I had never been overseas, and I had never been on a mission trip. The only language I knew was English, and I am not fond of airplanes. In addition, I do not like to get dirty, and I really dislike hot weather! I want you to know this about me because you may have similar feelings or inclinations.
You may feel intimidated like I did, but let me encourage you to think about coming to Niger because I was different at the end of the trip than I was at the beginning. The Lord grew my faith as I saw the Gospel of Christ impact the Songhai as we shared it with them through chronological Bible stories. The Lord began breaking my heart for the Songhai as I learned that so many of them had never heard the name of Jesus. Christ encouraged and challenged me as I met believers in Christ who face daily persecution from family and neighbors.
I did not have strength or courage enough to go to Niger on my own, but the Lord provided for all of my needs as I followed Him. I would gladly go back again.
Eric, student at Southern Seminary
April 08