The Republic of Niger has a population of almost 13 million and is situated on the edge of the Sahara desert. It is one of the least developed countries in the world, and has very poor healthcare and education systems. It became an independent country again in 1960 following French rule, and is now seen as a relatively stable country despite all the challenges of poverty, foreign debt and umemployment.
Moumouni and Shiona work for World Horizons in Kwaara Tegui, working to support the local church. They have lived here for several years, and are currently involved in a large building project to construct a new church with meeting facilities, a childrens area and office.
October 2008 Update
They thank God for a good time away on furlough, it was a busy time but one of blessing and fellowship. The church has been fine in their absence, and now has a small but stable group of new leaders.
Work has started for the construction of the church meeting hall! Bricks are being made. So far, over 1000 solid foundation bricks are made and maybe there are some 500 hollow wall bricks.
Moumouni's time over the last month has been very focussed on getting our Christian school ready for the new academic year ... getting the new director settled in, advertising the school (with town criers going round with their drums!), making decisions about whether we can afford to open one or two new classes. This has been a difficult decision but some colleagues in Llanelli made some last minute efforts to find some new child sponsors and we think we can afford the two classes, bringing the total no of classes to five. It is still rather touch and go as we had not realised that with the worldwide increase in the cost of living, the government has raised salaries, meaning there is pressure for us to follow suit. We now have a system set up in the UK which enables people to sponsor children in our school. If you would like to sponsor a child, please email us with your contact details and we will get a form sent to you. We are also in the process of building two straw classrooms to accommodate the new classes. Please pray for a smooth start to term and a good school year, and that Moumouni will soon be able to get some rest.
Shiona has been catching up with Horizons Sahel business, debriefing departing colleagues, updating with continuing colleagues, communicating with potential new team members.
January 2008 Update
They have sent specific prayer requests. Please pray for the post of head teacher at the school at Kwara Tegi to be filled by the right candidate. Shiona is busy organising a conference in mid February for all the Horizons missionaries in their area and asks for prayer that it will all come together both in the spiritual areas of worship and seminars and also in the practical areas of accommodation and catering. The Koudougous are also due for furlough this coming summer and have to make the decision this month as to whether to plan for this as at the moment. They have mentioned other prayer needs so please ask for a copy and do let us remember to pray for them as a family,that they will have time to rest and spend time together
December 2007 Update
Moumouni and Shiona have now been able to buy their new car,a 14 year old Toyota landcruiser which has plenty of space for the many visitors,is able to cope with the local roads and for which spare parts are readily available. They now have funds available to enable them to start on the church building and ask for prayer about the practicalities of getting started especially as it now seems unlikely that someone from the UK will be able to go out to help and Moumouni will have to spend time on the building site each day.This will not be easy to fit in with all his other responsibilities but it is necessary to make sure the work is done properly. They ask us to pray for wisdom in managing people for peace and harmony between the personnel of the school and for a unity in purpose which will not be hampered by satan’s schemes.
September 2007 Update
We have not heard from them this month but we need to continue to pray for them as they run their church in a very poor area of Africa. We remember they asked us to pray for a good amount of rain so that the crops will grow and people will be able to make a living .We rermember too their request for the church building and that they would eventually be able to find a local pastor and we pray for them as a family that they and the two boys would remain fit and healthy.
