Teaching English in a Village

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.        -2 Corinthians 4:6 

The focus of our summer was to partner with local believers to reach the “N” people with the Good News through medical outreach and English lessons. Most of my time was spent working at the mission hospital with the nurses and doctors. I was also able to join Emily (from our team) and the rest of the group teaching English at Island E. Because we worked in an almost exclusively Muslim environment, the task is slow and focused on showing God’s love by spending quality time learning about their beliefs and their daily lives and demonstrating that we care. 

One example of this came from an English lesson in a village of the “N” people. We had a time of questions and answers during which the class asked us why we were there. They couldn’t believe that we came just for them and that we cared about them. Also, as they shared their hopes and dreams for the future, we were able to connect with them and show them that they are important, and that God has a purpose and plan specifically for them.

God is using this English course, which was already in place and will continue while we’re gone, to open minds and create a foundation for the Gospel to be known. The soil is rich, and the seeds are being sown. These people are ready to hear.

Join us in praying that God will draw the “N” people to Himself. 

Daily Routine

Sunset on the road to a village to do some physical therapy!

Washing, rinsing, & drying our own dishes... by now we have our own system going.

 

Whenever we walk down the main street in front of the hospital,

we can get a sweet view of a sand mountain from across the river.

2013 North Africa: We're Not in Kansas Anymore

Week 2

We are nearing the end of week 2 and are beginning to better understand the ways we are NOT at home, in that we are trying to mold ourselves to our new culture.

While we knew this long journey would take us halfway around the world, we did not know what it would be like living here---really living here. 

This has been a great learning experience, meeting people, sharing life, and seeing Him through different eyes.

We passed by these people dancing and making music while walking through a beautiful garden in the city. (video below)

The culture is EXTREMELY hospitable... Before seeing patients, we have met at the village's medical clinic where they give us soda, that we must finish before we can leave. :)

2013 North Africa: Drink up the kindness! One for each of the team

Another big part of every day are the calls to prayer, 5 times a day... Each time the call sounds off, we are reminded to lift up this people who are in so much spiritual darkness. (short video below) 

Ask Him for this nation, that He would shed His Light and save their souls. 

2013 North Africa: Seeing Dreams Bear Fruit

Week 2 

PV had a vision of a building being built for service to a poor community. And here we are several years later, standing on the roof of this building. 

2013 North Africa - The view from the roof (soon-to-be second floor) of a building used for His work.

On the way to the top of the building, we passed by many ladies with heads covered, we passed by children walking around and singing songs, and we saw a group of young people studying the Word. We were blown away to hear songs praising His name. 

2013 North Africa - After singing, the kids are getting ready to do some coloring.

PV hopes to add a second floor to this building where young people could stay, learn more about the Word, and serve the surrounding community. 

2013 North Africa - Ladies praying before leading the activities.

 PV desires that this will be available for the younger generations to know Him and make Him known.

2013 North Africa - The view of the children from the top!

 This is easy for me to write about, even exciting to hear and talk about; but to have actually lived through this, pushing through the obstacles, discouragements, and the long years from when he received this vision in a dream to the day this was open for service, is a completely different experience and story. 

I asked PV about his unwavering, steadfast faith, saying that I wanted something like it, and he said "Stay strong in the promises of the Book. Believe them and hold to them more than anything, more than you even believe yourself." 

May that be true. 

2013 North Africa - See part of the beautiful garden in the midst of so much desert and dry land!!!!!

2013 North Africa: Redefining Dependence

Week 2 

From day one, we witnessed a different kind of dependence on the Lord...

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; 

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

"The believers here pray before any decision is made, 

before we start anything, before we go to work. 

They prayed for a scheduling meeting for our team. 

They prayed for the weather one day for their daughter to take a test. 

They prayed over material we brought, just in receiving it!!

It's completely different from the way Americans view prayer here…. 

Look at our American lifestyle: We wake up every morning and get in our cars, drive to work, take care of the kids, etc. ---We don't need any help with that..

- thoughts from E

2013 North Africa Team En Route...

After several days of training, we began our travels with our first flight on Thursday evening. We are SO excited to finally be here! 

As we are going, we are incredibly grateful for being "covered", with so many "standing in the gap" and fighting with us from home. THANK YOU!!

Please ask:

• for us as we get used to the heat

• for good communication 

• for us to hear, trust, and obey His leading

Praise:

• safe arrival 
• warm welcome for us

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course... to testify to the Gospel of grace of God. Acts 20:24

Meet the 2013 North Africa Team

2013 North Africa Team

Hey Everyone!!! Thank you for joining us!!  We are a team of four from Chattanooga: M, A, E, and G. We will be serving a local hospital and visiting the surrounding villages. We hope to engage the "N" and "B" people groups with the Good News during our time in North Africa this summer.

2013 North Africa: Selling Water

2013 North Africa Team

"You cannot sell water in the street when everyone is selling water. You must sell water in the desert."

We heard a man speak about going out, even as we are going, to places near his home, to his own people, where there is very little witness. He encouraged others to make this a priority regardless of the consequences. We heard several share about little victories as well... It was encouraging and convicting to hear the same Message all the way around the world, in a place where the stakes are much higher than our home! Ask for boldness for these people. (Col.4:2-4)