READY TO DO MISSIONS?

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NATHAN GARNER
University of Alabama
Music education major
Junior

Assignment: Demographic research for Niger’s Tuareg—a nomadic people group. We plotted village locations with a global positioning system, mapped water sources and stayed in villages to build relationships. The first day out in the bush we walked around 40 km. After that we realized we could do anything.

Funny memory: Many of the Tuareg had never even seen a white person. I have red hair, and that was an experience trying to explain that.

Typical day: We woke up before sunrise and made powdered milk for breakfast. Then we would find a shade tree where we would sit with the Tuareg. Sitting on mats, drinking tea and talking are important parts of their culture. As we sat with the Tuareg, they asked us questions, and we asked them questions.

Mohammed: A Muslim Tuareg man was our interpreter. We shared with him all the time. He read the Bible, remembered it and had lots of questions. He’s still asking lots of questions. He told us he locks his door so he can read the Bible.

Working with a partner: I worked with James Knowles from University of Central Florida in Orlando. You have to get to know your partner first. You learn how you work together as a team and what contributions each person makes.

Need for redemption: One time the water was awful, and we were getting a little worried we wouldn’t find any clean enough to drink. The people put a root in the water, and all the dirt sank. Because Muslims don’t understand they’re sinners, we used the opportunity to explain how Christ is the one that cleanses us.

About the Tuareg: Many Tuareg that I encountered did not adhere strictly to Islamic rituals. They prayed a couple of times a day. Though Islam requires them to wash before they pray, they didn't want to use their water to do that. They do not find hope in Islam. I think they would be ready to change if they knew the Way that brought them the freedom and truth they value.

Unanswered questions: I’m still confused about God’s plan and purpose for the Tuareg. There are very few Christian Tuaregs. We didn’t meet any in the bush and met only a few in the capitol city. Trying to figure out how He is going to reveal Himself to these people is still something I’m learning.

Relying on God: There were so many things happening in the bush and back home that affected my reliance on Him personally. I was sick; my grandfather died; my sister was getting married. I knew that God didn’t send me there for nothing. I was able to seek Him and start relying on Him even more.

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