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February 27, 2006
Birth and death in the sahel
There are many encouragements - and a few discouragements - as I continue my travels. On Saturday we went to see B, a Fulani girl who became a Christian in our yard in Gorom-Gorom a few years ago, and she is doing really well in Dori. A few hours later, after a sweaty bus ride to Gorom, i finally arrived home and was able to catch up with Seydou and Monique. They have a young man staying with them, from a Muslim family, who became a Christian and was thrown out by his family. Next year he hopes to do his A-levels, but his family won't pay for him to stay at school.
Walking through the market today took about three hours as I was stopped every few yards to greet people - at least I'm not forgotten... The church's response to the food crisis last year has also had a big impact, and many people even now are saying thank you for the help.
Yusufi came to visit yesterday, and is doing really well. He wants to go to Bible School to study the word of God more, and be equipped to serve God as head of the only Christian family in his village. As a husband of two wives, it is unlikely he will be allowed to have an official role as church leader, but he is effectively the leader of the church in his village. Please pray for him, and ask that God will guide concerning the possibility of Bible school.
Hamadou's wife Wadda gave birth to a little girl called Seyata a week ago, and we went to see them today out in their Fulani hut on the outskirts of Gorom. Mum and daughter are doing well, and dad is expected to arrive any time now.
On the other hand, I have been sadly struck by the number of people I knew here who are no longer with us. Most sad was hearing of the death of M, a Fulani Christian from a village 25 miles from Gorom. He was the only believer in his village and was struggling to grow in Christ there, but really came alive when he got away to the Fulani Chrisitan gatherings around the country. He apparently became very ill and went downhill quickly, and died about 2 weeks ago. Tomorrow Seydou and I will go to his village on Seydou's motorbike to give our condolences to the family. Please pray for this visit and for his family. Thank you.
As internet connection is not good here, I am not yet able to reply to emails, but thank you to those of you who have written.
More soon...
Tags: africa burkina burkina faso gorom-gorom travel fulani mission
Posted by Keith at February 27, 2006 08:50 PM
Comments
Keep on being who you are - God will give you strength to deal with the sad times and the good times. Much in my thoughts
Steve
Posted by: Steve Hilsden at March 1, 2006 06:34 PM
With fond memories of being in Gorom, my thoughts and prayers are with you. With much love.
Mum
Posted by: Mum at March 2, 2006 09:02 AM
.... why i love africa.... there's no insulation from the real things in life... birth, death,joy,hardship.... exhausting but true. Lean on God and He will provide you with all that you need...
Alla Hollu en seeda...
Posted by: Sarah at March 2, 2006 10:57 AM
still praying.
Posted by: wilsonian at March 2, 2006 12:54 PM
