“Emilie had as many as 40 students a day during the first week of classes. Why are there so few students now?” Adam asked our good friend Abram. Our student missionary’s English classes had taken off with a bang, but for some reason attendance had dwindled significantly.

“Some of the leaders are afraid of you being here,” Abram replied. “The chief of our village told the parents that if they send their kids to your classes, you will try to teach them about Jesus. I think it is good that you are here. I love Jesus, too, and want others to learn more about Him. But it is difficult when the chief thinks it is bad.” Abram had confirmed what we had already suspected. We are not totally accepted here because of our belief in Jesus. Some people welcome us, but others keep us at arm’s length.

Abram had also confirmed what we had hoped to be true, but had not dared to ask outright—he loves Jesus! Several times before, Abram or his wife had shown up at our house just when we needed them to help us with something, like translating the trade language or lending a helping hand at just the right moment. After a couple of Abram’s providential visits, Adam commented, “It’s like the Holy Spirit is calling him, and he is listening.”

Abram has told us that the chief of his village doesn’t like him for some reason. We suspect it is because Abram has befriended us. This has made his life somewhat difficult, yet he still goes out of his way to help us. We pray daily that Abram and his family will get to know Jesus better. Please join us.

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