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, February 9, 2009

Sunday's Joy

When we studied the fruit of the spirit joy, it was described as *J*esus *O*verflowing in *Y*ou.  That is what Sunday worship is like in Niamey.  We attended a different EERN congregation.  the music was incredible.  The choir sang as well as the little children, older children, women and men.  By the time the singing was done an hour had passed-it felt like- 10 minutes.  There is a sway that must be genetic for everyone here moves together with the beat.  There was no organ or piano, just percussion instruments.  The harmony was wonderful, but the best part was the joy that filled the entire sanctuary and spilled out onto the streets through the open windows and doors.  Anyone in the surrounding area could not help but hear the music and wonder what makes these people so happy.

The service continued for 2 and 1/2 hours.  We were introduced to the congregation and when we shared our names in their native language (Hausa) they laughed.  More JOY!  Of course, every time we try to speak in Hausa they laugh.  We have certainly inspired entertainment these past two weeks.

Later in the afternoon, we attended a Christian Rock Concert at a downtown outdoor arena.  Admission price $2 (the young men digging with us earn $3 a day).  The headliner was "Big Willy" from Nigeria and the crowd knew every word to every song.  The arena was overflowing with joy.

Monday was another joyful day of digging because the temperature was only 86 degrees.  Jeremey told us it was Indian Winter- haha.

Tomorrow we have been granted an audience with the American Ambassador to Niger.  We are certainly being treated with amazing hospitality.  We will let you know.  Each day brings new and exciting experiences.
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1 comment:

  1. Rev. David G. Corlett2/10/2009

    86 degrees. Could you stand the cold?

    We'll be leaving Delmar to embark on our Journey of Faith to Niger in exactly 24 hours! Unfortunately, Sue and Kay, I think you will be leaving just as we are arriving.

    Elmer, Laurie, and Bruce: Ready or not - here we come!!

    Pastor Dave Corlett and the other six: Alison, Nancy, Sue, Jim, Lauren and Sara.

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