April update
posted by Jesse on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Click here to download this update on our letterhead.
Next Steps
A few months ago we asked you to be praying for direction regarding the next steps for us to take in our ministry. We are happy to tell you that at least part of that prayer has been answered.
Since arriving in Togo we have been observing and learning the culture as much as possible in order to develop an effective church planting strategy. And while our primary goal is and always has been to reach Kabiye villages with the gospel of Christ, we also desire to give something to these communities which will help them in their struggles of daily village life.
What we cannot help but notice in the Kabiye culture is the very important role that agriculture plays in their daily life. Almost without exception, every family has land which they are constantly cultivating to feed themselves and sell what remains.
The Problem
Over the past few generations, however, people have begun to use chemical fertilizers and insecticides in order to get a quick increase in crop production. In the long term this has all but destroyed the soil, which is now producing very little compared to the past. This is, of course, not at all helping their condition of poverty. Most people now find themselves realizing there’s a problem, but not knowing what to do to fix it.
A Solution
It’s not only foreign missionaries or NGOs who are noticing this problem, however. I recently had the privilege of meeting a Togolese Christian named Latté, who is incredibly knowledgeable in organic agriculture and husbandry. He is greatly burdened for his own people not only to know Christ, but to provide for themselves the necessities of life they so often lack. He has already seen amazing success in areas where he has taught his organic agricultural practices.
The Plan
So where does this fit in our mission to the Kabiye people? As I am currently learning the language I will also be learning more about agriculture from Latté and elsewhere. I then plan to use this knowledge to create open doors for the gospel and to give something tangible to the villages we work in. Please pray for this next step in our ministry that God will use it all for His glory!
Thank you for all your prayer and support!
Category: all updates, prayer letters
