August 4, 2011
By Lisa Nicky, RN, serving at Bongolo Hospital, Gabon, West Africa
The following story is an adapted excerpt from Lisa’s recent newsletter entitled “Together With You.”
I could hardly believe it when I heard that a short-term summer team comprised of rehabilitation specialists, including a physical and occupational therapist, was coming to Bongolo! Since their arrival, I’ve been translating for the team (and learning from them!) as they’ve worked to improve the quality of life for our patients who are weakened by disease and trauma.
Davy, who is in his early 20s, suffers from hemophilia (a bleeding disorder in which it takes a long time for the blood to clot). Recently, he came to us completely paralyzed after a fall that caused bleeding to his cervical spine. I remember praying with him and his family often that first week and asking him a question that I typically ask my patients, “Do you believe God can help you recover from this?”
His answer was a determined and heartfelt, “Yes!”
Timing is Everything!
Little by little, Davy regained the use of his arms and his legs. (You can continue to pray for him, as he is still quite weak.) Once again I see God’s perfect timing in that we have rehabilitation specialists to work with him daily during the period in which he is most in need of their expertise.
It was a great joy recently when Davy said, “Madame Lisa, I plan to be a part of the next class of nurses at Bongolo Hospital!” Isn’t it just like God to use a difficult disease and accident to inspire a young man to serve as a nurse for His Kingdom?
What You Can Do
Give to the Great Commission Fund online. In doing so, you partner with Alliance workers like Lisa, who is helping children recover from severe physical challenges and sharing Christ’s eternal hope with them.
Learn More
Read another article about how Alliance workers are helping save lives—physically and spiritually—at Bongolo Hospital.
Check out how you can get involved in a short-term missions trip.
July 15, 2011
Miracle Baby Born to Couple Advised to Abort
EQ and Jaeng were devastated when, after Jaeng’s first trimester check-up, the doctor informed them that they had a blood disorder that would cause their unborn baby to be born with many physical and health problems. The doctor also told them that they would probably never have a healthy child together. He advised them to have an abortion.
The couple serves with Friends of Isaan (also known as Team Isaan), a group of Alliance international workers and national colleagues who minister to the Isaan people in northeast Thailand. Both had received Christ through the team’s ministry in the Sawang Daen Din prison. EQ had been imprisoned for being involved in a gang fight. After accepting Jesus as his Savior, he was released and brought the message of truth home to his family and village. He wanted to get married but didn’t know any Christian women who weren’t closely related to him.
Jaeng received Christ while in a women’s group at the prison and was baptized at the same time EQ was. She was released about a year and a half after EQ was freed. Her home village was near EQ’s, and since there was no Christian group in her own village, she joined the group of believers in his village so she could have Christian fellowship. Not long after, in October 2010, they married. They received training as church planters and have been working with Team Isaan’s mushroom enterprise.
Trust and Obey
After hearing that the doctor had advised the couple to abort their child, Alliance international workers Jon and Joy Chase—who also serve with Team Isaan—asked the Alliance family to pray. “Then one day I talked with EQ and Jaeng about the difference between man and God,” says Jon. “I told them that the doctor was a man, and he only knows so much and can only do so much. As for God, His power and love have no limits. Even if they had the baby and it was not totally healthy, God would provide the grace they would need, and the child would be a blessing accordingly. After hearing this truth, they decided to trust God and not man. They chose to trust in God’s will for them and their baby by not having an abortion.
“With each appointment after that, EQ and Jaeng saw how God answered their faithfulness as the baby grew stronger without any noticeable defects. After their four month check-up, the doctor said that the baby was perfectly fine and there was no need to worry. This caused EQ to think of the name ‘manna’—because this child was a great blessing to them from God.”
Defying the doctor’s initial prognosis, little Manna was born a healthy and completely normal baby girl. “Today, we are all praising the Lord as we get to see Manna in person, growing stronger every day,” say the Chases. “With great wonder, we look forward to seeing what the Lord is going to do in and through her life in the years to come.”
