Tim showed the Fulani herders how to measure the girth of the livestock before administering the life-saving vaccines.

The tsetse fly is a dreaded predator of both cattle and humans across West Africa. This tiny insect can decimate an entire herd, and for the nomadic Fulani herdsmen, the death of even a single cow is a great loss.

For the past six years, my husband Tim has been doing friendship evangelism with the Fulani, whose numbers in Nigeria are estimated to be around 15 million. His veterinary skills have been a bridge to gaining their trust.

Recently, Tim learned that the tsetse fly was threatening to destroy a large herd of Fulani cows in a village several hours north of our home, in an area where one of his Nigerian partner missionaries works.

The Fulani in the area, who have expressed an interest in hearing about Jesus, were extremely concerned about the welfare of their precious cattle. Tim did a little research and created a trap to attract and kill the vicious flies, which prey on both cattle and people.

He also created an easily understandable chart, and showed them how to measure the girth of the livestock before administering the lifesaving vaccines. The Fulani men quickly grasped the concept, and were incredibly thankful to Tim for teaching them how to help themselves.

Humbled by compassion

Many of the Fulani are peaceful folk-Muslims. But, Abdul, was part of a more radical and militant group. Throughout the day, he taunted Tim and the other Christians working with the cows, hoping to discourage them. He wanted to ensure that the Christians would not have any influence over the Fulani.

However, after two days with Tim and his partners, who slept in their huts and ate their own food, Abdul asked Tim’s forgiveness. With the help of the Fulani translator, he said, “I have never met anyone like you—a Christian who just wants to help my people.”

Now that the cows are thriving and the threat has gone, Abdul wants to know about this Jesus, who sent a foreigner to show compassion to a small band of cattle herders.

God’s protection

The Holy Spirit is indeed moving among the Fulani! Recently, when religious tensions were running high throughout the state, Tim visited the clan of Yusuf, one of his partner missionaries. Despite Yusuf ’s faithful witness, none of them followed Christ.

They told Tim how Yusuf, whose life had been threatened, had narrowly escaped to a neighboring village. Relieved, Tim asked if he could pray for their protection. When they consented, he prayed that God would reveal himself to these precious people.

Later that night, a warring tribe came through and killed 73 of the Fulani, but not one of Yusuf ’s clan were touched. When Tim returned with food and clothing, they shouted, “Do not even come with your provision if you do not pray for us!”

They attributed their protection to the Father of Jesus, and were all ready to accept him as Savior! Yusuf and his family are now safe, and this year will be filled with the joyful discipling of the new believers.

*Note: This article was originally published in Serving In Mission Together, issue 128.