Replacing the old with the new
We arrived
in Togo on December 2nd and are happy to be back where we believe we
truly belong at this stage in our lives. While life is certainly different,
what is foreign to us is also becoming more familiar. So thank you for helping
us, preparing us to get back to Togo. We feel stronger and more equipped for
the work that the Lord has sent us here to do.
There are
many tasks on our house we have come back to. Our water system is still a
confusing issue with the hot water heater working, but hot water not coming out
of the faucets. We hope to fix the issue with the pressure system we got in the
capital. Setting up our internet is also in the works. Thank you for being
patient with us as we have not been able to communicate as much as we would
like. Word has it we should be back online today (this message was sent from
outside of our home. There are other minor projects that we work on as time
allows so that we can start focusing more on work outside of our gates.
We have
been twice to visit the Gnamsa family and plan to visit again today. On Sunday,
Pastor Ali taught out of 2 Corinthians 5:17. “Therefore, if anyone is in
Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has
come.” When asked, they explained that the old for them is animism and the new
is Jesus and His teachings. Our friend Yawovi also reminded them, that the old
includes our daily bad habits such as bickering, complaining, etc. This passage
in Corinthians is very familiar and I’ve heard it a thousand times, but hearing
it taught to new believers reminded me that I, as a longer standing believer
still have old that is being worked out of my life. I’m so thankful Jesus
doesn’t just get rid of just the big and obvious old and leave the less obvious
old in our lives. No, Jesus is still removing the old from my life and molding
me more into the likeness of Himself.
We were
privileged last week to attend the marriage of two very special friends. We met
Komi on our first trip to Togo in 2007. He was the one who first put us in
contact with the Gnamsa family. Upon our second arrival here, we met his
beautiful fiancé, Essohanam. Words cannot express our joy for them as these two
godly friends start their life together. Unfortunately for us, they are moving
far away up north to be missionaries of sorts at the new hospital there. Though
we are sad to see them go, we know that God has wonderful plans to use them up
there. God bless you Komi and Essohanam, and God bless the North Team. You guys
are getting some quality gems!
You have
been in our thoughts and prayers as well as we contemplate how incredibly
strange it is that just a few weeks ago we saw the beginning of a “normal” cold
Christmas with you all and now we are about to celebrate our very first
Christmas in a very hot climate. We want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas
and a Blessed New Year as you seek to serve the One who “came not to be served
but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28b
In Christ,
The Buczaks
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