August Newsletter

God has put eternity in their hearts; but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end.-Ecclesiastes 5:11

STORY:

Ramadan, the annual Islamic month of fasting, ended on Wednesday, August 7th. Ramadan is a Muslim fast in which Muslims abstain from eating or drinking from sunrise-sunset in order to obtain favor from Allah. Most of the Muslims whom I have talked with over the past month are fasting in order to have their sins forgiven. 

I had the privilege of attending numerous Iftar meals during Ramadan. Iftar, is the sunset meal when Muslims around the world break the Ramadan fast. The Muslims in Nalerigu broke their fast by eating a fig, than washing before prayers, going to prayers and than returning to enjoy a larger meal of cocoa, banku (fermented corn), rice with fish, and tea. We were able to have many spiritual conversations. I was able to share with them that Christians also fast, but for different reasons and how Christians believe their sins are forgiven. 

I had a blast spending time with my friends, however, in the midst of festivities; it was difficult to remember that our entire evening was spent with people who were celebrating a meaningless spiritual exercise that denies Christ's work of salvation. I recalled my many Muslim friends who have told me that  they feel closer to God during Ramadan. It grieves me to remember they are self-deceived and walking in darkness. Julia and I are praying that one day they will participate in an eternal festival that celebrates the Lamb of God.

PICTURES:

Muslim men washing up before evening prayers and breaking fast.

Muslims wash their hands, feet, ears, mouth, face and head before going to prayers and breaking fast. This washing is used to cleanse them so that they may stand before Allah clean. After they wash and before they go to prayer I am unable to touch them because I am unclean. If I touch them they would have to wash again before going to prayer.

Breaking fast with a cup of cocoa. 

Before leaving for Ghana Julia and I spent hours praying for National friends. After being in Ghana less than a week a group of Muslim men invited me to have tea with them. These men have become my cultural informants, language helpers, but, most importantly my best friends.

During Ramadan Muslims aren't allowed to eat or drink anything from sunup-sundown. Roughly an hour before the sun goes down everyone in town begins to prepare for the evening meal. "B" is preparing the tea, known as Ati, the tea has a high concentration of caffeine and all of the men believe the tea gives them power and makes them furtile.

If you ever come to Ghana and someone offers you cocos, don't take it!

My friends leaving for evening prayers.

Everyone is happy when it's time to break fast.

Enjoying a meal after a long day of fasting.

One of the leaders of the group of men I have tea with and one of my best friends in town. He once told me that he hears missionary talking about how it would be easy for him to become a Christian. He informed me that if he became a Christian it would be the hardest thing he ever did. He would lose his family, friends, and business. He has counted the cost and isn't sure he is willing to pay the price.

"P" is a Christian who is scared to share his faith because he doesn't want to lose his friends. Please pray that he would have a spirit of boldness.

A young boy who runs errands for all of the men. He is participating in his first Ramadan and is excited for the opportunity to pray to Allah. 

I have had the opportunity to share the Gospel, the creation story, and the story of Zacchaeus but still little to no desire to know more about the Gospel,

One of the hardest workers in Nalerigu

This is the ladies man of the group. I wish I could share with you his nickname but it would be inappropriate. We have a lot of conversations about marriage and purity and how the Gospel impacts my view of women.

Muslim women preparing cocoa. Cocoa, dates, and other various fruits are the first foods eaten as soon as the sun goes down.

Looks like Julia is going to have to learn how to tie bows and T is going to have to buy a gun.

DEVOTIONAL:
You Know You Live in Africa When

A Prayer About Pornography

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1. Please be in prayer for my Muslim friends. Pray for brokenness in many hearts to understand that their fast has not reconciled them to God. Pray for "P" a Christian who is scared to share the Gospel with his Muslim friends. Pray God gives him a spirit of boldness. Pray for "B" a ladies man who is curious about why I only have one wife and don't sleep around. 

• Julia is twenty two weeks pregnant and we have learned we are having a GIRL! We are very excited/nervous to be parents. Every night I tell my daughter that she has to be a Carolina Panthers fan and she cheers for Duke or dates anyone who likes Duke I will disown her. Please pray that God would prepare Julia and I to be parents. Pray for Julia as she is pregnant in rural Africa. Pray God keeps her and the baby happy and healthy throughout the rest of her pregnancy.

1. The school year has started once again in Nalerigu and Julia is back to doing what she loves. Julia is teaching a 4th and 2nd grader; language arts and other classes. God has gifted Julia with the ability to teach children and we are glad she has an opportunity to utilize her gifting in Africa. Please be in prayer for the school year. Pray Julia and her students bond and learn from each other as the year progresses.

• Please be in prayer for all of the other ministries we are involved with. Please pray for the salvation of the women in the Witches Camp. Pray that God would speak to them through the Bible stories which are shared. Pray for the adults and children at the tuberculosis village we work with. Pray they would see the love of Christ through our actions. Pray for National partners whom T is discipling. Pray they would be edified and equipped through the study of the Bible. Pray for the women who attend Naomi Fund (a fund which provides food for widows in Nalerigu). Pray they would learn about God through the stories Julia shares. Pray for the patients in the hospital who are turning from ancestor worship to the living God. 

God is doing incredible things in Nalerigu and we are privileged to watch Him work on a daily basis. Thank you for partnering with us in prayer. Nothing of eternal significance is ever accomplished apart from prayer. We couldn't do what we do if it wasn't for your support. Thank you!

Serving Him,

The Welchs