November 4, 2011
The following is an adapted excerpt from a recent prayer letter by David Manfred, field leader for Cambodia.
Thank you for your prayers for Cambodia, which is experiencing the worst flooding in many years. More than 200 people have lost their lives, and the rice harvest has been significantly impacted. In areas where the needs are greatest, emergency food supplies are being distributed through several local churches.
Cambodia is a low-lying country, much of which is in a flood plain; that is why many Cambodian homes are built on stilts. But the floods this year have been much worse than normal. In many of the homes near the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, the flood waters have risen higher than the stilts. This particularly affects the Vietnamese minority, who tend to live on these rivers.
One of the outreaches of the C&MA in Cambodia is called “NewHope” ministries, which focuses on the 1 million-plus ethnic Vietnamese people who live in Cambodia. The number of Christians among them is far less than 1 percent. NewHope currently has eight small churches among the Vietnamese living here. Two of these churches have been under water for four weeks.
In the midst of this hardship, it is encouraging to see the faith of the faithful. A few Sundays ago, one of our international worker families from Australia, Tin and Anh Pham, went out to see how the Prek Kdam church was doing. Even though the water had risen above the height of the stilts and the floor in the church was flooded, they found that the believers had still come to worship—in boats. They tied them together in front of the church where they worshipped, shared in communion, listened to God’s Word, and prayed. Since the church flooded four weeks ago, they have been gathering together in their boats in front of the church every Sunday.
These are people, who—in the midst of the floods of life all around them—have chosen to build their “house” on the solid Rock of faith in Jesus: “‘As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built’” (Luke 6:47-48).
This church was started a few years ago through the faithful witness of Alliance international workers who continue to invest in developing new leaders, strengthening this church, and multiplying these efforts in many more places.
Thank you for your prayers for those who are being impacted by the flooding. We also thank you for your prayers for our field team and Cambodian believers, who are helping the peoples of Cambodia to understand that there is a true Rock upon which they can lean when the inevitable floods of life come. This is the eternal need that only Christ can address.
Thank you, too, for your support through the Great Commission Fund, which helps keep us here, impacting the multifaceted needs of this land.
What You Can Do
Pray for Alliance people around the world.
Learn More
Check out the December 2003 issue of Alliance Life magazine for Rest Beyond the River, a feature story about Beth and Rick Drummond, now-retired Alliance workers who founded the NewHope Evangelical School and Church in Phnom Penh.
October 28, 2011
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 14, 2011
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.
September 22, 2011
By Dr. Randall (Randy) and Deanna Harrison, serving at West Africa Alliance Theological Seminary (FATEAC), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
The following is an adapted excerpt from the Harrison’s recent update.
Every one of our precious FATEAC students has a story. We wish you could get to know them all. Since that’s not possible, we’d like to share one couple’s story to give you a better idea of the exceptional men and women training here to minister throughout French-speaking Africa.
The Best Laid Plans . . .
Around 20 years ago a young Burkinabe boy was enrolled in a school for the followers of his country’s majority religion. The boy’s father had high hopes that his son, Fabé, would eventually become a great leader for their faith. But God had other plans.
A strong-willed uncle had more down-to-earth ideas for the promising young student; he transferred him to another school that offered a more general education. Fabé continued his studies and grew up a devout follower of his family’s faith.
Because of his excellent understanding of the French language and his community’s ethnic Dzuundo (a dialect of the Mande language), Fabé was later hired by a team of Mennonite missionaries who were translating the Bible into Dzuundo. He ended up studying the Bible for a living.
New Life
Between innumerable hours spent in the Word, the testimony of his Mennonite colleagues, and the drawing of the Holy Spirit, Fabé found the Lord and his life was changed forever. He entered the ministry and began serving the Lord with zeal and humility. And he married a lovely young woman, Rebecca—daughter of the first known evangelical believer among the Sicite people in Burkina Faso’s Kenedougou province.
Fabé and Rebecca left their native Burkina to attend FATEAC in Côte d’Ivoire. They showed up with their small family, a little shy and overwhelmed. Fabé worked hard in the master’s program, and Rebecca entered the Women’s Academy.
A head taller than most of his classmates, Fabé became known for his humble service to others. I remember the first time I (Deanna) had Rebecca in class. She wasn’t confident in her reading and writing skills. But by her senior year she was a leader on campus and chosen to be class president of the Women’s Academy.
