The IK have started preparing their fields because rain has begun to fall in the region. Praise God for this blessing. We are very thankful that Hillary, an Ik man, is a member of Uganda’s parliament and Mark John is a counselor to represent the Ik in the Kaabong District.
Update on The Berbers of North Africa
She was married at 15 years of age, and widowed with six children when her youngest set of twins was 6 months old. She married even before her older sister, primarily because of her unusual and coveted coloring…blonde hair and blue eyes. Being married as a teen in not unusual in her family. Her mother married at 14 years of age; her neighbor is a great-great grandmother and still living. (She has grandchildren of grandchildren!)
This has profoundly affected her view of marriage, children and life in general. Her relationship with her husband was more like that of a father with a child. She was disciplined for chewing gum in public and given rewards for good behavior.
When she first gave birth, she was still in her mid-teens, and went directly to her mother’s house and held on to her physically all the way to the hospital. After giving birth, she refused to hold or look at her children; her mother would care for them for the first several weeks. Several pregnancies later and with a husband ill and bed-ridden, she took pills that she hoped would abort the babies (twin girls.) God spared them, and she drove herself to her mother’s in the middle of the night in order to literally drag her mother to the hospital for the last time.
Now that her daughters are getting older, she doesn’t want them to be married young. She is looking for someone who is financially stable and fair in coloring to match her children. When she asked us what we were looking for in sons-in-laws for our daughters, she shook her head when we said wealth and nationality and looks were not at the top of our list. We were asking Jesus for men who love Him more than they love our daughters, who will love them as Christ loved the church and gave His life for her, who will lead their families as they follow Jesus.
Pray for young Berber girls who step into mother-hood so early. Pray that they will know how incredibly precious they are to Jesus, not because they are physically beautiful, but because they are made in His image. Pray for the children of these young brides, that they will know that they too are precious, even if they hear their mother speaking of trying to abort them. Pray that God, in His mercy, will bring them to believers…that they will see godly marriages that are a picture of Christ and the church, and that they will know the beauty of being loved by Jesus as their Bridegroom who treasures them and gave His life for them.
Upcoming Zigua Outreach Team
Praise God that He has opened a door for AIM to begin an outreach team among the Zigua people, set to begin in 2017. Pray for all of the logistics that go into beginning any new outreach. Pray too for team leaders Jeremy and Leah as they work in advance of the team’s arrival; for health and strength, good relationships in the community, a good grasp of the language (Kizgua), and for their children to thrive and to be a blessing in the village where the family lives.
Update on The Sandawe of Tanzania
Please keep praying with us against the enemy’s desire to tear down the witness and ministry of reaching the unreached in our village, and for the spiritual maturation of those who claim to know Him here.
Update on The Borana of Kenya and Ethiopia
A group of Borana Christians {about 24 people because there are 24 Bibles in one box} from different churches put aside 20/= kenyan schillings a day [this is equal to about $.20] for a whole month so they could each buy one Borana Bible to give to other Borana Christians up in Ethiopia who do not have a Borana Bible. They originally did it for only one month, but have continued and others have joined them!
Update on The Gabbra of Kenya
It’s a great time with so many opportunities to share the Gospel to the people on move. Many nomadic people are listening the solar recorded Bible and often they have questions about who Jesus is and about salvation. Pray that the Holy Spirit makes clear to them “the way, the truth and the life.” Pray for dreams of revelation. Pray for testimonies of salvation. Pray that they keep listening and sharing these solar Bibles with other nomads as they move around.
Update on The Rendille of Kenya
The church in Korr has 3 church plants in process. All three need Rendille men to come, interested in hearing God’s word. Women and children come, which is good, but we are praying for the heads of the homes to see the importance of knowing Jesus. Pray for these three new baby churches:
a. One in Namarei – it has an evangelist named Joel. He loves God and needs prayer as he leads the services each week
b. One in Nagaan – has people from Korr who go each Sunday to preach – but there is no one who visits and pastors during the week.
c. One in Dubsahai – this group has an appointed evangelist. Many come, but mainly children.
