Daily Topic for January 19, 2007
God always seeks someone to accomplish His purpose. The darkness of the fall of Jerusalem provided a backdrop for the introduction of such a person. Daniel was a young man, chosen with others to enter the Babylonian civil service. Yet he resolved not to defile himself at the king’s table. His request for an alternate diet was approved, and Daniel began a career of distinguished service that confronted the Babylonian Empire with an example of what God can do with a man yielded to His purposes. Today’s Christian youth have tremendous opportunities to invest their lives in business, education, or government for the blessing of the nations.
Oh Lord, make our young people strong to follow You wholly wherever You lead, even to the ends of the earth.
How does one communicate the gospel with a non-reading culture? Seventy-five percent of the Maninka people of Guinea, West Africa cannot read, and many see little reason to learn. Theirs is an oral society. They learn their stories, history, and traditions through storytellers, so reading is not a vital skill.
The Maninkas are known for their trading. Their ancestors migrated to Guinea along trade routes. Many say to be Maninka is to be Muslim. In 1984, after a change of government, missionaries were allowed to come to Guinea. The first SIM missionaries arrived in 1986. They are currently developing programs in evangelism, Bible teaching, and primary health care. One of their most promising projects, the Maninka Audio Media Outreach (MAMO), is the result of the SIM Intl. vision for the Maninka people to have the opportunity to hear the gospel news of Jesus in a way they can culturally understand. They are making cassette tapes and producing radio programs of dramatic Scripture readings, music, humor, and health teaching. Christian workers and believers are distributing the tapes everywhere.
Learn more at joshuaproject.netPray for God to thwart satanic attempts to hinder the launch of the media ministry, and pray for wisdom in selecting Maninka speakers and singers.-JS