October 31, 2011
The following is compiled from adapted excerpts of reports written by Alliance workers David Manfred and Debbie Vik; Jimmy Jacks, a freelance photographer from Hollywood Hills (Florida) Alliance, also contributed to this story.
Southeast Asia, including Cambodia and Thailand, has been enduring significant flooding. In Cambodia, the flooding has been the worst seen in more than 10 years. Recent estimates in a local paper report that as much as 13 percent of this year’s rice crop appears to be lost to the flood. Many homes have been destroyed, and there have been more than 200 flood-related deaths.
In Bangkok, people have been asked to evacuate because of the flooding; the government has turned off water and electricity in some of the more affected areas. Nearly everyone has been impacted one way or another, whether by leaving homes and jobs, being caught in landslides, or suffering from lack of food and water because trucks have been unable to bring supplies to cities due to major road closures. “Several of our churches and members’ homes have water up to the top of their first floor,” reports Debbie Vik.
CAMA (Compassion and Mercy Associates) has been partnering with Alliance churches and other organizations to help with relief. “This is a wonderful time for Christians to reach out to help suffering fellow Christians and for Cambodian Christians to reach out and help their neighbors,” says Jimmy Jacks. “Pray many will come to Christ via this disaster and caring Christians.”
What You Can Do
Pray for Alliance workers around the world, including those who are ministering to the people impacted by the flooding.
October 28, 2011
The following is adapted from David Manfred, field leader for Cambodia
Cambodia, along with the rest of Southeast Asia, has been enduring significant flooding in many parts of the country—the worst seen in more than 10 years. CAMA (Compassion and Mercy Associates) and several C&MA Cambodia team members have been responding with assistance in several hard-hit areas. In most places, this help is being given in cooperation with local Cambodian Alliance churches.
Pray that the flooding will subside soon, that the Lord will use this hardship for His glory, and that the assistance given in the Name of Christ will meet needs and help people understand that Jesus loves them.
What You Can Do
Pray for Alliance workers around the world, including those in Cambodia.
The following is an adapted excerpt from a blog entry written by a brand new mom who serves with her husband in marketplace ministries in Africa. (Check out the Learn More section, below, for more about marketplace ministries and the deadly toll taken by malaria-bearing mosquitoes in Africa.)
It’s hard to fight your instincts. When you see a big, fat mosquito land and start chowing down, all you want to do is smack it from here to Timbuktu (about 1,000 miles). I lifted my hand to do just that, but the mosquito was sitting on Glenn’s* precious little face while he sat a couple feet away in his bouncy chair. Talk about conflicting instincts—protecting your sweet baby and killing the offender.
We are at the end of rainy season, which means malaria-carrying mosquitoes are everywhere, day and night. In the kitchen cabinets. In the shower. In the car. In our bedroom—even-though-we-just-sprayed-it-yesterday. In the fridge (Not even kidding. I saw one in there last week.). And often, within the walls of the very net that hangs over our bed for the purpose of keeping them OUT.
The day in August we brought Glenn home from the hospital was crazy and exhausting. At about 6 p.m., I was so tired that the room started to spin and I felt myself collapsing, getting him into my husband’s arms just in time.
Several long, tiring hours later, Glenn was finally asleep. The power was out, so I used the light from my battery-operated headlamp to see as I very slowly and gently placed him between us in our bed, the only place protected by a mosquito net. The sleep I so desperately needed was just minutes (seconds?) away.
Then I saw him—a tiny black dot swooping around Glenn. How this mosquito had gotten inside our net, I have no idea. But he was there, and at some point in the night he would be hungry. Without even thinking, I scooped Glenn back into my arms and started bobbing my head around, frantically trying to find the mosquito in the beam of light.
Then I started thinking. And I got mad. Livid mad. I got so mad at God for bringing me to a place where on my baby’s first night at home we had to deal with this crap. There was no joyful oohing and ahhing over him as he slept peacefully in his crib in a decorated nursery. Instead I had to be a mosquito warrior with only one free hand and a thin stream of light as my weapons.
