God brings salvation

Wow, there is literally so much to write about and I really don’t know where to begin. I can not put into words what the Lord is doing in Niger, Africa. His Holy Spirit is at work in a mighty way, and has allowed me to have so many opportunities to minister to these people. I want to take this opportunity to share a story of a young man named Zeeka. Usually everyday I will try to make a trip out to the rice fields and work with the men there. They usually find it pretty hilarious that a white man is out there in the mud harvesting the rice, but none the less I continue to work with them. When ever we pause for lunch I play the gospel presentation, and many gather around to hear God’s message of hope and love. I then give them their own personal cassette so they can play later on at their home. (most people own a cassette player). One young man in particular named Zeeka had questions for me the next day. He told me that he enjoyed listening to the tapes, and understood a lot of what they were saying. He asked me who gets to go with Jesus when he returns, and I told him the people who believe that He died for them and rose from the grave. I elaborated on it a little more and then we went to work for the rest of the day. I didn’t see him for the next few days due to my sickness, but when I returned he came to my house, and wanted me to play more of the cassette for me. I could tell that God was working in his heart. I let him hear some of the gospel of Matthew, where it talks about Jesus’s coming, and when he comes how he will separate the sheep from the goats. Zeeka better understood about what I was trying to say. After some more conversation, and questions about God, he asked me how he could become a Christian. I wasn’t sure if I heard him correctly so I called the missionary, and asked him to translate for me just so I was sure about what he was saying to me. When Zeeka gave me the phone back he told me, “Cody he wants to know how to follow Jesus.” I was so shocked, my heart started to race. I really couldn’t believe that this was happening, God was knocking at the door of this young man’s heart, and he wanted to know how to let him in! I led him through some verses in Romans, then asked him if he wanted to receive Jesus into his life. He said yes, but I proceeded to ask why? He told me that he had sin in his life and he needed to be forgiven!! I was shocked yet again by his response! I quickly flipped through my Zarma dictionary trying to piece together a little prayer. Then me and Zeeka bowed our heads, and he held out his hands and asked Jesus to come into his life. I am so amazed, at the work of the King. Corinthians tells us that if we are to boast let us boast in the Lord. So give Jesus the glory as he has brought one of the lost into fellowship with Him. Continue to pray for Zeeka as I continue to disciple him, and further tell him about what it means to follow Jesus. His entire family is Islamic, but he is already burning with a passion to tell everyone he knows about Jesus. This is just one of the stories, of many that I have about what God is doing in Niger. Continue to pray for me as I battle loneliness, and missing people from America! It is hard, but it is sooo good!!!
I have completed one month here, and have less than one left here, so My prayer is that I will stay focused on the ministry at hand, and seek to make the most out of every opportunity.

Thank you for all of your love and support!!

Love,

Cody