Yussif (left) with Amos“You shouldn’t even unload your equipment,” “Yussif” told Amos and his team as they prepared to unpack the paraphernalia related to showing the Jesus film at Yussif’s village (first village mentioned in November 18 post). “We’re all Muslims here: we’ve always been Muslims, and we’ll always be Muslims, so you’re wasting your efforts.”
This visit was the first village outreach effort in which one of Amos’ teammates was participating, and he was a little nervous at this “welcome” – maybe it would be best to just pack up and leave. Amos assured his fellow Christian that God had called them to reach this community: they had invested so much time, thought, and prayer into the evening’s activities that they wouldn’t be turned away by one threatening comment.
Yussif watched as my friends continued to set up for the evangelism event and a crowd began to gather. At last, when the movie began, he sat a little way apart, angry that the Christians were not dissuaded from proselytizing. As the film continued, however, he found himself increasingly intrigued by its message. At last Jesus was attacked by His adversaries, and healed an enemy whose ear had been cut off by one of the disciples. “If these things are true, then Jesus is like no one else!” Yussif thought. “Everyone needs to know about this Man!” As soon as the invitation was given at the end of the film, Yussif was the first to respond with a commitment to Christ Jesus.
And the second village, the one at which only five responded the night the film was shown? Well, more people are choosing Christ every week. When Amos visited them last week, he found that the chief has become a Christian! In a culture where chiefs’ examples are closely watched and emulated, this change of heart is a huge step toward open doors for the gospel. Amos conducted a church service that included taking an offering, and to the amazement of all, the chief placed a 10-cedi note (approximately $7) in the offering plate. Just to put this gift in perspective, the average villager earns 10-15 cedis a year at most. No doubt a chief makes a bit more, but nonetheless ten cedis represents a substantial gift! “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” May the gospel be treasured in this village…and in many more surrounding communities!
Outreaches for the month of December are about to begin. It’s an exciting time to participate in the work through prayer!
This visit was the first village outreach effort in which one of Amos’ teammates was participating, and he was a little nervous at this “welcome” – maybe it would be best to just pack up and leave. Amos assured his fellow Christian that God had called them to reach this community: they had invested so much time, thought, and prayer into the evening’s activities that they wouldn’t be turned away by one threatening comment.
Yussif watched as my friends continued to set up for the evangelism event and a crowd began to gather. At last, when the movie began, he sat a little way apart, angry that the Christians were not dissuaded from proselytizing. As the film continued, however, he found himself increasingly intrigued by its message. At last Jesus was attacked by His adversaries, and healed an enemy whose ear had been cut off by one of the disciples. “If these things are true, then Jesus is like no one else!” Yussif thought. “Everyone needs to know about this Man!” As soon as the invitation was given at the end of the film, Yussif was the first to respond with a commitment to Christ Jesus.
And the second village, the one at which only five responded the night the film was shown? Well, more people are choosing Christ every week. When Amos visited them last week, he found that the chief has become a Christian! In a culture where chiefs’ examples are closely watched and emulated, this change of heart is a huge step toward open doors for the gospel. Amos conducted a church service that included taking an offering, and to the amazement of all, the chief placed a 10-cedi note (approximately $7) in the offering plate. Just to put this gift in perspective, the average villager earns 10-15 cedis a year at most. No doubt a chief makes a bit more, but nonetheless ten cedis represents a substantial gift! “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” May the gospel be treasured in this village…and in many more surrounding communities!
Outreaches for the month of December are about to begin. It’s an exciting time to participate in the work through prayer!
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