As I was spewing my angry thoughts at God, letting Him know the many ways He could have worked this day out better for me, I heard a calm voice speak to my heart, “Don’t you think I’m bigger than this mosquito? I’ve never failed you. Now trust me with your son.”
I put Glenn back down in the bed. (I’m not going to pretend I didn’t worry about him getting bitten, but I did get the sleep I needed.)
That night God didn’t whisper a promise that Glenn won’t ever get malaria. But He did remind me that every time I’ve trusted Him, He’s shown Himself to be bigger than the mosquitoes buzzing around my life.
*Name changed.
Learn More . . . mosquitoes and malaria
“With the summer rainy season come mosquitoes, and with mosquitoes comes malaria,” says pediatrician Jason Foster, who works at the Koutiala Hospital for Women and Children in Mali, West Africa. “I knew it was dangerous, but I didn’t know it kills more than 1 million people a year.” [Most are young children in sub-Saharan Africa]. “I knew malaria caused fever and a bad headache, but I didn’t know it could cause renal failure, coma, seizures, and permanent neurologic problems. We’ve seen and treated these cases in the past few weeks. Most of the complications occur in children and mostly to those whose families don’t—or can’t—seek medical care quickly enough.”
To further understand malaria’s devastating effects upon children in Africa, read the alife article “Wiping Out Malaria” by Tim Ziemer.
Learn More . . . marketplace ministries
Marketplace ministries (mm) deploys and supports lay professionals to enter countries closed to traditional missions workers. Through professional endeavors, mm servants—some of whom receive partial GCF funding as well as raise their own support—are able to build relationships in the communities where they live and work. Because of the sensitive nature of these initiatives, only the vaguest descriptions are provided.
What You Can Do
Pray for the safety of children and families who must fend off malaria-carrying mosquitoes as well as for a vaccine to be developed that will wipe out this pernicious disease. Remember to pray for Alliance workers around the world.
Give to the Great Commission Fund. Celebrate how gifts to the GCF enable Light-bearers in more than 50 countries to engage in holistic ministries that bring present and eternal hope—in Jesus’ Name.
October 25, 2011
The following is an adapted excerpt from Barry Jordan, serving in Indonesia.
Papua is in the midst of turmoil. At a recent Papuan Congress, a group proclaimed independence from Indonesia, resulting in police and military action. During the last week, seven people have been found dead in a city just over 10 miles from where we live.
In many respects people are going about regular business, but there is an underlying unease. I canceled my ministry with Team Joshua (an Alliance youth outreach) because of unresolved tensions in Abepura. In Timika, on the southern coast, thousands of striking workers from Freeport McMoran, a large international mining company, have shut down production. Four deaths have been reported in relation to the strike. Large demonstrations have the city on edge.
Political divisions in Ilaga, where my wife, Patty, was born, have seen more than 35 people killed. A Bible translator, who works with an Alliance couple, lives in Ilaga. Because of the revenge cycle that controls wars in Papua, this man is in danger, as he happens to be a relative of those on one side of the conflict. This past week, the son of a political leader was killed; that leader has proclaimed to all his family that this death ends the war and covers for all the unavenged deaths on their side.
What You Can Do
Pray for a harmonious settlement to the dispute and for lasting peace in Papua. Pray, too, that there will be true forgiveness and that the Prince of Peace will rule in the hearts of all those in Papua.
Pray for Alliance workers around the world.
Give to the Great Commission Fund. In doing so you partner with Alliance workers, like the Jordans, to spread the good news in regions of the world where many are desperate for peace, including the people of Papua.
October 24, 2011
The Alliance is grateful to God for His faithful provision through the Great Commission Fund (GCF) to send, support and equip active light-bearers in more than 50 countries around the world. The following stories from each of the International Ministries regions demonstrate our love for lost people through spiritual and/or holistic ministries around the world, made possible by GCF supporters.
