OBERG PRAISE N PRAY – March 17, 2008            

He Has Risen!  May your Easter be greatly blessed as you celebrate Jesus’ resurrection!  We’ll be celebrating with the believers in Samorogouan this Sunday.

PRAISE God for a good response in Siri to the evangelism campaign.  The first night, Kevin was surprised that no one was showing up—but then delighted when they all came about 1 hour late!  He said it was so encouraging when the pastor called all of the Siri believers to come forward (all these had made commitments during the Alliance Women’s campaign at the end of January).  They were singing and dancing as they praised Jesus—all in NEW songs they’ve just learned because they are all new believers!  That night about 20 more people came to Christ.  When they were tearing down the equipment, one man came and said that although he was too afraid to come forward during the time to make a decision, he knew that he needed to, and so he accepted Christ afterwards!  Toby was there during the 2^nd night of evangelism, and he reported that 5 more people were added to that number.  The key, and our number one prayer request for this village, is that people will remain committed in their initial decisions and that they will grow in their faith as they are discipled.  PRAY for Pastor Samuel and his work with this group.

The response in Niena wasn’t as encouraging, but seeds were definitely planted in this village.  Keep PRAYing that the people here would see their need for a Savior.  Please also PRAY for Gregoire, the only believer in this village.  Fortunately, he lives close enough to Ndorola where he attends church, but he would love to see people in his village start coming to Christ.

PRAISE God for a good meeting last Saturday for Kevin and Toby as they discussed the discipleship materials with the Kenedougou pastors.  All of the pastors are on board and excited to be doing the discipleship and follow up.  Please PRAY for continual encouragement for these pastors, that they would be men of integrity and have great motivation to do what God has called them to.  Please PRAY for one pastor in particular, who is becoming rather demanding in his expectations on what the missionaries should be doing.  Please PRAY that he will be looking at the region as a whole, and not just his particular area where he is working and wanting our complete investment.  Please PRAY for his attitude, and for Kevin and Toby as they are working closely with him.

PRAISE God for a new believer in Bangaso!  Last Friday, Kevin and the pastors went to visit with the believers there.  They crowded into a small hut for a time of worship and prayer, and during that time, the young brother of the village chief committed his life to Christ.  PRAY that he would grow in his faith and have a tremendous testimony to his family, especially to his older brother!

Please PRAY for Kevin as he roofs a church in Samagan (near Bobo) on Tuesday and Wednesday.  This is a project that he is doing for our retired colleagues, the Royles.  PRAY for safety and that all will go smoothly.