Guinea, West Africa

Dear Friends in Christ,

Our last newsletter had us on the way to Africa, since then we haven't communicated much.   We made it safe and sound last month and started the process of getting back into the swing of things here in Guinea.  Since our return we have not had reliable e-mail, this is still a problem for us, the satellite modem that we depended on is no longer functioning and we can't seem to fix it.  We had hoped to get a dial up connection to our house, but so far that hasn't panned out either. In any case, we are continuing with the work God has set before us despite not being able to communicate much via e-mail.

We have two pieces of good news to share.  This month the church council met and decided on what to do with the land that was purchased last year.  They decided to build an elementary school as a way to reach out to the community and also earn some money toward to the building of church at a later date.  While there is a great opportunity to reach people through a school this also presents its own set of challenges.  Pray for us that God would guide not only the physical structure of the place, but the vision of how best to reach children and families with the Gospel.

The other piece of good news is that our Maninka ministry team is officially expanding!   Back in November we added Jack and Cathy Carlos who are in the U.S. now raising support (we were able to share about them when we saw many of you during our furlough), since our return it has been decided that our colleagues from Conakry, Tim & Beth Heiney, are moving to Siguiri to help with Theological Education and mission administration.  The Heineys came to Siguiri earlier this month and made arrangements for housing.  They will hopefully be moving here in the next few weeks!  We are very excited about having these experienced and gifted missionaries coming to take part in the huge task of planting a church here. We thank God that He has provided the resources to do His work here.

In short, many challenges remain, but we can see how God is actively helping us meet those challenges.  Sorry this is short but we'll send a full-length newsletter (in the new format for those that can receive it) when we get our e-mail connection fixed.

Please pray with us the following:

- Thanksgiving for our safe return to Guinea.

- That our e-mail situation would soon be restored.

- For our church here, its growth, vision, and unity of the believers.

In Christ,

Tim, Heidi, Philip & Leslie Norton  

LCMS World Mission

Guinea, West Africa

Our Savior Lutheran Church  808.488.3654
98-1098 Moanalua Road  Aiea, HI  96701