Update on The Islanders of the Indian Ocean
The month of Ramadan has started and it brings with it its strange dichotomy of abstention and excess – during the day (sun-up to sun-down) there is no drinking, eating, smoking, medicine, or “relations”. But sunset heralds the feast and many islanders will consume much more oil, meat, and sugar than normal and eat two or three times in the night. For the wealthy the month can be a party – rich foods and social time with family, and the excuse to do very little in the day. For the poor it can be an extra burden – working harder than normal while weakened by thirst and hunger to earn more to meet the expectations of the family for meat on the table, and new clothes for all the children at the end of the month. The spiritual dynamic of Ramadan is double-edged as well… On the one side people feel good – fortified by all the efforts they put in this month, for others it rings hollow – is this change in routine really earning them a place in paradise?
Pray that many islanders would come to the realisation that they can never work their way to God and that in the midst of that dark truth God would reveal them that He has already come to them!
Update on The Arabs of North Africa
“When my husband died, his brother took me as his second wife. You know that I have older daughters. It wouldn’t be good for me to marry someone outside of the family.” I was reminded of the story of Tamar (Genesis) and the expectation that one of her husband’s brothers would marry her. It made me think through what life would have been like for Leah or Hagar or Abigail…or any of the several in Scripture who were one of multiple wives.
I only met the husband once briefly . She usually arranged for us to get together for tea when he was at the other wife’s home. The day he was there, I was amazed at her thoughtfulness and patience. He preferred coffee to the tea that was offered; the plate that the cookies were on was not the one he would have chosen. She quietly rearranged the afternoon tray without complaint. Later she told me, “His other wife often speaks of the difficult things so I have chosen to make this a place he can rest.” Of course, the difficult things usually have nothing to do with afternoon tea. Her husband tries to give his time equally to both, spending every other day with each wife. He is quite conservative, and unlike his brother (her first husband) doesn’t approve of her going out. Although she is over 40, he wanted children and they now have a beautiful son, but the other wife doesn’t know that there is one who will share in the inheritance. The two wives live in completely separate parts of town.
Culturally, there is so much that I don’t understand. As a woman, the pressures that I imagine she faces are probably the same across any cultural lines. *Pray that she and the many others like her would know that they are treasured in the eyes of Jesus. *Pray that they would recognize the depth of Jesus’ love that took Him to the cross. *Pray that she, and all of us, would realize that our value is not based on comparison or performance. May we all believe the gospel of grace!
Update on The M of Tanzania
Pray that the Lord will pour out His Spirit on the M during this month of Ramadan, and that those who are sincerely seeking to draw near to God will find Him through Jesus Christ.
Update on The Antakarana of Madagascar
Several villages in northern Nosy Mitsio will begin Discovery Bible Studies within the next week or two. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would open hearts and minds to understand his message and that he would draw the Antakarana people into a renewed relationship with him!
Update on The Rangi of Tanzania
Pray for radical Rangi Muslims, completely devoted to their faith, to be given a radical encounter with our Lord. And pray that they would be like Paul, willing to sacrifice everything to be obedient to that call.
Pray for Rangi children to ask questions and be discontent with the Islamic answers they receive at the madrasa, religious school. Pray they would have a hunger for Gos and truth their religious education won’t fill. Pray for them to have courage to seek answers. Pray for them to seek answers from Christians as the observe their example and hear their witness.
Update on The Samburu of Kenya
Please continue to pray for the churches in the South Horr Valley. Churches in South Horr are, according to reports, not doing well, with in many cases, only a very small percentage of adults (both men and women, but mostly women) attending. There are many more children in attendance. Apparently the PCEA is the only exception with about 40 adults in attendance.
Update on The Dorobo of Kenya
Here’s an update on Pastor Julius Ng’ayami. I took him to visit his doctor at St Mary’s hospital on Thursday, June 2. They checked his blood and his white blood count was in normal levels. The doctor was amazed and said he would not give him a second dose of IV chemo. Instead, they gave him a four units of blood (the previous chemo had made him anemic, I guess) and send him home to rest and eat well. Julius was so excited. He stayed in hospital two nights while they gave him four units of whole blood. I met him Saturday on his way home and he said he felt so much stronger. He really wants to travel to Loita with a mission team from June 25 to July 4. He said he wants to keep serving the Lord until his last breath, and this change in health was really encouraging to him. Unless he experiences complications, he’ll probably come with us, though he is still much weaker than last year. He’ll visit the hospital again on the June 23r, right before we head out to Loita, and if he’s feeling strong enough, he’ll travel with us.
Update on The Somali of East Africa and the diaspora
As Ramadan begins, pray for the millions of Somalis living all over the world to encounter believers who will share the good news that we can be forgiven and know God’s favor in Jesus.
Update on The Gabbra of Kenya
Raise praises to God for the lives that recently confessed Jesus as their Lord and that the Bible is the Book which contains the truth! Pray that these new believers grow in their faith with the Lord. Pray that the desire to learn about Jesus be constant in their hearts. Pray against any doubt, persecution or spiritual battle they may face.
Update on Digo of Kenya and Tanzania
Ramadan starts on Monday and the Digo will be trying hard to please God. Pray for the believers living among them to make the most of every opportunity to share the hope of the gospel.
Update on The Samburu of Kenya
We can thank the Lord for a former short term missionary, who came back with his friend for many years to train and disciple the young men they led to Jesus while volunteering at a boys’ school in South Horr, the neighbouring town to Kurungu. In God’s providence, after just over a year of full-time discipleship ministry in South Horr, he was suddenly in need of new accommodation. He is now safely installed on the property outside Kurungu. Which means, that on top of continuing with his ministry to the young men and others in South Horr, he is also able to play a more active role in the church in Kurungu.
Update on The Swahili of Kenya and Tanzania
1. Pray for more workers for the harvest among the Swahili people. 2. Pray that efforts by many groups to share the gospel would bear fruit. 3. Pray that the Swahili people who have received copies of the Bible in their language would read and be led to Jesus as Savior. 4. Pray for Swahili believers to stand firm in their faith and share with others. 5. Pray for “Epaphrases” among the Swahili who will plant multiple churches among their people.
Update on The Berbers of North Africa
She didn’t know that her words were right out of Scripture. “How many times should I forgive my brother, one, two, four?” She had dropped by initially to bring some wedding gifts for our daughter, but ended up asking how it was possible to forgive one who wrongs you over and over. Her story was heart breaking. She had generously allowed her brother to use her portion of the inheritance, an apartment, for a year, but he decided to stay on and now that her sons are looking for a house, he still refuses to move. He won’t talk to her on the street anymore. The money from the property that was sold in the countryside that was to be divided between all the children was distributed among all the siblings except her. And probably the most hurtful, he tells lies about her to her oldest child and this child no longer speaks to her. She said, “What else can I do? I have repaid evil with kindness over and over. Should I still forgive?” As a widow with six children, the inheritance is a big deal. I told her how Jesus had answered that same question (about how often one should forgive a brother) – 70×7 – and she immediately said, “He meant that you just keep on forgiving. But I can’t! And why should I?” I spoke of the poison that un-forgiveness is in our hearts but she said, “If I forgive my brother, then God will also forgive him.” She didn’t really want him forgiven by God.
Forgiveness is difficult and never deserved. Please pray for those who are caught in cycles of un-forgiveness that lead to loneliness. Usually, community comes from family circles. Among the Berbers in our city, afternoons out shopping or chatting over tea are usually spent with sisters and sisters-in-law. Holidays, weddings, and funerals are all times when families gather. She told me, “I don’t know any of my neighbors or really any colleagues from work. Only my sisters come over.”
Please pray that she and those like her will feel the weight of their sin and come to Jesus in repentance. Pray that they will know the incredible forgiveness of Christ and as they are forgiven, would also forgive.
