October, 2010
rwright / Saturday, October 16th, 2010 / No Comments »And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me,
for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
who was before a blasphemer,
and a persecutor, and injurious:
but I obtained mercy…
And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant
With faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:12-14
This past week, as we were uncomfortably sitting, sweating, hoping and praying that electricity would be restored so we could get a restful night’s sleep, tired after several extra trips to the office throughout the week to keep up with our email correspondence since both our phone and Internet service have been down this week, and annoyed by the thousand other little things that we often take for granted in the States but that most often seem to go wrong here, with aggressive insistency… thankfulness to God for this ministry He has given does not always bubble out and over… Sometimes thankfulness for His calling to this ministry and mostly for God’s amazing grace shown to us in an infinite number of ways each day is a choice that must be made and then pursued aggressively, insistently. When we forget His grace, we forget “two supreme realizations: first, that we are totally contaminated (sin… cuts its merciless swath through the entire human race, not missing a single heart); second, that we are totally forgiven only through the love and grace and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (David Jeremiah, Captured by Grace, p. 32-33), ungratefulness overtakes and often overwhelms, and our focus changes from how great and gracious He is to how frustrating and futile our circumstances appear.
Chatting about Construction
So… what has been going on this past month here in Niger? The studio addition continues rapidly moving forward. Please keep these next few phases in prayer. As the building shell is completed, windows and doors installed, cement floor poured, Tim’s thoughts are directed towards other details like the electrical wiring, installing air conditioning to protect sensitive equipment from the heat, sand and dust in this land. He has also been researching ideas about how to treat the walls and ceilings of this cement block building so that acoustics for recording (voice and music) will be optimal. And then there is the issue of logistics – keeping the other half of the studio functional while all this work (and noise) continues at the other end. Tim appreciates your prayers, as he needs wisdom, discernment and resourcefulness for this phase of the studio construction.
The Book of Acts
One upcoming and big studio project is recording the sound track to post-dub “The Book of Acts,” a continuation from where the Jesus Film ends, dramatically presenting how the disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, carried His message of love and mercy, forgiveness and grace, “into all the world.” We are excited to see how God will use this tool among both believers and seekers here in Niger. Recording begins in November and will continue through December. We are in the planning stages on a second film audio track, Lord-willing, to begin in January. It is always a challenge to balance regular weekly program work with these larger, involved and more intense projects that tend to take over the studio.
Remember Sheep Tales?
Pray that the final proofreading of the Sheep Tales is completed in the next few weeks. Our proof reader, Sam Djibo, is heading to the States to visit dear friends, family and supporters over the holidays; if he can’t finish his work with the script before he leaves, it could potentially delay beginning recording on this project 3-4 months.
Upcoming Training for Bible Students and Pastors
Steve and Julie Nunemaker arrive in town next week for bi-annual Evening Bible Institute and Tri-M Modules, including a vernacular language module in the Gourmantché region of the country. This is always an intensive and exhausting time of teaching and learning for all involved, this time including several students traveling to Niamey from EBM’s Bible Institute in Gao, Mali. Pray for the growth and development of all who attend and for strength, endurance and wisdom for those involved in teaching and facilitating these classes.
New Folks in Town
We’ve also recently welcomed colleagues from Mali to Niger field. Ken and Sarah Beckley and their family have temporarily relocated to Niamey, due to security concerns in their normal field of service. Ken will be working at the studio some, and we are excited to have their family “on loan” for ministry in Niger this year. Pray for their adjustment and for evidence of God’s hand continuing their ministry in Mali.
Baptism and Holy Communion out by Baneira
This weekend looks to be an exciting and joyful weekend. Over 100 believers, from 3 different Gourmantché churches down by Baneira, are scheduled to be baptized and participate in their first communion this Sunday. Pray for Tim as he travels down and participates in this celebratory service. It is exciting for the church leaders, pastors and for us to see this fruit of faithful and persistent seed sowing.
Ladies’ Bible Study Update
Richelle will soon be teaching ladies’ bible study. She met with our pastor’s wife a few weeks ago to discuss direction and topics for the women in the church. The first meeting will be the first Saturday in November and our theme will be “Encountering Jesus in the Midst of Suffering.” Richelle covets your prayers as she prepares – that she will share God’s truths clearly and accurately, that the Holy Spirit will be preparing the hearts of the women to receive His teaching and that an insatiable hunger for God’s Word will grow in their hearts, and that her proficiency in the Zarma language will continue to grow and develop. Brendan and Rebekah are also going to begin helping teach Sunday School this year, under the guidance of our pastor’s wife and some of the church leadership. They are a little nervous, but we are excited for them and this opportunity.
Taking a Bit of a Break
This past week has been a week of vacation, kicked off by Niamey’s annual softball tournament (a super exciting one this year) last weekend, for Richelle, Brendan, Rebekah and the home schooling kids, as Sahel Academy has not been in session. Pray for them as they resume their regular schedule next week. Richelle has a few challenging situations to work through and Brendan takes his PSAT exam this weekend. The following week, then, is an exam week for our children at Ecole Alliance, so pray for them as they prepare, study and then sit for those exams.
Just a Regular Part of Life in Niger
And finally, please continue to pray for peace in this country, for wisdom for the leadership and that the electrical issues that are currently plaguing the city will soon be resolved. We are so thankful for your faithful intercession for us, for this ministry and for the people of this dry and thirsty land.
