In this world, it seems that nothing ever stays the same. Cultural values are always changing. Behaviors that were frowned upon in earlier years soon become tolerated or even embraced. On our occasional visits to the States over the past five years, we have certainly seen many changes. Changes are also taking place in our little town of Kangaba.
Several months ago, Hadassah came running to tell us that two men on a motorcycle had just asked her and her friend where the bar was. That was indeed a surprise. But it was an even bigger surprise for us to learn that the new bar was practically next door! We had been watching a house being built and had wondered who would live there. We had never suspected it would become a bar! Since the majority of Malians consider themselves Muslims, drinking alcohol has been frowned upon by most people in our area. However, cultural values change over time, and currently there are at least seven bars in and around Kangaba. Why does our Muslim community tolerate this?
When our family moved to Kangaba in 2009, it was a different place from what it is today. The Kangaba of 2009 was a sleepy, conservative town. Married women and unmarried older girls covered their hair when they went out of their courtyards. Women and older girls wore skirts since wearing pants was considered immodest. Everyone seemed to know everyone else.
One big reason for Kangaba’s old-school ways was the road stretching 90 kilometers to Bamako, Mali’s capital. A dirt road, it was horribly dusty during the dry season and was basically impassible for much of the rainy season. However, in 2010, the government, aided by Chinese donations and engineers, began improving and paving the road. By the end of 2011, it was a very fine road indeed. Kangaba traffic increased quickly, and the town started to grow. Many sotromas (van buses) traveled between Kangaba and the gold-mining areas near the Guinea border, about 50 kilometers away. Traveling workers and other strangers flooded into Kangaba, and nobody knew everybody anymore.
We started to see new behaviors. Some young women began wearing pants. There were more late-night parties with loud music. And there were more bars, with all the troubles that go along with them. Of course, the new road isn’t the only reason for these changes. Among other things, an explosion of Satellite TV antennas and cell phones with Internet connectivity have certainly played a role. Today in Kangaba, the older generation is trying to maintain traditional values, but the younger generation is rejecting many of those values.
Sadly, despite these changes, we don’t see much increased openness to Christianity. Of course, we continue to reach out to people, but the Holy Spirit will have to do most of the work. Please keep praying for the people of Kangaba. Thanks so much for your continued prayers and support.