Learn More
Read “The Light of God” in the September 1, 2010, issue of alife.
Read more about Team Isaan, including EQ’s testimony.
What You Can Do
Give to Alliance Great Commission Ministries and partner with Alliance workers at home and abroad who are being light in a spiritually dark world.
July 14, 2011
By Iris Hecock, serving in Russia
The following is an adapted excerpt of the Hecock’s update on Natalie, a young nonbeliever Iris met last fall through one of the Russia team’s multifaceted outreach efforts.
We would like to thank you for your prayers for Natalie. She is the young professional we told you about in May who has a great, fun-loving spirit. For some time she was so incredibly close to accepting Christ. It was amazing to watch her.
Week after week Natalie would tell us stories about how God was using her, yet she never made a decision to commit her life to following Christ. One night a few weeks ago, we invited her and three of her closest friends (all believers) to come over for some fellowship and pizza.
A Question
We asked the group; “How did you come to your decision to become a Christ follower?”
It was really interesting to go around the circle and hear the different stories. One fellow, Pavel, said he decided to become a Christian when he was at a camp led by a short-term team from the United States. Another young guy, Zhenya, said he started following Christ after one of his closest friends made that decision while they were in university. Dasha decided to become a Christ follower at a young age because her parents were great, Christ-like examples.
Then it was Natalie’s turn to share. She was very open about how she still had so many questions. She wasn’t bashful about her pain, her questions, or her desire to follow God.
“I Know He Loves Me!”
Shortly after that night, Natalie met with one of the pastors our team works with here in St. Petersburg. At that meeting, she embraced her heavenly Father!” She called us and said, “You know—now I know what love is. I am in love! I know that God is love and He loves me!” We couldn’t be happier or more excited for her!
Natalie, and others just like her, is the reason we are here—the reason why we have Zumba classes; why we started Global Grounds, which provides a wide variety of opportunities, including coffee roasting and barista training; and why we have English language forums.
Natalie, Dasha, and Zhenya are now coming to our home once a week for group spiritual formation. They are all so excited . . . and so are we!
What You Can Do
Give to Alliance Great Commission Ministries. In doing so, you partner with our workers around the world who exemplify God’s love to many, like Natalie, who’ve never experienced His grace.
Check out the Hecocks’ personal Web site to learn more about their innovative ministry endeavors. Note: Clicking on this link will take you off of the C&MA Web site.
July 6, 2011
by Jessica Schaeffer, RN, serving at Koutiala Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Mali, West Africa
The following is an adapted excerpt from Jessica’s recent update.
Last week, four of our patients (current and former) were at my church. None of them would probably have ever stepped foot into a church had it not been for the love and care they received at our hospital.
Salif came to our hospital looking for help about six months ago. He is 18 years old, so he was just able to slide into the pediatric ward. His case intrigued us.
Chronic Infection
The teenager had been in a moped accident two years ago and broken the bone in his thigh (femur); it had been casted and had healed. Well, mostly healed. Except for the piece of bone that stuck out through his skin and was chronically infected.
Salif had also lost mobility in his knee because he was told not to bend it. In January, a visiting surgeon to Koutiala hospital removed the dead bone fragment and closed the wound.
Movie Quotes
Salif spent a lot of time watching Christian films during his hospital stay. When he had to return to the operating room for surgery a second time, he woke up from anesthesia quoting from the JESUS film!
Ever since his discharge from the hospital, Salif has come to church with me. When I am traveling, he walks to church on his own. And he visits us a few times a week at the hospital. He had to drop out of school after his injury two years ago, so he has a lot of time on his hands.
Hunger for the Word
He and his friend, Talbi, (who attends a school that teaches the predominant religion in Mali) are reading the Bible together. The first few Bibles we gave to Salif had to be replaced because interested family members also wanted to read them.
Although he is permitted to go to church, Salif is afraid of how his father will react if he takes the step to become a Christian—especially while he is still living with his family. Pray that God will continue His work in Salif and Talbi’s hearts, and that they will be made new in Jesus.
