Update from Kimberly Thompson
Thank you from Kimberly Thompson: "Hi everyone! I just wanted to say thanks for your prayers this past Sunday regarding this new group. We had a good number, but they all apologized that a wedding was going on so more will come next Sunday. Of course, I don't care if it's 2 or 20, I am just excited that a group of women wants to hear the Word! We talked about how God's word is a light for our path and how, we want our hearts to be like the seed that falls on the good soil. May God's message take deep root in their hearts and yield lasting fruit for His kingdom! The lady who helped get the group together shared without reservation who I am and who Jesus is. Continue to thank God for providing this woman of peace. Thanks for your faithfulness to pray for me as I seek the Lord's direction with this group of women. What an exciting thing it is to share His word and His plan with so many who have never heard! Thanks for your love and encouragement. You are a blessing to me. I'll continue to keep you updated. Blessings this week," Kimberly
April 17, 2008
Praise update from Kimberly Thompson
I have asked you for several months now to pray that the Lord would give me direction as to where to begin another storying group with women. I've been willing to begin, but people haven't had time or been willing to meet. I thought I had a village to share in, but the door closed shut. I thought a group here in Sedhiou was going to gather to study, but again, they were too busy. I want to share with you that our God is sovereign, and during this "in-between" time, He has provided many opportunities for me to share with individual friends as I visit them in their homes or at the market." "I am so grateful for your prayers. They are working! I received a call yesterday from SB, my house helper and a woman of peace. She told me she spoke to some women in her neighborhood and they have invited me to meet with them to study God's Word in one of their homes. What a huge answer to prayer! She said we are scheduled to begin meeting on Sunday. Praise the Father for His perfect timing! Ask that His Word would speak powerfully to the hearts and lives of these women. Please also pray that my language (which is still in need of improvement!) would be clear and that it would in no way be a hinderance to the message that I share. You prayed for God to provide a woman of peace for me. He answered!! You prayed for Him to direct me to a group of women eager to hear the Word. He answered!! Praise Him with me today for His goodness and faithfulness! My hope is in Him," Kimberly
March 24, 2008
Greetings from Sedhiou!
Senegal, West Africa; pray this week for volunteers from the states, and villages B, MF, BF, MS & MK; pray for health & protection as they go out in 100+ degree heat every day; pray that the Holy Spirit go before them and move in the hearts of the Mandinka people.
March 2, 2008
Greetings from Sedhiou!
February is already over, but it feels like it just began! The weather is now much warmer (100+ degrees!) and will continue to get hotter over the next several months. However, the high temperatures aren’t stopping the Lord’s work among the Mandinka people! We are praising him for a full and fruitful ministry of seed sowing this past month. Thank you for your faithful prayers and encouragement for me and the Mandinka people.
Sharing the Word in Mandinka Villages
- Recently, we completed the storying group in village DtS. We plan to make follow-up visits there every once in a while to see where the Holy Spirit is at work. Pray that the women here will take to heart the good news of hope that they have heard from God’s word.
- You’ve been praying for village B for several months now. We recently shared the death, resurrection, and ascencion of Christ. What an exciting thing to be a part of sharing the good news with a large group of women who have never heard! These women say they agree, but we are asking for the message to sink down into their heart and change their lives. Ask the Lord to give us continued direction for how to build on the foundation that has been laid.
- The door is open for me to begin groups in one or two more villages. I’m excited about the opportunity, but I am seeking guidance as to which villages to share. Pray with me that I will follow the leading of the Spirit.
We Love Volunteers!!
During the middle part of February, a volunteer team from Birmingham. It was so refreshing to worship, pray, and fellowship with like-minded people. Thank you for praying for this team of 11 as they travelled to 3 villages in 3 days. One day they held an eye clinic, and while all the people were waiting to see the doctor we shared stories and personal testimonies for hours. In the other two villages, we visited from home-to-home, praying for the people and sharing from the Word. Please continue to lift up villages B, BF, and MK. The message was clearly communicated; now we are praying for the Lord to reap a great harvest!
Language Evaluation
I took a formal language evaluation this past month. It was quite intimidating, but all the prayers and hard work have paid off! I am officially at a level 2, which is just where I am supposed to be!
Thank you so much for your prayers for me in overcoming this great hurdle! I just completed my final “formal” language lesson, but please continue to pray, because I still have a long ways to go!
Looking Ahead…
- This month will be another busy one. I am looking forward to taking some vacation time with my aunt in Italy! Please pray for safe travel, and a time of refreshment before I head back to ministry here in Senegal.
