The vast majority of Niger’s population do not live in the city. The village is a tidy complex of mud buildings, thatched roofs, dirt roads, and stone pathways. The sky is clear, blue, and habitually hot. The horizon is flat and clean and only interrupted by an occasional arid plateau. Doctors are few, and minor sicknesses frequently turn fatal. Life and death eek out a delicate coexistence. Vehicles are rare and electricity is available only to the rich who own a generator. Silence is in abundantly blissful supply. Life runs at a metered pace, and priorities usually center on daily needs for food and shelter. Visitors are always welcome. Conversation is the lifeblood of society.
Makaldondi Ra ~ In Makalondi
Recently, I spent a few days in a village called Makalondi with a friend to work on my language skills. I have been studying Zarma, and my friend has been studying Fufulde. I thought that a trip to the village would give me a practical opportunity to use what I have supposedly been learning in class.
A kind villager who did not speak English or French happily invited us into his family compound to sit in the shade of one of his huts and talk to him. He introduced his two sisters, his nieces, his nephews, his children, and his wife (only one). My friend left for a few moments, and I was forced to speak to the man in Zarma… or a blend of Zarma, charades, and illustrative noises. I was able to comprehend about 80% of what was being said. One of the members of the family had recently given birth, the traditional midwife had left, the local doctor was on vacation, and either the mother or the baby had contracted a minor sickness. I was given the customary lecture why all the tribes disliked his particular tribe. I was learning Zarma, but I should be learning Fufulde. Though he is not a Christian (yet), he really liked Jesus and wanted others in his tribe to hear the story. Then, a nice old lady appeared with a toothy smile and asked a question. I thought I had misunderstood, but she pointed to her gums and confirmed my interpretation. She wanted me to purchase for her some replacement teeth. My friend grinned and told me in English that the lady asks him for teeth all the time.
On a previous visit, I was laying on a cot drifting somewhere between consciousness and sleepfulness. The house has no electricity, but it is built with an airy design and the screens keep out most of the bugs. I was roused by blinking light. The atmosphere was totally calm, and my first thoughts were, “Whose light bulb is that, and why are they flashing it?” My friend walked by, and I asked, “What is that?” He responded as if I had asked a dumb question. “It’s lightning, and there’s a lot of it.” I was intrigued. I sat up and peered through the screen. Now, we have pretty good lightning storms in Oklahoma, but this impressed me. The lightning flashed continuously and consistently for about thirty minutes. Then, the wind gusted, and the rain fell in torrents. Niger lacks many things, but its rainstorms are awesome.
Suggestions and Situations
Well, we find ourselves in the doldrums of the calendar year. Summer is behind us. The holidays are in our future. And, at present we must fulfill the responsibilities of everyday life. It’s a funny thing about responsibilities. Like freezing water in the crevices of a well-intentioned street, responsibilities push and swell. Something must give. While our devotion to Christ remains, our desire to share his love with others is often consumed by the worries of the road. Jesus invested his life into twelve men and a few women. Perhaps you could think of one person in whom you can invest over the next few months. Spend intentional time with a Christian who is young in their faith or with a non-Christian and see what happens. God can use you. Pray for me that I will remain focused on individual discipleship.
The rainy season here is spluttering to an end. Most places in Niger have received ample rain though the lateness of the rains has caused a few crop problems in some areas. The political situation seems to be calm though multiple police checkpoints remain and anything is possible. The political stability of Niger itself also seems strong though there have been a few rumors of attempted assassinations. So, life is normal- with a few caveats. As always, I covet your prayers. I am greatly thankful for your faithful financial support.
Blessings, Jeremy
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