And thanks SO much to each of you who are making it possible for me to serve here because of your generosity in giving to the Great Commission Fund.
What You Can Do
“Pray for Salif and Talbi as they continue to seek,” Jessica requests. “Pray also for daily wisdom and strength in my role at the hospital; it feels like I don’t have enough time to accomplish all of the things that need to be accomplished, as well as other ministry I want to be involved in.”
Give to the Great Commission Fund. Partner with Alliance workers, like Jessica, to introduce children and their families to Christ’s eternal hope.
Read another article about how staff workers at Koutiala hospital are saving children’s lives.
June 22, 2011
By Laura and Jeter Livingston, serving at West Africa Alliance Theological Seminary (FATEAC), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Months of violence stemming from Côte d’Ivoire’s failed presidential elections last year left hundreds dead and tens of thousands emotionally traumatized. The following adapted excerpt from a recent update by FATEAC’s international leadership couple describes how a strategic partnership is bringing emotional healing—in Jesus’ Name—to this troubled West African nation.
“They fired on our bus [when we were] fleeing Abidjan last March; my seatmate—who was shot in the back—died in my arms. Last week I watched my neighbor die because no one had money for her medical care. I have been tormented by these images until this seminar, but now I am at peace.”
Powerful testimonies like this one were shared as we sang victory songs and committed our wounds to the cross at last week’s Trauma Healing/Reconciliation Seminar in the M’Pouto (Alliance) Church in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire’s capital. A number of adults who attend the church were beaten and harassed by government troops during the war; many have suffered severe emotional trauma as a result.
Healing Partnership
FATEAC professor Noel N’Guessan facilitated the seminar’s reconciliation component. Salimata “Saly” Dembele and Laura taught the trauma healing seminar that aired on Trans World Radio (TWR). Saly, a FATEAC student and pastor’s wife, has a program for women on TWR—which broadcasts the gospel to 40 African nations in 60 languages and dialects. TWR is offering more such opportunities in the future.
This training is sponsored by ECGAP (The Church, Healing Community/Peacemaker)—a partnership between FATEAC and Action Internationale De Developpement Integral (AIDI), an Ivoirian nongovernmental organization focused on the development of women and children. Opportunities to meet deep needs through this partnership are endless.
This week ECGAP is holding two, four-day seminars, and several more are in the works. Negotiations are also underway to use an international humanitarian agency’s helicopter in July to take us to Duekoue—a town in western Côte d’Ivoire where the worst atrocities took place.
It is amazing to trace back to 2007—when Saly and Laura were trained during a continent-wide trauma healing project directed by SIL International—and see how God designed for the trauma training and materials to be available at this critically needed time in Côte d’Ivoire.
You Can Help Right Now!
PRAY for God to bring reconciliation and healing to emotionally traumatized Ivoirians; pray also for His will regarding the trip to Duekoue.
Donate to Alliance Great Commission Ministries. In doing so, you partner with Alliance workers, like the Livingstons, to share the good news of God’s healing grace, provision, and reconciliation with the hurting and the lost.
Learn More
Read an article by Africa Regional Director for the Alliance Dr. Chris Braun that was written at the outset of the months-long Côte d’Ivoire crisis.
June 17, 2011
By Alan and Jill Kropp, serving in Japan
The following is an adapted excerpt from the Kropps’ recent newsletter.
At 2:46 p.m. March 11, 2011, Japan’s landscape changed forever when a 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the northeast coast of Miyagi Ken. In some areas, the resulting tsunami penetrated as far as four miles inland, destroying nearly everything in its path and leaving thousands homeless.
The earthquake and tsunami crippled the Fukushima Daichi Nuclear Power Plant, triggering a nuclear crisis that is still unfolding. Although plant employees have worked heroically to cool the reactors, radiation continues to emanate from the plant. It is estimated that it will take at least nine months to bring the situation under control.