AFRICA
Finding Hope at Dorcas House
Because you gave to the GCF, Alliance international worker Lorinda Robinson is able to share the story of God’s redemption with the 15 young women, ages 15 to 25, living at Dorcas House, a home that offers practical and spiritual mentoring to women who otherwise would be on the streets in Burkina Faso. With tears and joy, seven young women decided to give their lives to Christ for the first time. Each woman received her own Bible. Dancing around the room, lifting up their new Bibles, the girls expressed their deep joy in being able to read God’s Word for themselves. One recipient summarized her excitement: “I do not need to eat anything today–I have this Bible; it is enough to satisfy me.”
Alliance Medical Mission Lights the Way for Thousands
At Bongolo Hospital in Gabon, 1,724 people prayed to receive Christ in 2010. That is roughly 1 out of every 10 patients who came to the hospital during the year. Through the ministry of two faithful chaplains, the Holy Spirit powerfully delivered more than 200 people from the bondage of demonic spirits. The hospital’s national and missionary staff provided compassionate and professional outpatient services to an estimated 15,000 people during approximately 25,000 visits. They also provided inpatient and emergency hospital services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dr. David Thompson, field director and hospital administrator, expects similar results for 2011 when he completes statistics for the year. All of this is made possible by the generous gifts from people who support Alliance ministries through the GCF.
Tried by Fire
In September 2010, three local Christian men in Gabon were tied up by demon worshipping villagers who doused the believers with gasoline and lit their feet on fire. The men were brought to Bongolo Hospital, where Alliance international worker Dr. David Thompson, supported by gifts to the GCF, treated the men with skin grafts. After more than a month at the hospital, the men walked into their village and were greeted by believers who were singing and dancing in praise to the Lord for miraculously of saving their brothers in Christ.
The Senegal Connection
Doors have opened in Dakar, Senegal, for Alliance international workers to teach business courses in local universities, giving them opportunity to build bridges into the community that will bear the weight of truth. Also, health care needs of Senegalese people are addressed through a church-run dispensary, which allows Alliance workers to demonstrate the love of Jesus through compassionate care. Additionally, Dakar Academy students, most of whom are Alliance MKs, experience ministry firsthand by going to remote villages to participate in evangelistic events. Without GCF support, none of these outreaches would be possible.
ASIA AND PACIFIC
Saved from Human Trafficking
At New Hope schools in Cambodia, approximately 400 Vietnamese children, who are illegal immigrants, receive elementary education as well as help to become Cambodian citizens. Upon completion of fifth grade, children receive scholarships for ongoing middle school and high school education. Supported by generous gifts to the GCF, New Hope helps to keep children from being sold into the bondage of human/sex trafficking.
Tsunami Tragedy Opens Doors to the Gospel
Because Alliance people faithfully support the GCF, international workers in Japan were able to relocate from Tokyo to the heart of the area affected by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. They are partnering with another mission agency to demonstrate the love of Christ in practical ways, such as providing rice cookers to shop owners who had lost all their kitchen goods in the disaster. Opportunities like this one open doors to share the life-changing message of the gospel in this least reached area.
Black Gospel Music Draws Japanese to Jesus
The Tokyo Journal reports that “thousands of Japanese [are] flocking to gospel singing workshops to clap their hands and sing praise to Jesus.” African-American gospel music has become very popular in Japan, and the phenomenon has inspired a new outreach by Kawaguchi Church, an Alliance congregation in Japan. Because of God’s provision through the GCF, Alliance international workers David and Vangi Kindervater lead this evangelistic effort that is meeting a very real social need in Japan. The idea of being in the “group” and a part of something is important to Japanese people, and this outreach has caused many to visit the church and ask questions about the meaning of the songs they enjoy singing.
Where There’s Hope . . .
Hope House Ministries in Hiroshima, Japan, is led by GCF-supported Alliance international workers, Ken and Kathy Young. The Youngs are using Hope House, which is located near a major hospital, as an outreach to people who have spiritual and emotional needs as they deal with hospitalized relatives. Doors are opening for ministry to doctors and nurses within the hospital, as well.
