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June 01, 2007

Back in England

Dear friends,

A Fulani man is very seldom present at his own wedding. He considers the ceremony a thoroughly shameful occasion and one best enjoyed from a distance of at least 10 miles. Pulaaku (the Fulani code of behaviour) dictates that all of a man's needs are embarrassing, including food, drink, shelter, sleep and the love of a
good woman.

I try to adopt Fulani behaviour where possible, but on this score I have failed. Thing is, I feel tremendously happy about my forthcoming wedding and fully intend to be there for it. Pulaaku can go hang.

I came back to England last week. Between now and the wedding I will be having some time in York with my parents and some time with Charlie in Chichester.

If you have a moment now, please say a prayer for the colleagues I have left behind in Djibo. Pray for good health and good spirits as they battle through the last few weeks of hot season. They are:

Mark and Cheryl Gibson: Mark and Cheryl oversee the Fulani ministry in Djibo and are planning to do some water aid this year (pumps in the desert à la Isaiah 41). Please pray for Cheryl, who is homeschooling Joshua (10) and Milly (8) and also keeping an eye on Sam (1). the Gibson's website

Pastor Jordorma Diallo and Odil: The Fulani pastor and his wife have settled in Djibo and are getting into a routine of preaching and teaching at the church. It is a real joy to see a Fulani couple taking on this role at last.

Cristiano: When the rains start, Cris will move to Bagadumba, a village 5k north of Djibo. There he will work his millet field and disciple Fulani believers. Iranaldo: Iranaldo has just returned from three months in Senegal, where he did a football coaching qualification. He will be coaching children in Djibo and telling them about the love of Jesus.

Ali Bari: I have redone the paperwork for the radio permit and left it all with Ali, a Burkinabe pastor who we hope will one day be the director of the Djibo station. In the coming weeks he will attempt to wheedle a broadcasting permit out of the powers that be, without paying a bribe.

Pray also for Charlie and I as we prepare for our wedding and for our life together. Charlie's current newsletter is online now and it's a good one.

Alla beydu jam.

Posted by sahelsteve at June 1, 2007 08:21 AM