2006 Watchi Men's Conference	A testimony of faith and God's healing hand

Kodzo said that one of the reasons that he drinks so much is to relieve some severe pain that he is having. When asked what was causing him the pain he showed them a hernia about the size of the grapefruit on the inside of his left thigh. He said it hurt so bad he can't even stand up at times. At the men's meeting this week they told me about it and called Kodzo over to show me. After some discussion and prayer they decided that they would find the money to take Kodzo to the hospital for an initial exam and then I offered to pay for the surgery expenses to repair his hernia.

I'm excited about this for several reasons. First, I'm excited that the leaders cared enough about Kodzo to call him in to talk about his problem in love. Second, I'm thankful to the Lord for answering our prayers for Kodzo by revealing the main reason that he drinks so much. And third, I'm thankful that Kodzo was so open to share his problem with his brothers in Christ. Pray that Kodzo's surgery will go well and that this will lead to victory from his struggle with drunkenness.

The Watchi men's conference this week was incredible! Leaders came from all of the churches on Wednesday for an evening and morning of leadership training. Then on Thursday the rest of the men came from churches all over Watchi land for another two days of worship, fellowship, prayer, and Bible study. The theme this year was our role as husbands and fathers. The teaching was excellent! Clear evidence that God's spirit is maturing these men and changing their lives. We were also excited to discover that there are 10 preaching points going on right now. God is moving to bring the lost into his Kingdom!

Christine and the boys are doing well. Christine finished another nutrition course for her continuing education as a Dietitian this week. The boys are enjoying school and had a great Valentine's Day this past Tuesday.

Leaders pray a blessing over Anthony and Jeff

In a previous newsletter, we told of Mikadodo trying to decide if he would make the sacrifice to evangelize in a distant town. He has decided to start the work, and his cluster has already taken a collection to help get the work off of the ground. In the Nyinoume church, an appeal was made for $32 for a few sheets of tin to complete a building in another city church planting. That same morning all $32 was pledged. That was huge when one considers that a normal contribution there is between 2 and 3 dollars a week. The Nyinoume church and VoAsso churches are ordaining elders before the end of the month. Keep them in your prayers and praise God for their maturity.

As for our family, we are all doing well and appreciate your prayers.

It is amazing to watch the maturity of these Christians progress over the years. This maturation is showcased for us when they gather together for the conferences like the one we had this last week for the men. Not only are the blessings derived from the deep fellowship that is developing as well as the great testimonies of God's powerful intervention not even to mention the hours spent praising God and praying; but this year we were overwhelmed by the teachings. It was incredible to see the ways that the topic of being better fathers and husbands deeply touched everyone there. That pretty much dominated our week. We have continued to enjoy good health and it was nice to have Marty on the mend from his week of malaria.

The church in Vogan is doing better after the elders had a day of fasting along with the deacons. There seems to be more respect and unity among them as a group now. Continue to pray that they will follow through with their commitments to undergo training; love each other; and serve the church there. The cluster in Atitogon rejoiced with the wonderful release of Kossi, one of the Atitogon church's leaders, from jail on Saturday. He had been jailed because of a debt he was not able to pay and after he spent the day preaching to the other prisoners and evangelizing the soldiers told him to go on home for it wasn't right for him to not be with his church on Sunday. We were delighted to have both of Ahepe's leading men Boyi and Feli at the men's conference for the whole time. They seem to be really coming along in their faith. Pray for them to persevere. The elder's in Tabligbo did a great job hosting the conference. It has been an answer to many prayers to see them functioning as leaders and supporting each other.

Please pray for these churches that are still on the "weak" list: Amouzou Glita, Hompou, Atitogon, Togbonou Kope, Afakomi Kope, Ahepe, and Topeglo. God bless you for your love and prayers. The Koonces

We’ve had a full week. Last Saturday we went down to Lomé for the wedding of Laté, an agriculturalist who works with the Watchi Christians. The wedding was held in a large, urban church. It was interesting to see the more modern, modified-Western forms that the urban Christians have adopted as compared to the village churches that we are used to.

On Tuesday, Maureen and I went down Lomé to get some work done on the car and run some errands, intending to take advantage of a trip to the city to have a nice Valentine’s Day lunch. After we dropped the car off with the mechanic, we got into a crowded taxi to go a short distance to continue our shopping. That was a mistake. The people in the taxi turned out to be a band of thieves and I got my pockets thoroughly picked. We were out of the taxi and they had taken off before we realized what had happened. You can read more about this on Maureen’s blog, and Anthony’s perspective on the Grace Notes site (http://ourgracenotes.blogspot.com).

The later part of this week was filled with the annual men’s conference. The missionaries led the first part of the meeting on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, which involved leaders of the various churches. From Thursday afternoon through Saturday morning, the meeting was totally led by the Watchi Christians and they did an excellent job. This year’s theme was on the husband’s role in the home—a subject that really hit home.

Both of us have been concerned for our fathers this week, as both Maureen and Anthony’s dads have spent time in the hospital. Maureen’s father underwent a procedure to clear some blood blockage, and is experiencing some memory loss. Anthony’s dad had some symptoms of heart trouble, but a dye test did not reveal any new blockage. It is time when we wish we could be physically closer to our loved ones, and are very thankful both for God’s presence with them, and for other friends and relatives who are supporting them.

I think I have had the fanciest Valentine's meal ever! Jenna and I ate with the Crowson's on Tuesday night. With the God given gift Christine cooked up a delicious meal; rice topped with tender beef, bread sticks, salad, fruit dish, and heart shaped chocolate cookies. We had our own Valentine's card shaped like a heart with our names on it ready to be discovered on the dinning table. The table was decorated with a lovely white table cover. A candle was placed in the middle of the table and a vase of flowers giving off their sweetness stood off to the side. With music in the back ground we had it all. We later played the game nertz (first time for Jenna and I). It's a card game for all those who don't know. Jenna caught on really fast...me on the other hand just had a good time being apart of the game :).

Monday was also a treat. Brenda blest me with a riding lesson in English. With her talents and experience with riding I had noticed a major difference in my riding. I think she should be a trainer. I hope she keeps up with it when she moves to the states....it is definitely a passion of hers. It's fun watching her be around these beautiful creatures. May God continue to bless her with the joy of riding and the opportunity to carry on with this passion of hers.

Things continue to go well. Thank you for your prayers for this team and for me. They are truly amazing and I will always be blest with this experience. May God continue to bless you. With all my love.