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September 2008
Dear Prayer Partners,
We are entering the month of Ramadan. This month Muslims around the world, including the Songhai, will fast during the day. They will celebrate the Night of Power when the Koran was given to Mohammad, and they will expect for God to forgive them and reveal His truth to them. Pray that the true seekers will have a life changing meeting with our God this month.
2008 Ramadan, loving Muslims through 30 days of prayer
Dates: 1 - 30 September, 2008
Prayer guides available at http://www.30-days.net
Ramadan is a special month of the year for over one billion Muslims throughout the world. It is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control. Muslims think of it as a kind of tune-up for their spiritual lives. There are as many meanings of Ramadan as there are Muslims.
The third "pillar" or religious obligation of Islam (“submission” in English), fasting has many special benefits. Among these, the most important is that it is a means of learning self-control. Due to the lack of preoccupation with the satisfaction of bodily appetites during the daylight hours of fasting, a measure of ascendancy is given to one's spiritual nature, which becomes a means of coming closer to God. Ramadan is also a time of intensive worship, reading of the Qur'an, giving charity, purifying one's behavior, and doing good deeds. For Muslims (Submitters), Ramadan is not merely a holiday, but an opportunity to gain by giving up, to prosper by going without and to grow stronger by enduring weakness.
As a secondary goal, fasting is a way of experiencing hunger and developing sympathy for the less fortunate, and learning to thankfulness and appreciation for all of God's bounties. Fasting is also beneficial to the health and provides a break in the cycle of rigid habits or overindulgence.
Since Ramadan is a special time, Muslims in many parts of the world prepare certain favorite foods during this month. Ramadan emphasizes community aspects and since everyone eats dinner at the same time, Muslims often invite one another to share the Ramadan evening meal.
Muslims use many phrases in various languages to congratulate one another for the completion of the obligation of fasting and the 'Eid-ul-Fitr festival. Here is a sampling of them:
"Kullu am wa antum bi-khair" (May you be well throughout the year)
"'Ramadan Mubarak” (A Blessed Ramadan)
from The Sahel-O Newsletter, 16 October 2004
Brad, for the Songhai Team
August 2008
Dear Prayer Partners,
Thank you so much for your continued prayers. We are in the USA this month and enjoying time with family and friends. We are reflecting on how God has been at work among the Songhai and ask that you celebrate with us by giving thanks to Him who has done all things!
From Dargol Area
Paula and the Brazilian Team are established in the village. The chief has given them a green light to minister in the name of Jesus. People have come to know Jesus as Savior and many have heard the Good News.
From Ayorou Area
Mark and Parker have returned to Ayorou with a lovely daughter Isabelle! The ministry has been blessed with believers and another volunteer team from KY is on their way to help with the work there. God has provided for each and every need.
From the Mehanna Road
FBC Hurst has been wonderfully faithful in their witness on the Mehanna Road. The Message is being proclaimed and people are coming to Christ. New believers are being discipled and His Church is being planted.
From Burkina Faso
The area where Songhai live in Burkina Faso has been adopted by FBC Madisonville. Plans are being made for a trip in the fall. God is touching His people with the needs of this area and response is being made.
From Timbuktu
Roberto and Thelma are back with a healthy son, DJ, continuing in ministry in Timbuktu. Rita has been blessed with her first term on the field and is now in Brazil for a needed furlough. Paulo and Miriam are happily married and will return to Timbuktu soon. Many in the Timbuktu area have heard of God’s love and provision in Christ.
From Niamey Area
Brad, Sally, and family are now in the States for a two month stateside assignment. Ruth has finished her BAC and will start her university studies at Campbellsville University this month. Emily will be at the same university in her second semester of her junior year. Mary and Brady both had successful years and are enjoying their time with family and friends.
Randy and Susan have completed full time language study and have continued their ministry of leadership development in the Songhai churches.
As you can see, there are many reasons to give thanks. Join us in praising God for what He is doing among the Songhai!
West Africa Summit
A West Africa Summit is scheduled for November 5-7, 2008 in Hendersonville, TN (north of Nashville). If you or your church would be interested in attending, please contact the West Africa Office at 1-800-999-3113.
Brad, for the Songhai Team