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April 30, 2005
Sudan
"The two-year conflict has left some 180,000 people dead and two million people have fled their homes."
"During a scene in Hotel Rwanda, Paul - the hotel manager - sees some footage that the Western journalists have shot in the streets that shows piles of bodies and roving gangs with machetes in the streets. He is certain that once this is shown on American and European television that the powers in the West will come to the aid of the Rwandan victims of genocide. In one of the most gut-wrenching moments of truth I've ever seen on film, the cameraman replies, "I think if people see this footage, they'll say 'Oh, my God, that's horrible.' And then they'll go on eating their dinners." (from Steve.)
How will we respond this time?
More on Sudan:
A challenge and Pictures from Steve
Save Darfur
Sudan Watch
Save the Children
Latest news:
"The African Union has agreed to more than double the number of its peace monitors in the war-torn Sudanese region of Darfur. The peacekeepers are monitoring a ceasefire signed a year ago, which both Darfur rebels and pro-government Arab militias regularly violate.... the AU asked Nato for logistical and financial support for its mission in Darfur. Nato is considering the request."
This Week's Good Idea - Recycle your inkjet cartridges
Empty ink jet cartridges are valuable; they can be recycled and reused. Those from my desktop printer for example are worth £2.50 each. Last year we in the UK dumped over 350 million empty cartridges into landfill sites, when we could be recycling them to raise money for mission.
Our church, for example, collects empty inkjet cartridges, and uses them to raise money for a "Bible and Bandage Clinic" in Zambia. You make money for mission and improve the evironment simply by not throwing something away. Can't be bad.
This website tells you more, and where you can send them in the UK. I'm told this company do a similar service in the US. Just put your empty cartridges aside and, when you have enough, send them off. If there is a group of you, of course, you'll raise more, quicker. Remember, every cartridge that we recycle helps reduce landfill usage and improves the environment... and raises money for mission - or to send to Sudan
April 25, 2005
Africa Malaria Day - Part 4: What can we do?
So today is Africa Malaria Day. We have seen the disastrous effects of malaria, the tools for fighting it, and the obstacles. Today, Roll Back Malaria is calling upon western donors to support the use of DDT, and highlighting the shortfall of affordable effective malaria treatment. So what can we do?
The battle against malaria can not be won in isolation from the context of poverty that perpetuates it. Individual families need the means of prevention and treatment. But there is also a need for efforts in combatting the poverty that is the main obstacle to its defeat. There are things we can do personally, and things we can call upon our governments to do. Here are some suggestions:
1. GIVE. Firstly, our own personal response. Here are a few ways of giving:
* Donate. You can give a one-off or regular gift to organisations helping to combat malaria and other health issues in Africa. (eg to AMREF, Tear Fund, or UNICEF).
* Child Sponsorship. You could sponsor a child through World Vision, ensuring that that child receives health care, education, and clean water.
* Alternative gifts. Instead of amassing more stuff on your birthday, why not ask people to send a couple of mosquito nets to Africa through World Vision's alternative gift catalogue?
* Adopt a school. As an individual or church, you could get in contact with a missionary in Africa who can put you in touch with a school or hospital that you can adopt. You could supply them with treated mosquito nets. One friend sent out 100 treated mosquito nets for a local school where I was working in Gorom-Gorom.
2. CAMPAIGN. As well as our own response, there is need for government-level intervention. There is a need for investment in training, education and distribution, support for the use of DDT, subsidising of malarial treatment, debt cancellation and other anti-poverty initatives, such as trade and aid.
* Make Poverty History. Join the Make Poverty History campaign, or its equivalent where you are. In the US there is the ONE campaign, and in Canada there is MPH Canada. Call your government to act to help those living in extreme poverty - especially at the G8 meetings later this year.
3. PRAY. Just take a moment now, and ask God that effective treatments and vaccines may be developed, that he moves the hearts of people to respond to the need, and that world leaders may act to counter extreme poverty.
4. BLOG! Write a post about malaria on your blog this week to promote awareness of malaria.
The BBC has an interesting series of photos and comment on malaria here.
For more information on Malaria, see WHO, the Roll Back Malaria partnership, or the Global Fund for malaria, TB, and AIDS.
