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Seven weeks ago I arrived in Kansas City being tired and physically in bad shape, my body on the verge of breakdown. I was spiritually tired and empty, and my emotions worn out from the accusations, betrayals, losses, and other challenges. In short, I needed a break.

I came for 4 weeks, but God spoke to me to add 3 more weeks. That was not what I wanted. I asked God to confirm that I had indeed heard from Him, and sent a text message to Paul in Mali (who leads everything when I'm gone) that I needed to talk to him. A day later I sent him a message telling him I felt I had to stay longer in the US. While I was writing that message in the evening, Paul was fast asleep in Mali and had a dream where God told him that I was going to stay in the US longer. What a confirmation!

I did not do much ministry during my seven weeks in the US, and took more time to rest (at least, rest for an active person like me) than I ever have since going to Mali 5+ years ago. While I strongly believe we should not constantly focus on the separation of our being, since we are really one, and one part influences the other, this is what I did:

• Physical Restoration - God wonderfully directed my steps to an alternative clinic in Wichita, KS, that practices biological medicine (click on the logo for more information). The founder and head doctor there is a brilliant Christian man who blessed me greatly. Comparing the initial test results with the ones from the test on my last day there, there was consideral improvement, and I'm still on the road to complete health. Please pray to that end.

• Emotional Restoration - I thank God for my wonderful friends Tom & Luanne in Kansas City. They do Theophostic Prayer Ministry (TPM) which I do in Mali as well, and they took time for as many sessions with me as possible during my stay. I found more freedom and healing from the issues of my past, and have found greater intimacy with my wonderful God.

• Spiritual Restoration - Already a fruit from the TPM sessions, I also went to services and meetings where God's power was present and where I received prayer ministry so that my vision was refocused on Him and spiritual batteries recharged.

I realize how much I needed those three additional weeks. I feel so much better, and am ready to go back home, even in light of the immense challenges waiting for me. This is what they are:

CHALLENGES & PRAYER REQUESTS

•        Government & Police - These past several weeks government and police officials have really been after us again, having launched several inquiries into our activities due to the allegations by the nurse who once worked with us and who is now determined to get us shut down. They have questioned Paul and the kids and neighbors, and even some top officials have come. Every time, they realize that we are NOT trafficking children or doing any other bad stuff, but find the allegations not to be true. But somehow different officials keep coming back, not laying this to rest. Please pray.

•        Papers Rejected - We have one registered organization (the mission) and need to register two more - local - organizations, one for the church and one for the children's center. As for the children's center, that is only the very first step in a long process. Our attorney has informed us that our papers were rejected by the government. Please pray.

•        Sekouba Gone - My first street kid who came back after two years and who's been our day guard, had to leave us yesterday. It was discovered that he's stolen from us, tried to incite street kids to sell stolen stuff for him, lied to us, and that he was secretly practicing Islam and witchcraft. Please pray for a new day guard.

•      Paul's Accident - Paul had a motorcycle accident last night. It's a miracle he didn't break any bones, but he lost a lot of blood. They took him to a hospital, and he says he's fine. Please pray for his speedy recovery. He's the only team member I have left.

•      Lack of Money - My Austrian bank account has never been as overdrawn as now, and we cannot touch it any more. I THANK GOD for the money given yesterday at CTC (read the report on my blog here), and we're waiting impatiently for that money to be on my American bank account for us to withdraw it and help us make it through the next few days. Our financial situation is very desperate right now. Not only is the support insufficient, but we have lost three monthly supporters over the past two months. Doing little ministry on this trip, and having medical expenses to restore my health, hasn't helped either.

•      Board of Directors - I have lost two friends and board members these past few weeks, one of them being Jill Austin who died January 9th. Please pray as I'm seeking to fill those positions with the right people.

•        WORKERS - I'm still crying out to God to send workers to help us in Mali! We've already cut down our activities to the minimum, but it's still too much for Paul and me. Who would come and serve God for a few weeks or months?

•      Two Beds to Fill - The two teenagers - Saloum and Fousseni - that moved back in with their families in January are doing well. We now have two beds to fill. Please pray we take in the right children that God wants to be with us.

•      Construction - Construction has stopped for lack of money. About 40 street children sleep in the unfinished dining hall every night - since September - and we still don't even have a light in there. However, food and gas is our primary need right now.

•        Jérémie - Sweet 12-year-old Jérémie still hasn't got a sponsor. You can read his life story on the RESIDENT KIDS page. Sponsorship is €40 or $60 per month.

Your prayers are VERY IMPORTANT to me and us! Please remember us, carrying us in prayer, and helping us through this difficult season. Pray also for my time of transition as I return to lots of work and things to deal with.

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in us will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in us. (Phil 1:6, AMP)

Hanging on to HIM,

Claudia