We feel like language is becoming a means of communication rather than just a wall of noise. It feels good being functional and not a total outsider linguistically.
As a Community Development Facilitator, I have shifted from full-time language learning to part-time work, hoping to build a network of friends. My work has been as an auto technician, and the opportunities totally surpassed any of our wildest dreams. My vision for work has been, and continues to be, working in the shops of my many friends when they have a difficulty that is beyond them. This model has worked exceptionally well: it trains one person, one new thing at a time, hands on. This is a very important part of how these mechanics learn. Since few of them can read or write, a classroom setting with lots of information to process would not be very effective.
The goal, of course, is not just good-running cars and competent techs; rather, the thrilling thing has been watching religious leaders bring their cars and deal with us. I have a title that's no threat to them. They see my work and testify that I have not lied but only spoken the truth. They often ask me questions like, “Why do you come and live here?" "Why do you whites always give and we blacks don’t?" "Why are you in this city?” Frequently after I explain the problem with their vehicle and show them the evidence, they are amazed that I would share this information with them freely. They conclude it’s because I’m not lying like their people. "We all lie," they say, "especially us here in this city."
By their own confessions they have many problems, and they don’t try to deny that. Many times with mechanics and electricians, I have the opportunity to bring in truth and make examples within our work. For example: "As soon as we find the truth about this problem we will have this car running." Or I’ll ask a question, "Do you want me to tell you the truth or a lie now that I know the problem?"
It’s hard to talk to anyone in this city for more than five minutes before they start dumping their stories and sharing the problems of the town. I of course listen and often share truth where it fits. After having repaired many cars, including cars that have not started in years, I can tell my friends anything and they are willing to listen—including very direct challenges about their own religion, traditions and practices. Many know that there’s a huge problem with I*lam, but fear has still bound most of them. We pray regularly against the spirits of fear and deception that have been in our city for ages. God has called and equipped us to go and break down those strongholds and to lift up a whole new better way. Often I find myself feeling like an undercover agent in that I am showing the love of Christ in a way that is affecting their opinions of us in a positive way, and there's nothing they can do about the way Christ’s love is breaking down their resistance against white people and Christianity. Having connections with so many people gives me authority and boldness, especially with those that I work with, to share without political correctness.
I have really felt the lateness of the hour and the urgency to push forward in the last months. We don’t know how much time we have. But with the time we do have, we will fight for the kingdom of no end, with the message of truth and restoration that never loses power.
Praise God for:
- Friends and networks of friends
- Over-all health
- Language progress
- Countless opportunities
Please Pray for:
- Those that see but fear
- A sickness of the false prophet and his false religion
- Open eyes and open hearts
- Boldness
-AH for the Weno team
