Photo Post!

Here are a few photos I took during my time in Kollo. I had a lot of fun with Brandy and Kanessa and had some fun West African experiences, some of which I will tell more about later and others which I am sworn to secrecy until November.

Two Weeks Notice

It's hard to believe that I left San Diego two weeks ago! I can't decide if it feels like I've been here for a longer or a shorter time, but either way it does not feel like two weeks. Within these two weeks I have had lots of language study and cultural training. It's critical that I learn Zarma because it is very rare to find an English speaker in Niger. They speak Zarma, or other native languages or a little French (which I don't speak a word of). I have already seen the way the Zarma people react to hearing someone like me speaking their language and learning their culture. They light up!

I have also been busy with the Kid's Clubs that Kimberly has put together. They are sort of like mini vacation Bible school. We tell a story using good ol' flannel graph and then often give the kids coloring pages or play games with them. Yesterday we brought out a parachute for them to play with like I used to in elementary school. Monday was one of my favorite days. Kimberly and I go to a Children's home. This is sort of like an orphanage. The children's parents may not be around or may be unable to take care of them, so they come to this church and are able to live there. I had so much fun here! I taught the kids how to play a game where they run from one end of the room to the other on command. It was quite a hit. Then they started another game, and even though I didn't understand what they were saying I caught on. Hide and go seek is a universal language! I look forward to going back.

Tomorrow I will be going with two single girls on the Zarma team out to Kollo. I will finally get to experience the bush! (Don't worry mom, I'm not sleeping in a hut.) This is the girls ministry area and I'm looking forward to seeing them in action. I'm also looking forward to getting to use my language skills, which is one of the main reasons I am going. Please be praying that I'll have a productive time there!

Also, this is a 30 days of prayer guide for the Zarma people that I went through before coming to Niger. If you are wondering what you could pray for, go through this! It may help you understand the people a little better.

1. Pray that the stronghold of Islam would be broken in Niger and among the Zerma people.

2. Pray that God would reveal Himself to the Zerma through dreams and visions.

3. Pray for those who have little or no food, that God would provide for their needs.

4. Pray that the Holy Spirit would nurture a desire in the Zerma to know the Truth.

5. Pray that the Zerma Christians would display integrity and faithfulness in their daily lives.

6. Pray that God would send Christians to live, work, and minister among the Zerma people.

7. Pray that the Zerma Christians would have a vision for planting a church in every village.

8. Pray that Zerma Christians would have a hunger for God’s Word and hearts that thirst for righteousness.

9. Pray that Zerma Christians would learn to understand and apply God’s Word in their lives.

10. Pray for the widows and orphans, that their physical needs would be met.

11. Pray that the Zerma Christians would learn to depend fully on God for all their needs.

12. As the Zerma Muslims prostrate themselves in prayer at the mosque, pray that God would convict them of their lostness and that they would seek the truth.

13. Many Zerma have seen the Jesus film and have heard the gospel on audio cassettes. Pray that they would understand clearly what they see and hear. Pray that they would humble themselves and receive Christ as their Savior.

14. Pray that Zerma Christians would make prayer a priority in their personal lives.

15. Pray for the children who have trusted in Christ. Pray that, like the mustard seed, their faith would grow and become strong.

16. Pray that Zerma Christians would resist temptation and remain morally pure.

17. Pray for those who preach and teach, that they would do so with wisdom and discernment and by the power of the Living God.

18. As the seeds of the gospel are planted among the Zerma people, pray that they would take root and grow and bear much fruit.

19. Pray for unity among the Zerma Christians, that their hearts would be united in love and oneness of purpose.

20. Pray that Zerma Christians would resist the evil one and stand firm in their faith. Pray that their lives would be characterized by power and love and discipline.

21. Pray for the physical needs of the Zerma—that those who are hungry would have food, those who thirst would have water, and those who are sick would be healed.

22. Praise God for Zerma believers who are sharing Christ with their friends and neighbors. Pray that God would grant them perseverance and discernment as they share the Good News.

23. Praise the Lord for the sufficiency of Christ. He alone is able to meet all the needs of the Zerma.

24. Pray that the minds and hearts of the Zerma would be open to hearing and responding to the gospel message.

25. Pray that the Lord would strengthen and encourage Zerma believers. Pray that they would feel His presence today in a special way.

26. Pray for Zerma believers who are undergoing trials and tribulations, that they would know the “peace that passes understanding.” (Phil. 4:7)

27. Pray for the Muslim religious leaders, that God would reveal the way of righteousness to them, and that they would have the courage to follow the One who is the way, the truth, and the life.

28. Pray that Zerma Christians would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Col. 1:9)

29. Pray that there will be an indigenous church planting movement among the Zerma.

30. Pray that God would be glorified among the Zerma.

Until next time!

Krista

A Long Overdue Update!

Hello from Niger! Or should I say Fo Fo!

First, let me apologize for the long delay. I got into Niamey around 2AM on the 12th of September. This was a day later than we originally planned because Air Maroc changed my flights around twice. So I ended up being home a day longer, which was actually quite a blessing. After that, the internet was not working in the guest house and my computer could not be recharged because there was a slight problem with my computer cord not matching the convertor I have. But now all those issues are solved and I'm back to blogging.

My time here has not been too eventful so far. Saturday I was able to sleep in and then I went to lunch with the Ledlows. Phil and Kimberly, who I will be working with, had an ill child to take care of and then a flat tire so they picked me up after we ate lunch and after I fell asleep on the Ledlow's couch. That afternoon, Deanna and Kimberly took me out grocery shopping. Quite an interesting experience in a country like Niger. Let's just say that I'll have to get creative with the cooking. I ate dinner with the Cain's at the Rec center next to the American embassy. After that I was ready for bed. The eight hour difference was telling my brain that i was past due for bedtime.

Yesterday, I went to a Zarma church! It was very interesting. There was lots of singing and it was held outside(well sort of... I'll have to take some pictures). It made me think of a few things. I didn't necessarily think along the lines of "Oh how sad, we have so much and they have so little." I think thinking more about how they were content with what they have. The little house made of straw and reeds is what they have and they are thankful for it. It would be very American of me to want to build them a huge church. In America it often seems that unless we have a large building with nice pues and clean carpet we aren't happy. Like that matters and decides wether or not we can worship the Lord in that place. When really, the Lord says in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." Lets keep in mind that church is not about property and buildings, but about fellowship and unity in the body of Christ.

Today I also started Zarma language lessons which I'm really excited about because so far I haven't really been able to talk to anyone! This morning I went Ibro's school and learned all about greeting people in Zarma. Kimberly took me around her neighborhood to talk with some of the women she knows. They were all very willing to help me practice. Later this afternoon I start cultural orientation!

Well thats about it for now! Keep praying that my language study goes well so that I can communicate God's love for the Zarma people through both actions and words!

Until next time!

Krista