This month I'd like us to pray that the Beng people would one day have access to the Bible (oral or written) in their own language. A couple New Testament books and small portions of the Old Testament have already been translated into the Beng language, but a majority of the Scripture remains untranslated.
We'd love to see Beng believers be able to know and learn from the entirety of God's Word and those who are seeking the Lord be drawn to Him through the great story of God's love that is told throughout both the Old and New Testaments. So let's pray this Scripture translation into completion!
Thanks for praying!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
April, 2009
This week, as we celebrate Easter, remember to pray for the Beng people, that each year more and more of them would come to know Jesus personally and join in the celebration of Jesus' death and resurrection as well.
Also, you may have heard about the recent tragedy in Cote d'Ivoire's capital city surrounding a soccer game. Thousands had gathered at the stadium for a World Cup qualifier game. There was stampeding as many waited in line prior to the game and a wall collapsed. Many died, and over a hundred others were injured. Pray that this tragedy would lead people all across Cote d'Ivoire to reflect on their own lives and on eternal things.
Thanks for praying!
March, 2009
Our church's missions conference starts this weekend. We spend a week focusing on what God is doing in other parts of the world and how we can come alongside Him in His work through praying, giving, and going.
Each year there is a "theme song" of sorts that we sing throughout the week. This year it's Chris Tomlin's "God of the City". Here are some of the lyrics:
You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation...
You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
There is no one like our God
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
I was thinking about the words to this song and what an encouragement they are in our prayers for the Beng people. (Maybe we should substitute the word "village" for "city", as I wouldn't consider any of the Beng villages a metropolis:)
God is the only one who can bring light to their darkness and hope to their hopelessness. And, as we pray, we can see greater things come to the Beng.
So pray with me this month that God would move in greater ways among the Beng and that they would come to know Him. Thanks for praying!
February, 2009
God has been showing me lately that I need to think about Him more. He's the One who made me, loves me, gives me everything I need, and is the only one who can ultimately help me with anything that may come my way, but sometimes I can go through my day without really giving Him much thought. There are lots of things in life that can keep us from thinking about God- being busy and being tired are two that come to mind readily. When you're busy, your mind is filled with so many other things that there's no room for God, and when you're tired, your mind is just too worn out to think at all.
I was thinking about how busyness and tiredness may keep the Beng from thinking about God too. Most Beng spend all day, every day working in their fields and/or getting their crops ready to eat or sell. On top of that, the women have water to fetch, meals to cook, and children to care for. Usually, they don't get a break all day- until 9:00 or so. By then they're usually exhausted. So maybe, like us, their minds are usually either filled with other things or too tired to think at all.
Pray for God to break through this cycle somehow. Pray that God would make Himself known to the Beng and turn their thoughts toward Him.
January, 2009
Did any of you make any New Year's resolutions this year? How many have you broken so far? It's true that- without God's help- it's hard to keep any of our resolutions. And I think it's also true that we need others' help as well along the way. I've found that to be the case in my own life. The encouragement and support of others helps me to be who God wants me to be.
I'd like us to resolve this year to be diligent in praying for the Beng people. I hope that I can be an encouragement and help to you in that. I'll be continuing to send out emails each month to remind us all to pray. I'd also like to provide any of you who are interested with a magnet for your fridge that reminds you to pray for the Beng. It has a magnetized picture of a Beng women and children. Email me back if you'd like me to send you one.
I wish you all a happy new year. Keep praying!
This week, as we celebrate Easter, remember to pray for the Beng people, that each year more and more of them would come to know Jesus personally and join in the celebration of Jesus' death and resurrection as well.
Also, you may have heard about the recent tragedy in Cote d'Ivoire's capital city surrounding a soccer game. Thousands had gathered at the stadium for a World Cup qualifier game. There was stampeding as many waited in line prior to the game and a wall collapsed. Many died, and over a hundred others were injured. Pray that this tragedy would lead people all across Cote d'Ivoire to reflect on their own lives and on eternal things.
Thanks for praying!
