People volunteer for missions for many different reasons and come with different goals in mind; perhaps you see yourself in this list…
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...to have fun, to be encouraged, to let God mold me, to learn about Mali, to stretch my faith, to fulfill God’s plans, to learn how to help, to make a difference, to learn from others, to be a little bit useful, to learn to eat vegetables, to build new relationships, to help a nation in trouble, to appreciate what I have, to increase Christian faith, to show God’s love to others, to spend time with the people, to encourage and support others, to experience a different culture, to feel the close presence of Jesus, to show that Christianity is the way, to enrich my relationship with God, to see if this leads to something more, to experience life in a different culture ,to sleep in the desert under the stars, to gain whatever the experience offers, to see if I can survive in a developing country, to understand what it is like to be a missionary, to meet and help people who live in poverty, to gain a better understanding of a different culture and faith, to see if I can be of use and then to do something more ambitious, to learn about a different culture and do something useful, to gain a greater knowledge and understanding of the Songhai, to be humbled by the lives that will be touched by Jesus, to get everyone there and back in one piece without too much excitement...
In October 2007 a multi-talented, multi-generational, 18- member, volunteer team from England came to minister to the Songhai of Mali. Little did they know in coming what adventures in traveling through West Africa awaited them, and what a challenge it would be to “get everyone there and back in one piece without too much excitement”!
The team leader writes, “In Timbuktu we were able to do soccer clinics and matches. We gave away footballs, uniforms, and the lads gave testimonies and did Bible Studies - the last session… was awesome as they sang and danced in worship! We did women's Bible studies for a Christian group and a non- Christian group. We did children’s work in schools and a Sunday school. We did a lot of prayer walking and tape distribution both in town and in two smaller villages, which was a challenge and a real eye-opener. We did some building work as well...”
This team also gave out about 50 balls and 50 dolls to children, committing to pray for those who received the gifts.
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An unanticipated Air France strike and some non-scheduled tarmac repairs in Bamako brought more excitement to the trip than they had anticipated. These events necessitated their early and hasty departure from Timbuktu, an evening sleeping under the desert stars during their return trip to Bamako, visa extensions, and added an extra week to their trip when all the team members could not get a flight out. Andrew says, “There were some traumatic times - the mad dash to Bamako in truck and bus - some tears, when I delivered the news - possibly the toughest thing I've had to do! - and then some deep moments of reflection in out team devotions and I think everyone has come home feeling closer to God…”
So, yes, God provided opportunities to be helpful, to learn to eat new things, to build relationships, to have faith stretched… Mission accomplished God-style!! Andrew summed it all up a few weeks later when he wrote to say, “I'm so grateful for this new door of ministry God has opened up for us to share in.” And so are we!
Songhai Team and Andrew, Downton Baptist Church, England
November 2007