LCMS World Mission Blog

“Proverbs 4:5-7 says, ‘Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it costs all you have, get understanding.’ During our agricultural training trip to Guinea, Linda and I [Delano] were again privileged to work with many who see the need for wisdom and understanding in how to manage their lives and care for the resources our Lord has entrusted to them. We were very pleased after asking who had tried some of the ideas we had shared in the past, when a man showed us pictures of himself standing in his mature rice field. The full and large heads of rice came up to his neck! This man said he had tried the ideas we shared and had gotten a good crop. This type of encouragement really helps us feel fulfilled in our work.

“Sessions we teach always open with attention-getting questions called ‘awakening questions’ to help us learn from the people and to help the audience focus on the training. What is always different and interesting is to listen carefully to responses and try to understand exactly what the folks mean and how we then can bring that understanding in line with what we hope to teach. The first ‘awakening question’ for ‘Changes in our Environment’ class was, ‘From our grandparents’ time until today, what changes have there been in the land, the vegetation, and the animals?’

“This awakening question asks nothing about changes in society, but in two places, participants brought up some shocking social changes. A lady in her 40s said, ‘When we were young ladies, we did not start having children until we were 18-20 years old. Today, our young girls are sleeping around at ages 10-12. When these young girls bring home babies, is puts a terrific burden upon the family.’ Looking at the men in the congregation, she said, ‘Also, my father had three wives, but he was responsible for all three of them. Today, men are not taking responsibility for their wives and children.’ Later, I asked a church leader, ‘Was the war the cause of social breakdown of the family?’ His response was, ‘Yes, the war, but now we also have video and dance clubs that promote promiscuity. Sometimes, drugs are used on unsuspecting girls.’ Is there any wonder why HIV/AIDS is so rampant? In response, we taught from 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 on how we can honor God with our bodies because we are temples of the Holy Spirit. We should flee from sexual immorality.

“Certainly, as always, God’s Holy Word has all of the answers needed. The church is challenged now more than ever to proclaim God’s answers for all of life’s challenges to everyone. Health training led by Linda was done to help participants better understand how germs multiply and how to prevent disease from spreading. She emphasized keeping ourselves and our environment clean and avoiding transmission of germs from one person to another, e.g. HIV/AIDS. Several women thanked us for this topic specifically. Please pray that national church leaders and members press forward using God’s life-giving Word in the Bible to guide them in addressing the many social issues challenging West Africa.”

• Learn about the ministry work in Sierra Leone and Guinea
• Learn more about Delano and Linda Meyer