Sunday in Africa

Sunday, January 23, 2011 is a day that I can't imagine I will ever forget. We began the Lord's Day by traveling in a rented taxi van to Karma, a demon oppressed village outside of Niamay, to worship with a faithful believer. As we reached the outskirts of Niamay, the roadside provided views of a brown dead landscape littered with goats, lambs, donkeys, and people with jackets and coats. It was crazy cold for Africa. I think it was 60 degrees.

When we reached Karma, a thin man with sharp features met us enthusiastically and jumped into the van. Henry was thrilled to see us. His smile was big and his laugh was loud as he talked back and forth with Mark and C (C is our brilliant translator fluent in 6 languages and currently studying Greek, Hebrew, and Arabic in seminary.) As we came into the village, Henry's face changed. He looked tentative and a little nervous.

Henry led us around to the back of the village to a tree. He explained how and why he had received permission for us to gather there. In the shade of that tree we exchanged names and pleasantries and then each of us shared how we came to know Christ. We also opened the Word of God together and prayed. Henry was soaking in everything that was said. It was clear that this brother had not had community for a while.

He explained to us how the 6 other recently baptized believers there in Karma had been persecuted for their faith and had turned away from Christ. One of the former believers actually told Henry that if he came and talked to him about Jesus again that he would beat him. Apparently, these believers were treated by their families and friends the way they were treating Henry and instead of remaining faithful had given up their new found faith in Jesus. Sadly, this is not uncomman in a country where Christians are persecuted.

Henry has not given up. His wife, his parents, his siblings, his in-laws, and all of his friends have rejected him. Most will not talk to him and there is a very real possibility that he will be deprived of home, of work, and even the possiblity of buying food. In this culture community is vital to survival. On his own, Henry should not be able to survive.

But Henry has more than survived. He has thrived. After our time under the tree, he walked us through the village. Among the Songhai there is a saying, "The guest is king." Although they know we were Christian, they treated us with kindness and respect. Henry led us to a hill where we were able to look down upon the whole village. We prayed and then Henry began to sing. Mark and C knew the song and joined him. Henry sang the loudest and with the greatest joy. This persecuted man has the joy of the Lord in him!

That afternoon we had a meal together, made a run for the market, and then headed back to the tree for more traning. Mark asked me to teach Henry what happens when a believer dies and what heaven is like. I was tired of sitting so I asked to stand and began to teach. C stood next to me and translated and we accidentally drew a crowd. First it was children, but then some women joined too. After I spoke, the other men stood and shared encouraging Scriptures with Henry and many of the people stayed. We taught for about an hour and a half. I could not believe that most of the people stayed and listened.

As we prepared to leave Todd Crosby stood and boldly shared the Gospel. Afterward, we asked if we could pray for the people standing there listening. This was a big deal for people that think prayer is something you do when a horn goes off 5 times a day and you get on a towel, face the east, and quote Arabic words you don't know the meaning of. We explained that because we pray in Jesus' name, our God hears us always at all times. It was amazing to these poeple to hear their names lifted up in prayer.

As we left, Henry sang again and prayed for us. It was 11 am in Bowling Green, KY and I asked him to pray for Pastor Jeff who was about to preach again and for the gathered believers at Living Hope. He then prayed for us and we left with gladness and hope in our hearts.

I have come to a firm understanding about myself and Hamma. I may have more knowledge than him, but he has more faith. I am thankful for the truth I know, but I am humbled by the faith I need. My prayer is that I can have faith like Hamma and encourage the people I love toward that same end.