Cees and Mirjam serve in Kotido, Uganda, to engage the Karimojong people for Christ. In addition to using audio Bibles, they have launched a Bible storytelling pilot program. On Saturdays, about 60 illiterate church workers from various (tree) churches in the area gather under a big tamarisk tree. Dirce (a colleague) or Mirjam tell the story as simply and factually as possible. They repeat this several times and each time ask what they’ve retained. After the fourth time, most of them know the entire story by heart and begin retelling it in pairs. They then discuss the application in small groups and repeat the entire story one or two more times. Now everyone has the Word in their minds and, hopefully, in their hearts as well, so it can be shared during the Sunday church service. The participants are very enthusiastic. In 12 weeks, they are taking them through major stages from Creation to the Second Coming. Pray that these stories take deep root and multiply outward. Pray for boldness as these church workers step out to share with neighbours, relatives, and villages that have yet to hear.

Cees and Mirjam serve in Kotido, Uganda, to engage the Karimojong people for Christ. They are currently facing a drought, and they see crops withering in the bone-dry, rock-hard soil. It is a source of great concern for them. Christians tend to see this as a punishment from God. A light shower last week seemed like a sign, but it’s really just a drop in the bucket, so please pray for the provision of rain. Ask that the Lord might sustain Cees and Mirjam as they discover more of the dark side of life in this community. This causes them to wrestle with questions like “What am I doing here? Where do I even start? What’s the point of my work? Am I actually making an impact?” Please pray for spiritual protection, perseverance and the faith to believe that their labours are not in vain.

Cees and Mirjam serve in Kotido, Uganda, to engage the Karimojong people for Christ. In a recent newsletter, Cees and Mirjam shared this beautiful insight into how God is speaking to the Karimonjong people: Maria prays for the light of the Holy Spirit and presses the button on the Proclaimer (audio Bible). The words of Luke 19 ring out in clear Ngakarimojong. When the story of Zacchaeus is finished, Maria asks, “What did you hear?” There is a moment of silence. One answers, “A voice.” “Very good. What did the voice say?” “Something about a man who climbed a tree.” The whole group laughs. In the end, we listen to the same story five times, and each time we remember more. Then someone asks “Is that voice in that little box the voice of God?” Maria explains that God has given His words to people so they can get to know Him personally. “Does God speak Ngakarimojong, then?” asks a mother in surprise. Another observes, “Jesus went to visit Zacchaeus. (Pointing to the Proclaimer) I think He visited us today!”  It is moving to see a group of people encounter the words of the Living God for the very first time. Amazement, discomfort, joy, fear… I see a range of emotions in their eyes. Maria sets a date for their next listening session and concludes with prayer. Maria is one of 34 leaders who have started a Bible listening group. She cannot read or write. Praise God that this Proclaimer empowers her to bring Him close to her people, where there is no church. Ask that as more hear the Word, they will come to proclaim Jesus as Lord and Saviour.