In the midst of this triple disaster, the eyes of the world have been on Japan. Recently, we heard someone say, “In no other time in history has there been such a global focus of people interceding for Japan!” We believe this is a unique time to minister in Japan.
Soon after March 11, I (Alan) tried to find a way to be involved in the relief effort. I prayed, “Lord, what is my role? Do you have something prepared for me?” Initially, the process was frustrating. I made phone calls and sent e-mails, but the doors remained shut. To make matters worse, there were logistical challenges. Roads were closed; gas was in short supply up north.
An Answer to Prayer
After two weeks of “active waiting,” an opportunity finally emerged. I made contact with a coordinator from Samaritan’s Purse (SP). She told me that shovels, rakes, and gloves were needed in relief efforts. While most of the tsunami-hit homes would eventually be bulldozed, tools would help people sift through the rubble and recover personal belongings. I also learned that roads were reopening and, with a special permit, relief workers could get fuel.
I felt like this was my chance to move. I bought as many tools as I could in Nagoya and drove up to the Tokyo area. There I met up with Kouichi, a seminary student from Kawaguchi Christ Church, which had been planted by Alliance international workers Don and Hazel Schaeffer. We rented a 2-ton truck and drove north to distribute the tools. While there were still many “unknowns,” I figured once we got to SP’s distribution center, the staff would direct and help us.
The morning that Kouichi and I arrived at SP’s distribution center, we were greeted by staff members who said, “You are an answer to prayer!” Just that morning they had ask God to provide a vehicle so they could deliver aid to hard-hit Ofunato-and there we were! I was blown away. God had masterfully orchestrated the timing and circumstances. Their words were a huge confirmation of His leading. While the tools we brought—purchased with CAMA (Compassion and Mercy Associates) funds—were appreciated, perhaps even more than the tools, our 2- ton truck was a huge asset that week. Kouichi and I helped various groups deliver supplies such as water, food, blankets, and bikes.
On the first day of our trip, the truck was loaded with aid, and we travelled to Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture. Although the coastal town had been pulverized by the waves, a small church had escaped the tsunami’s reach. The sanctuary had been transformed into a relief center. Food and clothes were displayed on tables; praise music played softly in the background. According to one believer, 200 people were coming to the church each day to receive clothing, food, and water. This humble church of 10 people was profoundly impacting its community! Several weeks earlier, to many in that community, the church had been merely a beautiful edifice—part of the landscape but not part of their lives. Now, in the midst of destruction and death, it stood as a bright beacon of hope.
As I interpreted for SP staff, I learned that one of the believers at the church had lost her home and her husband in the tsunami. In the midst of grief and loss, this woman was ministering to and comforting others. What a powerful witness of God’s sustaining grace—the grace by which we are saved and by which we serve.
A New Ministry Landscape
The entire nation was shaken by the horrors that unfolded on March 11. Even as Japan’s coastline has been altered by the tsunami’s devastating inundation, Japan’s ministry landscape has changed. Relief work, something we never dreamed would be part of doing ministry in Japan, has entered the mix!
Northern Japan, where Christianity is particularly scarce, is in its greatest hour of need. The work is far from over—it is going to be a marathon. Please pray that the millions of Japanese who have yet to hear the gospel will encounter Christ during this time of crisis in Japan. Pray that there will be a new “openness” to the gospel in the midst of this tragedy and that God will bring a spiritual awakening.
Learn More
Read about a new Alliance initiative to plant a church in the earthquake-stricken region of Japan.
What You Can Do
Pray that God will provide all that is needed for the Japan field’s church-planting initiative in northern Japan, including a rental facility where Harry and Jane Landaw, church-planting team coordinators, can carry out ministry.
Give to Alliance Great Commission Ministries and partner with Alliance workers around the world who are being light to those who need Jesus.
May 23, 2011
Editor’s Note: The following commentary is from a blog by John Stumbo, who has served at the C&MA National Office, as senior pastor of Salem Alliance Church, and currently serves as interim pastor at Alliance Church of Fox Island in Fox Island, Washington.
