Stories from the Field

October 2006

Trial by Fire
By Becky Couts, IMB missionary among the Weme people

"The Awonou chronological Bible storying group is growing steadily in Christ despite the satanic attacks they have experienced," writes the Weme Team. "Awonou is considered to be more steeped in African Traditional Religion than any other place in the Oueme Valley. JU* has been the most faithful and enthusiastic of the believers, always full of smiles. She and her husband are presently in the class of about 25 to 30 believers, preparing for Awonou's first baptism. Eleven months ago, she gave birth to her second son, JE*. Recently JU* was witnessing to a neighboring family when a known sorcerer walked by and threatened her saying, 'You wait and see!' The next day, JE* toddled and stumbled into a large pot of steaming hot palm oil boiling over an open fire. He severely burned both hands, arms, and his upper chest. We have been praying constantly for this little child, and the Lord has responded as we see JE's* burns progressively healing. JU* has remained confident in the Lord. Her uncle remarked wonderingly, 'She sings and prays all the time!' Please join us in praying for JE*, and especially for the healing of his hands; he lost part of one of his fingers when he was burned. Pray that JE* will continue to heal and recuperate with full function of his hands. We covet your prayers, too, for JU* and the family and for the Awonou believers, that the Almighty would protect and empower them to stand firm in Jesus."

*Name withheld for security purposes