Sharon's New December 2020

Dear supporter,

It’s now two months since my return to Char. The first week was spent in quarantine. Mercifully, the Covid teat at the end of that week revealed no cause for concern. I was thus free to leave quarantine and prepare to move out to the Guera.

As the preference was that we travelled by private rather than public transport, it was a bit of a rush as I tried to buy essential items, such as, stove tops, pots, and the like for setting up home in Bitkine. With help, this was achieved and I was able to travel out with fellow workers four days after leaving quarantine.

In the Guera…

Home

Last December the pressing question was, ‘where am I going to live?’. God used the lockdown period to facilitate the building of the house I now live in. I love the fact that it feels light and airy- even if it’s a bit bare!

Language Learning

As I sat on the mat this morning with my language assistant, my head felt very heavy and tired. Can you imagine my delight when she smiled at something that I had said and remarked upon my improvement? Than you for your continuing prayers!

Scripture Engagement (SE)

Currently, my time is divided between language learning and Scripture Engagement. Consequently, I am accompanying my SE colleagues as they go about their work.

Last week I observed my supervisor undertake a Recyclage in the Kenga language- a refresher course for ‘teachers’ of preschoolers; training them how to teach the kids the alphabet in their mother tongue.

Wayne Dye’s Eight conditions are a fundamental tool of SE.

In conjunction with the Welser scale they facilitate the analysis of Scripture use in a given community. In this way, stakeholders are able to appreciate what is good in what they are doing and at the same time, find meaningful and relevant ways to strengthen areas which are considered to be work.

We are undertaking this analysis across some of the language communities with which we work in the Guera. I mainly observed as a senior colleague recently led one such analysis. As well as gleaning insights into the technical skills required, I discovered that the translators are delighted that the Bible is now available in Chadian Arabic- and in different formats. It affords a certain liberty to people to access the text for themselves, make comparisons and form their own opinion about Jesus and Christianity.

Support

As we approach the end of an unusual year, uncertainty and insecurity abound. The season is a timely reminder that Immanuel, God, is with us. So we continue to trust and hope.

I see this hope and trust expressed in your continuing support for me and interest in my work. Thank you.

May God’s peace be your abiding experience!

Sharon



Things to praise God for:

Good Covid tests results.

A lovely place to live in Bitkine.

Continued improvements in my learning of Chadian Arabic.

Sustaining relationships.

The continuing reminders of His presence with me.

Please pray that:

God will send me people of peace who will act as door openers.

God will grant me relationships that will help me to develop and thrive in the culture and in my role.

God will give me ideas and opportunities.