The Impact of Volunteers
Valuable Contributions; Unexpected Blessings

The Songhai Team has been blessed by many volunteers, and we are looking forward to many more coming this year. We have had medical professionals, college students, retirees, pastors, WMU leaders, and everything in between. Each has made a valuable contribution to the team and to our ministry to the Songhai. Yet another hidden blessing has come as we have worked alongside our volunteers: a great blessing of new friendships. Although we are grateful for all of our volunteers, I will use two as an example: Terry and Joel Candler, two brothers who worked to help us in bringing the Good News of Christ to the lost. Their laughter and joy were just what we needed on the discouraging days of long, hot, and difficult ministry. After returning home, they have stayed in touch and been a wonderful support to our family and work. Luke 18:29-30 speaks of the blessings given to those who give up the familiar to follow God's call on their lives. These two volunteers who have now become friends are definitely a great blessing to our lives! Thank God for the many ways in which He has blessed the Songhai Team with volunteers. Pray that the seeds sown by these faithful servants will bear much fruit among the Songhai people.

Brad Womble, Songhai Team

She wanted to visit a Fulani village, since she'd heard and read about this unreached people group that is often despised by neighboring peoples. This was the second summer for Anna Chubb, a college student and long-time friend, to visit me. After talking with one of our Baptist pastors, we arranged a visit. A group of ladies, wearing their traditional Muslim attire, listened intently as Anna presented the Gospel. After responding to the ladies' questions with much wisdom, Anna gave an invitation. Tentatively, a number of the ladies responded; then the village chief came, along with his father.

After Anna left, I followed up with Chronological Bible Storying in this village. A year and a half later, the chief and his family have begun attending a Baptist church, publicly demonstrating their obedience in following Christ. The Imam (Muslim religious leader) in this village has had many discussions with me about the Only Way to Heaven. Please pray that this Imam will accept the words of Truth that he has heard. Pray for his wife who wants to become a Christian, but is afraid of being ostracized. Following a year of teaching in another Fulani village, a second village chief has made a public profession of faith. Pray that God would strengthen this chief and the new church that has begun in his village.

Lin Pinter, Kabiye Team