At the close of this academic year, Fabé defended his master’s thesis. (This is an in-depth research project culminating four years of studying on a theological, biblical, pastoral, or translation subject.) Thesis defense is done in public, before a jury, with invited friends, professors, fellow students, family members and pastors present. Denomination leaders often show up.
Senior Year and a Civil War
Some students invite their (African-style) church choirs. It’s quite the experience. (We should also mention that this has been a particularly challenging year for the seniors because they had to write their master’s theses during a civil war!) Defenses can last more than four hours.
Fabé did a study on the word “covenant” in the Old Testament and its meaning for his ethnic group in Burkina Faso to suggest guidelines for translating this important biblical concept into his native language.
It’s so amazing to witness what comes up in biblical studies in Africa. For example, when you’ve heard teaching on the concept of “covenant”, have you ever been given an example of two families drinking their co-mingled blood to seal a covenant!? Fabé shared this scenario to illustrate his ethnic group’s understanding of that word. He got through his thesis defense with flying colors.
Now he and Rebecca are back in Burkina, continuing in Bible translation and church ministry. We miss them.
We could go on and on, sharing stories about other students. But we’ll just ask you to pray for all of them. While you’re at it, pray for us as we teach and learn from these brothers and sisters in the Lord. God is doing great things in Africa, and we are grateful to be a part of it.
One More Thing You Can Do
Give to Alliance Great Commission Ministries. In doing so you partner with Alliance workers, like the Harrisons, to spread the good news in regions of the world where many people are desperate for the good news, including French-speaking West Africa.
September 15, 2011
The following is an adapted excerpt from a prayer update by Todd and Debbie Adams, Alliance field workers in Indonesia.
This past Sunday we attended a church service where Todd was asked to speak and lead communion. In January 2009, while this Body of believers was gathered together, a group from a breakaway movement came and started to burn the building down around the people inside. Some young men came in and starting hitting anyone who was around. It was with this same group that we gathered on Sunday.
Prior to our arrival, a church member had been warned that we were not allowed to come. We heard this news at the service while a woman gave her testimony. I bent over and translated to my daughter Jordan what was going on. She then said to me, “Mom, I had a vision this morning in my room: I was sitting here at this church when angry men came and started beating the church people. There was much screaming and chaos, but as I prayed, God’s Spirit came upon the church, and everything was still.”
We praise God that He indeed protected us from harm, and we had a sweet service together despite the threats during the week. There was peace and freedom as we reflected on what it meant for the Lamb of God to come and to take away the sins of the world. We enjoyed communion together, and the work was not thwarted. Someone was praying . . .
Our daughter Emily’s roommate attended the annual beach trip at the International school. She came away from this experience saying, “Something is different with the students here in this school.” After talking to the Bible school teacher, she realized that what is different in the lives of the students is Jesus. She invited Him to come into her heart. Someone was praying . . .
We are waiting on the Lord for His leading in ministry, and doors are opening. The days seem so full, and we ask you to pray that the times ahead will be Spirit-led. We ask that somebody would pray . . .
This morning Todd read the following words by Walter Wink in a devotional: “History belongs to the intercessors-those who believe and pray the future into being.” As we seek His face in prayer, things are happening. God bless you as you intercede.
What You Can Do
Give to Alliance Great Commission Ministries online. In doing so, you partner with Alliance workers, like Todd and Debbie, who are bringing the reconciling message of Christ to people who are desperate for His peace.
By an Alliance international worker in Kosovo
“I have been a believer for 18 years and have served in the church most of that time,” says Beki*, a young pastor’s wife whose ministry has impacted hundreds of people in Kosovo. “This is the first time I have had the opportunity to receive training for the things that I do.” Beki is a passionate, gifted, and effective leader. She not only leads the women’s ministry in her church but also serves on the national women’s commission. As my teammate and I heard her words, we were struck anew with the urgency to offer her, and women like her, the opportunity to receive training in a way that is accessible to them.
Equipping Women to Lead
The women of Kosovo are caught between two worlds. Society around them is modernizing at an alarming rate; they are bombarded with western media and its ideas of feminism. Yet they are bound to the traditions of women as sole caretakers of the home and children. Women in the church have embraced their freedom to be involved in work, ministry and leadership, but they do not want to forsake their familial obligations.
