Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Jesus was essentially saying that we should not conceal our talents.
When we arrived in Mali, I didn’t know anyone, and I couldn’t speak the local language. Shopping in the market was a challenge. When I tried to negotiate prices and could not express myself well, people laughed. But I kept trying, and many people helped me. Soon I was gaining friends. Now many people know me, and I even get calls from people who somehow know me, though I don’t know them. I interact with many people, asking them about their health and family, and I always give them a big smile.
Not too long ago, my husband encouraged me to start a community ministry. Prayer is the DNA of our team, so we sought God’s leading. We then decided that I would offer classes to community women in tie-dying and soap making. Many women responded, and this outreach became a turning point in our mission and in my life. My interaction with the women I teach is also helping language learning.
I have also been doing health outreach. When a child is sick, I encourage the mother to go to the hospital for diagnosis. After that, I offer appropriate natural remedies. The community has gained confidence in me, which is helping our ministry to grow.
I was excited when a women’s association in Kangaba invited me to attend. During my first visit, I just observed the women. They sang songs, danced and took up a collection to be given to one person in the group. The gift goes to a different woman each time until all have benefitted. The head of the association introduced me to the group, and everyone was happy to receive me. The president asked me to share a few words, so I told them the Bible story of Dorcas, about her hard work and charity. They were very interested in hearing Bible stories and begged me to join the group and share more. I praise the Lord for using me to bless these women.
In another meeting, I proposed to the group that, as Christian women, we need to pray and share the word of God. They liked the idea and asked me to pray and share scripture at each meeting. Sometimes I talk to them about family life, how a woman should take care of her home, how to approach their husbands, make themselves attractive for their husbands and more. I encourage them to have morning and evening family devotions and to make prayer the DNA of their family. These women are enjoying these lessons and applying them at home. When I encounter these ladies in town, some of them testify about the improvements they are seeing in their families.
I praise the Lord for using me to bring His light to these women. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Please pray that I will have wisdom to carry out His will. And pray for these women that they will grow in the Lord.
