Getting a chance to write an update is always good. This time I am writing
it and sending it by my friends who will be traveling to an internet
connection. Such is the life in Africa J
I wanted to update you all on the progress of the volunteers here in Konni
this week and in the ministry among the Fulani.
1) One of our close friends, a Chief of a local village has decided to
follow Christ. He has been thinking and praying about if for a long while
now and even though his choice could adversely affect his family, village
and position he has chosen to follow. He has shared his decision with his
wife who has also stopped doing the Muslim rituals and is wanting to learn
more about Christ.
2) Kar, a night guard, after meeting a Fulani Christian asked to begin
studying the bible with me each afternoon. We have read through the book
of John and just yesterday began Luke. Right now I am taking advantage of
John, the team leader's, theological knowledge, instructing and conversing
with Kar, helping me to better understand personal discipleship. Kar is
growing daily in his understanding. He amazes me with the things he pays
special attention to and the things that he does not bother with. His
favorite word picture is the dichotomy between light and darkness. He
talks about his friends that are still in the dark and how he desperately
wants them to know what it is to be in the light. What a blessing!
3) In Village D, our believers are encouraging to us, showing joy, peace
and patience even through their trials. Barti enjoys each time our team
comes and the men visit with him and disciple him each time. Socially it
is not common for a young woman to visit in his home, so my visits with
him are not frequent. This is why our volunteers are such a vital part of
our team! On the night our team slept in the village Barti's daughter had
been in labor for two days and we were asked to take her to the hospital.
She gave birth early that next morning to a baby girl! We were blessed to
be able to help the family in that way. Laya, the other believer in
Village D went to the hospital to help the young girl through her
experience. We are praying that God would be glorified through this
relationship and that those believers would feel the call of God to share
their faith with their brothers and sisters.
4) In Village RZ we are telling Bible stories weekly, orally and also
testing stories crafted by the OneStory team. That is one of the major
groups of men that we get to share the stories with. Two of the men are
especially interested in the stories, telling them back to us in detail
with great care. Please pray for them that they would understand the
eternal significance of these stories.