Training Kosovar women for ministry requires a program that takes into consideration the unique challenges that women face, balancing responsibilities in and out of the home. A resident program is not an option and an intensive approach would only lead to discouragement and drop out.
In August of 2010 the women of the Alliance Kosovo team launched the first Women to Women Leadership Training (WWLT) site in Prishtina, the capital city. Beki was among the first group of women trained as a facilitator for the WWLT courses that are designed with the unique challenges of women in mind. Immediately, Beki implemented the skills of her recent training as a facilitator on the national women’s commission, resulting in the most effective women’s event the commission has hosted to date.
A Spiritual Journey
For Beki the desire for her people to experience the light of Jesus is the impetus that led her to the Alliance leadership program. Raised in a home of the country’s traditional religion, Beki practiced the rituals and obligations as a child under the tutelage of her father and grandfather, who are respected leaders of their faith.
“Actually, the fact that I had to pray in [the religious language] was an obstacle for me,” says Beki, “as were other doctrinal issues. When I asked questions, I was told, ‘Thus says God, and you should do it, because you are indebted to him.’ Dissatisfied with the reply, I lived with doubt.”
When Beki was 16, she and her brother took a summer job in the State vineyards, where they met some boys noted for their bad reputation. One day, the boys began to sing about Jesus. “I was stunned!” Beki says. “I turned to them and said, ‘Do you know what you are singing? You are not allowed to sing about Jesus!’ They told me that they believed in Jesus as their Savior and Lord and invited me to their church.”
Surprised by the boys’ assurance of salvation, Beki’s interest was sparked to understand more about their faith. “I went to the church service, and for the first time, I heard a sermon about God the Father’s love for His children,” she says.
Beki began reading the New Testament with curiosity and a critical eye, looking for mistruths or contradictions. “At the same time, my brother also read the New Testament, and we discussed the Scriptures,” she recalls. “What we found was Jesus’ love for us. We returned to the church, and after the service, the pastor called for whoever wanted to accept Jesus as the Lord of their life. My brother stood up immediately, and I followed, asking the pastor to lead me in the prayer of salvation.”
So joyful was she about her newfound faith, Beki immediately began to tell family and friends about Jesus. She was met with cynicism and warnings; many criticized her. “The boys of the neighborhood called me Mary and spat on me, but I blessed them. They even began to think I was drugged because I did not respond with anger. After a time, my sisters and brothers accepted Jesus into their lives. My friends began to return to me, and my teachers’ respect for me returned. I thanked God for the time of persecution, because it was a time when I was assured that I am in the truth and that God is alive, working in me. My grief, anger, and desire for revenge were replaced with peace, love, and compassion for others.”
Lighting the Way
Beki’s husband realized the value of her training and agreed to take the responsibility of the home for a week, so that Beki could accompany Alliance international workers to a training event in Switzerland in Spring 2011. I am continually touched by Beki’s enthusiasm and gratefulness. She is a woman gifted by God, and with this training, her gifts will continue to multiply as she serves the women of Kosovo.
*Name changed
What You Can Do
Pray for the Lord’s empowerment for Alliance workers who are involved in training and equipping nationals for leadership.
Give to Alliance Great Commission Ministries. In doing so, you partner with Alliance workers to share the Light of Life with those walking in darkness, desperate for hope.
Learn More
Training believers to be leaders in their countries is essential to building strong national churches. Learn about the C&MA’s role in equipping national believers who are called to lead.
Read about a joint effort between Alliance workers and national believers to reach Kosovo with the light of Jesus.
September 1, 2011
By Diane Rorabaugh, serving in Russia
“Sharing love with those who have needs is the reason we do this ministry . . .” says Diane, who assists an outreach in southern Russia that supports impoverished families, orphans, and developmentally challenged people. The following is an adapted excerpt from her recent ministry update.
This summer I enjoyed a lovely trip to Maikop, a small city in southern Russia that is near the Caucusus Mountains, not far from the Black Sea. While there, I visited with Phariza’s family, probably the first family I met in Maikop when I began participating in this ministry long ago.
Phariza is a beautiful, tiny 20-something young woman who has cerebral palsy. She can’t speak but is still holding on to life. Many in the world would call her useless, but she has a spark in her eyes that captured my heart the first day I met her. I confess that she’s my favorite.