MKs Minister, Too
Through the ministry of Dalat International School in Malaysia, the children of Alliance international workers (MKs) are involved in many projects that impact their community. Service projects by MKs, whose education is paid for by the GCF, include cleaning at St. Joseph School’s Blind Center, walking with the blind, food distribution projects, and painting a nursing home. Alliance workers are confident their children are provided a quality education with spiritual emphasis in a safe environment when they attend Dalat International School.
From Prison to Praise
Friends of Isaan in Thailand is a GCF-supported Alliance church-planting initiative among the largely unreached Isaan people of northeast Thailand. A prison ministry has introduced Jesus to many incarcerated people, who have evangelized their home villages upon their release. EQ, a former gang member, gave his life to Jesus through the prison ministry. Since his release, he has led his family and many friends to Christ. Also, he married Jang, another former prisoner who trusted Jesus through the Isaan ministry. Together, the couple is training other believers to evangelize their neighbors, as well as celebrating the birth of their daughter, Manna, in June.
EUROPE/MIDDLE EAST
A Source of Hope
The Source community center in Bosnia is impacting the people of Sarajevo through English classes, film festivals, poetry readings, day care, and music lessons. The year-old center, strategically located in the heart of the capital city, is made possible by generous gifts to the GCF. Recognizing The Source as a valuable asset to the community, a few nonbelievers have eagerly joined the outreach that is reaching their neighborhood for Christ. Pray that they will soon place their trust in Jesus as their Savior.
Bringing God Back to the French
In 2009, GCF-supported Alliance international workers Brad and Tina Reynolds planted a French-speaking church, Eglise Protestante Internationale, the first new church in the Toulouse, France, suburb of Leguevin since the 12th century. After several baptisms and family dedications to the Lord, nearly 80 adults and children now attend the church. In September, three people followed Jesus in baptism, and church members currently are attending the weekly School of Prayer, where they are focusing on the Holy Spirit’s fullness in their hearts and lives.
A Light in the Darkness
An art gallery, Lego brunch, and two church plants combined as one church in Berlin, Germany, has resulted in many people coming to faith in Jesus through the Freischwimmer outreaches. Recently, a Christian preschool opened, providing biblically based education for the youngest generation of Berliners. Because the GCF supports dedicated Alliance workers, the light of Jesus shines brightly in Berlin, where God was all but erased from a post-WWII society.
God’s Peace in a War-Torn Nation
Partnering with a national evangelical church, Alliance international workers have established a church plant and community center–the first joint project, largely funded by the GCF, to take root in largely unevangelized Kosovo. The Ringjallja (Resurrection) Community Center, strategically situated across the street from the local teaching college, serves as a conduit by which Alliance workers can “influence the influencers” through services they provide to instructors, such as low-cost, quality photocopying services (teachers receive a number of free copies each month), English classes, Internet access, and quiet study areas. The center also serves as an evangelistic focal point for local ministries with a Christian bookstore, concerts, sporting camps, computer classes, and more.
Community Impact
A Madrid, Spain, suburb outreach that began initially with summer English camps has grown to include sports coaching and after school tutoring. City officials have encouraged the expansion of the project, noting that the outreach is meeting felt needs of the community. And in Granada, Alliance workers baptized nine people in the last month and led five additional people to the Lord through this GCF initiative. Now that is a great investment!
LATIN AMERICA
A Heavenly Alliance
Because of giving to the GCF, a church plant in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, called Alianza (The Alliance), began meeting officially in a new rented facility. People are coming to the Lord, and attendance is growing. Recently, four people enthusiastically declared their heartfelt desire to love and serve the Lord all their lives–all this made possible by God’s provision through the GCF.
Open Doors in Uruguay
Three small groups, including one for youth, are meeting regularly in Montevideo, Uruguay, as part of a church plant. These outreaches are led by Alliance workers who are supported by the GCF.
Multiplying Communities of Christ
Property was purchased and a building constructed for a new church-planting project in La Chicureo in Santiago, Chile. Since 1897, The Alliance has been shining the light of Christ into the lives of Chilean people. The new church plant in 2011 underscores the dedication of God’s servants who give to the GCF to ensure the gospel is heard in Chile.
