a day in the life... // chapter 1: a lady takes the prize!

A day in the life of the Shaftos (or several days maybe)…

It’s been a while since we’ve written, and life has brought so many wonderful things our way in the meantime.  By “wonderful,” I mean those things that only God can do, those kingdom gifts that He sends our way to remind us of His love for us and for the world.  They’re so much better than the material gifts, aren’t they?  I hope you enjoy this little set of “chapters” from our life over the past 6 weeks.  God, as usual, is up to tremendous things.  Isn’t it a joy and a privilege to serve Him?!

Chapter 1 “A Lady Takes the Prize!”

Two Saturdays before Christmas, Jay and I set out for a small Lyele (lay-lay) village northwest of Ouaga.  On a  three hour drive we trekked in our 4x4 over some paved roads, some dirt roads and some country paths that led us to a familiar sight:  a small mud-block church with a tin roof, next door to the pastor’s courtyard.  We were invited by a pastor who had reproduced the training which he had received from Jay and others about how to use Bible stories to lead people to Christ.  In this particular village, he had trained 10 story-telling evangelists, 6 men and 4 women, and charged each of them to lead 10 people to salvation in the next year.  They began in May 2012.  It was now December.  Jay and I sat before these Story-tellers and listened as the pastor trainer called each person’s name and stated the number of new children in God’s kingdom because of his/her witness through Bible stories.  A total of 61 new Christians with each person leading at least 3 others to follow Jesus!  A woman was at the forefront with 8 spiritual children to her credit.  Yay for the ladies!!  I recently saw this pastor and he told me that she has now led 5 more people to faith in Christ.

  

During this first hour, the pastor asked us to give a word of encouragement to these faithful witnesses.  Perhaps they should’ve been the ones giving the words of encouragement and challenge to us!  During the second hour, ALL 61 one of these new believers came to the church, and both Jay and I had the privilege of sharing some encouraging words with them as well.  Sorry Apple, but no electronic gadget as a Christmas gift can ever compare with that! It was the continuation of a joyous Christmas season filled with the most amazing gifts imaginable from the One who always does immeasurably more than we can ask or think!

The next day was the Lord’s Day.  That little church, which before had about 60 regular attendees, was bursting at the seams with their 61 new believers.  Some were standing outside the back door eagerly listening to the sermon.  Never underestimate the power of a story, especially one that communicates the Truth of the Most High God.

• What happens next and how can you pray?  We’ve been invited back in May by the expectant pastor who hopes to be baptizing 100 new Christians.  Pray that these Story-tellers will be faithful to the task and that the Holy Spirit will continue to use God’s Word to draw people to Himself in this village.