Dear Prayer Partners,
Although there has been a lot on the news about Nigeria and the elections, our prayer letter will inform you about the good things God is doing, and hopefully help you to pray more effectively. There continues to be problems in many of the areas to the north where we are heavily involved in ministry, however things here in Jos remain relatively quiet and peaceful.
God bless,
The DeVoes
Dear Payer Partners,
Last month our evangelism trips to the Southern part of Kaduna State were very successful! With over 1,300 coming out to hear the Gospel and almost 50% of them making the decision to trust Christ. The picture below is of some of the many children from the village of Tum; who returned for counseling the morning after the Gospel presentation and film. The time we get to spend with these individuals doing counseling during our Evangelism weekends is one of the most enjoyable things about life here in Nigeria. Both Villages that I was in last month also want to start Word of Life Bible clubs for the many Children they have.
We are headed out with 2 teams for evangelism today and really need your prayers for safety and for many to accept Christ. A little more than 2 weeks ago a village, Bere, was attacked leaving 17 from the village dead as well as one of the attackers. Three days after the attack we went and visited the village to pray with the families and try to encourage them during their time of grief. As we spent the day with them we discovered that many do not know Christ, but claim to be Christian simply because they are not something else. We hope to not only share Christ but also spend time dealing with what the Bible says about conflict and suffering, in an effort to try and encourage peace in this area and not retaliation and more violence. The other team will also be in Plateau State in the villages of Kwahas Lalek and Mangu Halle.
It has been incredibly busy last month with so much more to talk about but really wanted you all to pray for this village and our weekend.
Thanks for Praying
Bob
Greetings Prayer Partners,
Things in Jos have calmed down again yet the tension remains high. Most are trying to carry on with everyday life even with the changes that have taken place. Many of the places I used to do business are now no go areas and many of the individuals that I did business with have relocated. Jos becomes more polarized with each crisis. The registration process for the election coming in April has finished and the Schools which were closed to serve as registration centers have resumed, which also helps with things returning to normal. Pray specifically for those in power to make wise decisions concerning the ongoing problems in Jos and that each of us does our part to promote peace, healing and the Love of Christ.
We are headed north to Kaduna today to 4 villages for the weekend. The 2 teams will be in Mallagum 1 & 2, Kamantan & Fadiya. These are located in the southern part of Kaduna and things there have remained peaceful all throughout our troubles in Jos. Pray that while we are out in the villages things in Jos would remain peaceful, Meredith and Sarah will remain at home in Rayfield. Pray also that those we minister to will be open to the Spirits leading and that many will accept Christ and that the equipment will operate as needed.
I was in Suleja last weekend for 2 days doing follow up training for Bible Club leaders which went very well and I had no troubles with traveling. I plan to be in the Capital city of Kaduna State, Kaduna, next week teaching at a school for youth serving in ministry. I always enjoy my time teaching at this school as the students come from a wide range of religious backgrounds. The opportunity this brings to provide clear Biblical teaching is always a blessing. The students commented last time I was there how I helped to end confusion about the ministry of the Holy Spirit and what the Bible clearly teaches. I also have another training for Bible Club leaders on the 25th and 26th in a small city in southern Kaduna, Zonkwa. I did have to cancel a trip to Kano this month which is in the far north because those I was working with felt it wise to postpone until after the elections in April at which time we will reevaluate the ministry opportunities in this predominantly Muslim city. Pray for safe travels in the weeks to come, interaction with all those we minister to that is profitable to our Lord and that Meredith & Sarah will have no troubles in my absence.
We are so thankful for your faithful prayers and financial support and ask that you keep up the good work and so will we, as the Lord enables.
Part of His Workmanship
Bob DeVoe & family
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
I have included our prayer letter hoping it will give you some information about what is going on here. I will be very honest with you it is very difficult at this time to share about life and ministry here as I do not want to complain or create a false image of what is going on. It is stressful times that we live in yet God is at work. Although we must constantly assess what we are doing and where we are going it also makes us ask the question is this what will glorify God, is this what will accomplish His will here on earth or am I doing this to suit myself or is this just what is easy or expedient. Although this past year started and ended with crisis with plenty of troubles in between our prayer letter shares the incredible numbers that have heard the Gospel and responded. In just this past year almost 50,000 heard the Gospel through Word of Life Nigeria, with over 15,000 making decisions for Christ. Yet there are still so many that have not heard and many that are religious but still need to be confronted with the truth of the Gospel.
The entire missions community here is on alert and have prepared as much as we can to leave if that were to become necessary. The US embassy keeps us informed of developments and areas to avoid. Again I do not share these things to play on people’s emotions but to help you to pray for us. God has called us here to serve Him and I believe we can best do that alive. If we are told by the US that we should leave we do plan to comply. We do not feel our lives are in personal danger at this time but do need wisdom as we continue to live and minister here in Nigeria.
Praise God and may His will be done as you Keep the faith and encourage one another.
Part of His Workmanship
Bob DeVoe
