Wow, the roads of Lagonav are bad! Another weekend trip to the island found me on these rocky roads. No matter the season - muddy or dusty - you can't get away from the rocks and ruts. Some of the roads are better than others, but driving out of Ansagale south into the mountains it is rough everywhere. We are well shaken by the time we get to Nan Mangot for morning worship. But we are glad to arrive safely and be with the brothers and sisters.
The church meeting in the small mountain village of Nan Mangot is led by Teveno Maxime. Each Sunday the church gathers in their humble woven palm branch building. It is wonderful to hear them sing praises to their God in Creole. Despite the challenges of life their know where their hope lies. Maxime has been a faithful leader in the church over the years. This despite the deaths of two of his children and ongoing struggles to provide for his family. The church leaders here on Lagonav are not compensated for their work but they continue to shepherd the people. Though the progress can sometimes seem slow we are praying the congregations will be faithful in their giving and that the church leaders will continue to grow spiritually as they are trained in the Bible and theology. This is our work.
After worship we are ready for the trip back to Ansagale. We often have passengers in the Mule. Children going to school in town, other heading down off the mountain for work. Maxime works as a cleaner at the Wesleyan Hospital in town. So we chat as we drive down to the main town on Lagonav. On clear days we get to enjoy beautiful views like the one at right. Planting is mostly done and the crops are growing. Surrounding the village of Fontina are the field full of young corn plants and other crops. Just as we pray for a good harvest of crops, we also pray that the seed of God's word would fall on good soil.
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