September 23, 2002
A FESTIVE Wassulu ceremony in a culture where change is slow and the gospel is slow to be received.
Texas 'ambassador' introduces West African tribe to Jesus
___By John Hall
___Texas Baptist Communications
___A missionary "ambassador" is ministering among previously unreached people in West Africa through a partnership with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
___"Joe," who requested that his name not be identified for security reasons, is teaching the Wassulu people about Jesus in an area without running water, toilets or electricity. Despite the rugged conditions in the Muslim-dominated area, the Wassulu have welcomed Joe with open arms. Several have professed faith in Jesus, while more have expressed interest in Christianity.
___"God is reconciling all peoples to himself, and the Wassulu are still in waiting," said Joe, a Hardin-Simmons University graduate. "He has called me as an ambassador to this very foreign land, and in ways that I cannot begin to understand, I know God will use my presence there to accomplish his purposes."
A TYPICAL Wassulu village .
___Joe and the Texas-Mali team represent the only Christian effort to reach this people group, and it takes time to build relationships through which he hopes God will transform the culture.
___"Change here is very slow," said Joe, a journeyman missionary with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. "It doesn't matter how many times someone explains to them that they will get sick if they drink water from a well that is not deep and next to the fields, they will not change this because change is difficult.
___"This whole idea of a relationship with God is very different than their perception now, so if they were to accept my message, they would have to change their entire way of thinking about life. That's not easy in a culture that does not encourage even the slightest bit of change.
___"I simply attempt to practice the presence of God among the people I live with every day. