John Howland - Stinter - Life in Ministry

A lot has happened in the past 6 weeks as far as the ministry in Cote d’Ivoire goes. It seems that once again, God has pushed the reset button on how we were used to getting things done and given us a totally new way of doing things. Given that the Hauquitz’s have been gone for the past 5 weeks, Matt, Shane, and myself have been given a lot more responsibilities within the current ministry here, which still mainly consists of walking through any and all open doors God has provided us with. Although, even when some of those doors close for us, I cannot imagine a better way for the three of us to learn how to do ministry work. For me personally, it has been a great time of growth in realizing what I’m here for and how I can carry that out each day.

After attending the 60^th year anniversary of Cru Celebration Conference in the country of Togo from December 12 – 16, I came back to Cote d’Ivoire with a new perspective. God had provided me with a lot of insight into where he desired my heart to be, and I am happy to say that since then, my relationship with God has been deepening much more, and through that I am truly able to pursue deeper, more loving relationships with the students here. The rest of the month of December was mainly a time of personal growth for myself, as I was sick for most of it. God however, proved once again how faithful He is to me through my troubles.

Now, our ministry is much more focused on living life with the students, basically by coming along side them with whatever they are focusing their life on. We have been doing these things by sharing classes along side them, helping them with school-work, or even simply visiting their homes and talking about life with them. Most importantly though, we have been showing them love by becoming true learners of their culture, and putting ourselves in positions of vulnerability so that we may be taught what life for them means. I have no doubt that God is present in each one of these interactions, and by being intentional with the gospel while we are with them, God will use every connection for His kingdom and glory.

All this being said, it is exciting to see how God will use our time at local high-schools, university Bible studies, and seminary English classes to truly change lives because of His good news. As we continue stepping out in faith every day, not very often sure where the day will lead us, we will rest in full confidence of what God is doing and that He is using us.