Creative-Access Countries
A New Work
The opening of a new field in North Africa has been made possible through generous GCF giving. A leadership couple is there, establishing a preschool and community center as they prepare for the arrival of their team in August 2012. Currently, short-terms teams are helping to refurbish the ministry building. This initiative comes at a strategic time when doors are open to make Jesus known in a country with little access to the gospel.
Building Bridges
Medical assistance (nursing in villages, prenatal care, midwifery) and a women’s center that provides parenting, homemaking skills, and counseling courses have allowed Alliance international workers to build relationships with women in North Africa. English classes for university-level students as well as businesses that provide a community service also have opened doors to share the good news in a country with little access to the gospel.
Desperate Worship
Alliance workers in the Middle East have been able to help meet the desperate needs of refugees fleeing from countries with political upheaval. Because our workers are fully supported by the GCF, they have the flexibility to respond to provide basic necessities for those in need.
North and Central Asia
Blazing New Trails
Alliance leaders are visiting critically unreached areas of a creative-access nation for the purpose of planning a strategic initiative there. Meetings with national believers to pray and seek God’s direction regarding how to best begin ministry have led to the possibility of establishing IT (information technology) business models in the northern part of the country. As faithful supporters continue to give to the GCF, new initiatives like this will come to fruition for God’s glory.
New Hope in Two Countries
Two new fields in Central Asia were opened during the 2010-11 fiscal year, staffed by a total of 12 new GCF-supported workers. Moves like this are vital to our commitment to shine the light of Jesus in the neediest places but could not be undertaken at all if not for faithful giving of Alliance people to the GCF.
Help for the Needy
In Moscow, Russia, a help center for Central Asian migrant workers began operations, aiding workers with registration of their temporary residence in the city and helping them in job hunting. This kind of help, enabled through GCF dollars, is offered to people trying to navigate the complexities of life in a foreign society that views them as “second class.” The outreach opens doors to share hope in Jesus with them during a time when they may be ready to receive His truth. Already, several people have chosen to follow Jesus, two cell groups have been formed, and one believer who has returned to his Central Asian homeland has led others to the Lord in that country, where we cannot currently place North American workers.
The Least of These
Alliance workers in Ulaanbataar, Mongolia, have organized children’s educational centers in poor districts around the outskirts of the city. These centers are meeting felt needs of families in those areas where schools are overburdened and provide a business opportunity for believing educators who otherwise would have trouble finding work. This GCF initiative provides the location and impetus for small neighborhood churches to be planted. Faithful giving of Alliance people to the GCF makes this possible.
marketplace ministries (mm)
It almost goes without saying that many countries today are closed to the overt sharing of the gospel. Marketplace ministries deploys and supports lay professionals to enter countries that are closed to traditional mission workers. Through professional endeavors, mm servants, some of whom receive partial GCF funding as well as raise their own support, are able to build relationships as they work and live in those communities. Because of the sensitive nature of these mm initiatives, only the vaguest descriptions are given below, but specific prayer is greatly appreciated.
- A family is running two sustainable work projects, focusing on producing large water filters as well as crafting and fitting prosthetics.
- Long-term doctors are working in clinics and hospitals in several countries
- A family in Indonesia has started a school at the request of the village where they live. The school is staffed by nationals who are Christians and have been discipled by this couple over the last few years.
- A family owns a café and recording studio where people of the traditional religion feel free to discuss who God is and compare the Bible with their religious teaching.
- A couple in Asia runs an international school and is working with the underground church in a neighboring country.
- A counseling center was started as a combined work with GCF-funded personnel working with mm personnel. They are continuing to reach into earthquake ravaged areas of Asia, not only providing help for people still traumatized by the earthquake but also training locals in how to provide continued assistance to these people.
- Workers are reaching into two rural unreached people groups in Asia, seeing people come to faith, and forming new believers into communities of faith.
- A training program that focuses on urban professionals in an Asian city leads them to faith, disciples them, gives them opportunities to serve, and then challenges them to serve the Lord full time. It is seeking to reproduce this effective model in other parts of Asia.
