It seems like everything is falling apart in our little village of Mayos. A few weeks ago, measles swept into the village, killing 4 children. Another disease claimed the life of yet one more child. Other children have suffered severe illness, injury and neglect. Mendo, after loosing her baby to measles, became very ill herself. She was expected to die and began seeing visions of spirits. She is improving, but still needs lots of prayer. Tuberculosis continues to take a toll on our friends and neighbors, claiming the life of Kweno, Annabella's maternal uncle, last week. Just a couple days later his uncle Sabone suddenly died of a mystery illness. Sabone's young daughter, Jenny, who was near death several months ago, has once again fallen ill. And yesterday Tendi, our neighbor and friend, gave birth to a stillborn child. There are many others who who are suffering in a myriad of ways.
Please keep our Baka neighbors and friends in your prayers. With so many crises, things seem to take a downward spiral. Family members are often blamed for deaths and sorcery is suspected in many cases. Apathy and discouragement seem to prevail during these times, and spiritual oppression is a constant problem.
Pray that Baka believers would be able to minister to and support those who are sick and suffering. Pray that those who have been resistant to the Gospel would turn to Christ. Pray that the ministry would continue and that the Church would grow. Pray that they would do battle with the enemy and come away as victors. Those who have turned to Christ begin to value family more, they live life well, they provide well for their children and help their neighbors. One shining star has been young Pe, who after recently giving birth to her second child, does her best to help her neighbors, cooking food for others, gathering firewood for friends, and generally being a help in the name of Christ. Pray that there would be more like Pe among the Baka.
Pray also for my missionary teammates in Cameroon. They have left North America to minister among the poorest of the poor with the goal of planting a vibrant, reproducing church among the Baka. The job is often thankless and discouraging. They face spiritual opposition and oppression. Please pray for them during this time of increased suffering as they are bombarded by desperate friends who are sick and dying. Pray for encouragement, the comfort that only Christ can bring, and strength to continue this work when it seems like everything is falling apart.