I have a book in my library titled 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988. I never read it. But, I like to have it on my shelf. It reminds me of what idiots Christians can be.
Not that I should need any reminders.
Before I proceed, I should identify myself. In case a new reader stumbles onto this blog today, may I clearly state that I am a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ and (sometimes with embarrassment, sometimes with great joy) include myself in the Christian community. I’m writing as an insider.
By now you’ve no doubt heard the news that we’re down to our last 24 hours . . . at least according to radio host Harold Camping. At age 88, Harold continues a worldwide broadcast and has studied the Bible longer than most of us have been alive.
If history reveals anything to us, it tells us that just because one has studied a subject at length does not automatically make one accurate.
I believe Camping is wrong.
I believe he’s worse than wrong.
I believe Camping is in the same “camp” as the pastor who burned the Quran, the crazed individuals who bomb abortion clinics or kill doctors, and the venom-mouthed haters of homosexuals.
Let me introduce myself a second time. I believe the Quran misleads millions, abortions are the taking of a human life, and the act of homosexuality is a degrading sin. Yet, I’m convinced that Christians are to love Muslims, abortionists, gays and a thousand other people groups that have different perspectives than ours. I’m convinced that this love should be genuine and tangible . . . you know, like the love Jesus expressed.
The reason I lump Camping in with these others is because from burning Qurans to predicting dates, Christians once again come off looking like idiots.
The news media loves these stories. The skeptical community has more reason to scoff. Stand up comedians have an easy night on the job.
And don’t think that people haven’t heard about Camping’s prediction. One of the best ways to know what has the world’s attention is to follow Google Trends. The brains at Google make available to us what are the hottest searches each day. For most of this week, searches like “end of the world may 21″, “judgment day may 21″ and “harold camping may 21″ have been high on the list.
I’m no expert in Harold Camping’s theology, nor do I care to be. But, from what I understand, he came upon his date-setting by using mathematical calculations. These calculations arose from the theory that words in the Bible have numeric value. By putting together three words- atonement, completeness and heaven-multiplying them and then doing so again (squaring them)-Waa Laa-the Judgment Day is tomorrow!
Make sense to you?
Not to me either.
But that’s what billboards across the world-from Minnesota to India-are proclaiming: Judgment Day May 21 The Bible Guarantees It.
At least Harold’s Bible does.
Mine says something simpler, “No one knows about that day or hour . . . therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Jesus in Matthew 24).
None of this would matter much to me if I didn’t fear one thing. I’m concerned that because of people like Harold Camping, many serious minded people will not bother exploring who the real Jesus is.
When they wake up on May 22, I don’t think they’ll head off to find a Christian church. I think they’ll have all the more reason to write off the Christian faith as a myth or conspiracy theory.
The real Jesus-the heaven-sent Messiah come into this world to atone for our sin, conquer death and lead us to the Father-will be missed.
And that makes me sad.
Thanks, Harold.
Next time, save your math skills for a Sudoku puzzle, not the Scriptures.
John Stumbo
May 20, 2011
Learn More
Find about more about Alliance beliefs and theological perspectives, as well as the denominations rich heritage.
May 18, 2011
By Jason Foster, MD, serving at Koutiala Hospital for Women and Children, Mali, West Africa
The following in adapted excerpt from Dr. Jason’s recent update.
I want to tell you about some amazing children who probably wouldn’t be alive today if they hadn’t received medical care outside of their villages. Thankfully, they were able to come to Koutiala.
Innovation Saving Lives
François and Kadia were very ill upon their arrival at the hospital and were quickly diagnosed with leukemia. Both have now spent months here, but they have responded extremely well to treatment and are in remission! These days, we typically can find them riding around on the toy cars we have here for our small patients.
We almost lost François, though. He went home for Easter weekend, developed a life-threatening infection, and was rushed to the hospital on the back of a motorcycle. I didn’t think he’d make it, but he has done well and is back to smiling and getting his chemo treatments. But he gave us quite a scare.
