The Crucible. Even the name intrigued me. Everything surrounding the crucible was an air of mystery. I had heard a few things about it like, “it’s going to be intense”, “we survived it”, and “it will push you to your limits”. As the time for departure on the crucible drew nearer , I was getting more and more excited. I was talking with several of the guys, and we came up with all kinds of crazy ideas of what it might be like. Now, as I sit here looking back on our experience, it was a lot like I expected. Yet at the same time completely different, in a good way. I came away from the crucible realizing just how much I need to leave behind my pride and fear of failure. I realized that they kept me from taking a lot of important steps in my life, because I was afraid to fail. I have decided, therefore I will, leave that all behind, and by the grace of God move forward, and grow through my failures.
The Crucible
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Field Stories
Youssouf the Motor Mechanic
Mr. Mama Dembele
“In Africa, motorcycle mechanics often work in busy markets or roadside shops, providing essential maintenance and repairs for motorcycles used by commuters, delivery drivers and people in rural areas. These mechanics learn practical skills through apprenticeships or hands-on work, enabling them to fix many kinds of mechanical problems.
Motorcycles are considered a major part of life in Africa. Local economies are supported by mechanics who ensure transport remains reliable for millions of people. Jobs are supported, movement is improved, and community is built among riders and those who assist them.
Youssouf, a skilled mechanic in his 40s, is known for managing his polygamous family with discipline. His garage, set beside Kangaba’s main road, opens at 7:00 a.m. and is made ready for business. From dawn to dusk, Youssouf and the five or six apprentices he guides serve their customers in a workshop equipped with a welding machine and a tire-patching device. Yet, as a devout Muslim, Youssouf never misses his five daily prayers. He and his crew multitask quite effectively, and he approaches his craft with unwavering seriousness; this I know from personal experience. He built his reputation through his unmatched ability to fix any motorcycle malfunction.
One afternoon, after some repairs were finished, my conversation with Youssouf shifted from motorcycles to religion, specifically polygamy, a transition that marked the beginning of a thoughtful exchange regarding cultural and religious practices.
Polygamy is deeply rooted in many African cultures. Traditionally, polygamy was linked to social status, money and the wish for bigger family groups. In some places, it also helped create connections between families and tribes. Our conversation explored these cultural contexts before turning to personal viewpoints.
While polygamy still exists in parts of Africa, its prevalence depends on culture, religion and laws. Some countries accept polygamous marriages, while others limit or ban them. Urban growth, education and changing views have affected how people think about polygamy, leading to debates about its role in modern Africa.
He questioned why Christians reject polygamy. I answered plainly: God gave Adam only one wife. I asked Youssouf whether God was incapable of giving Adam more than one wife. He agreed God could have, but did not. “Why not?” I pressed.
“God knows what’s best for us,” Youssouf admitted. God desires peace, happiness, harmony and love for all.
Polygamous families may project calmness, but they suffer internally; loving multiple wives equally is impossible. Beauty and temperament differ.
“Love your neighbor as yourself,” God commands. I challenged Youssouf, “Can you do this honestly?”
“It’s required by religion,” he responded.
Again, I pressed, “Does the Quran demand equal love and treatment for all? Is total equality possible?”
Youssouf did not answer.
Mr. Diarra, a Quranic scholar and monogamist who was also present during this discussion, confirmed the dangers of polygamy without strict adherence to all Quranic criteria, including that Muslims may marry up to four wives, but only if they can love them equally.
Youssouf was visibly moved and said, “It’s not easy.”
The conversation forced us to confront the fact that seeking unity and love demands not only faith but also honest self-examination. We committed to pursuing understanding together, ending our exchange with determined hope for deeper insight.
Field Stories
Standing in the Gap
Ted Mamoulelis
I saw. I felt convicted that the Holy Spirit was saying, “Who is praying for these people? If you don’t do it, who will?” Paul was right, we really do need to pray without ceasing.
Field Stories
Poverty of Soul
David White
He fell backward against the wall and began to weep, sobbing and shaking his head back and forth. I had never seen LK so distraught.