Plans Change

Liz Ortiz
Aug 4
4 min read

The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9

My friend Kristin and I had been talking for nearly 4 years about her coming out to Togo. For months before her arrival, we discussed and made plans for ministry. We were filled with anticipation when we pulled up to the school for VBS. A few kids ran out to us with big smiles and shouts of delight. As we walked into the school, we were surprised that only 5 of the 24 students showed up. We continued as we had planned. We shared the story for creation. The students were really into the story, possibly the first time that someone told them the story of creation. We followed the lesson with a craft on creation. It was a good day and we excited about the next day of VBS. However, as we were getting ready to leave, the teachers approached me that there was a change in the schedule. School would be canceled for the rest of the week, not for any reason. So, our 4-day VBS turned into a 1 day VBS. They assured us that the teacher training and camp would happen as planned. We are disappointed that our VBS had to be cut short, but thankful for the day that we had.

One of the first pieces of advice that a veteran missionary shared with me when I was first pursuing missions was, "Learn to be flexible. Plans change all the time." The following week we had a teacher training at the school for the deaf scheduled. I was a little worried that it might be canceled just like VBS. I knew it was in God’s hands, I was trusting Him that this is His plan. When we arrived at the school, I was relieved that the teachers were there. As we sat down, each teacher pulled out the notebook that I had given them at Christmas time to take notes. It made me happy to see them using them. The time was encouraging with the teachers. We laughed and had great conversations. We treated them to lunch both days of the trainings and enjoyed good fellowship. We were thankful that the trainings went as planned.

The teachers shared with me that only 5 of the 8 students that I had invited to camp could come. I was disappointed that 3 couldn’t make it, but happy about the 5. When Agbeko and I pulled up to the school to pick up the children, we were greeted by families. Agbeko asked me, “How many are coming?” I turned to him, “Five.” A teacher quickly added, “actually, seven.” I looked around and saw two of students who said they couldn’t make it, came after all! We picked up 2 sets of brothers that are from two different villages. Altogether, I had 11 students come with me to camp!

As we arrived back to the center and began to unload, Lamy’s jaw dropped as she stared into a group signing. She asked me, “Are they all deaf?” I replied, “Yes, they are all deaf.” She quickly turned to her friends and told them, “Look! They are all deaf just like us!” They were excited to see deaf adults signing with each other. During the large group gatherings, they loved to copy sign what the teachers were saying. It was fun watching the world open before them.

We weren’t sure how many kids we would have for our lesson times. Most of the campers are young adults. We were surprised that we had more than 40 kids under the age of 14! This is more than double what we had last year! The games, crafts, and lessons went over well with the kids. The Gospel was presented many times throughout camp. With the language development being low with the children, we don’t know how well they understood, but we know lots of seed were planted. It was encouraging to me to see several of my kids react to the different stories. A couple times I saw them sign, “I know that sign! I understand!” Please continue to pray for their hearts.

186 people attended deaf camp. 6 countries were represented: Togo, Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, USA, and Canada. There were some challenges at camp. But overall, it went well. There was lots of laughter, fun, and learning. We played field games one day and did water games with a slip n slide the next. Everyone had so much fun! It was a good time of fellowship too. At the end of camp, 24 people made Salvation decisions. Praise the Lord! Please continue to pray for these 24 people as begin their new life in Christ. Please also pray for all the seeds planted at camp that God would continue to draw them to Himself.

Thank you so much for praying for this busy season. God is good. There may have been changes in some of our plans, but it all worked out. After all, His plan is always best.

God bless,

Liz Ortiz

Prayer Requests:

Please pray for these 11 students that I brought to camp that God would continue to work in their hearts: Lamy, Landrine, Kékéli, Safianou, Françis, Bertin, Azize, Komla, Koffi, Shadrac, and Jonas.
Pray for someone(s) to join me in the ministry.
Pray for those who came to camp tht God would continue to work in their lives.
School starts mid-September. Pray for wisdom on how I can best support the school and encourage the students and staff.
I will be coming home mid-December for a 7 month furlough. Pray for wisdom as I prepare. Pray that I can find a vehicle that I can use while I am home on furlough.

Praises: