Sokoto Fulani of Eastern Niger

welcome to *SM

2007-07-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

Welcome to *SM. In this village, there is a small Fulani church, and about thirty believers. A Hausa man came to this village and told these people about Jesus, and the people accepted. Now, the people meet regularly for church - they sing songs, pray and listen to the Word of God.

Missionaries are doing oral Bible study with the women of SM. Most of the women do not think that they can learn from the Bible, because they do not think they have any intelligence. But slowly, the women are accepting the teachings from Scripture and learning how to apply it to their lives.

The men are engaged in literacy classes. While the work is difficult for them, some men clearly desire to learn. One man has had some training in the past and will soon be able to read on his own. Others are slowly learning to read by recognizing syllables and sounding out the words.

Pray that the people of SM will be open to learning. Pray that they will tell others about the good news they have received, and seek to grow their church. Pray that this Fulani church would be the first of many Fulani churches in eastern Niger.

(by chelsea)

*DK

2007-07-18T14:32:00.001-07:00

Welcome to *DK. Missionaries working around this village found it by God’s providence, and it is clear that God is moving in the hearts of the men of the village.

The first week the missionaries visited, the chief was not in the village, but his son asked them to return and retell the story of Jesus. The following week, the chief of the village found the missionaries at their home and personally invited them to return. They did and almost forty men gathered to hear the story about Jesus.

The week after that, three men became believers; one who said he had wanted to follow Jesus for five years, but was scared to do so alone.

Now, a Christian man from close by is seeking to meet with the men of DK. He wants to start a church in the area.

Pray that more men in DK will accept the message they have heard. Pray that the men will continue to gather to hear more stories about Jesus, and that their hearts will be open. Pray for the Fulani Christian who is seeking to begin a church. Pray he will have guidance from the Spirit, and that the men will accept his leadership.

(by chelsea)

meet *L

2007-07-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

*L is the son of the chief of the village of D. His father is very old and ailing, and L may soon become chief. A journeyman has been visiting L’s village, desiring to tell the people of his village about Jesus. For months L heard the good news about Jesus, but kept his heart closed and refused to discuss the way of Jesus. Recently he has said that he believes the good news to be true, but L could not accept it in his heart. He told the journeyman that he just couldn’t follow.

Four weeks later, the journeyman returned to the village, but this time, she brought three summer missionaries with her. Emboldened by the presence of her three companions, the journeyman once again told L the good news of Jesus, but went one step further with it. She told L that the way he follows is built on lies. She told L that when he becomes chief, he will be leading all his people in the wrong way. L said that he did not want this and that he would gather the village and tell them about the news of Jesus.

The next week, when the missionaries returned, L asked if he could go back to town with them to see a Christian man in that city. L met with the man, and asked to hear the good news of Jesus from him. This man retold the story to L and also showed him the Jesus film. L told him that he believed in Jesus, but that he could not follow alone. He said that if ten others followed, he would follow.

Pray that L will have the courage to walk with Jesus, even if it means that he must walk alone. Pray that he will accept Jesus in his heart, and tell his village the good news.

(by chelsea)

meet *A

2007-07-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

Meet *A. He is a teenage Fulani boy living in a Hausa town in Niger. A is a close friend to the two journeymen in the area.

Like almost all Fulani, he is a Muslim. He does not have a good relationship with his father, but looks up to a man named *B. Under B’s guidance, A prays five times a day and performs the ritual cleansings required of all Muslims. But when B is not around, he does not do these things. A knows why his journeymen friends are in Niger, but does not feel the need for Jesus in his life. He does not believe that Jesus is God’s Son or that He is more than a prophet.

Pray that A would further question the journeymen about their faith. Pray that he would not find comfort in the rituals and works of his religion, but seek to know Jesus and His saving grace.

(by chelsea)

meet *T

2007-07-18T13:53:00.000-07:00

Meet *T. He is the chief, or Ardo, of the village of T. He is a man who is sweet of spirit and takes genuine interest in and care of all those he meets. He has been as a father to the two journeymen who work with him, and the two summer missionaries who stayed in his village. He has been listening with interest to the tapes about the Bible that the summer missionaries have given to him. He says the tapes make him happy .

Recently, T made the walk into the largest city near him to buy beans at the market. On his way in, he stopped at the home of the two journeymen. The journeymen and their summer missionaries were in the middle of their Sunday worship time, but invited T to stay with them. Taking advantage of the opportunity, one of the journeymen provided the story of the Crucifixion of Jesus, found in Luke 23. T took in the story, and discussed it with the journeyman. Then, the Spirit led one of the summer missionaries to speak. The young man told T that he was a respected leader, and that his people would follow him wherever he led. He also told T that he had been deceived into thinking that good works and five prayers a day, and a mosque visit on Fridays could earn him salvation. The young man spoke of how only faith in Jesus Christ, and His saving grace, could guarantee their salvation.

T took all these words in and turned them over in his heart. T has been following the way of Islam for 65 years. Everything he knows is wrapped up in religion. Now he has admitted that he believes what he has heard about Christ to be the Truth, but says that he cannot change. He refuses to leave behind what he has known and done all his life. He says he is scared to follow Christ and that he must continue to be Muslim like all of his people.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to give T the courage that he needs to make the decision to follow Christ. Pray that he would not be fearful of others and that he would not deny the Truth.

(by chelsea)

Please lift our volunteers up in prayer

2007-04-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

The heat saps all of our strength and especially short term teams
like from Bardstown who have not acclimated to the climate. That
makes travel all that much harder. I know they would appreciate
prayer for their journey home and their physical wellness while they
are here. Ministry in Niger requires grace from God for the many
physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges.

Will you stop right now and lift Dave, Carla, Janice and Anna up to
the Father?

Update on the accident

2007-01-29T08:25:00.000-08:00

UPDATE

URGENT PRAYER
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
JANUARY 27, 2007

WEST AFRICA. "Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men," Psalm 107:19-21. Thank you for interceding for an 8-year-old West African girl who was accidentally hit by an IMB missionary's vehicle Friday, January 26. An IMB field strategy leader who visited the hospital Saturday morning, January 27, learned that the girl's mother had arrived and that the girl was awake, responding to her mother and eating. The local hospital staff had intended to transfer the girl to a hospital in the capital city but has decided that it is not necessary. Please continue to pray that this child will have a full recovery. Also pray for the emotional recovery of the missionary family that was involved in the accident. Ask God to provide opportunities in the coming days for IMB personnel in the area to have a positive Christian witness to the family of the injured child as well as to others in the community.

It is amazing to be here and see first-hand the Father's awesome answers to your prayers. When I arrived to Niamey yesterday I heard of two other accidents that involved our missionaries. But in each one, prayers were raised and the potential tragedies have turned to reasons to praise God! Everyone involved in these accidents is fine, recovering from a close call and a few aches and pains. It really cements in my brain what a HUGE part that you all have in our ministry here.

We will never know why these things happen, but God does!

2007-01-27T02:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon (14h00 EST) the H family, part of our Sokoto Fulani
team, were traveling near the town of Maradi in Niger when their vehicle
struck a local 8-year-old girl. The child is currently hospitalized with
serious injuries, but no one else involved in the accident was hurt.
Other IMB West Africa personnel are with the H family and at the hospital
with the child at this time. Pray that God will bring healing to this
child and be glorified in this situation. Intercede for the H family and
for our other WA personnel who are with the family members of this young
girl; ask God to give these colleagues sufficient strength, courage, and
confidence to be His witnesses in these difficult circumstances. Ask God
to give them spiritual wisdom and discernment to know how to respond in a
culturally appropriate way that will bring honor to Him.

My friends were leaving from meeting with our team when we received the
call about the accident. Yesterday evening and this morning I have been
with this family and four girls who desperately need our prayer for peace
in this difficult time. The latest news on the little girl is that she is
stable but has sustained head injuries with possible internal bleeding.
They were going to evacuate her to Niamey, the capital city, but have
decided against it because she is showing progress and looking better each
time. Please pray that she will be healed in the way that only God's power
can. We have already seen His hand at work when at the scene of the
accident the family was not sure if the child was even alive but is now
stable and resting. Many prayers have already been lifted for this
situation. Please join us as soon as you can.

A challenge to pray and fast � to see an abundant harvest among the Fulani

2006-09-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

The Sokoto Fulani team vision:

It is our vision to see individual Fulani and their families come to faith in Christ, to grow in and share that faith with others, which will result in indigenous, maturing and rapidly multiplying churches among the Sokoto Fulani.

We want a Church Planting Movement (CPM) to take place among the Sokoto. So, what is a CPM? One Fulani church planting another Fulani church, which plants 2, which plants 4, 8� rapidly! Right now, in one Fulani village there are about 15 believers and in another there are 4.

Understanding that, are you ready for our challenge?

For the months of September and October, we are challenging you to pray and fast that a CPM will happen among the Fulani. We want you to pray expectantly, knowing that we serve a faithful, all-powerful God, who wants the Fulani to know him. He answers the prayers of His people. We look forward to sharing with you how he has answered all of our prayers at the end of October � harvestime.

At this time in Niger, the people are working the fields because it is rainy season and they are waiting for the harvest. Just as God will allow the people to reap a harvest of millet in this land, he is also preparing a harvest of the Fulani. In a couple months time, the Fulani will indeed reap a harvest of millet. It is our prayer and the purpose of this challenge that at the same time, there will be a great harvest of people rapidly coming to Christ, resulting in a Church Planting Movement.

Pray that the Holy Spirit will pour down on this land, drawing the people to God. We are confident that the only way a CPM can take place in this land is by the power of God.

Pray that the Holy Spirit will light a fire in the believers so that they will boldly share their faith with their families, friends, neighbors, enemies, � everyone.

Pray that the believers will fully comprehend how all-encompassing faith in Christ is.

Pray that they will realize they have the authority and power of God, through the Holy Spirit to share with people (Acts 1:8).

Pray that God will break down all the cultural barriers that keep the Fulani from accepting God�s gift of salvation.

Pray for Fulani men and women to understand that women can and must make individual decisions to follow Christ.

Mayahi

2006-08-20T04:49:00.000-07:00

Jessica and Sarah can tell you the larger story, but I wanted to share
that 18 Fulani men met with them in expectation to hear the story of
Jesus. They had heard from previous missionaries and were anxiously
waiting for the girls to arrive.

The Friday that they arrived they shared the "Creation to the Cross" story
with this group. A translated helped to facilitate understanding and
questions and then gave an invitation for these men to trust Christ as
their Savior and forgiver of sins.

18 men accepted!!! Jessica and Sarah are now praying for God's guidance as
how to best disciple these new believers in their Faith!

Please join with us in prayer for these 18 and the other 4!

God is moving here! Thanks for being a HUGE part of it!

4 Fulani accept Christ

2006-08-20T04:45:00.000-07:00

4 Fulani pray to Jesus to forgive their sins!!!

It was not a normal day. I woke up with a painful stomach, remnants of a
recent battle with Giardia. I was tired, didn't want to eat and especially
did not want to go out and spend three days in the African bush.

I called my friends hoping to get motivated and just talking to them
helped. Then, when our connection was ended I had to go out and buy
another card. That got me out and motivated and in the next hour I was
arriving in the village.

I went around greeting people and eventually ended up holding a fussy
baby. "Rayno" is what they call it and I am sure they laugh because I
always jump to spend time holding these new blessings. While in my arms
this one fell asleep and we ventured off to a home in which I had not
often visited. They offered me soured milk to drink and I accepted. We sat
for a while chatting and I took the mostly distraction-free opportunity to
share with them the story of Jesus. At the end of my story I told them
that they could have the same forgiveness of sins that I had and peace and
joy in their hearts. They accepted! They wanted Jesus! Then I warned them
of the difficulties that their following Jesus could bring. They could be
beaten and lose their homes. Two of the three still accepted.

I promised to come the following day to repeat the story so they could
remember to tell their friends. That day two older men wanted to hear the
story also. Those two also accepted!

God is doing something BIG here among the Fulani. (See Jessica or Sarah's
Blogs) and KEEP PRAYING!!

To clear up some confusion...

2006-04-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

"Danejo! In English that sounds like something scary. Like when
you're driving to Konni and the oncoming bus prefers your potholes to
his - then you in Dane-jo and you better move!"

My old journeyman friend wrote me this. It's hilarious, but I wanted
to clear up the confusion as to the pronunciation of my new name.

Dahn-EH-jo is the best way I can spell it phonetically.

For those of you who are more academically inclined here is another
explanation:

"short a
e is like a long a
o is long
emphasis is on the middle syllable. "

I want to thank my participants for helping me out in explaining. The
villagers like the name change, but are still forgetting. That's okay.

For you, Joe

2006-03-30T04:42:00.000-08:00

So, I did not get to post my first day back. I am sorry about that,
but I will try to be better about it.

For those of you that don't know, I met some really cool people last
week and they gave me some feedback on this blog. They sort of
expressed concern on the frequency of my posts. They still understand
that when I am in the villages that it is impossible to post, but for
those times when I am in the capital, or even remotely have the
chance to check email and update the blog then I am under obligation
to do so.

For those of you that are loyal (or obsessive) checkers of my blog I
will be better. The problem lies in the uni-directional flow of
communication on the blog. That is just a interesting way to say that
posting on my blog is great, but if I do not receive feedback/
comments on posts or emails I am not so encouraged to post. That is
where you all come in. Please comment on my posts. The deal is that
if you comment, I will post more. Got it?

Take care!!

Thanks again Wickland!! I had a great time with y'all in Tampa!!

2006-01-28T17:11:00.000-08:00

I will be doing survey work in towns in the south central area of Niger seeking the Father's guidance for placement of new personnel who will arrive in 2 months. Please pray that I will know the direction in which He is leading so that His light will be seen in the best areas for the next two years.

Please Pray for Language Study for Drew and Jen

2006-01-08T16:20:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, January 9th, Drew and Jen begin three weeks of French
language study followed by two months of Fulfulde study. Please pray
for them as they are humbled and frustrated, grow in their abilities
and build relationships cross culturally. Pray for their family as
they adjust to a new schedule and a new home.

2006-01-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

February 7 - 17 a church from Maryland will be joining us in ministry in a few different villages in the Konni area. Please pray for this group as they minister among the Fulani. They will be involved in prayerwalking, personal witness and showing the Jesus film.

2005-12-16T03:34:00.000-08:00

Drew and Jennifer Blessing and their children will be spending Christmas with family before leaving Dec 29 to join the ministry in Niger. Please pray for their time with family and for all the last minute details of moving from one continent to another to come together peacefully. Finally, pray for their safety to and transition in a new country.

Relationships are My Ministry

2005-12-10T17:07:00.000-08:00

"Making relationships is vital to my ministry" says journeyman Danielle Koepke. Last month, we hosted a volunteer optometry team who came to fit glasses and educate the villagers on eye care. He did a wonderful job, and the people were so excited to see us. Please pray that this act of service would help create more relationships in our villages and that Christ's love would be shown through our service.

For God Did Not Give Us a Spirit of Fear...

2005-12-01T14:47:00.000-08:00

A local Fulani believer has expressed interest in learning how to share her faith in Jesus Christ with her friends and neighbors. This request is brave, considering the fact that her husband and other family members are not yet believers. Please pray for her daily. Pray for God's clear direction in her evangelistic growth and that she would be moved and supported by the Holy Spirit to be BOLD in her witness to all with whom she comes in contact.

2005-11-08T11:26:00.000-08:00

There are new team members moving to their station this Thursday. Please pray for Bekah, Seng and Tara as they make adjustments to life in a Fulani village and as they begin language study.

Hebrews 12:3

2005-11-01T14:33:00.000-08:00

In a West African country where women have little respect or education and live in an environment that threatens their existence, journeyman Danielle Koepke comes into their homes talking about hope and a future. Pray that these women will see beyond cultural differences and seek a relationship with Jesus, the author of this hope.

Ramadan -- A time of prayer and fasting

2005-10-29T06:05:00.000-07:00

The month of Ramadan has arrived. It is the time Muslims believe their holy book was sent down from heaven to Muhammad. It began Oct. 4 and will last until Nov. 2. During this "holy month," they fast from food and water (some won't even swallow their saliva) from sunrise to sunset.

I will share what my national friend said: "you always have an angel sitting on each shoulder, one writing your good deeds and one writing your bad deeds, but Alla is watching you especially closely during Ramadan. The door is open between Alla and man and Alla is aware of everything man does during this month."

Although their holy book does not say much about Ramadan, many traditions have formed over the years. In Konni, everyone's schedule changes. Businesses have no break mid-day and close early, around 2. In the afternoons the streets are almost deserted because people are tired and hungry, and usually find a shady place to nap until sundown. Come dusk, people eat coco, a hot, spiced millet drink and nyiiri with sauce, their usual food. Then they take to the streets to visit friends, relatives and neighbors. They stay up late in the villages and the children celebrate by singing, chanting and running around. It is a time of intensity for the "works" in Islam. Many people pray more, read their holy book each night, give more alms to the poor, etc.

***********************************************************************

I have been asking the Father that this month will bring many opportunities to share about prayer and fasting from a Believer's perspective. I am asking the Him to give me wisdom and words to say, or questions to ask. If ever there is a time to lift up Muslims in prayer, it is during this time! Ask for them to have dreams and visions that reveal Truth. Ask for workers and national believers to have wisdom in sharing. It is overwhelming that most every person I see when I step outside of my house is Lost and blinded to the Truth. The Enemy has a stronghold here but don't forget that He is moving in some hearts.

New Missionaries approved

2005-08-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

Drew and Jennifer have been approved to come and serve among the Sokoto Fulani in Niger. Please be praying for them as there are many adjustments to be made in their lives over the coming months.

Welcome -- A jabbama!

2005-08-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome!! This will be the future site to read prayer requests and how God is answering those prayers among the missionaries working with the Sokoto Fulani of Eastern Niger.

Check back for frequent updates from our personnel on the field!