- We have another voluteer team coming on March 8th. Pray that the Lord will use them mightily as they pray for and minister to the Mandinka people.
- Please continue to pray for me as many new doors for ministry are opening. I am still planning to disciple some new believers in Kolda, but I have a few more months to prepare for that.
- SB – my house helper and clearly a person of peace. Pray that my relationship with her will be a clear portrayal of Christ and that she will find time to come with me to villages on a more regular basis.
- OD – asked for copies of Scripture early last month; pray that it will speak directly to his heart
- JS – my friend who has epilepsy. She doesn’t have money for the monthly medicine and recently fell into the fire while cooking. She has 3rd degree burns that are slowly healing. As I minister to her, may she experience the love of Christ.
- MK – a believer who has been kicked out of his room because an uncle found scripture portions; he has resorted to sleeping on his front porch, but is having a really difficult time.
February 26, 2008
Kimberly Thompson sent me an update earlier today about the woman who was kidnapped in Afghanistan in January. The Asian Rural Life Development Foundation (ARLDF) is reporting the apparent deaths of two workers, Cyd Mizell and Muhammad Hadi, who were kidnapped January 26. Please continue to pray for the families of these two workers.
February 22, 2008
Kimberly Thompson sends her thanks for your prayers for them and their volunteers from Birmingham this week. "We had three intense days of sharing personal testimonies and stories from God's Word with an emphasis on the gospel message. The Lord sent a well-prepared team of volunteers to share with, pray for, and minister to the people in villages B, BS, and MK. Without a doubt, many seeds were sown this past week. Now we ask the Lord to come reap a great Harvest to the glory of His name! Thank you for your prayers. What a blessing they were to us this week. Blessings to you," Kimberly
February 16, 2008
Kimberly Thompson requests prayer for a visiting team of 11 volunteers from Birmingham, AL. Please lift them all up as they workin in three villages this week--B, BS and MK. One day they plan to hold an eye clinic. Every day, they will be visiting each family, praying with them, sharing from the Word as the Spirit leads, and then sharing with a larger audience in the afternoon. "Please pray that we will be sensitive to the Spirit's leading and that He will move mightily in the hearts of many as His Word goes out this week to the Mandinka people. We know it will not return void! Thanks for your partnership, Your share in this work is invaluable. Blessings to each of you," Kimberly
February 1, 2008
Greetings from Sedhiou!
This has been a full month of ministry, and we are blessed at how the Lord is working among the Mandinka to show His love as well as show His Way to many who have not heard. Here’s an update of what we’ve been up to and what is coming up!
Storying in Villages
“Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit…” 1Co 2:12-13
The Holy Spirit is at work in village B! One lady last week asked me to pray for God to clean her heart so that the Spirit would dwell there. We haven’t shared with them the entire plan of how God can clean her heart, but it is soon approaching! We’ve been setting the stage by unreservedly sharing with them that Jesus is the only way and that they must be born of the Spirit. We’ve also shared with them numerous times that their works are not enough, but that they must believe in Jesus and follow him. An average of 15 older women come on a regular basis. They are very interactive and agree with the things we share. Pray that these teachings will sink deep into their hearts and leave them realizing their need for a Savior.
Please ask the Lord to give us wisdom for how to ‘wrap up’ in village DsT. We know our time needs to come to an end there, but want to make sure that before we leave they understand the entire message that we came to share.
Mandinka Gathering
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Th 5:11
Thanks again for your prayers for the Mandinka gathering. Please continue to lift up these 25 believers as they have returned to their homes to live out their witness before their family and friends.
Medical Clinics
“..Whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 4:10
A team from the states came on January 9-13 to hold a medical clinic in a village. For me, it was three solid days of translating from Mandinka to English and back again. In three days – with one doctor and one dentist – we saw about 400 patients! It was a difficult week emotionally. Thank God for the healing He brought to many through this team. Ask that the love of Jesus will continue to stir the hearts of the many who came.
More Volunteers from the States!
A team of 11 from Hunter Street Baptist Church in Alabama is coming on February 16 to hold an eye clinic, as well as participate in prayer walking and evangelism in some villages where we are currently working. Pray that the Spirit will guide all planning and use them mightily during their time here.
New Ministry Avenue
“…strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God…” Acts 14:22
Many of you prayed for me over the past couple of weeks as our team had meetings about what my ministry will look like during the rest of my time here. I am thankful to say that the Lord blessed us with a sense of unity. I will be discipling some new believers in Kolda, a town an hour away from my home in Sedhiou. Hopefully, part of my time will be in Kolda and the other part will be spent in Sedhiou - continuing to invest in my relationships here and prayerfully sharing in surrounding villages. Many logistics need to be worked out, but we are all still at the point of seeking the Lord before we make firm decisions. I ask you to continue to pray for us that all decisions will be made in unity - with complete assurance that this is His plan.
