Hey prayer warriors! I'll try to be concise in updating you on our last two events and informing about our upcoming outreach THIS SUNDAY.
Nomaande New Testament Dedication in Tchekos
Our team(a conglomeration of teams 1 and 2 based on who was in town) left early Friday morning along with a group from translator Patricia Wilkendorf's church in the U.S. for the village of Tchekos, which is located a couple of hours from Yaounde. We couldn't move into the literacy classroom that would serve as our sleeping quarters right away because several things were being stored inside, including a live pig that was to be slaughtered for the dedication feast!
Once we got organized, our first task was to split into two groups and head in different directions for a prayer walk around the village, praying for the people, the local authorities, the church and the medical clinic. We couldn't go to the neighboring village as planned, but we walked to the road that leads there and prayed for it along with another Nomaande speaking village down the other fork in the road. It was a powerful time of crying out to our Father to pour Himself out on that region.
The heat lent itself to an afternoon rest after which we performed our dramas on the village soccer field. Several ladies were making preparations for the dedication feast close by and many children, youth and adults gathered to watch. After the dramas we passed out our tracts to those who could read French and spent time answering questions and praying with people. Unfortunately, our time was cut short by needing to join our supper hosts before it got too dark since there's no electricity in Tchekos.
The dedication itself was quite a ceremony involving multiple speeches, dancing, singing etc. Cries of joy erupted as the newly publish New Testament was paraded around the square surrounded by shade tents full of people. The Omaande people now have God's word in their heart language! The students were a bit nervous performing in front of such a huge crowd at an official ceremony, but they pulled off one of the best performances they've ever done. As the students started the drama, it was as if a magnet drew all those on the outskirts in for a closer look. Even dignified government officials and pastors and priests craned their heads to get a better look. Though we will probably never know how God chose to use that performance in the lives of those who were present, I'm confident that hearts were touched and eyes were opened to the truth of the gospel.
Please pray that God will continue working in the hearts of those who were touched by our two performances in Tchekos and that He'll bring people along to water and harvest seeds that were planted. Also, pray that the New Testament will be widely used and will bring about a transformation in the lives of those who read it or listen to it.
Awae Baptist Church outreach
This past Sunday, team one performed at a small baptist church during their normal Sunday morning service time. Church members had been asked ahead of time to invite friends and neighbors, and invitation flyers had been passed out in the neighborhood. After the team performed, the pastor gave a very basic, but powerful gospel message as the sermon for the day. Several people indicated a desire to accept Christ. We left the church after the service entrusting follow up to our brothers and sisters there. Tuesday I ran into Wilfred, the translator at the church, and he thanked me profusely for bringing the team. Apparently, after we left, many people stayed behind to ask questions and receive counseling or prayer. Wilfred said he was there all afternoon talking with people. He was shocked at some of the people who had been coming to church for quite awhile who hadn't really realized that they needed to give their lives to Jesus until they saw our dramas! Also, several visitors accepted the Lord.
Praise God for this mighty work of His Spirit!
Please pray for good continued follow up with those who received Christ or recommitted their lives to Him. Pray that they would truly become disciples.
This Sunday
Yesterday evening I received a request for us to come perform the dramas this Sunday at another church service. I quickly consulted team two's members and found that they are all willing and able. You may remember the outreach that we did right here in our neighborhood at our friend Ceci's. It's her pastor's church that has invited us to come perform. After last Sunday's outreach, I'm realizing that churches are a great place to do outreaches! The Christians are always encouraged by the powerful visual representation of God's word, and there are many churchgoers who haven't truly given themselves to Christ. Members are being encouraged to invite guests.
Please pray that God will draw the right people to that place and convict people of their need for Him. Also, please pray for health and protection for team members.
Thank you!!!!
