Wrapping it up

During the last two months during my trips to the village I was able to come to the conclusion of the evangelistic teaching with the men I was working with.  For the most part I was working one-on-one or one-on-two.  Here is a run down of where each of the guys are at:

Moussa - we finished the evangelistic teaching as I wrote about earlier and he is still excited when he talks about what Christ has done for him.  This does not mean all his problems are solved though.

Bakari - also finished the evangelistic lessons and is wanting more.  As we were leaving he stayed a few days in Kedougou with us and that was great to talk practically about drinking - an area he struggles in.

Wiye - finished the evangelistic teaching for the second time.  I taught him in 2008 also.  I'm not as confident that he has really grasped the full import of the gospel of grace as I am with some of the others.  He is open to hearing more of God's Word taught though so we will definitely be following up.

Simiti - started listening to the lessons later than all the others but I did some catch up review with him and he finished with Wiye.  His understanding is good and he also is anxious to continue studying.

Sidifu - attendance was off and on as he is working in another village.  When we crossed paths in the village or in Kedougou he always asked to study and we managed to finish the evangelistic lessons.  He also is interested in more teaching but it will be a challenge in the future considering the distance.  He faced a tough time with his father passing away recently. 

Janji - is the oldest of the men that I taught.  I am guessing he is in his mid-50s.  He also finished the lessons, but is still holding onto a works-based salvation.  He understands intellectually what Christ has done for him, but I don't feel that he hasn't embraced it for himself.  But he is not opposed to the gospel - on the contrary he thinks it is a wonderful thing that God has done, but he is having difficulty accepting it for himself. 

Xoni - is one of the thieves that came to stay with us.  He is the only single of the men above, all the rest are married.  He continues to express interest and we have had some good times of study together.

Juma - has not been interested in the teaching of late and I have not pushed him to study.  I would rather see him apply what he knows from God's word, rather than just build knowledge.  I am making efforts to maintain contact with him so that when he is ready we will be able to continue.

Please pray for all these men and their families.