April 13, 2010
By an Alliance international worker couple, serving in Burkina Faso (currently on home assignment)
The following is adapted from the couple’s recent prayer letter about the church’s persecution in remote Kenedougou province. Look for Burkina field director Steve Nehlsen’s article in an upcoming issue of Alliance Life, describing how believers are reaching out to some who have persecuted them.
Steve Nehlsen reported after a recent dental ministry team visit to southeastern Burkina’s Kenedougou region (mainly in the villages surrounding Ndorola and Sirasso).
It was a powerful week, and I found myself in tears as I heard of the persecution of the believers in Dingasso. As I worshipped with them two Sundays ago, I had the sense that I was worshipping with some of God’s choicest people—they had so much joy and enthusiasm in spite of the persecution.
One of the young girls was dragged out of the church by her older brother a couple of weeks ago and whipped. The pastor pled with the brother to stop, but to no avail. The next day, she was back in church, and the brother dragged her out again and said [he] would whip her “until she vomited Jesus out.” She was so full of the joy of the Lord; I could hardly contain my emotion.
The village is threatening to kick out all of the Christians and destroy the church. Little do they know that a church isn’t destroyed that way; this is what the gospel is about.
I was able to meet with the mayor and pray for him; his assistant was at the clinic every day. The village chief had his tooth pulled, and he was a happy camper. I prayed with him too.
I love to take the opportunity to pray that God will give them wisdom and courage to do what is right. Righteousness elevates a country. God knows Burkina can use it.
We were able to talk with Steve on the phone this week, and he gave us an update on one of the fathers in Dingasso. This man has since given his daughter permission to come to church, even though he is not a believer and has been opposed to her attending. We are praising God for this!
Pray for Kenedougou Believers
I have been struck by the necessity of praying for those who are on the front lines in the spiritual battle that is raging in this region. The rewards are great, but the road that they are on is difficult. Please pray for the pastors and their wives who faithfully serve Christ there to have:
* Boldness and courage, especially amid difficult situations
* Good relationships with government officials and others in authority
* Protection for their families from illness and spiritual attack
* Strong marriage relationships and that couples will be ministry teams
* Provision for their needs-food, health, their children’s education
* Lives full of integrity with a powerful testimony
* Wisdom in training and discipling new believers
* Faithful lay leaders who will help them with the work
* Wisdom to balance heavy loads and for God’s direction and guidance
Thanks for praying!
Learn More
Check out our work in Burkina.