Tags: malaria africa africa malaria day health disease
UK election: World Poverty Day
Yesterday was supposed to be World Poverty Day in the UK election, with the three main parties agreeing to give the day to debating world poverty issues. On the day, election media coverage of the debate was rather overshadowed by parties positioning on Iraq.
Nevertheless, it is good that justice issues such as Aid, Trade, Debt, and HIV/malaria/TB have at least been on the election agenda, when they are not usually election issues. All the parties are making some of the right noises. But, as the BBC observes: "There is no area of political life where promises are more routinely broken than international development."
The British public are hugely in favour of change: 75% want debt cancelled for poor countries, 88% want fairer trade rules, and 50% want aid up to the agreed 0.7% of GDP by 2010. The 0.7% goal was agreed by rich nations (in 1970 I think), but has never been anywhere near reached. In the 1990's it actually dropped. It is currently at about 0.3%.
As Christians, there are many issues that concern us when we vote, but certainly we should not only be voting based on issues that promote our own prosperity and comfort. Justice for the poor and oppressed should be one of our most pressing ethical and moral concerns. Compare the main parties policies on Aid, Trade, Debt, Africa, and Health here.
April 24, 2005
Africa Malaria Day - Part 3: Obstacles
Malaria kills nearly 1 million children in Africa/year. We have the tools to prevent and treat it. So why is it still such a big killer?
1. Poverty
"In Africa today, malaria is understood to be both a disease of poverty and a cause of poverty." (RBM) Families cannot afford the drugs or mosquito nets. And African countries often don't have the resources to develop effective anti-malarial campaigns. Often they have had to cut back education and health spending, for example, in order to repay the interest on debt from western loans. It would cost about $2b to put effective malaria control in place. In the meantime, malaria costs African countries $12b/year.
2. Conflict.
Up to 30% of Africa’s malaria deaths are in countries where war, food shortages and displacement affect large numbers of people. Today, over 120 million people in Africa alone are living in countries affected by such emergencies. Malaria deaths during these events are usually more than those caused by the conflict itself. The chaos following civil unrest can destroy health systems, cut food supplies and expose people to many infections. Poor living conditions in temporary camps and war-affected towns increase disease, and weaken people’s immune defense. (See RBM)
3. Practical considerations.
To put an effective long-term anti-malarial strategy in place, also requires training, education, reliable distribution to remote areas, and workable structures and partnerships, and these are not always easy. Roll Back Malaria is a main partnership working to bring countires and organisations together to combat malaria. Although they have had some successes (see also here), they have also been criticised for inefficiency. There have also been problems with supply shortages of drugs.
4. Lack of international commitment
Clearly, combatting malaria requires financial, practical, and legislative help internationally. As AMREF said: "We have the tools to both prevent and control this disease, but we lack sufficient resources." More financial investment is needed to assure that affordable (therefore subsidised) drugs are available, and that organisations like RBM have the necessary funding to operate properly. The appropriate use of DDT should be supported. Poor countries' debt should be forgiven, to allow them to spend resources on priority issues such as health and education. And aid and trade should be reformed to be made more effective for poor countries.
So what can we do? The final part tomorrow...
Tags: malaria africa africa malaria day health disease
April 23, 2005
Africa Malaria Day - Part 2: We have the tools.
Malaria kills more than 1 million people a year, 90% in sub-Saharan Africa, mostly children under 5. Malaria accounts for one in five of all childhood deaths in Africa. Anaemia, low birth-weight, epilepsy, and neurological problems are all consequences of malaria, and affect the development of millions of children in Africa.
But we have the tools to combat malaria in Africa, using a combination of prevention and treatment:
1. Insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
Nets are the focus of malaria prevention. Most malaria-carrying mosquitoes bite at night. Mosquito nets provide a physical barrier to hungry mosquitoes. If treated with insecticide, the nets are more effective again. Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are shown to reduce deaths in young children by an average of 20%. Almost 20 African countries have reduced or eliminated taxes and tariffs on ITNs to make them more affordable. But they are still expensive for families at risk of malaria, who are among the poorest in the world. Also, people who are not familiar with ITNs need to be convinced of their usefulness, and persuaded to re-treat the nets regularly.
