Passing the torch in Burkina Faso.

Darl Snyder has been keeping SPC in close touch with Dr. Salibo Some in Burkina Faso, Africa for over 20 years and it has been a realtionship that has touched so many lives beyond the doors of our church that it would not be possible to list all the ways. Darl and Salibo became close while Salibo was studying at UGA and Darl was a professor there. From that time on, one could describe their relationship more as a that of a father and son than teacher/student or missionary.

However, in recent years, Darl has indicated that he cannot keep doing this forever and that new blood would be needed if this relationship between SPC and the ASUDAC (http://www.asudec.org) program, that was founded by Dr. Some, is to continue. Although we have been keeping an eye out for some time, we had not been able to find a person who was interested in stepping up to this role until serendipity brought Jobn Bogle to our committee.

John, Darl and I met about two months ago and enjoyed a great lunch where we shared about Salibo, ASUDEC and Darl's philosophy about that mission. He really is more like a father to this ministry and us all in that Darl never tells you how to do anything. He explores with you and is very clear in expressing his unwavering faith that you will find the right solution. This has been at the heart of his interaction with Salibo over these many years and it has not failed him yet as Salibo repeatedly demonstrates his ingenuity and accountability.

In a recent communication with Salibo, Darl shared the following:

"John Bogle, a new member of the World Wide Missions Committee at Shallowford is much interested in your work and wishes to take over responsibility at this end. I find him an excellent choice and will be moving to keep him informed by copies of messages to you. No, I am not leaving you, just getting some very good support."

John has lots of great ideas and is a very thoughtful and insightful person who we believe will bring the same gentle and inqusistive leadership to this minsitry that we have come to love from Darl. Salibo is also happy to hear of this change and expressed this in his response to Darl where he says:

"I know you wont never leave me, nor Burkina Faso and ASUDEC. Isn’t the coming aboard of Jon Bogle a testimony? I feel very flattered to benefit his trust and that of Nick Villaume. I am profoundly thankful, John and Nick! We will do all to merit your trust and friendship."

I should add that all this news comes on the heels of a recent contribution from Shallowford to help with the completion of a guest house in Burkina Faso that will be used for community activities as well as to generate revenues to help build the community there.

The contribution came about as a result of our following the lead of Dr. Snyder and simply giving with faith that Salibo would find the best possible use for the money. This, to us, is what mission is all about, trusting in our Lord to show the path of most good and using an open, trusting and sharing relationship with our friends around the world to expose that path.

The guest house, started through a contibution from Darl's late wife, Flo, is finally complete and open for business. Dr. Some reports great things and excitement at our joint accomplishments and looks forward to a long and fruitful continued relationship with SPC.

I encourage you to keep Darl, Salibo and John in your thoughts and prayers and to touch base with John regularly as he learns and shares more and more about this great legacy that Darl has created!

If you are interested in becoming involved with mission at Shallowford, please contact me and attend one of our upcoming WWM committee meetings. All are welcome and you do not have to be a committee member to attend. Although, we will try to recruit you.