Update on The Nyamwezi of Tanzania
Pray that the teachers who are followers of Christ would be welcomed into the homes of Muslim Nyamwezi people who respect those who are their children’s teachers. May teachers be welcomed to present the Gospel message in students’ homes.
Update on The Rangi of Tanzania
A Rangi man by the name of Kij– is influential in every part of the ministry. He is a SIL translator for the Bible, who gives Chronological Bible story seminars on his off time. He is the voice of Jesus in the Jesus Film. He has a passion for reaching his own people and is extremely gifted at evangelism. He is an entrepreneur. Satan has to hate what he is doing, please pray for his PROTECTION!!!! He has often gotten sick during final consultant checks on Rangi scripture.
Update on The Antakarana of Madagascar
Please pray for the community meeting being held in northern Nosy Mitsio tomorrow (Tuesday). They’ll be discussing how to continue the basic healthcare training and provision begun by the TIMO team. They’ll also receive the opportunity to begin gathering in each of their villages and discuss Bible stories (in Discovery Bible Study format). Please pray that the Holy Spirit opens their hearts and minds to embrace these opportunities as a whole community, particularly in the face of recent spiritual warfare.
Update on The Antakarana of Madagascar
A big ancestral spirit possession ceremony (attempting to find relief for one possessed woman’s sickness) was held during the last couple days in the team leaders’ village on Nosy Mitsio. As a result, several more people, including the “king” of Nosy Mitsio and a headwoman in a team member’s village, are now also possessed by spirits. The headwoman went into a wild trance that severely frightened many others in her village. Some asked team members for prayer but one woman, attempting to care for the possessed lady, vehemently refused any prayers to Jesus, as the spirit claimed to be frightened by the team members and demanded they leave. Please pray for a power encounter with the spirits of Nosy Mitsio, that the Holy Spirit would demonstrate his presence in power and love for the Antakarana people. Please pray that the TIMO team members would have wisdom and discernment to know when and how to speak up for God and when to challenge the local spirits that torment the Antakarana people, even if it might be in opposition to some local people (and the spirits which possess them).
Update on The Zaramo of Tanzania
Pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to the Zaramo people their sinfulness and complete lostness, and then pray that the greatness and power of the Savior will be revealed as their only hope.
Update on The Antakarana of Madagascar
Pray for Vazaha, a seeker from one of the villages of Nosy Mitsio. He came and spoke for several hours today to a team member about the story of Jesus, about protection from ancestral spirits, release from taboos, and how to trust in God who is unseen. He said he wants to trust and is seeking more. I believe the Holy Spirit is revealing his truths to Vazaha, beyond the ability of the words of the TIMO team member. Pray that the Holy Spirit would come as Vazaha invites him to come and reveal his truths and give understanding, strength, and faith.
Update on The Gabbra of Kenya
Recently the Gabbra people had ceremonies which involved animal sacrifice as a way to please and thank God. They are being taught about Jesus as the perfect and final Sacrifice. Pray that through the Holy Spirit they understand this wonderful truth and leave their traditions that do not please God. Pray they may find their identity in Jesus Christ as children of God.
Update on The Samburu of Kenya
In the most recent post, I had asked for prayer that another Samburu pastor could come in the months when the first pastor would not be able to visit, while we are gone overseas. (“Pray that another Samburu pastor will come during the months that he is not able to come.”) God has answered that prayer in that Pastor Lemeidimi of Wamba has committed to coming in those months. Praise the Lord for His work in raising up these men who will sacrifice to travel and minister to the Samburu in our area. Pray for much fruit from their work.
Update on The Nyang’atom of Southern Sudan
As we continue to struggle to hear any news from among this people group, let us continue to pray for them. Knowing that God has not left them, even if there are so few missionary or church workers among them. Pray that they would continue to grow spiritually and know our God in ways we will one day be astounded to hear about.
Update on The Lokwa of South Sudan
The area around where these people live has become increasingly unstable as the civil and tribal war has spread. Hunger affects so many of the people too. So with the senseless fighting, comes more and more attacks on the roads, on the villages and people. Please pray for peace to return to this troubled area. Pray that they would be able to concentrate on planting and cultivating crops, not on fighting, and be able to feed themselves once again.
