Count Your Blessings

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

With Thanksgiving recently behind us and Christmas just around the corner, we thought we would express our thanks to the Lord, and to you, for our blessings while we anticipate the celebration of our Savior’s birth. As we sat down to count our many blessings, naming them one by one, we were filled with gratitude and praise! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Health –Living on a hospital compound and working in a third-world country, we have seen much suffering and grief. We have mourned with mothers who have lost their children and rejoiced with ladies who have had successful VVF operations. Other than a few amoebas swimming around in our gut, our family has been relatively healthy and we are ever so grateful. Father God, you are the Perfect Healer-please work in the bodies and souls of our Nigerian friends. Thank you for protecting our family with good health.

Food – Nigeria offers an extensive variety of fruits and vegetables. Naomi plucks passion fruit, guavas, oranges and limes off our trees for daily snacks. We have extra to share and don’t take any morsel for granted. Since we haven’t had rain for over a month, and won’t have it for about five more months, water will soon become scarce. Thank you, God Almighty, for creating variety in food, and adequate supply of food and water.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Families – By the grace of God, we were born into families who taught us Scripture and discipline. The older we become, the less we take this for granted. As hard as it might be for our families to be so far from us and rarely hear our voices, they are each very supportive. Thank you, families, for staying in touch, praying for us, and showing your love for us in so many tangible ways! Lord, we are so grateful for our precious families in the states.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Fellow Missionaries – We do have frustrating days: a water pump breaks the same day as cooking gas runs out; neighborhood children steal our clothes off the clothesline; free time is almost nil; and we wonder where energy for the next day will come. We are often lonely: we are in the beginning stages of ALL of our friendships here; internet may be down for weeks which cuts us off from communication to our family; phones very rarely work and we miss our friends. HOWEVER, we are so thankful for fellow missionaries. Each Friday night we meet together for a meal, fellowship, and prayer. Fellow missionaries come from many denominations and countries, all with a heart for ministry. They have become a network of emotional, spiritual and physical support we desperately needed. Thank you, Father, for the sweet gift of fellowship, instant bonds, and a common calling found through fellow missionaries.


When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Heart for ministry – As children, we both remember thinking that the “worst thing” God could ask us to do was to become missionaries to Africa. We now can’t think of anything farther from the truth. Our daughters are also developing a heart for ministry. They enjoy leading a Bible Study/prayer time each afternoon with the children in our neighborhood. They share candy, Kool-aid, and small toys that some of you have sent. Thank you, Father, for calling us to Africa and giving us a love of sharing the Hope that is within us.


So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Supporters – Each day, we are reminded of your sacrifice, support and prayers that allow us to be serving here. When we are all in heaven, we hope you will be able to see the dividends of your gifts. So many times, I pause during the day thinking, “I wish our supporters could see the faces of these children as they hear the Word.” (Hey, we would love for any of you to come!) Please pray that our support level would increase as we struggle to adequately meet the needs of our family and ministries. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for each person and family who sacrifices so Your Name can be taken to each end of the Earth. May You be given all the praise, honor and glory in all we do!