Learning From Students

Since more than 1,000 different languages are spoken in West Africa, all IMB missionaries in this region learn at least one local language. Language learning can be difficult and time-consuming, but it is essential in order to effectively communicate the Gospel in the heart language of the local people. In this issue, two members of the IMB Sereer Team describe how God has touched the lives of language tutors.

I was practicing how to share my personal testimony and the way of salvation in the local language with E*, my language helper and friend. I showed her verses from scripture that had played a major role in the Holy Spirit's conviction in my own heart, as a 15-year-old. In the course of the morning, I wrote my testimony and practiced with her a number of times. E* and I had often talked about doing a Bible study together, but something else always filled the schedule. On this day, trembling, with tears rimming her eyes, E* whispered, "I know that my name is not written in the Book of Life. Now I know I need to do the Bible study. I think that God is speaking to me. Can we start tomorrow?" Please intercede for E* and other language tutors who work with missionaries throughout West Africa. Pray that as they hear missionaries reading scripture and practicing their testimonies, these language helpers will sense the conviction of the Holy Spirit and want to hear more of God's Truth.

Kimberly Forsythe

As new missionaries go out to their countries of service and begin to learn the language of their people group, some may become frustrated because so much time is spent on their own learning and not on teaching others about Jesus. Often missionaries don't realize the impact that they have on the lives of those who are teaching them. Y* and J* have been language teachers for a large majority of our missionary community for many years. While they were teaching missionaries, they were also learning from them. Praise the Lord that today, Y* and J* are both believers and were baptized on Easter Sunday this year! Pray that missionaries in West Africa will exhibit patience, diligence, and joy as they learn new languages. Ask God to give missionaries, at all levels of language competency, boldness and confidence as they share a Christian witness with their language helpers as well as with others in their local communities.

Monica Grift

*Names withheld for security purposes