We are excited to share an update on our progress towards ministering to the Kwakum in Cameroon, Africa. Lord willing, we (minus the children) will fly to Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon in April. From there we will drive about five hours to a Kwakum village for a Vision Trip. We are also thrilled to report that we have reached 100% of our trip budget! It has been amazing to see God provide for this trip through the generosity of you, our friends and family.
What is a “Vision Trip”? We are so glad that you asked! A Vision Trip is a chance for missionary appointees (that’s us) to visit the field, country, village, and team (that’s the Hares) that they hope to serve. This allows a confirmation of team dynamics and fit and further prepares the appointees for the work that they will be doing. During our Vision Trip we will see Bible translation in progress and understand how the literacy materials are developed and used.
Aside from all that, we can’t wait to meet the Kwakum and understand more of their culture as we visit their markets, eat their foods, worship at their church (hopefully on Easter Sunday!) draw water from a well with a bucket (even for showers!) and gain a deeper understanding of this unique group of people, created in God’s image and desperately in need of the knowledge of his Gospel of hope and grace.
In addition, Dave is excited to observe and capture the local landscape in sketches as he builds a library of images for the Kwakum translation project. Amanda is excited to see the flowers and crops that are grown in a tropical climate. Our children are excited to see what kinds of new bugs we can find to tell them about (Jakob is sorry we can’t bring them home with us).
We are so moved by the outpouring of prayers and financial support by so many. We know we can not complete this trip without the support of God’s people. If you haven’t signed up for our digital prayer letter, please do at:
You can be praying for us in three ways:
- That we will remain healthy while traveling and that our trip would be effective.
- That we are able to get the remaining logistics of our Vision Trip sorted out, e.g., provisions for the kids at home, visas, travel arrangements, etc…
- That God will raise up a consistent base of long–term prayer and financial partners as we work toward full-time missions following our trip in April.
And we have praises too:
- For the encouragement we’ve received from our local church.
- That God has provided equipment we needed for this trip.
- For the financial donations that make our trip possible.
Please let us know how we can be praying for you!
Thank you. Love,
– The Ernst Family: Dave & Amanda, Johnathan, Josef, Jakob & Méi
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all,... -1 Tim. 2:1-6a
You can learn more about the 10+ years of Bible translation work by Dave and Stacey Hare on their website: haretranslation.com