Struggles and Successes with Speaking
“That words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel…”
This month, I have had many more unplanned spiritual conversations. Many times I’ve left the conversation feeling like I didn’t share as much as I should have. Please pray for the Lord to prepare me for when I have opportunities to share a brief presentation of the gospel, knowing that this may be the only time I ever have to share with this person.
I still attend language lessons once a week. I am seeing much improvement and feel very encouraged. Please pray that I would be diligent in building my vocabulary so that I can be effective!
West Africa Summit
The West Africa region of the IMB will be holding a summit on April 2-5, 2008 in Greenville, SC. Featured speakers include our SBC president, Dr. Frank Page and the IMB VP of spiritual nurturing, Dr. Tom Eliff. For more information, check out www.rockycreekonline.org
Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement! There have been times this month that I don’t know how I would have made it through if I didn’t know you were praying. I would love to hear from you and what is going on back home, so feel free to write!
Kimberly
January 8, 2008
“Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” (Psalm 90:16-17, ESV)
God has tuly shown us His work to us this week as we met with about 25 Mandinka believers from Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia for a time of worship, prayer, fellowship, and teachings on the family of God! We met some very mature followers of Christ, and it was a wonderful testimony to me that every bit of work in the hearts of the Mandinka people has been, and will continue to be, from the Lord’s hands. Thank you for your prayers over the past several months in preparation for this gathering of brothers and sisters in Christ. For those of you who are interested, and have time, I will include below a few short testimonies of the ways the Lord showed His sovereign hand during this meeting.
- One lady, AN, shared her testimony with me of how she stood up for Christ even when her husband left her alone with two young children. She told her husband she will never look back to her old ways, but would only look to Jesus. She said there were many, many days when she couldn’t sleep but just cried. But she said through it all, she has always been able to rest in the comfort that God will take care of her. God is now using her mightily among two different people groups close by here to share the good news and disciple close to 100 new believers!
- Another lady faced much of the same situation when she decided to turn from Islam to become a follower of Jesus. Her husband left her with three small children. Recently, he told her that he sees how God is working in her life and blessing her, and he wants her to be a part of his life again.
- I met a young Mandinka believer from the Gambia who has roots in village DS – the same village I spent a weekend in last month. You have been praying for this village, and I am trying to build a relationship with the people there in order to share the good news. This young man travelled to DS this past week and met some of his relatives. He has a heart to share his faith there, despite the darkness and strongholds that permeate this place. Please continue to ask for open doors for God’s word to come alive in DS.
- Sunday morning after worship, the four ladies who cooked for us asked for prayer. They recognized the joy, peace, and love that dwelt among all of the participants of the gathering and realized they wanted it too! Mandinka believers and missionaries stood around those women and asked the Lord to give them peace that comes from Christ. The intention of this gathering was to encourage the believers, but how exciting that God’s purposes are higher than ours, and that He was greatly glorified to the point that others wanted the peace that He offers!
January 1, 2008
"I be kayira to! This typical Mandinka greeting means, 'Peace be with you.' That is my prayer for each of you as this new year begins. May you experience the peace of Christ in a fresh way as you continue your walk with Him in 2008. Here’s a highlight of what is going on in Sedhiou:
The Mandinka Gathering of Believers begins tomorrow! January 2-6, believers from Guinea, Senegal, and The Gambia are coming to Sedhiou for a time of worship, fellowship, and teaching. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will saturate every detail of preparation and bless the heart of every participant as they meet together. For many, this is the first-ever opportunity to meet fellow Mandinka brothers and sisters. What an exciting occasion to be a part of!
Storying in villages DT and B is going well. Especially in village B, we’ve seen the Lord at work as they state without hesitation that Jesus is the son of God. We’ve been encouraging each woman in these groups to pray to the Lord and ask Him to reveal the truth to them. Pray with us that He will answer these prayers, whether through dreams and visions, or through an amazing sense of peace from the message we share.
Tabaski is a celebration where the Mandinka people (and all M*slims) remember the sacrifice Abraham made of his son. I was able to stay in a very important Mandinka village, DS, for a weekend during this celebration. Thank the Lord for His spiritual and physical protection and from what I learned during the time I spent with the women. Pray for openness in this village as I continue to build a relationship here. I really have a heart to share in this area but have recently been told they only want to hear the teachings of Muhammed.
