Journey of faith: West Africa to Chico

From a village in one of the poorest nations in the world to the home of a Chico family, it's been a long journey for Koudougou Koala, who just started his second year at Butte College.

[Alberto Hernandez]

Wow! All things are possible with God! What a true test of faith.

[Estelle]

I am so glad to see that ChicoER reported on Koala, it's about time his story was told on a larger scale! The first time I met Koala, I was the only R.A. on duty at Craig Hall (it was during one of our winter breaks so not many people were around). He came in and shook my hand and said "Hello, my name is Koala, and praise God", I said "well hello, my name is Estelle, and praise God". I was so excited to have met him, but I must confess as I learned more about his situation I became worried. I knew he was in desperate need of food, lodging, and money for tuition, not to mention the fact that he did not have a return ticket to Africa. I really learned a lot about faith over the next few days as I watched God provide everything in abundance for Koala, and all the while Koala steadfastly believed in God for that provision! Koala knew God would provide and I was just so excited as everything came together. Evonne and I said that Koala was like a missionary sent to us, because he came from a place where he had so little and yet his faith in God is so great, while it often winds up being that Christians in America who have so much often lack great faith in God. So Koala is a witness for us, and we can learn much from him, as he humbly seeks God. He is my brother (in Jesus) and all I can say is God is so good!

[Jack Hacking]

Nice article.Well written for a topic that could easily fall to hyperbole. Its strength is in its reporting of both fact and heart.

At this time of national debate for high office in this country, it is a nice reminder that the much of the world still thirsts for opportunities we take for granted.

It is also nice to notice that small miracles continue to happen to people with the conviction and courage to follow their dreams.

Nice reporting Magee.