Voice of truth to Sahel nomads

The couple shared: “This has led to many opportunities to show the love of Jesus and to make known the Gospel among completely unreached peoples. Showing how much we care for them opens the door to relationships and to sharing the message, from kings and chiefs to the common people, herders, men, women and children – to the whole of the community.”

“In March, we were invited by a king to attend a Festival for Herders in a location predominately populated by four pastoralist people groups. We felt overwhelmed by the friendliness of so many people we met. They were surprised that we spoke their language and dressed like them. People we’d never met before in this remote region said, ‘you must come and visit us in our camps’.”

“The other people groups were open and friendly too, wanting us to visit with them and chat in their tent homes which they had erected for the occasion to display something of their culture and customs.

Three of these people groups have no-one working among them there. Imagine what could happen if someone responds to God’s call to make disciples among them too.

Hope Bearers

Three years ago, Phil and Carol visited a community where many devout followers of the majority religion live together. As they shared the gospel, some people accepted solar-powered audio Bibles, called MegaVoices, that were offered to them.

Recently, Phil sensed that he should to return to the community that day. On his arrival, he learned that Haruni, who had shown the most interest in the gospel when they first visited, had died that day. A crowd of men had gathered to express their grief and to pray for their dead relative. They welcomed Phil and invited him to sit on the mats with them in the shade of a large tree. They said that they were sorry his friend had died. The conversations were frequently interrupted by the arrival of more men and repetitive prayers for the deceased.

Phil said, “When there was a lull, I asked if they would allow me to tell them of a time when Jesus visited a grieving family, when he raised Lazarus from the dead. They listened intently, and later I heard them recounting the story to newcomers. After about three hours, when I stood up to leave, they thanked me for coming and urged me to return for another visit. I was further surprised when they asked if I had any more MegaVoices for them. I was greatly encouraged to learn that Haruni had listened to his MegaVoice until the day he died.”

I was struck that the whole group of about forty men listened so intently to what we shared.

The next day, Haruni’s younger brother, Abu, a believer, arrived to bring his condolences. Phil took him to see his family and was deeply moved to see how they welcomed him as when he first believed, many years previously, he suffered severe persecution. As Phil and Abu were sitting with the men, one of the young men asked, “Are you going to tell us more about Jesus?” Phil said he would be happy to if given the opportunity. About an hour or so later, one of the older men asked them to share the message.

“Again, I was struck that the whole group of about forty men listened so intently to what we shared. Just like on the previous day, as I left, some in the group asked for MegaVoices. Some also wanted printed copies of Matthew’s Gospel. Abu stayed on for several days and was amazed at the openness of his people to the Good News.”

“I ask myself, why are we surprised to see evidence of God working in this way? He is the God of mission who hears and answers our prayers.”

Phil and Carol give thanks for the contribution of SIM colleagues who have also worked among this people group, for the opportunities they have of partnering with local leaders, and for all who are prayerfully and financial part of this work. They praise God for each believer and pray that Jesus will protect them in His powerful Name. They are encouraged by the growing number of disciples across this region.