Reflecting…

As we pass our \’6-month mark here in Niger, we look back and reflect on how God has worked. We have to admit that there were days when we first arrived that were tough and very, very lonely. At times we wondered why we were here. During those times, we had to remember how God brought us to this place. We want you to know that during these questioning times, remembering how God used you to meet our needs and help make His way clear pulls us through.

At our Niger field conference this next week, Bob will present a report of our ministry. We share parts of it here for you so that you can be reminded not only of God\’s faithfulness, but of the ministry He has given us to do.

Lois and I arrived on the field in June 2006 after a year and a half in the States furloughing and raising an extra 50% in support.  Believing that God wanted us at Sahel Academy for this school year, we booked our tickets to Niamey in faith that God would provide, and He did – just in time…

\”Since (Lois) believes that God brought her here to help with the technology needs not only of Sahel  Academy, but also of other missionaries here in Niamey, …work is never done since there is always another computer to fix, the network to bring back up after the power goes out, or some other emergency… 

\”As for me, I have enjoyed working with the students at the school.  I taught 2 social studies classes and 2 Bible classes last semester.  This semester, I am teaching World History and Old Testament survey with Grade 7-9…With Grade 9-10, I have a doctrine class; Grade 11-12 is studying Understanding the Times from Summit Ministries, a comparison of Humanism, Marxism, New Age and the Christian worldviews.  I see this as a tremendous opportunity to challenge the students in their belief system here in this environment before they enter colleges that may not be sympathetic to the Christian worldview.  I enjoy playing the guitar and singing with the students…

\”Some highlights of our first few months here in Niamey stick out in my mind.  Lois and I were privileged to be a part of a large baptismal service at the church in Baneira…in the middle of a mud hole…I\’ve had the opportunity to lead singing at the English service a couple of times and also to present the Word; Lois has also been involved with the music by playing the piano both at Sahel Academy and in the English service. 

\”Another blessing and challenge has been to work with my weekend guard Boubacar in sharing the gospel as he helps me with my French.  I have taken him through the Old Testament presenting Adam, Abraham, and David, all of whom prophesy of the Messiah…He is a bright young man and is feeling the conviction of the Holy Spirit, but the family pressure to stay a Muslim is very strong.

\”On a personal level, Lois and I are enjoying our new home, yet there is a nagging feeling not to settle since our last three places in Africa have been very temporary. Cultural adjustments are ongoing: the heat and sand, takes some getting used to, interpersonal relationships with our African friends can be challenging, while simple day-to-day living is not so \’simple\’.  We find that we also need to be on guard due to the spiritual oppression here that seems like a heavy blanket at times. Finally, after only 6 months on the field, our support level has fallen to 92% due to a dropping exchange rate and rising insurance costs.\”

We ask you to continue to pray:

– for Boubacar, that he will continue to question his Muslim beliefs, to search for the real meaning of life, and find the answer in Jesus;
– for the students at Sahel Academy who are involved in outreach projects this semester in 2 different

Niger villages – Makalondi and Tera;
– for the people in Baneira who are completing their new church building and will hold a dedication service in April.

Thank you, dear friends, for your faithful support; your e-mails, cards, letters and even packages; but most of all, for your loving and very powerful support through prayer.