The beginning of my trip was filled with pleasant surprises. Jacob had said he learned a lot in November, about how we travel when he and I spent so many nights in people's homes. He decided to put me up at his sister's house, which ended up being a fantastic experience. As you can see, pictured above is a French copy of When Helping Hurts. I had asked for prayer for receptivity to the concepts found in this book. I brought copies for all our partners and each one was equally excited about the methods of helping found in the book.

The home was in the middle of the city in the Ozangue neighborhood, but surrounded by a large lot and a number of homes on the property (mostly family). The roads getting to the house were certainly 4x4 access only. I got dropped off a few times up at the corner of the street and walked the dirt roads back to my lodging to avoid the truck on the road.

Each day, when I returned to the house, I was warmly greeted by the grandchildren of Jacob's sister, Louise.

Each child had their own unique and distinct personalities. I am reminded that God has created us all uniquely in His image.

This young man is named Ezekiel. He and I developed a special bond while staying at his home. He and I watched football games (Yes, Chelsea advanced in the Champions League while I was there). Hanging out, eating, watching games, flying the drone and walking back from school with Ezekiel helped me catch a glimpse of life as a young adult growing up in Libreville.

Grace and her friends were always full of smiles after school. Grace (pictured here on the left) always had a smile on her face and would sing for us with her little sister after meals.

A primary purpose of this trip was to connect with the new leadership at the church's national office. The new president, pictured above named Andre Binet, is certainly the tallest Gabonese I have ever met. I had asked for prayer for the Holy Spirit leading, as well as intentional listening. Jacob confirmed for me that this prayer was answered in full.

Jacob mentioned to me a few times that my posture and stated objectives to listen intently was well received. I think this helped establish a positive response from the leadership. I also walked away with an overwhelming sense that these leaders are focused on action. They have already opened a new business by purchasing two vans and a small bus to provide transportation to people from Libreville to Bongolo Hospital.

I also was encouraged with the core group of leaders of the ministries we partner with. From left to right, Martin Mbavu, Pastor Hermann Itomba, and Pastor Jacob Mouele. Each of these men oversee social outreach ministries such as medical clinics, HIV programs, eye glasses ministry, PK27 and family stabilization programs.

One of the long-term projects under development is the clinic at PK27. We had to hit the pause button when the legal challenges arose a few years ago. But from my visit and assessment of both the leadership and the opportunities at PK27, I am encouraged that things will be moving forward quickly.

The land surrounding PK27 is developing very rapidly as the city expands eastward from the city center. The church has even had offers to purchase the land, but they have denied those requests because the leadership values the strategic location of the property, the clinic and the airstrip. The immediate next step is to secure the perimeter of the property and then we will begin some agricultural initiatives.

This is one of the men who serves at PK27, watching over the land. He resides in the guard house that E4 built years ago.

New opportunities - this was another specific request and I believe God has begun to open doors for a unique ministry to people with cerebral palsy. There is a story developing here with this mother of a child with cerebral palsy. Her name is Ode, and her daughter, Divine Grace, is 15 years old. She has a severe case of scoliosis due to the fact that she has outgrown all of her braces and cannot afford to purchase new ones as she grows. Her spine was in a complete S shape, the worst I have ever seen. Ode ministers to about 80 families who also have disabled children. Many of these children do not even have birth certificates making any kind of government assistance (albeit minimal) impossible to obtain. Stay tuned as we explore how this opportunity can develop into something significant.

One of the by-products of the Covid shutdown in Gabon is that home churches sprung up in many neighborhoods. Jacob and Martha lead a church of predominantly young adults. It was a pleasure to worship together with the young people.

And all of the kids were photogenic.

Happily posing for photos after church. We were able to share a meaningful worship experience together and play some football.

The heat was almost unbearable this trip. I was surprised to see this young one in a winter cap. Not sure how she dealt with the heat, because I didn't fare too well on that front.

This young man is Luke, one of Jacob's nephews from Lambarene. Jacob and Martha took Luke in so that he could attend a better school in the capital city, Libreville. It was interesting to see how so many families open their homes to their extended family. This was the same at the house I was staying. Luke's English is pretty good and he always had a smile on his face when we spoke.

New opportunities - This is Dr. Firmin who works for the WHO in Gabon. He is responsible for mobilizing the population to become vaccinated either for Covid or other infectious diseases. We are exploring ways that he may be able to assist with the medical clinic at PK27 as well as helping some of the medical ministries already working today such as the HIV Hope program for children.

God has certainly provided a lot of new opportunities for us to explore.

Pastor Hermann (from an earlier photo), is the pastor of this church at PK8. It is one of the larger churches in Libreville. There is a Christian school on the churches property as well. Hermann is the lead pastor but also runs MINE (Ministry of Evangelism to Children).

The leadership team of the MINE ministry with Martin and Jacob.

This is the building they have been working on for the past 10 years. This facility will serve as a temporary housing location for three types of children: at risk in an abusive family, street children, and children who have been brought to Gabon from west Africa and end up living as indentured servants. The goal is to reunify the children back into their family units in a healthy way.

Aerial view of the MINE facility. This is located just north of the airport.

One of the projects that was on my list was to visit the Hope Clinic run by Martin Mbavu.

The clinic has been in operation for a little over a year, but is struggling to gain patients. There have been numerous delays with government paperwork and obtaining the ability to accept insurance. These obstacles have all been cleared at this point, so now the need is to promote the clinic. We are working with Martin Mbavu to come up with strategies on how to promote the clinic.

This is one of the exam rooms in the clinic.

There is also a lab for the clinic. This is a differentiator for many patients because most clinics do not have labs attached.

Lab for processing bloodwork and diagnostic testing.

Martin Mbavu posing for a photo.

One of the success stories of a series of programs we have done in partnership with Pastor Hermann and MINE is the establishment of a new church.

We partnered with MINE to do a series of outreach programs in a village just beyond PK27. This village has many people who still seek traditional healers and are animistic in their belief system.

One of the men in the village was so touched by the outreach of MINE and the church, that he donated land so that a church could be built.

With volunteers and financial support from Pastor Hermann's church at PK8, a church has been established. One of the traditional healers has come to repentance and saw deliverance from oppression.

You can catch a glimpse of the type of living in the village where the church has been planted.

We have begun conversations around how we might be able to continue partnering with the local church in this village community.

Walking back to Jacob and Martha's home in Nzeng Ayong. As a side note, Jacob and Martha did not have running water for the last 4-5 days of my trip and now that I have been back for 10 days, they still do not have running water in their home. Each evening, Jacob drives around town looking for water, some nights he finds some running, some nights he does not. Just a small glimpse into the day-to-day living in the capital city.

Another one of our programs is Hands of Grace, a sewing ministry to widows and needy women in Gabon. It was encouraging for me to see such a wide age range of women who are being ministered to at the center.

As always, it was a pleasure and joy to visit with familiar faces at the center. The women are busy on many different types of projects.

While I was in Gabon, we were able to see one of our fundraising efforts become fully funded. The women here are thanking a new donor who was touched by the ministry. Overall, it was just another example of how God goes before and provides everything we need.

Thank you all for your prayers and support for this trip to Gabon. I could clearly see God at work during this visit. I returned with an increased passion for the work we are doing and the opportunities that exist ahead. I would be remiss if I did not ask for continued support, both prayers and finances. This work takes time to develop but the results are incredible and encouraging. E4 needs your support. Thank you.