|
|
Dear companions of the Road,
Last night we finally found a moment to unpack our stored Christmas décor here in Detroit. When we had put it in place, we sat together in the candlelight (Glenn, Bryn, Abou and I), soaking in the beauty and the soft Mannheim Steamroller Christmas music that was accompanying it. Advent, anticipating the celebration of the Birth that changed everything, is such a precious reminder of all that we owe to God because he took it upon himself to become human.
Because of our God's tender mercy
the dawn will break upon us from on high
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:78,79)
Our three African nativities on the mantel are also reminders that he came to offer salvation to the whole world. Will you join us in praying for an unprecedented people movement among the Nyarafolo this year? About 99.4 % of them are still sitting "in darkness and in the shadow of death," worshiping gods that cannot help them, but convinced that they need to be concerned with these intermediaries because the Supreme God is distant, disinterested in humanity. But during 2016 we saw an upsurge in those coming to Christ in Tiepogovogo, and a strengthening of the groups meeting in other villages. The Lord has been intervening through the loving outreach of his servants, through the Word in Nyarafolo, through some healings, and through the release of several people chained to demonic forces. We'll include some prayer points below. As Paul wrote:
Pray that the Lord's message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. (2 Thess. 3:1 NLT)
We have been so blessed to hear the Word, to know our Lord, as have you, our companions on the Jesus Road. May you also have opportunities share this Good News with your friends and family, and even a "stranger" that our Lord might put in your life.
Serving him with gratitude,
Linn, for Glenn too
|
|
Pray for the pastors
who work among the Nyarafolo, and their families. They face many challenges: low pay, compassion needs in their congregations, push-back from the Enemy. Pray that they will have discernment, love for their people, and leading of the Spirit in preaching and all aspects of their ministries. The husbands are standing behind their wives here (older children not shown), left to right: Pekaly and Tchomachen, Lafokpokaha; Fouhoton and Victorine, Tiepogovogo; Kidou and Mariam, SUCAF (sugar plantation church); André Doh and Beatrice (Pisankaha).
Remember, Pisankaha is still in waiting mode -- waiting for protection from attack, waiting for signs that they can rebuild their church in safety. They still cannot assemble there; church members travel to other churches to attend services. Pray for God to work his wonders in their situation!
|
Pray for the Baptist Hospital
ministry, for needed staff and funding, as well as effective spiritual outreach every day. Hundreds of people come to have medical needs met. Often they find out they have spiritual needs that only Jesus can meet. About 100 people per year come to Christ through this ministry. Pray that national personnel and missionaries will each have the physical and spiritual resilience needed in this demanding work.
Pray for Glenn, too, that he will soon have the information needed to begin developing a fund-raising proposal.
|
|
|
|
Pray for the translation team
as they continue to plow ahead, for health, wisdom, protection, and good progress. The Old Testament portions are finished, but two parts still need a consultant check: Leviticus, and books 4 and 5 of the Psalms. Abdoulaye is currently working on the Pauline epistles in the New Testament. Kahayérégué and Kifory have the challenging job of back-translating our Nyarafolo drafts to French, so that they are accessible to consultants for checking. Moise (my OT co-translator), is trying to do the audio-recording of Genesis; I hear that they continue to encounter difficulties. Tènidihe is teaching literacy, as is Kifory, especially reaching out to churches on weekends.In the photo, they are (left to right): Tènidihe, Kahayérégué, Kifory, Moise, Linn, and Abdoulaye.
|
Pray for the many unreached,
who have not heard or understood the Good News. There are so many small villages scattered throughout the region, the farmers settling near their fields. Pray for workers! Pray that those who fear being shamed by changing their "path" will realize how much more important it is to be on the right path than to be respected!
|
Pray for our protegés,
especially those in university. They are now required to have computers by January, and getting them one, getting one to them, is crazy! Our compassion fund is empty except for designated gifts. For these and for other unanticipated needs (especially medical),we would love to receive Christmas gifts for the needy! (See the link below.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
