About the Niamey, Niger Project

Niger is located in West Africa and 80 percent of its land is in the Sahara Desert. Most of the country is desert plains and sand dunes, droughts are frequent. The climate is one of the hottest in the world. Its estimated population of 11 million are 98% Muslim. Niger is ranked 172 out of 173 countries in the United Nations Developemnt Program's Human Development index, and only 13.6% of its population is literate (6.6% of women). The Reformed Church in America partners with the Evangelical Church of Niger. Their focus in the region is to help with community development, theological training, literacy, medicine, and agriculture. The Mission project for this winter is to build a guest house to assist the Evangelical church's programs. It will give them a facility to house people who come in from the countryside for training in evangelism, leadership and other minstry skills. Bruce and Laurie Hawley are the missionaries responsible for the project and will be working closely with Kay and Sue. More information is available on the Reformed Church website at http://www.rca.org/.

Kay and Sue will be in Niamey from January 26, 2009- February 10, 2009.

Monday, January 19, 2009

A Special Gift by Sue

I woke this morning to the beauty of a new snow fall. As I shoveled the meager amount of snow from the sidewalk and drive way, it was so quiet. The wonder of God’s creation is awesome. Why snow? Sometimes I think that snow is a gift that God gives to help us slow down. It makes us drive slower or not at all. We have to take time to clear a path to travel safely. And for some odd reason it makes the world quieter, giving us time for reflection. I have to admit that over the last week with temperatures in the single digits the thought of 95 degree weather in Africa has been so inviting, but I am grateful for the snow as well. As a shoveled, I thought about many of you. The excitement that my church family and friends have shared with me has given me courage, support and comfort. The acts of kindness and offers of help for my family have been overwhelming. The support for the Niger guest house through your gifts to the communion offering has been amazing. But one gift sticks out above all others.

I opened a note today that had come from one of the college students from our church. She had been home when I spoke about my trip in church for January Mission of the Month. With her note of encouragement and prayers for my trip was a check. This gift brought tears to my eyes (I know – not that big of a deal). I know because I have college age students of my own that money is something in short supply, so her gift means all the much more knowing the sacrifice she is making to support me.

I go to Africa not on my own, but as your representative. Each of you are part of me and I take you with me through your prayers and gifts. You might not be physically in Niger, but know that you are part of the mission team traveling and serving with me. It is because of your spiritual encouragement, teaching and support that I am able to go and serve. Thank you all.
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3 comments:

  1. Kelsey1/21/2009

    Hi Mom,

    Just checking to see if the blog stuff works. I love you and miss you and can't wait to see you when you get back from Africa!!!

    Love you,
    K

    ReplyDelete
  2. DebbieS1/28/2009

    Thank You for letting us feel part of your adventure. Many prayers to all of you.
    The Schnitzers

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous1/29/2009

    We're holding you all close in our prayers. Love your blog - LU !! M & P

    ReplyDelete

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