Mali Missions Trip

Well our last day here in Mali is quickly drawing to a close. We spent the day in the capital city of Bamako experiencing some amazing sights and sounds.

To start off with we traveled with a C&MA missionary named Carina to a men’s prison. This prison is inhuman and indescribable. The prison has 4 cells which are designed to hold up to 20 men each – total of 80 men. Today in the prison, there were 221 men. 50-60 men are crammed into these little cells which consist of 2 rooms that are 12’ by 20’. One room is in the front with a door leading to an identical room in the back. At night, all 50-60 men go into the back room to sleep – that’s 2 to 3 grown men on a very thin single mattress or sheet laying on the cement floor – these back rooms have no windows, only a couple of small openings in the wall. Two of the cells are lock down cells where the men never come out. The men in the other 2 cells are able to come out into the prison yard area during the day – some of them did the cooking (usually only rice and field corn), some chopped wood for the fire, some made tea, etc… everything is outside in very dirty, muddy conditions. The entire area of the prison yard and 4 cells was comparable in size to ½ a football field. Carina took us around the prison and then we went into one of the lock down cells. With guitar in hand, Carina started into some singing in Bombara (their native language) and immediately the expressions on the prisoners faces lighted up. Most of them joined in, at least to some degree. Carina then shared a short devotional with them in which she talked about the forgiveness and peace which comes from Jesus. Carina had me pray in English and then she prayed in Bombara. We met a couple of born again believers there in prison… one of them had a Bible. Carina is an amazing women with an amazing ministry. She goes into 5 different prisons in Bamako to minister to the hurting. She also ministers to dozens of prostitutes thru another ministry called Rahab Ministries.

Next we had lunch at another C&MA missionary couples home (peanut sauce soup – interesting) and then headed to an open lot in the heart of a more influential area of Bamako. The desire is to finalize the acquisition of this land (they are close) and then build a community center equipped with lighting, books, computers, internet access, etc… in an attempt to draw in the university students; as well as upper class individuals that are wanting to learn English. Total cost for the project will be between $600 – 750 thousand. Upon completion, they are anticipating over 1000 different individuals to come thru the doors in the first year. Just having rooms with electricity for lighting will be a huge draw to the university students… many of which can now be found using the light from street lamps to study. Can you imagine? And this is in the capital city. Out in the country, there are entire villages (many) with no electricity (except for a few with solar power). These missionaries seemed encouraged to have us on their turf, seeing what their lives and ministries are all about. It has been a privilege to get a glimpse of their world.

We then headed to an Artisan Market. With 7 white people we didn’t stand a chance. We were mobbed!! Everyone wanted to sell us their goods and wouldn’t take no for an answer. They crowded in, grabbed us, showed us their goods and attempted to entice us into their shops… many at one time… it was overwhelming for all of us. The whole Artisan Marked area was packed with people.

After a stop at a Malian grocery store for some supplies we came back to the guest house for supper. We are now showering, packing up our suitcases and preparing for our 27 hour travel experience from Mali to Des Moines, which begins at midnight (Malian time) and will hopefully end at 9:30P (central time).

I think it is safe to say that we are all physically and emotionally drained… but oh so glad that we came! This trip will not be forgotten. The impact will continue within us and hopefully spread to others.

We are so grateful for our supportive church family and are so looking forward to getting home and seeing you all… especially our children and spouses.

The Mali Team (Pastor Cory & Amy, Josh & Teresa W., Vickie J. and Neisha H.)