- A single woman is working as an English teacher with three churches, which consist of Christian refugees.
- A professor is working at a leading university in Asia and is holding Bible studies in his home.
- A family in the Middle East is working and teaching at a leading public university.
- A couple in Africa runs an orphanage and has completed a new translation of the Bible in cooperation with a partner church.
October 14, 2011
The following is an adapted excerpt from Louisa Spagnolo, serving in Thailand.
For months I’ve been praying for a way to connect with my neighbors. I have greeted them, baked for them, let my dog play with their dogs in the park, yet somehow there was always a wall between us.
Several weeks ago I went to my colleagues’ house a few blocks away. (They are on home assignment, and I was working on their computer.) Upon entering the house, I noticed the office lights were on. I didn’t remember leaving them on last time I was there. I didn’t think much of it and began my work on the computer, which was also on.
I heard a banging noise at the back of the house but thought it was coming from a neighboring home (the buildings are so close to each other that something happening at the neighbors’ often sounds like it is happening in your own home). About 10 minutes later I went to get something from the kitchen.
Masked Man
As I came out of the office, I saw a man with a mask over his head, his arm raised as if to strike me with the handle of the machete he was holding. I tried to scream, but my voice wouldn’t come. When I turned to run, he grabbed me from behind.
“Be quiet,” he said, “I’m not going to hurt you.” And he didn’t. He took 2,300 baht and my ATM card from my wallet. He left my laptop computer and my cell phone; he also disabled the phone so I couldn’t make any calls. While he was there, I shared with him that I am an international worker who came to his country to help people like him. I told him that I wanted him to have joy and peace in his life. I urged him to make better choices, as the things he was doing now would not bring him happiness. After I had talked with him for 30 minutes, he tied my hands to the foot of a bed and left.
Several minutes later, I easily freed myself and came out of the house, crying. Some women were standing in front of a nearby home. I stopped and asked them for help, explaining what had happened. Before long, other neighbors heard the story. That afternoon I went door to door, asking people to be careful and to watch out for each other.
Making a Connection
For the first time since moving to this area six months ago, I made a deep connection with my neighbors. They were amazed that I wasn’t hurt-as well as sympathetic and thankful to me for coming and warning them. Most of all, they were surprised that I didn’t want to run home to America and hide.
You and I know who protected me. Praise God for keeping me safe and for giving me the presence of mind to speak grace to another in a moment of distress. I also thank Him for this unique opportunity to connect with my neighbors.
Pray that the Lord will continue to work through my relationships with these people—and that I will have boldness to seek them out. Pray, too, for my peace of mind. I love my home here and my neighborhood. I do not want to move, but I have more trouble feeling safe here. It is hard for me to go out and walk around the neighborhood like I used to. Pray that the Lord will restore my sense of security.
Also, pray that God will work in the heart of the young man who robbed me. Pray that as he reflects upon the things I told him, he will have no peace until he comes to know Jesus. Pray that other Christians will come into his life to explain more of what I was trying to tell him that day.
What You Can Do
Give to the Great Commission Fund. In doing so, you partner with Alliance workers, like Louisa Spagnolo, to be light to those who are walking in darkness, desperate for hope.
Pray for Alliance workers around the world.
By Brad Reynolds, serving in Léguevin, France
Over the course of the week, the enemy has waged a battle at Eglise Protestante Internationale (EPI) as we prepared for three baptisms and a child dedication. Two of our young boys have been hurt in accidents; one wears a cast on his arm, and another has a cast on his leg. A mother of four is now in the hospital due to blood clots in her lungs. Two families in our church discovered snakes (yes, even in France) in their kitchens. Then Tina came home the night before our service and said, “The pool is leaking, and it’s bad.”
We quickly gathered up towels and a bucket and headed back to the church, fearing the worst. As we emptied the pool, we wondered what we were going to do the next morning. Now a leaking pool is not a reason to be too upset, but, in addition to the previous events of the week, we were both troubled. As the night approached, the darkness seemed strong. After a sleep, I went into our garden to pray. It was time to do battle with the enemy. Because Jesus is the Victor, I was able to tell the “unwelcome guest” to go to the feet of Jesus.