Our Christmas Eve celebration was filled with popcorn, cookies, cake, candy, and at least 300 people listening to the Christmas story! Thank the Lord for such a wonderful opportunity to plant seeds. Pray that these seeds will grow, and that many who heard will want to hear the rest of this amazing story.
**Prayer Request ** I am in tremendous need of God’s guidance in the weeks to come as I seek clarity for what my ministry will look like this next year. I appreciate your prayers in this matter and promise to give you more details as they come.
Thank you so much for your faithfulness to pray. I am excited to see all that the Lord is going to do this year among the Mandinka people. Blessings to each of you," Kimberly
December 17, 2007
"This Friday, December 21, my Mandinka friends will begin celebrating a three-day feast holiday called Tabaski. As I visit around town, I am already beginning to see rams tied up, awaiting the day of Tabaski when each family will offer them as a sacrifice. Tabaski is a holiday for the rememberance of the almost-sacrifice of Abraham's son (who they believe is Ishmael, not Isaac). As followers of Christ around the world are now remembering and celebrating the birth of the One who eventually made the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, please remember the many who are still living in darkness, and who have not yet heard or accepted the Truth that "it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins," but that God has already provided a perfect sacrifice for us.
Thanks so much, and Merry Christmas to each of you!" Kimberly
November 3, 2007
"Dear prayer partners, Happy Holidays! I hope each of you are able to take time to enjoy this season of celebrating the birth of our Savior! It has been a fast and furious month of ministry! Thank you for standing by me and filling in the gap through prayer and encouragement as ministry continues to progress among the Mandinka. I can't wait for the day when we get to see Mandinka people praising God in their heart language for the birth of their Savior!
Sharing Jesus with those who haven’t heard…Praise the Lord with me for a wonderful month of sharing with women in villages B and DsT! We are in the New Testament with both groups, and they are very open and interactive to the stories we are sharing as we introduce them to the person of Christ. Pray for a continued openness, and ask the Lord that His powerful Word will penetrate the hearts and change the lives of many of the women (and men) who participate in these storying groups.
Who says you can’t have pretty toes in Africa?! This past month a volunteer from Arizona came to help with the boys’ homeschooling. However, the Lord had more hats for her to wear than just the “teacher” hat. She came to villages with us to pray while we were sharing from Scripture. She also brought tons of nail polish. One day we invited women to come to my house and have their feet washed and toenails painted! The women had a blast, and relationships were deepened that day as they were able to get away from their work responsibilities and have some ‘girl time’ at my home. Needless to say, I still have people asking me when they can come over to have their nails painted! Please pray for opportunities to share deep truths with these girls in my neighborhood.
Thanksgiving away from home…For any of you who were concerned, I am happy to let you know that I had turkey and all the fixins at Thanksgiving! This season causes me to remember the many blessings I am grateful for, including the faithful prayer support I receive from each of the individuals, small groups, and churches that are lifting me before the throne. I praise the Lord for you, and I pray often that He will continue to use you mightily in your vital role that each of you play in reaching the Mandinka for Jesus!
Another stamp in the passport…Last week, I took a trip to Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) for a conference for first-term personell. The name of the conference is Renew, and that is just what it did! Give thanks to the Lord with me for times of corporate worship, good fellowship and conversation with fellow journeyman, and for good food and fun games! I am currently in Dakar taking a small vacation, but will fly down to the Cassamance and drive to my home in Sedhiou on December 2.
Speaking of Renewal…As I’ve spent close to a week away from Sedhiou, the Lord has shown me many things regarding my personal ministry among the Mandinka. The “Lonely Planet” guidebook for Senegal describes the town of Sedhiou as one that “sleepwalks through existence.” This truthful description of my town can have great effects on those of us missionaries living there. Spiritually and ministry-wise, it is easy to get into that ‘slump’ and go about your day-to-day routine, making it difficult to keep the larger vision for what the Lord wants to do among the Mandinka. Many ministry opportunities are on the horizon; please pray fervently with me that I will be faithful to seek the Holy Spirit’s direction as to which villages and ministry opportunities I should invest in.
Language Study.....I continue to see progress as I learn Mandinka. Thanks for praying that I will pick up the language quickly - I see it happening before my eyes! Ask the Lord to specifically help me pick up the vocabulary I use to share God’s Word in villages.
Time to bake those Christmas cookies! Now is the season for sharing all those goodies with friends and family! As many of you will be in your kitchens baking Christmas goodies in the States (and other places!), please pray for the Mandinka people who haven’t heard the miraculous story of Jesus’ birth. Fran and I will be baking breads, cookies, and other goodies to share with neighbors and friends in Sedhiou. We expect at least 200 people to come hear the beautiful story on Christmas Eve.