I’m really in awe of what my colleagues have accomplished here in a place where supplies and medicines can be so limited. Despite the restrictions, they’ve learned how to treat leukemia with the right chemotherapy. You need to understand that general pediatricians in the States don’t treat this disease—children diagnosed with leukemia go to specialists.
Beating Diabetes
Fatoumata came to us about two months ago—extremely weak and barely able walk. When I was evaluating her, she said she wasn’t sleeping well because she woke up so often to go to the bathroom. When we checked her blood sugar, it was too high to register. Diagnosis: diabetes.
Hers is the first case of Type I Diabetes to be diagnosed at Koutiala; the sad fact is that we see few diabetics because so few survive.
This is a huge challenge for all of us, especially for Fatoumata. She comes from a village without electricity and refrigeration to keep medicines; meanwhile, she’s going to require insulin for the rest of her life. This little girl also doesn’t read or write, yet she needs to learn to give herself injections.
We’re working on these challenges. Fatoumata is being taught to read during her time here at the hospital. She’s also learning to draw her own insulin and inject herself. And we’re researching a way to keep her insulin relatively cool (buried in a clay pot in the ground).
So now you have a little taste of our work here at Koutiala. Despite the difficulties we face at times, I’m so happy to be here. I have no doubt that this is where the Lord wants me to be.
What You Can Do
Pray for François, Kadia, and Fatoumata to know the healing, loving presence of their heavenly Father. Pray that Koutiala staff workers would daily experience the Lord’s peace, wisdom, and strength, contending with limited resources while treating numbers of children with life-threatening illnesses.
Read an article about how Alliance Great Commission Ministries is saving Malian orphans’ lives.
Learn More
“We had a team from the States here in February, helping with three days of village medical outreach,” Dr. Jason wrote in his postscript. “It was amazing! [There's] no room in this update to describe it, but I’ve downloaded some photos on my blog if you’re interested.” Note: Clicking on this link will take you off of the C&MA Web site.
May 17, 2011
By Jessica Schaeffer, RN
Editor’s note: Recent research shows that more than 2 million babies and mothers die worldwide each year as a result of complications during childbirth. “Each death [here] is a double tragedy, since nearly all of these deaths could be prevented,” says Jessica Schaeffer, a nurse at Koutiala Hospital for Women and Children in Mali, West Africa, where skilled professionals, like Jessica, provide quality medical care that opens doors into the hearts and lives of people who need Jesus. The following is an adapted excerpt from Jessica’s recent update.
On my first visit to Africa during the 2002 Christmas/New Year holiday, my brother [Andrew Schaeffer, who serves with The Alliance in Burkina Faso] took me to a remote village in Mali. We drove long stretches of nothingness on dusty, unmarked roads and passed many villages. I thought I had reached the ends of the earth.
I recall being overwhelmed, because in one village after another there was a mosque, typically in the center of each village. I rarely saw anything that looked like a church. But when I arrived in the remote village of Famorila, there was a Christian clinic and a tiny church.
“Huge Needs”
During that brief visit to Mali, I felt a strong sense that this was where God wanted me—the spiritual and physical needs were huge. I hoped that God would open a door for me to come back to this hot, dusty country on the edge of the desert.
Fast-forward a decade, and here I am—so very grateful that God has made a way for me to be in Mali for the past four—plus years. Sometimes the hot and dusty side of life here gets a little tiresome! But the beauty of Mali is its people. What a joy it is to work alongside Malians and build friendships with them; what a privilege to be a part of what God is doing!
Since that first visit to Mali, I’ve hoped that I could be involved with village ministry (while living in the “city”). So I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities I’ve had to minister in several villages with others from the hospital—encouraging new believers, praying for the sick, and providing medical care.