The Battle Is the Lord’s
At the worship service, the Lord’s hand was evident. The sanctuary was full. It was so encouraging to pray for little Eloise, whose parents and six brothers and sisters stand committed to raising her with the Lord. And the three people who were baptized gave testimony to what God had done in their lives.
Pascale grew up in a difficult home and is going through a divorce. She came to know Jesus 20 years ago, while living in England, but it was only when she decided to become a member of EPI that she had to address baptism because of her fear of going under water. Emily, the sister of Eloise, made the choice recently that her mom’s faith wasn’t good enough; she needed to make it her own. Patrick, Emily’s younger brother, just turned 18. Over the past year, he has begun leading worship at EPI, and God has been speaking to his heart about making Jesus first in his life.
We rejoiced with applause as the baptized came up from the water, honoring Jesus. And, yes, Pascale trusted God as she allowed herself to be submerged under water. It was only after her baptism that she told everyone of her fear. Once again, applause came for her courage and her determination to follow Jesus even in the hard place.
This Battle Has Been Won
EPI is Jesus’ church, and we raise up His banners. Our worship was enthusiastic as we celebrated the Lord of all. Please pray for little Eloise who was dedicated to Jesus, as well as for Pascale, Emily, and Patrick to walk courageously and boldly in a society that is often indifferent to their faith. Among those present was a woman visiting for the first time. After 22 years in a cult, she recently walked out and gave her heart to Jesus. We praise God for her decision—redeemed fruit from the enemy’s camp. Though our adversary, the devil, tried to distract us, he did not succeed in keeping us from declaring God’s might works in our midst.
What You Can Do
Give to the Great Commission Fund. In doing so, you partner with workers overseas, like the Reynoldses, to ensure that the Light of the World is reflected in regions where steep challenges—spiritual and financial—hinder unreached people from receiving the good news.
Check out how your church can begin a Ministry Partnership.
Dig deeper—read more about our work in France.
Pray for Alliance workers around the world.
October 4, 2011
By Larry Wolters, serving in Burkina Faso
Gaoua is a village located in the smallest Alliance district in Burkina Faso. This region is inhabited by the Lobi, who have a reputation for being one of the most difficult people groups in Burkina to reach with the good news.
This summer, two short-term outreach teams from Alliance churches in the United States helped to build a worship center, an outdoor shelter, for a congregation in Gaoua. A team from South Hills Church Community in Henderson, Nevada, set the new structure’s posts; later, a team comprised of members from several Franklin, North Carolina, churches nailed on the roof to complete the project. Our interns took on a major project-management role with logistics.
Outreach with a Light Show
On the day we were finishing the roof’s installation, the skies grew dark—rain was on its way. The pastor asked to borrow our generator so the congregation could hold an evangelistic service.
As lightning flashed all around us and the rain began to fall, everyone ran for cover under the new shelter. The pastor, the only Alliance pastor in this district, then preached a bold message about new life in Christ in this corner of Burkina known for its opposition to the good news. Church members sang and danced with joy all night long.
When the service was over, the pastor sat under the new shelter the rest of the night, making himself available to anyone who wanted to know more about the joy and freedom found in Christ.
Worship Centers Needed
When I talked with the pastor, I learned that he had pleaded with the national Alliance church president for two shelters to be installed under which to hold church services. But only one was granted. When I met with the national church president the following week, I learned the reason: two such structures were desperately needed in the north for additional outreach to unreached people groups.
Please pray for the church in Burkina to be blessed with every means to reach all who are in desperate need of the Light.
What You Can Do
Give to the Great Commission Fund. In doing so, you partner with workers overseas, like the Wolterses, to ensure that the Light of the World is reflected in regions where steep challenges—spiritual and financial—hinder unreached people from receiving the good news.
Check out how your church can begin a Ministry Partnership with overseas Alliance workers.
Dig deeper—read more about our work in Burkina Faso.
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