September 30, 2010

Greetings from Ghana! I have been encouraged to write an update today and agree it has been about time, so here goes.

BRETT

Brett is doing well. We just finished up our 4th Annual African Pastors’ School. Brett was in charge of all of the media, PA, PowerPoint presentations, ect. There were a few minor PA problems because of power fluctuation, rain trickling into PA booth, and equipment failures but all in all he did a fantastic job. He was on the Pastors’ School committee so he had tons of responsibilities and has been VERY busy the last few weeks!

 

About two weeks before Pastors’ School some sort of chief died in our town. The one week funeral was held at our next door neighbor’s house. Every morning Brett and I would wake up to loud nasty music that played until sundown. Finally, the last night of the funeral the music played ALL NIGHT LONG!! At 4:30 in the morning Brett had had enough and went over to the funeral where there were only 3 people sitting in chairs. He had some kind words with the DJ who eventually lowered the music ever so slightly and explained to Brett that this is African culture! All that to say, Brett was waking up that week with some pretty nasty anxiety attacks in his heart. It must have been from all of the stress and the awful music. As soon as the funeral ended so did his attacks. I am very grateful for that!


 

Brett is going to be the “Headmaster” (Principal) of Fundamental Baptist Academy which is starting in a week and a half. He has not had much time to focus on the school since Pastors’ School has monopolized much of his schedule. The school will start with 30 students. 10 are American and the rest are Ghanaian church members. He has already done diagnostic tests for all of the students who are enrolled and is anxious to get the school off the ground. Ghanaian education is very different so the first couple of weeks are going to be interesting for the Ghanaian students to adjust to an American curriculum. Even though education is not up to American standards here, it is very important to the people. The children have a desire to learn, and parents will sacrifice large percentages of their income to put their kids in “good” schools.

Jennifer

As most of you know I am expecting. I am due March 20th. (The day before Pastors’ School in Hammond) We find out in 2 weeks if it will be a boy or girl. Brett, Jackson, Judson, and I are all hoping for a girl, but won’t be terribly disappointed if it is a boy. This pregnancy has been the worst yet. I was terribly sick for many weeks. I am just now getting over the extreme nausea and exhaustion. Expecting a baby while sick in Africa is not fun. The atrocious smells, the bumpy roads and the heat have all taken their tolls. This song best describes the feelings I have had the past few months.

“I long to walk in Eden with trees and blooms and where the air is sweet. To spend my days in sunshine, beside the brook – where You will meet with me. But I have heard you calling and in obedience I go, to another garden whose history I’ve known.

Lord, for now its Gethsemane, now that’s where your bringing me to a place whose agony you’ve known. So because your will is clear. I trust you and I’ll stay right here. If Eden calls tomorrow then those pathways I will roam. But for now Gethsemane is home. So strengthen and sustain me, I will face whatever comes. I know Eden is waiting when this night is done.

I won’t compare my sufferings with all the pain I know that you endure. Yet you have used this garden to teach me how – surrender makes me Yours. Where you walk with me and talk with me and you tell me I am your own!

 Lord, for now its Gethsemane, for now that’s where Your bringing me to a place whose agony You’ve known. So because your will is clear. I trust you and I’ll stay right here. If Eden calls tomorrow then those pathways I will roam. But for now Gethsemane is home.”

Thank the Lord I am now feeling somewhat back to normal and have begun to make Ghana my Eden once again. Please continue to pray for a safe pregnancy and delivery for this our third child.


JACKSON

Jackson is now 4 years old. He has grown up to be quite the obedient boy, if I do say so myself! =) He has a desire to please mommy and daddy and deep disappointment when he lets us down. Running is his favorite activity, talking takes a close second place. He loves when we read to him and tell him stories. His now learning how to write his name and is out of the church nursery.

On September 11, 2010 Jackson accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. He came to me while I was in the kitchen and said, “Mommy, I love God and I want to be with Him in Heaven.” I then witnessed to him and he got saved! We continue to ask him questions and remind him of his decision often. Brett took him to get baptized the following Sunday. Jackson was SO EXCITED that he got to obey God and get baptized UNTIL he saw 500 people staring at him and the water he was supposed to get dunked into. Poor guy! He ended up screaming and told daddy he wants to wait. So, we are going to wait until he is good and ready and WANTS to get baptized again!

 

Jackson LOVES Bro. Schaap! After every service of Pastors’ school Jackson was the first one to run up to him and give him hugs. Sooooo cute! 


 

When we were in American Jackson told me that he liked America better than Ghana because America is beautiful. The other day Jackson told me he liked Ghana better than America because America is too cold! Hahaha… he is in for a treat when we go back in February!

Judson

Judson is my stubborn baby! He has the best personality and makes the funniest faces. Right now he is in the stealing food stage. After he steals and eats something he has the evidence all over his face and hands. Not a good thief, that’s for sure! He is starting to talk in sentences and loves his big brother! He loves babies and always wants to kiss my tummy and say, “I love you” to the baby! His love language is quality time so he follows me around the house every where I am just to be with mommy. He just started riding his tricycle all by himself! He loves to eat meat and eggs! He has my spirit of fear which Brett is trying to drive out of him. He did not like the beach water very much and is scared to death of Jackson’s fake animal toys. Poor guy – he got that from me.






We are all healthy and doing well! We look forward to hearing from any of you who care to drop us a line. We covet your prayers! Thanks for reading and being interested in our lives..



Brett, Jennifer, Jackson, Judson and Baby Beil
brettbeil20@gmail.com
jennbeil11@gmail.com