Events on the Field

It is with heavy hearts that we post this, and yet with hope that you will join us in prayer. Thank you in advance for sharing this burden with us and for praying by our sides!

This week we received news that rioting broke out in various West African countries. Our understanding is that the riots were a response to happenings in France.  As a result Friday and Saturday 8-9 churches were burned in Niger, West Africa. This is the country where Amy’s parents work and where we have fellow missionaries and national friends. We are praising God that, as far as we know, none of the believers were harmed. Stories are being told of God’s evident Hand of protection upon His children and we are awed by His goodness in this way. Yet we were saddened Sunday morning to know that our brothers and sisters in Christ met to worship in the midst of such loss.

In Mali, West Africa there were demonstrations but things were kept under control and free from riots. We have heard from Joseph’s parents that all are safe and things are calm.

Finally in Benin, we received news that a large delegation from the larger towns descended upon the village of Boifo where Pastor Isaac resides. Many of you have heard us share of Pastor Isaac in your churches. The intent of the delegation was to urge the people to purge their village of Christians and their worthless influence. No one was harmed and the church in Boifo was not burned. Pastor Isaac later met with the village chief who condemned the intrusion but it left the believers deeply impacted.  Pastor Isaac later shared with our colleague Colin the following words, “They can burn our churches but they will not destroy the Church!”

Our hearts our humbled to serve with these men and women.

Our missionary colleagues in the various countries are safe though they remain on alert. These are troubled times that we live in and yet we know that God is active and at work.

Will you join us as we fervently pray that God would be glorified in these days; that our brothers and sisters in Christ would stand firm and be filled with His strength; that God’s mighty Hand of protection would be upon them; and that these events would lead men and women to know Jesus Christ.

As we said before, we are so thankful to know that you are praying with us!