Mandinka Gathering of Believers Please continue to pray for the believers who will gather January 2 – 6, 2008 for a time of worship and fellowship. It’s only one month away, and there are still many practical details that need to be worked out! But more importantly, ask the Lord to bless these few believers with a sense of unity and family in the body of Christ. Pray that He will raise up leaders and give these chosen ones a vision for reaching there fellow people for Christ.
I am grateful to each of you faithful ones who have chosen to partner with the Lord in His work to save many Mandinka men, women, and children from the death-grip of the evil one. During this month, many of you will have an opportunity to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. This is what keeps people like me on the field! I am grateful that through people like you, I am able to focus my full attention on ministry to the Mandinka people! Blessings of peace and joy to you this holiday season." Kimberly
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us." Romans 8:18 November 3, 2007
"It’s hard to believe it’s already been 6 months! Seems like just yesterday I was looking at many of you through teary eyes, wishing I could bring you all to Senegal with me! But, God is faithful, and Sedhiou is becoming more of a ‘home’ for me as I continue to meet new people, understand the culture and language, and build existing relationships among the Mandinka people. I am thankful for the all the emails, letters, packages, and phone calls reassuring me of your love and prayers!
So, what’s been going on?
- We made it through the fasting month of Ramadan! Thank you so much for your prayers...I ‘broke fast’ with friends in my neighborhood on Sunkari Saloo, the feast days signifying the end of Ramadan. This provided opportunity for me to strengthen several relationships with women who live close by.
- We continue to meet weekly with women in village DsT and village B. Please pray that, despite many responsibilities in the home, MNK women would meditate on the Word of God as they hear it weekly.
- I shared the gospel message for the first time in the MNK language! Thank you for your continued prayers for my language progress. I still have a long ways to go, but I’m seeing fruit of your prayers!
- The Lord has provided many opportunities for me to serve the MNK this past month by carrying people to funerals and hospitals, as well as helping with medical and food needs. My prayer is that these times will provide a platform for me to share Jesus in words as well as actions.
- My friend, DtD to be receptive to the Word as I share with her. She told me she would like to travel into villages with me, because, although she follows the way of Muhammad, she wants to hear the “Way” that I follow because she knows that many people in the world follow this “Way”.
- My night guard, OS, to see Christ’s love in my life and to desire that for himself.
- My own weakness to love these people as Christ loves them. Ask the Lord to help me love in a way that reflects His grace -“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7
October 23, 2007
Kimberly Thompson has some special needs this week in Senegal--she is by herself. The Kelly's are away on vacation. Kimberly will be going to villages tomorrow (Wednesday) and Friday by herself. "I'm a little nervous about my lack of language...so much I want to share and discuss, but without the vocabulary to do so! Just trusting the Lord to accomplish His will through this weak vessel! Thanks so much for your prayers." Kimberly
October 22, 2007
Kimberly Thompson requests prayer for Scott and Jennifer Ward, dear friends from her training time in Virginia. Scott and Jennifer are now serving as IMB missionaries in Tanzania. They are from Arkansas and are good friends of the Tidenbergs. They have two boys, ages 9 and 5 and Jennifer is expecting their third child. She has been put on bedrest at the mission house in Dar Es Salaam. The doctor has diagnosed a mass in or near the baby's heart. Jennifer will be flying to Nairobi in the early hours tomorrow morning for further evaluation. If the diagnosis is confirmed she will be sent back to the states to see a Pediatric Cardiovascular surgeon. They have been on the field six months, just completed language school and were planning to move into their new house and begin ministry this month. Please pray specifically for:
- Wisdom for all doctors as they run tests, confirm and decided what the Scotts need to do
- Wisdom and discernment for IMB doctors, and others as they decide where the Scotts need to be and how to get Jennifer and the baby there safely
- That the mass would not grow during this time of waiting and testing
- Jennifer & baby as they fly to Nairobi
- Scott & boys as they drive to Nairobi (It will take two days of driving)--Jennifer will be in Nairobi for 2 days, 1 night before Scott and boys arrive there
- Scott - energy for all the things he now has to do (especially with Jennifer on complete bed rest) - all the household chores, packing, driving, etc.
- Wisdom & discernment as they have many decisions that need to be made quickly
- The Scotts' young boys as they are going through more transition they do not understand........? Jennifer asked that everyone pray "that God would use our family, our situation to bring glory and honor to Himself and to draw others to Him."