March, 2009
Our church's missions conference starts this weekend. We spend a week focusing on what God is doing in other parts of the world and how we can come alongside Him in His work through praying, giving, and going.
Each year there is a "theme song" of sorts that we sing throughout the week. This year it's Chris Tomlin's "God of the City". Here are some of the lyrics:
You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation...
You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
There is no one like our God
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
I was thinking about the words to this song and what an encouragement they are in our prayers for the Beng people. (Maybe we should substitute the word "village" for "city", as I wouldn't consider any of the Beng villages a metropolis:)
God is the only one who can bring light to their darkness and hope to their hopelessness. And, as we pray, we can see greater things come to the Beng.
So pray with me this month that God would move in greater ways among the Beng and that they would come to know Him. Thanks for praying!
February, 2009
God has been showing me lately that I need to think about Him more. He's the One who made me, loves me, gives me everything I need, and is the only one who can ultimately help me with anything that may come my way, but sometimes I can go through my day without really giving Him much thought. There are lots of things in life that can keep us from thinking about God- being busy and being tired are two that come to mind readily. When you're busy, your mind is filled with so many other things that there's no room for God, and when you're tired, your mind is just too worn out to think at all.
I was thinking about how busyness and tiredness may keep the Beng from thinking about God too. Most Beng spend all day, every day working in their fields and/or getting their crops ready to eat or sell. On top of that, the women have water to fetch, meals to cook, and children to care for. Usually, they don't get a break all day- until 9:00 or so. By then they're usually exhausted. So maybe, like us, their minds are usually either filled with other things or too tired to think at all.
Pray for God to break through this cycle somehow. Pray that God would make Himself known to the Beng and turn their thoughts toward Him.
January, 2009
Did any of you make any New Year's resolutions this year? How many have you broken so far? It's true that- without God's help- it's hard to keep any of our resolutions. And I think it's also true that we need others' help as well along the way. I've found that to be the case in my own life. The encouragement and support of others helps me to be who God wants me to be.
I'd like us to resolve this year to be diligent in praying for the Beng people. I hope that I can be an encouragement and help to you in that. I'll be continuing to send out emails each month to remind us all to pray. I'd also like to provide any of you who are interested with a magnet for your fridge that reminds you to pray for the Beng. It has a magnetized picture of a Beng women and children. Email me back if you'd like me to send you one.
I wish you all a happy new year. Keep praying!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
December prayer requests
How do you spend your Christmas Eve? Maybe finishing up some last-minute wrapping or preparing for the next day's big meal. Maybe enjoying time with family or watching the snow fall outside. I'm sure some of you go to a candlelit service at church and meditate on all that Christ's coming to earth means for us.
When I lived in Cote d'Ivoire, most people in my city went on with life as usual on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. No Christmas trees or stockings hung by the fire place (never mind that they don't have fire places). No wrapped gifts or falling snow. I was encouraged to find that though the world went on around them, many of the Christians in Cote d'Ivoire celebrated Christ's birth, even without all the typical things that we Americans associate with Christmas. Many of them spent Christmas Eve at an all night prayer and praise time at their churches. All night they thanked God for sending His Son and praised Him.
I pray that Beng Christians will spend this Christmas in praise and thanksgiving for Jesus. And I pray that other Beng who are not Christians would take notice of their joyful celebration and wonder what it's all about, that many Beng Christians would have the opportunity to share with others the joy they have in Christ. Won't you pray with me?
Merry Christmas!
When I lived in Cote d'Ivoire, most people in my city went on with life as usual on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. No Christmas trees or stockings hung by the fire place (never mind that they don't have fire places). No wrapped gifts or falling snow. I was encouraged to find that though the world went on around them, many of the Christians in Cote d'Ivoire celebrated Christ's birth, even without all the typical things that we Americans associate with Christmas. Many of them spent Christmas Eve at an all night prayer and praise time at their churches. All night they thanked God for sending His Son and praised Him.
