Greater Portland Baptist Church

Jesse and Tiffany Shanks: February Update

Making Progress
As I have mentioned in previous letters, I am currently devoting the majority of my time to studying Kabiye. Just about two weeks ago, I finally felt like all this studying is starting to pay off as I began forming simple sentences. What's unfortunate is that the Kabiye people assume this means that I will understand anything they say. That is definitely not the case!

Health Concerns
Over a week ago, we noticed a gland under Joshua's right ear starting to swell and become painful for him. After seven days, two doctor visits, a blood test, a throat culture, and speaking with an American doctor on the phone, we were still baffled and the swelling was getting worse. Finally we talked to another doctor on the phone who gave us a good indication of what it might be and how to treat it. That was two days ago, and since then he has been doing much better.

We are pretty sure that it was a bacterial infection of some sort. It is definitely a test of faith at times living in a place where you can't drive 15 minutes to the nearest fully-equipped hospital. We are very thankful that God directed us to speak with the right people at the right time. It's good to have the energetic old Joshua back!

Who is Jesus?
A couple months ago, a teenager from the church we're working in and I started walking around our neighborhood talking with people on the street about the gospel. What I soon discovered was that there is much confusion here about foundational ideas such as who God is, who Jesus is, and what sin is. While the Bible has been around northern Togo for many years, peoples' understanding of it has been severely warped by Islam, animism, and various man-made religions. I am thankful to have the opportunity to talk with people about the only One who can bring them to God, but I also see the great need to have more in-depth study and conversation with those who are curious to know more. Please pray that God will show me what the best way is to go about doing this, and that it will be fruitful for His glory.

Praying for peace
With elections coming in early March, we want you to know that we may be unreachable by phone and internet for up to a week. Please pray with us that there will be no violence in the country during this time.

Shanks Blog Update