October 7, 2007
Today (Sunday) marks day 24 of the Ramadan fast. Thank you for praying for the Mandinka people during this important month in their religious calendar. We trust wholeheartedly that our Father will prove faithful to answer these prayers and bring many to saving faith in Christ, the only source of salvation.
Tuesday of this week is the "Night of Power" when people stay up all night to hear their holy book recited and to pray. They believe that this night is a time when their prayers are more likely to be heard and answered.
Ramadan provides many opportunities to share what kind of fast “followers of Jesus” participate in. Namely, that fasting is not enough to save us from our sins. This concept is foreign to many, because they have been taught all their lives that good works is the means to ‘Paradise.’
As this last week of Ramadan approaches, ask the Lord to reveal to many that their sin remains, no matter how many fasts or prayers they take part in. Thank you!" Kimberly
October 1, 2007
Hi everyone! Hard to believe it is already October! We’ve had a tremendous amount of rain the past two months, which has made travelling into villages challenging, but a lot of fun! Thank you so much for your faithful prayers not only for me, but also for the Mandinka people who have yet to hear and cherish the message of grace. Here’s a recap of the past month:
"Storying" Groups - Last month, I asked you to pray for open doors to village “B”, and we did receive an invitation to come back! Even more, we were asked to continue visiting in this village, as well as in village “DS” during this season of Ramadan when people are often tired and only want to study/hear the Q’ran. Because we desire to present the Word of God in the clearest, most relevant manner for these women, ask the Lord that Fran and I would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading on which scriptures and stories to share in preparing to share Christ with them.
Mandinka Gathering - Thanks for praying for Pastor SD during his trip to Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and the Gambia in effort to find Mandinka believers and invite them to the Mandinka gathering that will be held January 2-6, 2008. He met several who said they thought they were the only Mandinka believer in the entire world! Praise God for His work of encouragement in the hearts of these scattered few. Ask for continued wisdom and direction as preparations continue for the gathering.
Other Happenings…
- As the fasting month of Ramadan continues, pray for the unveiling of the millions of minds that are blinded by the god of this world in order “to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Cor 4:3-4, ESV)
- I’ve been able to meet more people in my town, as well as deepen relationships with women in my neighborhood (and even call on them for help several times this month!) Ask the Lord to help me direct our conversations to matters of eternal significance.
- Speeking of conversation, I am continuing on with language classes 3 days a week. Some days I feel like I can’t hear anything that is being said, but for the most part, I am seeing progress! Please continue to lift up my language learning; this is of utmost importance for me to continue my ministry here!
"Thanks for your prayers as the season of Ramadan has begun. This is the 'holiest' month for people of this religion, and they believe that their prayers are more likely to be heard during this time. By the end of the day, everyone walks around sickly and exhausted from not eating and with the heat being so strong, they looked so tired. So hopeless and helpless and miserable! Their physical appearance is such an indicator of their soul's condition. They are exhausted...from trying to work hard enough, to be good enough, to get enough tally marks. They are hopeless and helpless spiritually, unless the Holy Spirit comes inside and does an amazing work. And they are miserable, because they try so hard, but never measure up! It's really sad. But I must admit that it makes me so grateful for the beautiful message of the cross. Please pray:
- Especially because of the hot temperatures, many are complaining that they are thirsty and desperate for a sip of water to drink. Ask the Lord to reveal to many that He is the source of Living Water that wells up into eternal life. (John 4, Isaiah 55:1)
September 11, 2007
Hi everyone,
I know it's not the first of the month, but I have a special prayer request for all of you faithful prayer warriors. I want to reassure you of the great importance of your prayers, especially during this month of fasting, known as Ramadan, which begins either Wednesday or Thursday (depending on which night the new moon can be seen). Because they follow the Is. religion, the Mandinka people are required to fast during daylight hours for the next month. In the evening they break fast with a large meal, but during the day, they are to abstain from drink, food, and medicine of any kind. At the end of the 30 days, there is usually a sacrifice of a goat and a big feast that lasts several days. We know that "it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins," but millions of people are still trapped in the lies of believing that they can "work" their way to salvation.
Here's a few ways to specifically lift up the Mandinka people during Ramadan:
Pray during this time, that the One who brings complete freedom would be revealed to many people who are following this religious "law" (John 8:36).
As many people are more focused on spiritual matters, pray that their eyes and hearts would be opened to the message of true righteousness and forgiveness from sins (Romans 5:17).
Ask the Father to reveal the Truth through dreams and visions to people who are truly seeking to please Him (Acts 26:18).
Finally, ask the Lord to give us wisdom as we respond to many people's questions about why we are not fasting the way they are (James 1:5).
