SPEAKING OUT IN THE SAHEL

Even though it was spiritually challenging, I miss my time as a missionary in North Africa. I vividly recall daily hearing the call to prayer cause since I lived near a mosque. It was tough because Islam is such a hopeless religion. At the schools, the children would just chant and memorize the Qur’an for hours without knowing what they were saying. There’s lots of fear going on over there. Many people are worried about theft, women don’t have equal rights, and people just don’t trust one another.

It’s interesting because there is a lot of skepticism going on, particularly among young people like myself. People in these countries are becoming more and more disillusioned with their government, especially with the war in Sudan causing already poor nearby countries to struggle even more. The internet’s starting to become available in some of the cities, so that’s had an impact on the way people think and communicate, too. It’s incredibly rare to be an atheist over there, but that’s starting to change. Actually, one time I met a guy who called himself Muslim, but I think he really didn’t believe in a god.

On the other hand, many older people, who haven’t ever used the internet, can be more stubborn regarding these ideas. Some of that’s good, but it can also make it tough for them to set aside their traditions and turn to Christ.

Still, I think things are moving spiritually in an overwhelmingly positive direction. Philippians 4:6-7 has taught me to let my requests be known to God, and I am grateful that He has answered many of those requests positively. Through these humbling petitions, He has helped me become more joyful in difficult situations, and He seems to be mobilizing local people’s desire to aid the sick and poor.

Through these prayers, God recently called me back to my home in the States after two years overseas. I loved my time in Africa so much that I didn’t want to return. But, until God calls me elsewhere, this is where He has me. In the meantime, I am encouraged that Jesus wins in the end, and I want everyone to live with that hope.