“What are you guys doing out there?” I yelled out the window to Justin after hearing several shouts and squeals. “You don’t want to know!” he yelled back.
He was right.
I didn’t want to know that there was a deadly black mamba along the wall of our apartment building! I should have minded my own business; but instead I watched from the window, as my husband and 4 neighbor men spent close to an hour working hard to kill it.
Let’s be honest, I dislike all snakes!…But a snake whose bite is 100% fatal without anti-venom…yeah I really HATE those snakes!
It was a reality check, that’s for sure!
The deceiver is not happy we are here to join the Lord’s work. And he wants us to live in fear.
In spite of this, we know that we are right where God wants us to be. When anxiety knocks at our door, it’s encouraging to remember: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
God is good! On that note, here is some good news from this past month:
1. We purchased a truck, & Justin is doing a great job of finding his way around the city!
2. My parents came to visit us for 10 days. They were able to bring us some extra supplies from the U.S. and we enjoyed spending quality time together.
3. The Lord is doing great things throughout this area! Justin loves joining our ministry partners for nearby discipleship trainings whenever possible.
4. Oh and in case you are wondering, we burned down all the brush around our building and bought a machete!
Thanks for checking in, and please continue to pray for us as we serve the Lord in West Africa.
– Rachel
The Hoys' Blog 
We miss your family but know you are doing Gods will for your life praying for you and Praising the Lord for your journey with Him
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Thank you George and Brenda!
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Wow!! You are right! If God is for us, who can be against us?! We love you guys and are praying for you always. We are so proud of you guys! 🙂 God will pave the way for you to accomplish the work He is doing through you! Continued prayers for your protection…God is on your side!
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Thank you Corey and Shannon!
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A machete is an important tool !! God bless you guys on this jouney!
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You’re right, it’s definitely necessary here.
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That certainly is a reality check with a family with little ones. Do not let it over take your thoughts. I always used it as an opportunity to learn about the danger and behavior of each of the snakes. Thinking of you all and praying for each of you. Praying for continued success in language study. Praying for your relationships with all those around you. Blessings to you sweet Hoys.
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Thanks Amy, yeah we definitely have to be on the alert. There was a green mamba at one of the trainings about a week after the black mamba incident. I’ve been telling the kids that if they see a snake to get away from it as soon as possible and tell a grown up. It’s kinda sad that they won’t have the luxury of playing outside alone since we don’t have a courtyard.
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So is there a den nearby?!…been praying God would destroy all dens in the region!!! Been praying Isaiah 54:17 over you guys, also for favor for land for the training center. Hope and pray language classes are becoming fruitful!!! Love y’all!!!! Until the nets are full!!!!
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Thank you Brad & Jean! Until the nets are full!
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I’ll have to look up what a momba looks like. I’m so happy that Justin and the neighbors were able to kill it without getting injured. Thinking about you daily my dear friend. There is no better place to be than Gods will. So happy got burned bushes, machetes, and helpful neighbors.
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I was surprised to learn that the black mamba is more gray/beige in color. Its name comes from the pitch black color of the inside of its mouth. Thank you for your prayers sister!
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Glad you are doing well and we’re protected! Miss y’all
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Thank you! Please tell everyone in Sunday school that we say hello.
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We love getting your posts and hearing about your adventures. Knowing that our “Lord” will surely take care of snakes of all kinds. Our hope is in the Lord God who made heaven and earth.
Blessings
Jerry & Beckey
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Late in responding to this, but we are praying for you at Wayne Hills. Glad God is working in your family already!
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