I pray that Beng Christians will spend this Christmas in praise and thanksgiving for Jesus. And I pray that other Beng who are not Christians would take notice of their joyful celebration and wonder what it's all about, that many Beng Christians would have the opportunity to share with others the joy they have in Christ. Won't you pray with me?
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
November prayer requests
Election Day... I didn't used to think much of it. I mean, I thought a lot about who the candidates were and what they represented, but I didn't think much of the fact that we have an Election Day. Of course we do. Each year. In November. And I didn't ever doubt that it was done fairly. Those who vote, vote, and then we trust that those responsible for the tabulation will do so honestly.
Then I lived in Cote d'Ivoire for two years. There, election days get postponed or canceled quite often. You can't necessarily trust that things will be done fairly.
I think most people in Cote d'Ivoire have a sense of right and wrong and would rather have the right than the wrong. But, at least in my limited experience, I sensed a powerlessness among the people. I remember one time a friend of mine went on a trip to another part of the country. The minibus she was traveling on got stopped along the way by a government official. He asked everyone for their identification cards. My friend presented hers (which was valid and was indeed the document that she needed), and he gave her some mumbo jumbo about having the wrong ID and said she'd have to pay a fine. My friend paid it on the spot, knowing that she would be detained if she didn't. I was so angry when she told me. How can they do that?! It's not fair! I asked her if it made her mad, but she didn't even seem bothered by it. It's just the way things are, she told me.
I realized that often times the people of Cote d'Ivoire are so used to injustice that they don't think twice about it. Injustice is a way of life. But it still makes me mad.
The Bible speaks of a better way. "For I, the Lord, love justice..." (Isaiah 61:8). As people of God, we are to be lovers of justice too. We can start by praying for justice in places where it is lacking. Let's pray this month for Cote d'Ivoire, for peace and justice. Pray that the Lord would raise up leaders there who would act justly and love mercy.
And it's worth mentioning that there are many injustices even in our own country. May we seek justice in our own country, as well as across the ocean.
Then I lived in Cote d'Ivoire for two years. There, election days get postponed or canceled quite often. You can't necessarily trust that things will be done fairly.
I think most people in Cote d'Ivoire have a sense of right and wrong and would rather have the right than the wrong. But, at least in my limited experience, I sensed a powerlessness among the people. I remember one time a friend of mine went on a trip to another part of the country. The minibus she was traveling on got stopped along the way by a government official. He asked everyone for their identification cards. My friend presented hers (which was valid and was indeed the document that she needed), and he gave her some mumbo jumbo about having the wrong ID and said she'd have to pay a fine. My friend paid it on the spot, knowing that she would be detained if she didn't. I was so angry when she told me. How can they do that?! It's not fair! I asked her if it made her mad, but she didn't even seem bothered by it. It's just the way things are, she told me.
I realized that often times the people of Cote d'Ivoire are so used to injustice that they don't think twice about it. Injustice is a way of life. But it still makes me mad.
The Bible speaks of a better way. "For I, the Lord, love justice..." (Isaiah 61:8). As people of God, we are to be lovers of justice too. We can start by praying for justice in places where it is lacking. Let's pray this month for Cote d'Ivoire, for peace and justice. Pray that the Lord would raise up leaders there who would act justly and love mercy.
And it's worth mentioning that there are many injustices even in our own country. May we seek justice in our own country, as well as across the ocean.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
October prayer requests
Who do you go to when you need advice? Your best friend? Your spouse? Your parents? A pastor or teacher?
I'm sure many of us have a go-to person when we need a timely word or two of wisdom. Many of the Beng people have a go-to person as well, and often that person is a medium or spiritist.
The medium or spiritist is the person in their village who is viewed as having insight into the desires of the god(s) or spirits. A villager comes to him with his problem, and the medium or spiritist, based on his knowledge and experience, recommends a course of action for that person. It may be that a sacrifice of some sort is required to appease whatever god or spirit is angry, or it may be that a special amulet is needed for future protection or good luck.
As Americans, this may seem absurd to us. What a crazy thing to do! But for the Beng, it's all they know to do. It's what their friends and family do and what Beng people have always done.