Update on The Kacipo of South Sudan
As little news reaches us from among the Kacipo tribe, may we nevertheless pray for them. Pray that in the quiet times, God will be clearly seen, causing the people to long to know our amazing Creator God, whom we love and serve in the area of prayer.
Update on The Didinga of South Sudan
Gods ways are not our ways, and this is obvious as we learn that the young pastor who was due to arrive to pick up the ministry in Nagishot, in the Didinga mountains, is not coming. Instead, another, less qualified young man, has been appointed for Nagishot. Please pray about these disappointing changes. Pray that this other pastor will turn out to be exactly what was needed for this ministry among the unreached Didinga people.
Update on The Laarim of South Sudan
Rejoice as the housing for the team due to arrive in July is nearing completion, a month ahead of target. Thanks be to God! Such a lot of hard work from the men from South Africa, America and Australia who arrived and have selflessly given of themselves in order for this to happen. But the big picture of the word of God going out to the Laarim, of functioning churches being planted, of men, women and children coming to know the Lord Jesus, is what is longed for. May God bless all involved and grow His kingdom among the Laarim.
Update on The Toposa of South Sudan
As in the whole of South Sudan, there is great numbers of people suffering with hunger. The predictions for this country for starvation are alarming. Please pray for the Toposa to not only be able to get enough food, but that they would humble themselves, as the Lord says in 2Chronicles 7:14 So that the Lord would hear and forgive their sins and heal the land.
Update on The Lopit of South Sudan
AIM Central Region leader and SS leaders recently visited the Lopit area where the TIMO team were located to see how they were doing. The leaders were distressed to see and hear of worse hunger this year than in many years past. With some of the previous TIMO members about to return, they are going to struggle to minister back in the area with such wide spread hunger and lack of food. Please pray for them to have great wisdom and inner strength to handle this growing problem. May they present Christ into the situation in relevant and sensitive ways.
Update on The Datooga of Tanzania
Pray for the children from Datooga communities who have passed the primary school exam and are now away studying at secondary school – that as they study sometimes far away from their home area they will be safe, especially in the long journeys they often need to take at the beginning and end of terms. Pray that they will learn to rely on Christ to help them when their parents cannot. Pray that many of them will be future leaders in the Datooga churches.
Update on The Rendille of Kenya
Bible translation continues, with the team currently working on preparing Revelation 1 to 5 for the consultant checking session in June. From 23 May to 3 June, I will be working with the two translators via Skype. There is a lot of work to be done on problem passages and key Biblical terms that need checking. From 6 to 17 June, we have the checking session with the Bible translation consultant. Please pray for accuracy and clarity, and for the Lord’s blessing as we discuss His Word.
Update on The Berbers of North Africa
Two intentional believers met a shepherd in the mountains recently. After greeting them, the shepherd shared that he had had a dream the night before that he bumped his head on the low mantle of the door of his house because it was dark. He was told in the dream that two men would meet him the next day to give him light. Wondering if they were the two, he listened intently as they shared about ‘The Light’.
Praise God that He is at work. Please pray for this shepherd.
Update on The Gabbra of Kenya
We’re living up in the hills a beautiful season, it’s raining and green, which means many nomadic shepherds including children traveling around with their flocks. These kids spend days and nights far from their parents, sleeping under the stars, facing the cold of the night, having rain without any shelter and wild animals. Please pray for our Good Shepherd’s protection upon these little lives. Pray God reveals himself to these children and may they grow in a relationship with the Lord. As we pray, let’s think about the King David – a little shepherd who grew up in the knowledge and under the everlasting love of God.
Update on The Fulani of West Africa
Praise God for a team of Christians who have recently settled among the Fulani in order to live and proclaim Jesus among them. Pray for quick adjustment, for the learning of the language and culture, for good team dynamics and that even early on, God will be leading the team to those who can be receivers and transmitters of Jesus’ love.