Thank you so much for your "partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." Your prayers are an invaluable part of the ministry to the Mandinka here in Senegal. Again, if you would like more information on Ramadan, please visit www.30-days.net.
Kimberly
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?" Isaiah 58:6
August 30, 2007
Greetings from Sedhiou, Senegal!
It is pouring down rain at the moment, which is now an every day occurrence since we are in the middle of the rainy season. The Mandinka women are busy preparing their rice fields, as well as tending to their every day responsibilites such as cooking over a fire, washing clothes by hand, ironing with a coal iron, and taking care of their children. Thank you for praying for the Mandinka and for those of us who are here to share with them the message of hope and truth. This has been another busy, but blessed, month as I've seen flickers of the Holy Spirit at work here in the Cassamance region of Senegal.
What Happened in August?
- Thank you for praying for Pastor SD from the Gambia who came with his family for two weeks. We had many times of good fellowship, plus, we were able to talk about more specifics of our role in the first-ever gathering of Mandinka believers, which will be held in Sedhiou January 2-6, 2008. Please begin praying that this would be a great time of encouragement for the scattered MNK believers living in The Gambia, Senegal, Guinnea, and Guinnea-Bissau. Pray for protection against the enemy - we have all been experiencing attacks, whether by sickness or discouragement, undoubtedly because he opposes the spread of the Kingdom.
- Visits to villages and in town – I travelled out more this month, built more relationships, and sought direction for which villages I might begin sharing in. Lift up village “B” - that they may see we come with a message of peace– we have had volunteer teams in this village, showed the Jesus film here a couple months ago, and Richard has been sharing regularly with some of the men. One day this month, we (Pastor SD’s wife, Fran, and I) went to speak to the women, and about 40 women showed up! However, the village chief and elders never gave us permission to come back.
- I have completed my first month of “formal” language studies with a tutor 3 days each week. Praise! Although I have a ways to go, I am finally seeing progress!
- I have begun organizing/preparing lessons from the Old Testament for sharing in villages. Please ask the Lord for wisdom as I decide which stories to tell and how to tell them (reading, playing tapes, story format, etc).
- Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting from food and drink from sunrise to sunset begins around Aug. 12 (when the new moon appears). Pray for wisdom to know how to respond when I am asked why I am not fasting. Also, during these 30 days, ask the Lord to reveal to the Mandinka (and all who follow this religion) the futility of “good works” apart from faith in Christ. For more information about Ramadan, you can visit www.30-days.net
- Pastor SD from the Gambia will begin travelling between four countries to give personal invitations to the Mandinka gathering to known believers. Pray for this modern day “Paul” as he travels to encourage the scattered believers. Pray also for his wife and the 5 children that she alone will be responsible for while her husband is away during the month of September.
- OS, my night guard. Ask that the Lord would help him clearly see that, because I am a follower of Christ, I do not live as the world around me lives.
- Ask the Lord to provide a Senegalese woman who would be willing and able to travel with me. "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." (Philippians 1:3-5, ESV)
Kimberly
July 31, 2007
This is an update on the Nigerian Pastor who was poisoned. IMB missionaries Clint and Harriet Brown wrote the update. "On July 19, we received the news that Pastor A., the leader of the F fellowship, had been poisoned. He had gone into a village to do outreach and he ate some food there into which had been put poison. He was in a clinic and very bad off. I sent out a quick email to a few people just as we were leaving to travel. We asked all those at our meeting in Dakar to pray for him. We sent Pastor S. to that town with some money to help medical expenses and to encourage him. So we were able to call that evening and talk with him and he said there was some improvement. Then we called him again once we reached Senegal and he said he was getting better. Today we saw him. He was looking very well. He had been to an area to baptize 6 new believers yesterday. He told us that he must return to the place where they poisoned him because he wants them to see that he serves a God with power. I told him I think he should take his own lunch. We thank God for his healing. We do serve a God of power. We have such a weak faith compared to these who are paying the price to see their people come to know Jesus. Please continue to pray for this group."
July 2, 2007
Thank you for faithfully praying that the light of Jesus would shine in the darkness among the Mandinka people, so that they may come to know the One who gives true life. Here’s some ways the Lord included me in His ministry to the Mandinka people this past month:
- We took the Jesus film to village “B.” Many people came and stayed the entire time – including the village chief and the village imam (Islamic teacher). A lot of people stayed afterwards and said it was a “good message.” Now, please pray for God’s word to penetrate the hearts of people as we continue to visit this village.
- I prayer-walked in my neighborhood, which gave me an opportunity to pray for the people in this area, meet many neighbors, and even pray with some of them.
