The Fruit of God

Many organizations in Niamey are pivoting and strategizing to reach the least and unreached areas and people groups that are now “out of reach” as security risks continue to change in Niger. More and more areas of the country are now closed to expat travel by government advice or law, but international workers and nationals are working together to send national evangelists and church planters to far-flung villages. There are people translating the Bible while others are writing and translating gospel programs and Bible studies. These programs, studies, and books of the Bible are being recorded in home studios and then uploaded to mp3 players and phone SIM cards to give to believers and seekers alike. Radio program slots are being purchased on many local radio stations around the country so that these recordings are played; many seekers, and even entire villages, have called in to say that they appreciate the programs and anticipate more stories!

There are also opportunities for believers to travel to the city for conferences to be trained and discipled so that they may return to their village encouraged and strengthened in their faith to share with those they live with. Many believers in Niger are scattered throughout villages some are the only believers in their village, and some are in areas that are close enough to meet and worship with a few others from neighbouring villages who also believe.

In November 2021, I had the privilege to attend one of these conferences in Niamey along with Alliance International Workers, Keith and Melanie. We had prayed that Moses would attend as he was newly recommitted to his faith and from the village in which we work. He came for all four days and sat front and centre all week, declaring that he would not let go of the teaching and his faith!

Christophe is our national agricultural trainer who is Djarma (another unreached people group in Niger). He was able to attend a few of the days to help Moses feel comfortable. The first afternoon Christophe observed the crowd and looked at me with wide eyes and asked: “ALL of these Fulani here – they ALL believe??!? None are seeking … all follow Jesus??!?”

Christophe was encouraged to see the fruit of God’s Work and to know that even though there are few who work with the Fulani, himself included, there are some who believe! Likewise, as international workers who work among the Fulani, a least reached people group of .01% believers in Niger, it is an encouragement to see the fruit of God’s Work; and that as He draws from among the nations – those of this language and tongue will gather around His throne to declare His praise!  It brings hope to our prayers that more will come to faith and join us as brothers and sisters in the faith!

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every
nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before
the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with
a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

~ Revelations 7:9-10

In total, around 50 believers came in from surrounding villages to the training: many live in areas that expats are no longer allowed to travel, and they live in areas among jihadist activity and the threat of persecution or death if they do not follow the jihadist-imposed laws. Yet, they declare that they are holding strong to their faith and are filled with joy! They pray for courage to share the Word of God!!

The highlight of the conference was 17 believers – 16 men and one young woman – choosing to follow in obedience to declare their faith in baptism. Moses was among these to take this step of faith!

Would you pray with me for these believers as they have returned home – for all, but especially those who chose to be baptized, pray that they would be strong and grow in their faith, sharing all they have learned with family and friends and their villages!