“You have a very hard work ahead of you,” my cousin said. “If you go the South you would have a chance for your work to penetrate. But the capital? The country of Sinim is a snake, and the capital is the head of the snake.”

He was not the first to express that sentiment to me. Every Sinim I have shared with has questioned why AFM would choose to work in North Sinim. It is common knowledge that the region would be the hardest in which to carry out the gospel work. The government’s influence is heaviest there. Counsel from former refugees and residents varies slightly, but it carries the same tenor. “The Sinim from there have lost all sense of morality.” Others warned, “You are going there? You can’t handle it. You are too naive and innocent. They are very deceitful.” Said another, “Do you understand what Sinim people in the capital city are like? They are rough, mean and dishonest.” The message repeated, “The Sinim of the North are aggressive and wicked people.”

Although I understand their concern and know they are hoping to keep me from making a foolish decision, their opinions have only deepened my desire and strengthened my resolve to work in the capital. For isn’t it those types of people—the sinful and lost—who need the gospel the most?

The potential of what God can do calls me to go forward. Because I have also frequently heard: “When the Northern Sinim believe something, their faith is strong and fiery, and they believe with all their heart.”

Is it worth daring to enter the hardest and most unreached places to see God raise up a movement of northern Sinim on fire with the faith of Christ? I think so. We have been called “to go forth to the warfare, willing to do and dare for God, knowing that His omnipotence will supply.” Will you join me and support me?

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