Praise and Prayer

Happy New Year!!!

January 1st is a time if reflection and praising the LORD for His many blessings which He poured out on us during the last year. As I was reviewing my past newsletters to you, I was reminded of many answers to prayer, blessings and even miracles which He placed in my life and ministry during the year 2009.

As you may have noted either in reviewing the previous newsletters, or in what you remember from last year, the LORD was very gracious in giving me tremendous traveling mercies. He kept my vehicle running well on long trips and provided alternatives in transportation when it was not running well. Thank you to those of you who were part of His provision, both in loaning a vehicle at times or giving me rides as well as helping to repair my own at times. 

In addition to good travel, the LORD met my financial need to be able to return to ministry here in Niger at Sahel Academy this last year. He has provided excellent housing and even friends to share life and ministry with while I am here. Moreover, the LORD blessed me fairly good health this last semester. Although I did have several bouts of nausia and fatigue, He restored my health to me and enabled me to accomplish my ministry tasks honorably.

The LORD enabled me to reach my needed language requirement in record time in order to return and meet the need in ministry here this last year as well. I have since then moved on from the French language learning to that of Zarma, a local indigenous language. My roommate and I spend time frequently with the neighbor kids who only speak Zarma and build relationships with them and their families. It is our hope to one day share the gospel with them clearly. We did have the opportunity to do so briefly with the mother of some of the children on Christmas day. We took the opportunity of the holiday to take some small gifts to their family for the children and read the Christmas story from my roommate's Zarma Bible. The family was SO pleased with that and listened very closely to the scripture being read in their own language. The mother asked several questions and we were pleased to leave knowing they understood Christianity and the Christmas story more clearly. They are an Islamic family. 

This last semester closed out with a whirlwind of activities. As "Coach" and PE teacher, I am responsible for heading of the annual Field Day activities as well as preparing the students for the competition. It is always a daunting task and overwhelming to direct. Nevertheless, God is always faithful and in times with I did not have the strength to carry on with the tasks at hand, He provided a unity and support with the other staff members of Sahel Academy. In the end, the LORD was honored and glorified throughout the entire day of activities both among our students and before many Nigeriens here in Niamey. The love of God poured out in the way the adults stepped in to help as well as the students coming alongside one another (even their competition) and encouraging each other and cheering one another on.

We closed out the last semester with Christmas programs and festivities. Several staff members were leaving as their time here came to a close and once again the others came together as a team and met the needs that created. Although we still have a great need for teachers even for this next semester, many others are stepping up and taking on huge tasks to make it possible for these students to receive a proper education. Please pray that the LORD would raise up more teachers to relieve some of this extra pressure as this will also increase the quality of teaching we are able to give out. At this time, we desperately need a Jr. High History teacher. We also need a Physics teacher, Jr. High Science and Bible teachers, and a Physical Education teacher. (Although current staff members are covering for these classes, a more specialized instructor would be a huge blessing to have this semester.)

So, in looking toward this upcoming semester, I am filled both with anticipation (as ministry opportunities are numerous and growing daily it seems) as well as apprehension with several more daunting tasks ahead. My anticipation stems from the following. It seems the LORD has opened the door for me to assist with a Zarma literacy class on Monday early afternoons at a local sewing school for women. That will not only help me tremendously as I learn Zarma, but will provide many more opportunities for me to share God's love and truth with these young Nigerien women. My apprehension is concerning the great need we have for teachers and the weighty load that places on us as we persue not only quality education for our students, but also accreditation. Please pray that God will provide once again for us through His power and grace.