It's amazing to realize to what point man is able to go beyond what he thinks to be his limit.
Last year in November we all went to Burkina Faso by bus for a conference. Coming back we swore to ourselves that never again would we take the bus for this kind of trip. We were completely worn out. But wouldn't you know that a few months later I find myself in a bus going from Cotonou to Niamey in Niger. Same distance, same kind of road, same kind of bus, same kind of holes in the road and same kind of atmosphere on the bus. Here we go again! I returned half alive but in one piece!
As I had communicated with you previously, this trip couldn't be made because of finances. But God in his faithfulness provided allowing me to go. God used some African brothers to let me participate at the conference in Niamey. The Ouagadougou church (Burkina Faso) and a brother from the Cotonou church provided for my fare. It took me a day or two to accept this. My heart was touched and provoked by the generosity of my African brothers. God bless them!
Niger is a country of 95% Muslims. Generally the people of Niger practice Islam in moderation and many of them don't practice at all. Among them many are looking for God. I was pleasantly surprised during the conference to meet about 20 pastors who work in Niamey. The Sunday morning I had the privilege to go and preach in one of their churches.
Niamey is a big city of some 4 million inhabitants on the edge of the desert. You sense the closeness of the desert through many things in the city. Some Tuareg, nomads from the desert, pass through the city or install there. But it is difficult for them to live in houses. So instead they construct one or several wooden and straw huts on an unoccupied plot of land between two houses. Some cows, some goats, some dromedary camels and other animals share the streets with the people! But life is quiet. I think that's also an influence of the desert. I didn't find in Niamey the effervescence of the cities like Lome or Cotonou. In the area where I was lodging, I couldn't believe my ears. I heard neither music nor cries. It even seemed to me that the people were walking quietly and speaking quietly. In every street, little straw shelters attaches to the houses served at a meeting place for the men. That's where they drink tea and speak for a long time, a very long time, about everything.
Pastor Daniel and his wife Aminata, have been serving the Lord in Niger for 2 years. They were trained and sent by the church of Pastor Bamouni in Burkina Faso. In order to move to Niger they sold some land and a small house that they possessed in Burkina Faso.
Now, a little church of seven members meets in their home. Pastor Daniel and Aminata are a very sweet couple and are very close to the people. I am persuaded that God will do great things through them.
The conference had gathered some 70 people. Some neighbours, contacts, friends, and pastor friends came for the three days. Pastor Paul from Togo and Pastor Bamouni from Burkina Faso had come also. An indesirable guest was also our companion during these 3 days: A wind, filled with very fine dust, faithfully attended our meetings and accompanied us all the way to our bedrooms! Sunday evening after the final meeting, it left, taking my voice away with it too!
Despite all, the message of the finished work had been lifted up. All the speakers presented it, each one in his portion and many of those who attended the meetings gave witness to the blessing of that which they had heard. All of this took place in the heart of the house of Pastor Daniel. A very sweet atmosphere and an anointing of joy characterized the meetings. I think I'll go back there again!
Dear Friends, a million thankyous for your support. Lets keep Pastor Daniel and Aminata in our prayers.
Last year in November we all went to Burkina Faso by bus for a conference. Coming back we swore to ourselves that never again would we take the bus for this kind of trip. We were completely worn out. But wouldn't you know that a few months later I find myself in a bus going from Cotonou to Niamey in Niger. Same distance, same kind of road, same kind of bus, same kind of holes in the road and same kind of atmosphere on the bus. Here we go again! I returned half alive but in one piece!
As I had communicated with you previously, this trip couldn't be made because of finances. But God in his faithfulness provided allowing me to go. God used some African brothers to let me participate at the conference in Niamey. The Ouagadougou church (Burkina Faso) and a brother from the Cotonou church provided for my fare. It took me a day or two to accept this. My heart was touched and provoked by the generosity of my African brothers. God bless them!
Niger is a country of 95% Muslims. Generally the people of Niger practice Islam in moderation and many of them don't practice at all. Among them many are looking for God. I was pleasantly surprised during the conference to meet about 20 pastors who work in Niamey. The Sunday morning I had the privilege to go and preach in one of their churches.
Niamey is a big city of some 4 million inhabitants on the edge of the desert. You sense the closeness of the desert through many things in the city. Some Tuareg, nomads from the desert, pass through the city or install there. But it is difficult for them to live in houses. So instead they construct one or several wooden and straw huts on an unoccupied plot of land between two houses. Some cows, some goats, some dromedary camels and other animals share the streets with the people! But life is quiet. I think that's also an influence of the desert. I didn't find in Niamey the effervescence of the cities like Lome or Cotonou. In the area where I was lodging, I couldn't believe my ears. I heard neither music nor cries. It even seemed to me that the people were walking quietly and speaking quietly. In every street, little straw shelters attaches to the houses served at a meeting place for the men. That's where they drink tea and speak for a long time, a very long time, about everything.
Pastor Daniel and his wife Aminata, have been serving the Lord in Niger for 2 years. They were trained and sent by the church of Pastor Bamouni in Burkina Faso. In order to move to Niger they sold some land and a small house that they possessed in Burkina Faso.
Now, a little church of seven members meets in their home. Pastor Daniel and Aminata are a very sweet couple and are very close to the people. I am persuaded that God will do great things through them.
The conference had gathered some 70 people. Some neighbours, contacts, friends, and pastor friends came for the three days. Pastor Paul from Togo and Pastor Bamouni from Burkina Faso had come also. An indesirable guest was also our companion during these 3 days: A wind, filled with very fine dust, faithfully attended our meetings and accompanied us all the way to our bedrooms! Sunday evening after the final meeting, it left, taking my voice away with it too!
Despite all, the message of the finished work had been lifted up. All the speakers presented it, each one in his portion and many of those who attended the meetings gave witness to the blessing of that which they had heard. All of this took place in the heart of the house of Pastor Daniel. A very sweet atmosphere and an anointing of joy characterized the meetings. I think I'll go back there again!
Dear Friends, a million thankyous for your support. Lets keep Pastor Daniel and Aminata in our prayers.
God bless you.
Pastor Luigi