Sometimes
When we had dinner with the family recently, the best part of the evening was when Phariza’s mom, Irina, held her daughter on her lap and snuggled with her. Phariza had the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on her face, and the love between the two was evident.
Sometimes we share God’s love in this ministry by giving food, medicine, clothing, or sending a child to camp. Sometimes we do so through listening to stories, empathizing with pain, or telling about the God who loves more than anyone can imagine. Sometimes, the best way to share love is to hold a hand or give a hug.
By sharing in this ministry through your prayers and through your gifts, you are helping to shine God’s light in the darkness—thank you!
What You Can Do
Give to Alliance Great Commission Ministries. In doing so, you partner with Alliance workers to share the Light of Life with those walking in darkness, desperate for hope.
Learn More
Read another article about Diane’s ministry to “the least of these.”
Check out Diane’s blog. (Note: clicking on this link will take you off of the C&MA Web site.)
August 15, 2011
The following is compiled from adapted excerpts of reports written by Kevin Oberg and Andrew Schaeffer, Alliance field workers who recently accompanied a short-term outreach team to Kenedougou, Burkina Faso’s westernmost province.
A youth group from the Moses Lake (Washington) C&MA Church has adopted the village of Samorogouan. For several years they’ve invested in this village through prayer, giving, and sending two short-term teams to minister.
During the group’s recent trip to Burkina, one of the activities on their itinerary was to visit the chief of the village of Djiguan, which is next to Samorogouan. We—Kevin, Toby Hull (another Alliance worker), Andrew and his sons, and Abigail, an intern—accompanied them.
Upon arriving in Djiguan we were treated to a royal welcome—benches and chairs had been set out for all 28 people! (We learned that the chief had encouraged all villagers who weren’t in their fields to attend the meeting.) After the customary greetings began, the Moses Lake youth presented the chief with gifts—a shirt, a soccer ball, and a flashlight.
“We Were Living in the Dark”
We were absolutely amazed at his response. He thanked the team and then proceeded to tell us that the flashlight was a very appropriate gift.
“It’s as if we were living in a dark hut without any windows when, suddenly, someone opened the door and let the light shine in,” the chief explained. He was referring to several months earlier when an evangelistic team of Alliance workers and pastors had spent a couple of nights in Djiguan. They had shown the Jesus film and announced the good news about His substitutionary death on the cross for our sins.
“Settle Here and Teach Us”
“This light helps us to see,” the chief continued. “We want it to remain in our village; so we offer you land in our village so you can settle here and teach us.”
After the meeting, we followed the village elders to a large property next to the main road and across the street from a little market—an ideal spot for a church and pastor’s house. As we began touring the land together, one of the Moses Lake team members, Nate, suddenly bent over with sharp abdominal pains.
Concerned that he might be suffering an attack of appendicitis, Andrew agreed to take Nate back to Ouagadougou (the country’s capital) for a medical consult to rule it out. We praise God that the illness wasn’t serious!
So what caused this excruciating pain? We can’t help but wonder if it wasn’t the enemy doing everything in his power to resist the entry of the Light of the World into Djiguan. Much collaborative work is taking place to push back the darkness in Djiguan and throughout the Kenedougou province. But the enemy yields his ground so reluctantly.
More Challenges
Many on the Moses Lake team shared that they were sensing God’s leading into ministry. Yet there were many setbacks on the trip—lost luggage at the beginning, the scary moment when Nate became ill, and then a delayed flight that caused the team to miss their flights in Paris and London and arrive home about 48 hours after they were supposed to.
Was this more work of the enemy, trying to discourage them? Our prayer is that through these trials, each team member has become stronger in his or her faith and drawn closer to God.
As we advance into the enemy’s camp, we are wielding the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Yet we are also desperate for your prayers for protection as we preach the good news and claim imprisoned souls for Christ’s Kingdom.
What You Can Do
Pray for safe travel, good health, and fruitful ministries for the many short-term teams visiting Burkina Faso this summer and other sites worldwide.
Give to Alliance Great Commission Ministries online. In doing so, you partner with Alliance workers like Andrew and Kevin, who are bringing the light of Christ to those whose communities have dwelled in darkness for centuries.
Learn More
Check out exciting, short-term missions opportunities through The Alliance.
Read how many Burkinabe are being wooed to Christ through the witness of joy-filled believers.
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