Ministry Update

Hello Everyone,


We can’t believe we’re now hitting our month and half mark with our family. Family life has been going wonderfully and it’s been interesting to find out that moving and getting settled into a new community/church is almost the same whether you’re in Africa or the United States. We’ve been trying to figure out the opportunities and needs of our church and community to see where God would want us to serve.

We wanted to have you join us in prayer and update you on some ministry opportunities that we see here in Niakara:

• English Clubs – each high school (and middle school) here has an English Club. Because English is part of their ACT/SAT –type test, it’s important that the students here know how to articulate themselves in English as well as French. In these English club, they mostly start with a topic (Polygamy, Birth Control, What is a lie?, Economics, Politics happening around the world) and talk about it in English. Both Steve and I think this is a good opportunity and opening for us to communicate Christ with these students – we need to get the permission from the school to do this, so pray for an opening to talk to the English teachers in the schools and for good reception.

• English Bible Studies – people here really want to learn to speak/write English, so an English Bible study would be a good way for people to do that (and hear the Word of God at the same time!)

• Church Involvement – we would like to get involved in the worship teams (both instrumental and vocal), but need to learn African instruments (Steve wants to learn Djimbe) and songs (we’ve been working with the youth on learning the songs). Since there’s not really “lessons” or a songbook, this is easier said than done. Steve’s having his guitar sent here this week, so that may be an opportunity too. Also we’re wanted to get involved in the Sunday School program – assisting at first, then teaching if there’s a need.

• Working with young people – Steve has started working at the moto shop of the president of the Juenesse (the youth/young adult group) two or three times a week. There he’s able to get to know other young people in the church and community. I have made it a goal to visit 2-3 young women every week. Young women here don’t really have time to hang out as the guys do, there’s too much housework to do, so I’ve decided to meet them where they’re at. Going and hanging out while they work, do laundry, or make food has been really good to get to know the town (where everyone lives) and also to improve my conversational French.

• Farming/Work – most people in the church (including the pastor) have a farm or garden that they tend. It’s a lot of work and they pretty much think we’re breakable, but as a service to the people in the church, we’re trying to convince them that we can actually work on these farms or in the garden. Pray for opportunities to serve in that way.

Well, that’s it – the things that we’ve been praying about and trying to figure out where God wants us here. There are also going to be other projects the church has for us (mostly building/construction work). Pray that God’s name would be given the glory in everything that we do!

Also, pray that we don’t just become BUSY. That’s so easy to do – pray that we’re intentional about each ministry and that God would close/open doors so that we’re doing what HE wants us to do, not just becoming busy!

Thanks!