Just Checking In

Dear Friends and Family,

Things are still going well over here in West Africa. My sickness has continued to linger, but I continue to thank God for His grace and strength. This past Saturday we had an important football (soccer) match against one of the better teams in the league. I was feeling pretty rough, however because one of our stud-players was out of town I had to play. About an hour before the match I threw down some cough syrup, tylenol and giraffe spit (just kidding) and headed out to the field. This sun was beaming down with the wrath of a Texas summer, but once I got out on the field and began to play I forgot all about my condition. It was the roughest match this season, and as usual I left the field bloodied and bruised. I don't think Africans bleed, or maybe they just have an extra layer of skin. After every game the players say, "Asha," which means, "sorry for your wounds." Our team played incredibly well and we were able to hold off the opposition to a draw (0-0). That evening I met with 10 students, a few from each of my classes. I decided to invite those who over the past few weeks have proven to be the most involved during class lectures. It was an awesome night. As the students arrived I noticed that many were dressed up, shirts tucked in, ties and even a few suits. I was simply wearing some grungy pants and a white T. As we sat around the table I begin to ask each student their testimony, namely, how they had arrived at CBTS (Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary) and what their plans for ministry were post-seminary. It was such a blessing getting to know my students at a more personal level. After this, while drinking Coke and eating cookies, I played a lecture by New Testament scholar, N.T. Wright on Jesus as the Messiah. We listened and discussed. We laughed, prayed and even sang a hymn to close the night. It was truly a sweet time of fellowship. We plan to meet again in two weeks. Well, time is of the essence. I would like to say more, but I must be going. Please continue to lift me up in your prayers. Two more weeks until mid-terms and then a bit of a break.

For His glory,

Chris Taylor