Would you prefer a printable PDF? Sign up here to get PDF copies of these letters by email.
Andrea and Mark Hotchkin
July 2026
Lukar (Let’s Go)
Dear Friends,
Nearly a month ago the tickets and visas were bought in hope and now, with a week to spare, the Partnership agreement and MOU are finally signed along with all the other papers that are needed. We will be returning to Chad on the 4th of July, as full members of the Chadian organisation, Association de la Dévelopement et la Paix (ADP), having worked closely with them in Bardai since 2017.
Its very hard to believe that having worked in N'Djamena throughout last year, we actually left Bardai in August 2024; it has seemed a long and at times difficult wait.
We are excited and yet wanting to listen carefully to God about how this next year might look in Bardai.
As we prepare to respond to Gods call again : 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you' Gen 12.
We return to some of the questions we talked about in our last prayer letter.
Where is God asking us to trust beyond familiarity?
How can stepping into the (nearly) unknown deepen our faith?
What “new land” is Christ inviting us to enter spiritually and physically?
In many ways we are going back to the 'normal'. There are practical questions, like 'will there be fresh food on the market?', 'will the new water tower supply us with water?' Other changes are a new emergency room and church building, but there will be many others which are less obvious. We pray that we will be listening to God's prompting and leading each step of the way as we seek to do his will and play our part in bringing his Kingdom on Earth.
Please join us in prayer for:
Goodbyes
We have already said goodbye to Rebecca on Iona and other family members and friends, but will spend a day with Ruth in London as we go.
Packing
That we remember all we need, it is hard to know exactly what we have in Bardai as it has been so long since we were there.
Travels
For smooth and safe travels and a quick readapting to life in Bardai and especially the heat, often 45C in July. We travel first to N'Djamena and then have a quick turn around as we fly up with MAF to Bardai 3 days later, on the 8th.
Bardai-Relationships
For wisdom as we rebuild our relationships with the friends we have there and find new ones. That we may be able to use our Tedaga to communicate better.
Our House
For sorting of the house and belongings, fixing the solar, getting water. That it will not be too complex and that our belongings are still ok.
The Hospital
Firstly, we give thanks for the work of Dr Abdelkerim and our other colleagues. As we restart work at the hospital again we need to discern what our renewed role should be? Hopefully Dr Abdelkerim will be able to return to Bardai as well after a recent stay in N'Djamena for holiday with family and visits to the Ministry of Health. Will there be changes in staff and how things are working? Will it all be familiar? What would God have us do?
We thank you for all your support and encouragement, may God also bless you and your local fellowship.