- Two people that you’ve been praying for, OS and DtD, came to my home for dinner. Pray that my daily conversation and interaction with these two friends would be a faithful witness of the Truth.
- On a prayer walk around Sedhiou, I visited with 10 high school students who asked about my religion. I had an opportunity to tell some of them I follow Christ and all of them that I pray to God for all my needs, anytime, and not only 5 specified times each day. One girl in particular asked to know more, so pray that I can learn the language so I can tell her! May these young people see that the difference in my life is the light of Christ.
- My trips to the market have provided opportunities to meet many people, because it is a long walk from my house. Pray that the Lord would provide opportunities to share the love of Jesus as these new relationships develop.
- Help me as I continue learning the language. Now that I understand a little bit, I hope to begin studying the language 3 days a week at a school in town.
- MS and JS – two young people who are believers. They are under pressure from their father to study the Koran instead of reading the Bible.
- We spent several days with the only Mandinka pastor, SD, who came to visit from the Gambia. The Lord has laid it on his heart as well as the greater MNK team to bring MNK believers together for worship and fellowship. It was great to share what was on our hearts and realize we basically had the same vision. We praise God for how He has unified our hearts with this vision. Please pray that all of our plans for this gathering will be under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Holding dearly the promise of life in Christ Jesus," Kimberly
June 19, 2007
The prayer walk went well last week. I was able to meet several of my neighbors, as well as pray with a few people who were sick. Tomorrow (Wednesday) night, OS and DtD, the two people that I've asked you to pray for more specifically, will be at my house for dinner. Please pray that they would recognize the love of Christ in my words and actions during the time that we spend together.
June 7, 2007
Kimberly Thompson sent this update on the showing of the Jesus film last night. "Sorry about the time difference. I have Outlook, so it sat in my outbox overnight and didnt' get sent on time. Your prayers were answered last night as we showed the film. We had a huge turnout for the video, and pretty much everyone stayed all the way until the end. In fact, many of them didn't want to go home but wanted to hear more! The village chief and the village 'Imam' (Islamic leader) were both there until the end and said that it was very good. We had several women tell us that the message was very good, as well. Fran said she thinks this is the best turnout and viewing that they've ever been a part of. We're praising the Lord that so many people came and were able to hear the entire message. Now, please continue to pray for village 'B' as we follow up with those who are seeking. Thanks for your prayers! I'm so encouraged that my church family can be a vital part of this ministry through prayer." Kimberly
June 6, 2007
Kimberly Thompson will be sharing the Jesus film with a nearby village tomorrow night--this will be 6-7 hours earlier our time. "This village has had some evangelism, and last week a few women asked how they could get rid of their sins. Praise the Lord that they even recognize they have sin to get rid of. Of course, Richard shared the gospel message with them, and then they wanted to see the Jesus film. Pray that they will hear the message clearly. It's easy for them to get things confused with what they already believe. But we want TRUTH spoken plainly. We are asking the Lord for direction about beginning a group in this village to go through the stories of the Bible, from Creation to all the way to Christ."
Kimberly
June 5, 2007
"I am praising the Father for each of you as you faithfully lift me up to His throne. This is truly a dry and thirsty land, but His work here is not yet complete. Jeremiah 2 says, “[They] have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Please ask our Father to reveal to these people that He alone is the Living Water. This month has been one of much transition, but He has been with me every step of the way. I’ve made inroads with people in my neighborhood and have found a lady who speaks some English who answers many of my language and culture questions.
Thank Him with me for:
- New friendships with the people in my neighborhood
- Healing after a few sick days last week
- A language helper
- Progress in the language
- Diligence as I study the Mandinka language
- Energy, despite the hot temperatures (115ish!)
- Boldness to meet new people, even though I can’t communicate very well
- My life to be a testimony, specifically to DtD and OS, two people with whom I have opportunities to spend a considerable amount of time
Following His leading, Kimberly
May 21, 2007
"This past week, I met a good friend who has agreed to help me with my language learning. She speaks a little English, so we can communicate. She is from a family that comes from a very important village in the area. One of her relatives is the marabout (witch doctor) in the village. There's been an anthropological study done on this village (I got to read it when I was at orientation) and it is a very dark place - Satan has a huge stronghold there. I am praying that this may gain me opportunities to visit this area and share the gospel there once I have more language down. Today she and I read the beginning of the story of Ruth in the Mandinka language. We also talked briefly about why her baby wears charms around her wrists (for protection against the evil spirits). I can't speak the language yet, but I don't want to wait until I feel like I can communicate in the language before I begin sowing seeds.
Thanks for your prayers. They are much-needed!
His humble servant," Kimberly