July 2005

Vol. 5, No. 2

Hello Everyone,

First of all I want to update you on the famine that Niger is experiencing right now. The Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN) of the UN has written a paper on the food shortage in Niger (in pdf format). It gives the latest perspective in detail, but I’ll just note that things will get worse before they get better. On one hand, we are really being blessed with a great rainy season and that is certainly helping to save the cattle, goat, sheep and camel herds that sustain much of Niger’s population. On the other hand, no one has any funds to buy food, as prices have skyrocketed in the country; in some interior markets, grain isn’t even available. Here in Niamey, local Nigeriens are telling me that their rural relatives are all journeying to their homes in the better-off capital for assistance. There’s a real concern that this year’s harvest won’t be adequate, even with the good rains, because so many people have left the rural areas (often going to Nigeria to look for work), those who have stayed in Niger are too weak to properly handle the farmwork, and also because people had little funds to purchase farm inputs during the growing season.

I do have some good news, the Reformed Church World Services has agreed to send $8,000 for famine relief in Niger. We’ll use those funds to engage jobless people on mud-and-cement brick-making projects that will then be used on our partner church’s school walls (such as the computer school in Maradi). That way we aren’t trying to distribute a finite amount of relief (and choosing who gets to eat) and those who work for the money can retain their dignity. Also, because it is work, there’s no expectation that we’ll feed people the next time they are hungry. We have sent a separate proposal to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to help a center in Zinder that feeds children (run by the city, but which church members have long been involved in), but have not yet heard a response from them—please pray for one. We estimate that each worker supports 10 family members (a conservative estimate in Niger) so engaging 25 people will ensure at least 250 will be nourished during that time.

Meanwhile, the Reformed Church of America’s Web site has featured the Nigerien famine (see the news section on RCA Web site) and other RCA materials are encouraging people to help sponsor school children to go to the EERN’s primary school, since it will be very difficult for many families to afford school next fall. More details can be found at at the RCA Web site here. It is a great feeling to be part of an organization that is so supportive and willing to help during this time of crisis.

The pregnancy is going well with the baby repositioning itself these last few days. Marie, at 15 months, seems to understand a baby is coming and when we ask her whether she wants a brother or sister, she always responds “budder.”

So, our next email will come from Iowa! We’re really looking forward to seeing you all and taking a break from our Nigerien responsibilities. I’m hoping that I can replace my soon-to-be five-year-old laptop while in the United States, but the RCA tells me we’re only about one-third of the way there (we budgeted $2,600 for one rugged enough to operate in these dusty conditions, plus all of the related software I need to install for the work) toward the purchase price. If you or your churches can help in this, please contact my supervisor at Reformed Church in America; Mission Services; 8765 W. Higgins Road, Suite 402; Chicago, IL 60631; (773) 380-2509 or 2522

Prayers and praise

• Pray for famine relief efforts in Niger and give thanks for those who are helping to deal with the problem. Pray for decision-makers and aid-givers that must respond to the crisis. Pray that God will show us how we can help.
• Give thanks for the good rainy season and pray that the rains continue until late September or early October.
• Give thanks for visitors who come to Niger and who see the work here and who can share these experiences with others.
• Pray for our family as we put our Nigerien affairs in order for our five months in the United States. Pray that God will open doors for us so that all our travel and transportation will go smoothly. Pray that He will meet all our needs during this time.
• Pray for the Words of Hope recording studio construction that is now under way and that the builders will do an excellent job. Pray for Pastor Sani, who will be the studio’s director and will be in the East Lansing-Grand Rapids, Michigan, area for three months (August to October) to improve his English and learn the ropes of studio management in Grand Rapids with the Words of Hope staff

Blessing to you,

Tom, Aïchatou, and Marie-Florence

The 2005 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 316