November 20, 2014
Since we arrived in 1977 in what was then called Upper Volta, my husband, Doug, and I have been through five coup d’états in the country of Burkina Faso. We don’t believe Burkina has ever changed leaders without a military overthrow. The recent events in the capital, while troubling, were not unprecedented. Our ministry, and that of our colleagues, continues.
In 1991 Doug would ride on his motorbike to the town of Kankalaba to meet for a Bible study with the only Christian family in the community. This is one of the strongest fetish areas in Burkina; even the former president was known to seek supernatural protection from his enemies at a spot under the tall trees. This shelter proved false.
Today, there is a church not only in Kankalabe but also in Weleni, a center even further out in the bush. On the last Sunday in October, just days before protesters burned government buildings in Ouagadougou, we were able to encourage the Christians in Weleni. Because the church is growing so much, we promised to bring more benches to accommodate the increased attendance. The believers are meeting faithfully under a straw roof but the humble setting does not keep them from following Jesus. Their true shelter comes from the Lord.
Thank you for investing in us and in our ministry. Your gifts to the Great Commission Fund and our work specials have helped to sustain our ministry among the Burkinabé for nearly four decades.
By Karen Conkle, Alliance international worker in Burkina Faso
Pray
Please pray for Pastor Antoine and his wife, Rebekah, as they guard the believers from the influence of a false prophet.
Join the Alliance family in praying for Alliance team members worldwide, who often serve in challenging circumstances that require courage, wisdom, and trust in the Almighty. Use the weekly Alliance Prayer Requests to assist you.