Tuesday, January 27

Niger

The EERN is helping to introduce the tri-purpose (milk, meat, and hides) Maradi red goat to poor Nigerien communities.

Niger is ranked among the less developed nations of the world. The majority of people live in rural villages, where they lack access to potable water, electricity, schools, and modern technology. Located in the Sahel and Sahara, traditional means of subsistence keep the population on the edge of famine.

Former mission co-worker Tom Johnson writes, “The Evangelical Church of the Republic of Niger (EERN), the PC(USA)’s mission partner, has a vision in which the church brings hope and light to Niger’s rural people. Through the preparation of rural evangelists who study agriculture, practical trades, and literacy training in addition to the Bible, the EERN wants these evangelists to love the communities where they serve by offering both biblical and modern knowledge to improve people’s lives.

“For example, the Dogon Gao Bible School started a goatherd in 2008. Students learn goat husbandry skills and have a chance to earn goats, which they take with them when they start their ministry in rural communities. The EERN intends for evangelists to use these goats as a form of Christian witness, modeled after the traditional form of aid called habaneye. The offspring of these goats will be shared among the community, who will then repay the loans with their goats’ offspring. This program will improve family incomes in the village and demonstrate the love of Christ to a hungry and hurting world.”

Let us join in prayer for
Partners/Ministries
Evangelical Church of the Republic of Niger: Mr. Yahaya Cherif, general secretary, Rev. Harouna Labo, president, Abdou Galadima, vice-president

PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Elder Ruth Anne Boklage, CFCS
Leah Bomar Thompson, GAC

Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, please allow the dream of the EERN to be fulfilled in Niger. We pray that an unreached people who too often lack their daily bread can experience the abundant life that you promised for those who place their trust in you, through the faithful work and witness of Nigerien Christians and evangelists. Amen.

Daily Lectionary
Ps. 54, 146 Ps. 28, 99
Isa. 48:12–21 (22)
Gal. 1:18–2:10; Mark 6:1–13