Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Sahel Update


Every Sunday in “GR”, basically everyone in the town and from the surrounding villages gathers for market.  What that means for us is that there are thousands of people in a concentrated area to greet and build relationships with as we restock our cabinets.  Last Sunday, Olivia and I (Anna) had not had any language study, so going to market consisted of us standing by and listening to Cameron speak to the dozens of people who greeted her.  
We just finished a week of language study.  Monday through Friday was spent learning Fulfulde, which is what we will be speaking while in village “B”.  Saturday consisted of Hausa study, as that is the primary trade language in “GR”.  Hopefully, our new knowledge of these languages will be put into good practice for the glory of God as we venture to market for the second time this Sunday! 
Our language study has actually served a larger purpose than just teaching us the language.  Zakari, our teacher, is a follower of Islam.  We were learning religious terms on Thursday when he excused himself around 7 p.m. to go to prayer like he does every day. When he came back, we started a conversation with him about what he believed in relation to what we believe.  We learned that he does, in fact, have a Bible that he reads and compares to the Qur’an.  We are so thankful that he is inquisitive and are praying for his eyes to be opened to the Truth!

In addition to Zakari, we have been able to build several other relationships with Fulani families both in “GR” and in village “B”.  We have visited some families of believers in town simply to sit and talk with them.  One of those families has a brand new baby that we are hopeful will be raised in the way of the Lord!  On Wednesday, we walked out to the bush for a beke, a baby naming ceremony.  Again, we got to meet a ton of people with whom we will hopefully be able to share the Gospel over the course of our time here. 

This Monday marks the beginning of our living in the bush during the week.  With a new knowledge of the language, several new friends in the village, and new African outfits (which we got Friday and are SO excited about!!), we are eager to begin a new portion of ministry here!  At the same time, we know that this also marks new challenges.  In our house in “GR”, there is running water, air-conditioner and electric light (most of the time at least), and privacy.  Not so in the bush. 

Please join us in praying for:
·       Language development.  Though our formal Fulfulde language study is over, we are about to be immersed in the language and will need to persist in our learning and studying so that we can build and maintain friendships and share the Gospel effectively. 
·        Zakari and his family.  Zakari and his wife are expecting their first child in around three months.  Though we will not be here when the baby is born, we are praying for health and salvation for Zakari’s entire household.  
·       Other locals who are being exposed to the Gospel.  Several of the people in “GR” that we have visited lately have one believer in their family.  Pray for boldness for those believers to share with their families and that the ears and hearts of their family members will be open to hear the Good News. 
·         Personal strength.  As we move to the bush full-time, all three of us will need strength and endurance to handle the climate and to meet the needs of the many people around us.  More than ever, we will need to be in the Word and with the Lord as much as possible. 

On our way to the beke Wednesday, we saw many people planting crops in preparation for the rainy season, including these men, who use a camel to pull their plow.  We’re praying that in addition to providing for their spiritual needs, God will meet the physical needs of the people here.