Witnessing "On The Go"

During a team meeting, while discussing ways volunteers could help share the Gospel with the Zerma people, my husband, Ben, had the idea of using volunteers to ride in taxis and share their testimonies. He did a test case with high school juniors and seniors from Sahel Academy. When Ben asked who would be interested in sharing their testimony with taxi drivers, six students responded and came to a meeting at our house. Ben taught them how to initiate a spiritual conversation and share their testimonies. Most of these students spoke the French, Hausa or Zerma language. This allowed Ben to go with them, initiate conversations with each driver and invite the students to share their testimonies. He divided them up into teams of three, including himself, and they went out on their taxi rides. The students loved it, and within a week, they were able to share with 16 different taxis drivers. All but one driver said they wanted to meet again and hear more about "The Jesus Way."

Ben asked the taxi drivers if they could be contacted by cell phone or where they could meet again. Ben and Pastor A* have continued to follow up with these drivers. Of the 15 individuals who showed an interest, three have chosen to follow Christ. A few of these taxi drivers have come to one of our Baptist churches several times where Pastor A. preaches every Sunday morning. The taxi drivers themselves secured a suitable place, out of the main flow of traffic, where they could study the Bible and feel free to ask questions. Some of them continue to study God's Word downtown each week with Pastor A. and a believer whom he is training in discipleship. Ask God to give this believer boldness and a heart to share the Gospel. Pray that he will gain a vision for moving closer to downtown and living among the taxis drivers and their families in order to share the Gospel with them.

Now two more Sahel Academy students are interested in this witnessing opportunity. After the successful experiences of the students, some volunteers from Texas also shared their testimonies with the local taxi drivers. In addition, these volunteers spent time discipling the taxi drivers who were already believers. Pray that God will continue to work in the lives of these taxis drivers and their families. Pray that those that have accepted Christ as their Savior will be bold in sharing their faith with their colleagues and family members.

Cindy Sustar - Zerma Team