brothers and sisters in Conakry.

On this day..

• On the move - 2009
• For the Grandmas - 2008
• 10 months! - 2007
• This is one of Norman's many amazing photo! We lov... - 2005