Leviticus 19:31 warns, "Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God."
Pray that the Lord would send someone to tell the Beng who do not know Him about Jesus and that they would no longer seek out mediums and spiritists for advice, but that they would look to God for wisdom and counsel.
I'm sure many of us have a go-to person when we need a timely word or two of wisdom. Many of the Beng people have a go-to person as well, and often that person is a medium or spiritist.
The medium or spiritist is the person in their village who is viewed as having insight into the desires of the god(s) or spirits. A villager comes to him with his problem, and the medium or spiritist, based on his knowledge and experience, recommends a course of action for that person. It may be that a sacrifice of some sort is required to appease whatever god or spirit is angry, or it may be that a special amulet is needed for future protection or good luck.
As Americans, this may seem absurd to us. What a crazy thing to do! But for the Beng, it's all they know to do. It's what their friends and family do and what Beng people have always done.
Leviticus 19:31 warns, "Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God."
Pray that the Lord would send someone to tell the Beng who do not know Him about Jesus and that they would no longer seek out mediums and spiritists for advice, but that they would look to God for wisdom and counsel.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
September prayer requests
September 1 marks the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Muslims spend this month fasting (during daylight hours), praying, and reading the Koran (their holy book).
The 27th night of Ramadan is believed to be the night that Muhammad received messages from God that would later become the Koran. It is today celebrated as the "Night of Power," the one night of the year when God is most accessible to devout worshipers. Muslims often have supernatural "encounters" with God on this night in the form of visions, dreams, visitations, and healings.
A little more than half of the Beng population considers themselves Muslims and will be fasting, praying, reading, and seeking this month of Ramadan. Even those who are not Muslim will be affected by Ramadan because they will have friends and/or family who are keeping the fast.
It seems like this month is a great time to really be praying that God would reveal Himself to the Beng people. Let's pray together for them this month, especially on the 27th, the "Night of Power".
- Pray that God would reveal Himself to Beng Muslims through the Holy Spirit with dreams and visions, demonstrating His love and truth.
- Pray that their minds and hearts would be open to hearing and responding to the gospel message.
- Pray for Beng Christians to have opportunities to share about Jesus with Muslim friends, family, and neighbors this month.
Finally, a couple updates for you...
Sadly, the Ivorian soccer team was knocked out in the quarterfinals of Olympic play:( The only two teams that beat them, though, went on to become the gold and silver medalists.
The 27th night of Ramadan is believed to be the night that Muhammad received messages from God that would later become the Koran. It is today celebrated as the "Night of Power," the one night of the year when God is most accessible to devout worshipers. Muslims often have supernatural "encounters" with God on this night in the form of visions, dreams, visitations, and healings.
A little more than half of the Beng population considers themselves Muslims and will be fasting, praying, reading, and seeking this month of Ramadan. Even those who are not Muslim will be affected by Ramadan because they will have friends and/or family who are keeping the fast.
It seems like this month is a great time to really be praying that God would reveal Himself to the Beng people. Let's pray together for them this month, especially on the 27th, the "Night of Power".
- Pray that God would reveal Himself to Beng Muslims through the Holy Spirit with dreams and visions, demonstrating His love and truth.
- Pray that their minds and hearts would be open to hearing and responding to the gospel message.
- Pray for Beng Christians to have opportunities to share about Jesus with Muslim friends, family, and neighbors this month.
Finally, a couple updates for you...
Sadly, the Ivorian soccer team was knocked out in the quarterfinals of Olympic play:( The only two teams that beat them, though, went on to become the gold and silver medalists.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
About the Beng
Country:
Language Spoken: Beng
Population: 17,000
# of Beng villages: 20
Religions: traditional religions/animism- 50%, Muslim- 47%, Catholic- 2%
% evangelicals: 1%
# of mosques: 12
# of churches (speaking of groups of believers, not of buildings): 2
Estimate of how many have heard the Gospel: 22%
Literacy rate: <5%
Scripture available: portions only (Genesis, Exodus, 1 Gospel)
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