2. DDT spraying.
As an insecticide, DDT is more effective and cheaper than most alternatives. However, its use has been highly controversial. DDT is a "persistant organic pollutant", or POP. These are chemicals which take a long time to break down, accumulate in the food chain, and therefore can be damaging to the environment, and potentially hazardous to human health. DDT does have environmental consequences, but - until recently - was not shown to have harmful effects on humans. Environmental organisations are widely considered to have scored an own goal in persistently seeking a complete ban on the use of DDT. More recently, they have come to recognise that the potential benefits of discriminating use of DDT as an effective insecticide outweigh the current risks. Sprayed on the inside of houses it can significantly reduce malaria without significant threat to environment or human health. WHO now authorises the use of DDT, but its use is generally not funded by western donor agencies or countries, and some countries are still seeking its complete ban.
3. Treatment: Cheap, effective anti-malarial drugs.
Anti-malarial treatment has been prohibitively expensive for many living in absolute poverty on under $1/day, and resistance has become widespread to the drugs. A new combination of two drugs - artemether and lumefantrine - is the most effective way to treat the disease. But Theonest Mutabingwa, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, says: "The cost of the drug means that it is likely to reach only a fraction of those who need it, unless the price is substantially reduced either through market mechanisms or, more realistically, through subsidy."
We have the tools. So why is malaria still such a major killer? More tomorrow...
Tags: malaria africa africa malaria day health disease
April 22, 2005
Africa Malaria Day - Part 1
Monday 25 April is Africa Malaria Day (thanks, Brandon, for pointing this out), so this is the first in a short series of postings about malaria.
Malaria kills over 1 million people each year, 90% of them in sub-Saharan Africa. That is 3 tsunamis each year....
Malaria is caused by a parasite injected into the blood stream by the mosquito. It causes fever, shaking, and headaches, and can produce vomiting, delirium, and - evidently - death. I have had it a few times, and have friends - African and western - who have died from it. It is bad.
Work is still continuing to look for a vaccine for malaria, but it is still thought to be 10 years off. As westerners visiting Africa, we of course have the possibility of preventative medicine, mosquito nets, mosquito sprays, mosquito-proofed houses, and access to medical treatment if necessary. Most Africans have access to none of this, either because it's not available, or because it is costs money they don't have. In addition, their resistance is often lowered by poor diet, as well as by other disease. Malarial death in Africa is thus directly linked to poverty. Malaria is a justice issue.
Unless the world shows a greater commitment to tackling the disease, many of the Millenium Development Goals remain unattainable. Malaria is relevant to at least five of the eight MDGs: poverty eradication, universal primary education, child mortality reduction, maternal health improvement, and the combat of other diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
Chris White of AMREF says: “We have the tools to both prevent and control this disease, but we lack sufficient resources to scale them up, particularly among the more remote and marginalized communities of Africa.”
So, what can be done about it? More tomorrow.
Tags: malaria africa africa malaria day health disease
A Pope for the 21st Century?
thanks to Mike for this
April 20, 2005
Cross-cultural adaptation in pictures
The fund-raising do at Link Romania went really well. I survived the daunting cross-cultural experience of a black tie event. Managed to borrow a dinner jacket and bow tie. And even enjoyed the evening, which was a lot of fun.
At the same time, it was for a serious purpose. Romania is still in need of prayer and help. 44% of Romanians live in poverty on under $2/ day. Link Romania have some great projects that they support. Go to their website to find out more.
April 16, 2005
Praying for Justice 7: Pray that God sustains the poor
I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. (Ps 140:12)
The poor and oppressed are of particular concern to God, and he acts for them.
· Pray that the Lord comforts and sustains the needy, and acts to secure justice for them.
· Pray that they may turn their hearts to the Lord and find comfort, strength, and provision in him.
This week, I am posting short meditations and prayers around the theme of justice for the developing world. God calls his people to stand up and to respond to injustice. During this week, I am focusing on issues of justice for the developing world as part of the Make Poverty History campaign.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy.(Proverbs 31: 8)
A cross-cultural experience
Today I am going to a fund-raising event for Link Romania. This is a Christian charity working for humanitarian aid, poverty alleviation, and sharing the gospel, in Romania and other Eastern European countries. They do a great work, with projects in hospitals, shanty towns, farms, life skills centres, and a yearly "shoebox" distribution. Check them out - and maybe support their work.
Today's fundraiser is a Fashion Show and Cabaret - and I am expected to wear a dj and bow tie! This is way outside my comfort zone - I'm much more comfortable in a mud-brick mosque, or sitting under the acacias with the Fulani, wearing African dress and a turban. But it is for a good cause, and - as a missionary - I guess I'll just have to adapt cross-culturally to the environment...
