« More birds of Oudalan | Main | The Last Wild Giraffes of West Africa »

February 03, 2008

The times they are a changing…

For years we have been sharing the good news of Christ, with little fruit. For years I have also been praying and working to see the churches come together to work as one for the kingdom of God. I am convinced that God’s desire is for his people to be united (Jn 17:20,21), and that his blessing follows when they are (Ps 133).

Now there seems to be a shift. There seems to be a new openness to the gospel, and a few local people have recently decided to follow Jesus. Last year, the joint efforts for the flood relief, and the children’s camp were the first significant steps in bringing the churches together. This week, we had a seminar together, and afterwards 24 of us from the different churches went out two-by-two to share the good news of Christ with our neighbours. We found a welcome for the message of Christ. At least two people gave their lives to Christ and came to church on Sunday. And on Tuesday, we had an Agape meal for the pastors of the different churches, together with their wives.

Gorom-Gorom Mission Team

Now, Pierre, Pascal, Michel, Seydou, and myself have started the “Gorom-Gorom Mission Team” (“GMT”) – an interdenominational group representing the four church / mission groups in Gorom, to plan how we can work together more for God’s kingdom. It is such a privilege to work with these good friends and committed men of God. I couldn't choose better co-workers.

The verse that has been with us over the last few weeks has been Prov 10:5 – “he who sleeps during harvest is a despicable son.” We are being called to work.

So we have committed ourselves, apart from our own church / mission activities, to a joint programme:
• To hold a weekly inter-church Fulani cell group.
• To meet together for an hour of prayer each week.
• To meet together the first Saturday of each month for a morning of prayer, and an afternoon of evangelism.
• To support each other’s mission activities.
• To work together in all other activities that will benefit the region and bring the blessing of the kingdom of God.

The Fulani cell is going well, and our first day of prayer and evangelism yesterday was excellent. Our prayer is that, after years of sowing with tears, we might now begin to reap with songs of joy. Please pray for us in this, for increasing unity and love among us, and for the grace of Christ to be poured out on Gorom-Gorom.

Posted by Keith at February 3, 2008 06:08 PM