Village Ministry
Pastor Levi moved to Ntosoni about two years ago; his initial evangelistic efforts were met with much opposition; however, there was interest. A teacher of the majority religion in Mali gave his life to Christ, as did several of the teacher’s followers. But they were so heavily persecuted, they had to flee Ntosoni. Today, that former religious instructor is studying to go into Christian ministry. Pastor Levi has seen about 20 more individuals come to Christ since then, and he is now well-accepted in the village.
I’ve traveled with a hospital team to Ntosoni for Sunday services. Typically, about 35 people meet under the shade of a large tree. But when visitors come, a much larger group is present, including the mayor, village chief, and other important people in the village. The mayor often visits Pastor Levi to discuss spiritual matters; the pastor says our hospital team’s visits have helped to give credibility to his work.
A Satisfying Smile
We met Chatou during a visit to the village of Finzankoro one Sunday in February. After the church service, she requested prayer for the leg ulcers she had endured for 20 years (yes, 20 years!). We encouraged her to visit Koutiala so we could treat her. Later that week Pastor Samuel brought her to the hospital, and we began a daily regime of dressing changes and antibiotics.
She had a large infected ulcer that wrapped around the lower calf of one leg and a small ulcer on her other leg. After a few weeks the small ulcer was healing nicely, and the large ulcer was at a point where we were able to do a skin graft.
Chatou’s graft has healed! After 20 years of dealing with large infected wounds, she is well! I haven’t seen a smile more satisfying than hers in a long time!
She returned to Finzankoro several weeks ago. Pastor Samuel was in Koutiala recently (bringing another patient from the village to the hospital), and he gave us the good news that Chatou had accepted Christ over the weekend with the blessing of her family! She is one of countless patients who come to us from a village in which we have opportunities to offer medical care, pray for, and share the love of Jesus with the villagers.
Thanks for your love, prayers, and generosity that allow me to work near the ends of the earth, enabling many Malians to find physical and spiritual healing in Jesus.
What You Can Do
Pray:
• For pastors in outlying villages who are discipling new believers—that God will continue to use these men and their
wives in powerful ways to reach their villages
• That Chatou will grow in her faith and that other family members will turn to Christ
• For Jessica, that she will “delight in the Lord and be daily led by Him in my life and ministry at Koutiala”
One More Thing You Can Do
Give to Alliance Great Commission Ministries—partner with international Alliance workers to ensure that Jesus’ physical and spiritual healing continues reaching “to the ends of the earth.”
Learn More
Read about our work in Mali.
May 12, 2011
“Vast areas in North Africa have not a single Christian witness and no established church whatsoever,” an Alliance worker there reports. In response, a portion of the funds received from 2011 Great Commission Sunday (GC Sunday) offerings will go toward sharing the liberating truth of the good news in this troubled region.
“Since the recent political uprisings in North Africa, curious people have had more freedom to inquire about spiritual things,” says an Alliance worker, who is helping to form teams to meet with interested people. “Responses from TV, radio, and Web sites are unprecedented! As a result, we’re having a hard time keeping up with the demand!”
Meanwhile, many faith-based organizations are assisting with relief efforts to address the great needs of those fleeing war-torn countries by the tens of thousands. “The task is huge!” our worker observes. “Many people are necessary to care for the overwhelming needs of these displaced people.”
Noting that less than 1 percent of people in North Africa have had a chance to hear the good news, David Thompson, a medical doctor who has served more than 30 years in West Africa, says:
“The deepest need of people . . . is to know Jesus as their Savior, the One who loves them and died for them . . . We now face the greatest opportunity we have seen this century to bring the liberating truth of the gospel to more than 300 million people. Let’s not lose this chance. Let’s seize the day!”
How You Can Help
Pray for more workers to take the liberating truth to North Africa—and be open to becoming the answer to your prayers!
Give to the 2011 GC Sunday offering; partner with Alliance workers to share the gospel in places like North Africa, where less than 1 percent of the population has access to the good news.
Learn More
Want to know more about GC Sunday? Check out a Q&A that explains this annual Alliance event and our 2011 focus. The article is published in the April 2011 issue of Alliance Life.
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