April 15, 2005
Praying for Justice 6: What does the Lord require of you?
“And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Mic 6:8)
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy.(Proverbs 31: 8)
Are we truly concerned for justice for the poor? Is it something that motivates us and impacts the way we live, shop, and vote?
Are we acting justly, living it out in our daily lives, assuring that our choices and lifestyle do not oppress the weak?
Do we make an effort to buy fairly traded goods that give a fair deal for the poor?
Do we speak up for the poor and oppressed, calling our leaders to act for them?
· Let us repent where we have ignored the cry of the oppressed, or have been part of a system of injustice.
· Let us ask God what he requires of us as individuals and as a church. How should we pray, act, and speak for justice?
This week, I am posting short meditations and prayers around the theme of justice for the developing world. God calls his people to stand up and to respond to injustice. During this week, I am focusing on issues of justice for the developing world as part of the Make Poverty History campaign.
"The righteous care about justice for the poor." (Prov 29:7)
April 14, 2005
Praying for Justice 5: Pray for leaders
The heart of the ruler is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. (Prov 21:1)
These are the G8 leaders who will be meeting in July, and who have the possibility of making decisions that will promote justice for the poor:
UK: Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Japan: Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
Russia: President Vladimir Putin.
Italy: Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Germany: Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.
France: President Jacques Chirac.
Canada: Prime Minister Paul Martin.
USA: President George Bush.
· Pray that the Lord may direct these leaders to make righteous and just decisions with wisdom and compassion.
· Pray that the Lord’s concern for justice for the poor may be a priority at the G8 and EU summits.
This week, I am posting short meditations and prayers around the theme of justice for the developing world. God calls his people to stand up and to respond to injustice. During this week, I am focusing on issues of justice for the developing world as part of the Make Poverty History campaign.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy.(Proverbs 31: 8)
April 13, 2005
Praying for justice 4: Pray against the spiritual powers of wickedness
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Eph 6:13)
Injustice is not just political, but a manifestation of spiritual forces of darkness. There is a link between spiritual realities and socio-political structures of injustice and wickedness. We must therefore engage in spiritual warfare to see situations change.
· Pray that God will uproot and demolish forces of injustice, corruption, and oppression.
· Pray that he raises up righteous men and women to speak and act for justice.
This week, I am posting short meditations and prayers around the theme of justice for the developing world. God calls his people to stand up and to respond to injustice. During this week, I am focusing on issues of justice for the developing world as part of the Make Poverty History campaign.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy.(Proverbs 31: 8)
April 12, 2005
Whatever happened to Keith...? April 2005
My latest newsletter is here.
Continue reading "Whatever happened to Keith...? April 2005"
Blog of the week - Voice in the Desert
Over the next few weeks, I am going to try and highlight some good blogs that I think you would benefit from getting to know. There are so many out there, and sometimes we need help to find those who might have an encouraging or challenging perspective that we might otherwise miss.
My first blog of the week has to be that of my colleague Steve Davies at Voice in the Desert.
Steve joined me in 2002 in the work among the Fulani of Burkina Faso, and has been a great friend, and a blessing to have around. While I am on sabbatical, he is carrying on the work, sharing the good news of Jesus, exploring the interaction of gospel with Fulani culture, , feeding the hungry, trying to get our radio station started etc. In his spare time, he blogs stories, poems, and all sorts of other good stuff from the telephone centre in Djibo.
He is a good - no, an excellent writer, and has had stuff published in various journals, and won several prizes. He writes with insight and humour into local culture in a way that also challenges our apathy and prejudices. He's also a really good bloke.
Some of his stuff that is very worth reading:
The account of his burning some charms at Djibo market.
His observations of garibous, Quranic students in Djibo
The hunt for fifteen zero
Wind of God - a poem about the loss of the harvest
Three truths - another poem, and apparently Steve's own favourite of his writing.
The story of a 4-day cattle drive he did with some Fulani herders. This is quite long, but worth it.
