January through April Teaching in Madina Bafe

After 2 years of language and culture study, we were thrilled to finally be able to proclaim God’s message of hope and salvation to the Jalunga people here in Madina Bafe! Bible teaching began on January 12^th. The last time you received a letter from us (Jan-Feb edition) we had just passed the halfway mark in the evangelistic phase of the teaching. We met for 3 consecutive months, 5 nights a week. Each meeting lasted around 45 minutes. Aaron began teaching in the book of Genesis and worked through the Old Testament. The stories that he taught included the Fall of man, the Flood, the nation of Israel, the giving of the Law, and many others. Teaching in the New Testament was a highlight for us, talking about the promised Redeemer, God’s love and grace, and Christ becoming our substitute in death. As Aaron taught through these 60 lessons, the themes that he desired to bring to light for the Jalungas were their sin problem (the effect sin has had on all mankind), their inability to save themselves, the futility of trying to reach or please God in our own way, and the sacrifice that was made on their behalf in Christ Jesus.
About mid-way through the 3 months, we noticed the attendance dropping. This was by no means encouraging, yet we were thankful to see that there was a core group that was very faithful and very rarely missed a meeting. Then again, with only 1 month left, the numbers began declining. Even some of those who had been so faithful stopped attending, in spite of continued “invitations” and encouragement from us. The last couple of week of the teaching our group had shrunk down to about 12 people. On what we expected to be one of the most exciting lessons – the Crucifixion – only 8 people came. Rather than become frustrated or discouraged, we rested in the sovereignty of God and continued to trust that His purposes would be accomplished. In spite of dwindling attendance and seeming disinterest in the teaching, we found such encouragement in the Word and the Holy Spirit renewed us continually, giving us joy and endurance. The times of refreshment from the Lord during those 3 months were precious. We thank you for your prayers for us in this – they truly were effectual.
All along we had been planning a family vacation for after the teaching was completed. We had been keeping a very busy schedule for 3 months and needed some time to relax as a family. When the teaching was finished (Apr 7) we waited a few days before leaving the village, in order to allow people to come to us with questions, and to be available to talk to people or explain things, etc. No one came. We went into the village for our regular visiting times, and even then there was no talk of “God’s word". We really didn’t sense a positive response from the people. It was more like, “That was a good talk. We perservered these 3 months. Now it’s done.” We left the village and spent some time in Kedougou as a family, hoping and praying that in our absence the people would consider and think about the things that had been talked about in the previous 3 months of meetings. Many of you were praying along with us. Again, we thank you for those prayers.
What I have written above might seem discouraging to some of you. Two years of language and culture study, hundreds of hours in lesson preparation, 3 months of intense teaching. And yet, no positive response to the Message that we came to bring. A recipe for discouragement? No way. Our hope remains in our almighty God. We have no idea what He is doing in the hearts of men. This is HIS work. He has given us the privilege to proclaim His Word to those in Madina Bafe, but only the work of His Holy Spirit can change hearts.