What a man sows, that he will also reap!

In 1978, I walked through the doors of JEM at Le Chalet in Gobet; for me, it was like stepping through the wardrobe into Narnia. It was an encounter with the God who makes the impossible possible and works in vibrant colors. After the School of Evangelism, our team of 15 set off for Mali, following the path blazed by Joe Portale. From city to city, we met with students in high schools, sharing simple yet rich messages.

I met Ruth in Ivory Coast, and four months after our wedding in 1983, we left for Mali to plant a JEM chapter there. For 10 years, teams joined us from Lausanne or Burtigny for periods of three to six months. Several team members stayed with us, sharing the same passion: evangelizing and training disciples who would in turn train other disciples (the stories of Paul and Samuel).

Based at YWAM Bugnaux since 2019, we remain committed to our teammates and friends in Mali through visits and logistical support. The country is going through a difficult time; it is no longer possible for “white” missionaries to leave Bamako… But the seed has been sown; today there are six YWAM centers serving in the country, and there are many conversions.

Thank you to the Lord who gives life; thank you to those who have walked with us all these years. Let’s continue to water the seed through our prayers and generosity—the Lord is coming soon!

Jean-Patrick and Ruth Perrin

Mali: 50 years of investment by YWAM Swiss Romande is bearing fruit, with strong synergies emerging for children: Christian schools, King's Kids. In evangelism: DTS, teams, Bible distribution. Agriculture: Farming God’s Way, community gardens. Training: courses at the University of the Nations.