His thoughts on being a missionary
Praying for Justice 3: Pray for the rules to be changed
A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away.. (Pr 13:23)
The fields of cotton farmers in Burkina Faso do produce enough cotton to feed their families. But they have been unable to sell it, because American subsidised cotton is dumped on the market, undercutting the Burkina cotton. Yet "free trade" rules imposed on Burkina means they are not allowed to subsidise their own cotton. Often this is the case - the Lord acts to provide for the poor, but unjust rules bring poverty.
International rules that take food from the mouths of the poor need to be changed. Such rules should be made to work for the poor and weak, not just the powerful. Rich countries should stop their own unjust subsidies. Harmful free trade rules should not be imposed upon the poor - they should be allowed to choose policies that help them work their way out of poverty.
· Pray that international trade rules and policies in the WTO, IMF, and World Bank will be changed to help the poor.
· Pray that rich country subsidies will be removed and that poor countries may have the right to choose policies that help the poor.
This week, I am posting short meditations and prayers around the theme of justice for the developing world. God calls his people to stand up and to respond to injustice. During this week, I am focusing on issues of justice for the developing world as part of the Make Poverty History campaign.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy.(Proverbs 31: 8)
April 11, 2005
Praying for Justice 2: Pray that the voice of the poor may be heard.
Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. (James 5:4-5)
God hears the cry of those suffering from injustice. And he calls the rich and powerful to account because of it.
· Pray that the voice of the poor in the developing world may be heard in the corridors of power.
· Pray for open hearts among those with power, that they may respond with justice.
This week, I am posting short meditations and prayers around the theme of justice for the developing world. God calls his people to stand up and to respond to injustice. During this week, I am focusing on issues of justice for the developing world as part of the Make Poverty History campaign.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy.(Proverbs 31: 8)
Business for Africa
Following on from the Commission for Africa report, over 200 business leaders gathered in London recently, and committed themselves to action in support of Africa. They are also calling on the business community throughout the world to sign up to a Business Action for Africa Plan. This is a clear set of actions that seek to promote a prosperous Africa for all its people.
April 10, 2005
Praying for Justice 1: Pray that God’s will may be done.
‘For I, the LORD, love justice’ (Is 61:8)
Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! (Am 5:24)
Our God is a God of Justice. He hates injustice, oppression, and exploitation. God knows no compromise or reconciliation with evil. His kingdom is the realm where justice rules, and his mission is to bring his love and justice to all. God's love for justice and his love for the outsider come together particularly in his concern for the poor and his commitment to justice for them. He hears the cry of the oppressed and reaches down to set them free.
Since God’s will is for justice and righteousness, we engage in a spiritual battle when we try to do his will in this area. And prayer is a vital weapon. We should pray that the Lord will act for justice.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven… (Matt 6: 9-10)
· Pray that God will act to establish justice for the poor and oppressed.
· Pray that his people will be agents of righteousness and justice in the world.
This week, I am posting short meditations and prayers around the theme of justice for the developing world. God calls his people to stand up and to respond to injustice. During this week, I am focusing on issues of justice for the developing world as part of the Make Poverty History campaign.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy.(Proverbs 31: 8)
April 09, 2005
This Week's Good Idea - Vote for Trade Justice
Vote here.
Many poor countries are suffering as a result of international trade policies. Harmful policies are imposed on poor countries, while subsidised goods from the West swamp their economies and destroy the lives of many poor people around the world.
For example, cotton is the main export crop of Burkina Faso, my second home, and the third poorest country in the world. International “free trade” rules have forced Burkina to stop subsidising her cotton production. But the US continues to illegally subsidise cotton, which then undercuts the cotton from Burkina.
Forced free trade on Burkina’s cotton industry, combined with American cotton subsidies, has been destroying the livelihoods of poor farmers in Burkina. We prevent Burkina from working herself out of poverty. And then we make ourselves feel better by giving aid - although this aid does not even cover what we take away through unjust trade.
A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away. (Prov 13:23)
It is not only the US of course. The EU and Japan are also heavily subsidising their agriculture, while the IMF, World Bank, and WTO are in drastic need of reform.
As part of MakePovertyHistory, many organisations, such as Christian Aid, World Vision, and Tear Fund are supporting the Vote for Trade Justice. Read more about the issues surrounding trade justice here.
What Vote for Trade Justice is calling for:
1. Rules to allow poor countries to choose solutions to end poverty
2. End trade subsidies that destroy the livelihoods of poor people.
3. Laws to stop big business profiting at the expense of the poor.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy (Proverbs 31: 8)
This week, I will be posting short meditations and prayers each day as we think about how we can respond to the need for justice for the poor in the international market place.
This week's good idea: Vote for Trade Justice
April 07, 2005
More locusts coming to Burkina Faso
This report from Relief Web tells us the consequences of the last locust invasion of Burkina Faso and the Sahel. We have still a second distribution of food aid coming up because of the severe shortages from this and the drought. But the report also warns of another invasion in the coming months:
"A serious food crisis is developing in the Sahel region, particularly Mauritania, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. The desert locust invasion which swept across the semi-arid Sahel region of West Africa in 2004 was the worst of its kind in 15 years and was accompanied by localised drought in many of the areas worst affected.
Current estimates indicate 60% of Mauritanian households are food-insecure. A further 3.5 million people in Niger, 3 million in Burkina Faso and 1.7 million in Mali are also affected.
Tensions are also building up between farmers, migrants and nomads as the livestock of the nomads competes for what remained of the crops. Market prices for staple food have risen considerably. Livestock prices have fallen as farmers sell their animals so as to buy food; women are forced to sell their jewellery and spare clothes for similar reasons.
Desert Locust swarms are maturing in Northwest Africa and egg-laying has started in NE Algeria. Several immature swarms persist in southern Senegal and Guinea...These are likely to return in large numbers by mid-2005; this would lead to greater food insecurity in the Sahel countries.
The United Nations has increased its 2005 appeal for West Africa by USD 38 million in order to help countries battling with the aftermath of last locust invasion and localized drought."
It also reports:
"Spring breeding commenced during March in Northwest Africa...Several immature swarms that persisted in southern Senegal and Guinea during March will eventually move towards central Mali in April and May....Sahelian countries should prepare themselves for any swarms that could arrive from Northwest Africa from about late June onwards."
April 05, 2005
Jesus in the mosque
"Bismillah!" The imam stepped back to welcome me into the mosque.
I had gone on one of my 'walkabouts'. On these occasions, I set off to wander around town with no particular plan, just to see whom I might meet, and to share the story of Jesus with those who want to listen.
Although I was by now a familiar sight to locals, visitors from outside villages were often surprised to see a tubaaku, a white man, dressed in the long Muslim robe topped by the ubiquitous turban, ambling round the dusty streets of this small Sahelian town. At times like this, I would often get called into people's homes. Sometimes it would be people who had seen me around or heard me preaching at the market, but who had been too timid to come and talk to me in front of the crowds. Sometimes it would be people with sick children, asking for prayer. Sometimes it would just be the hospitable invitation to an outsider or a friend.
I had been passing the mosque, and the imam was standing in the doorway.
"A salaam aleykum!" I called out in greeting.
"Wa-aleykum a salaam!" he replied. I approached, we shook hands, and we went through the normal greeting sequence, asking after each other's health and family.
"Toy njaata?" (Where are you going?) he asked.
"I'm just off to talk with people about the story of ennabi Iisaa Almasiihu." Fulani Muslims know of ennabi Iisaa Almasiihu, the prophet Jesus Christ, and his Injil (gospel) from the Quran, and hold him in high esteem.
The imam welcomed me into the mosque. I kicked off my sandals at the door, and went in.
Continue reading "Jesus in the mosque"
April 02, 2005
This Week's Good Idea - Get a White Band
Over the coming weeks, I hope to regularly post some Good Ideas. These are ideas for simple things we can do to try and put into practice a commitment to justice and generous living more in our own lives.
Jesus Christ wants us to let him rule over all areas of our lives. He wants his rule of righteousness, justice, blessing, and peace to touch every area, and shape the way we live and the things we do. Our faith needs to be put into practice both in our own personal lives, and in our interaction with the world around us. So, to start with...
THIS WEEK'S GOOD IDEA...
Buy a MAKE POVERTY HISTORY wristband.
MAKE POVERTY HISTORY is a campaign for debt forgiveness, trade justice, and improved aid for developing countries. It is supported by many Christian organisations including Tear Fund, World Vision, and Christian Aid. You can show your commitment to the campaign by buying - and wearing - a MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY wristband.
They cost just £1, and can be bought at your local Oxfam or Save the Children shop, or online from World Vision, Christian Aid, and other places.
You can also get a white band to put on your website or blog. Go here
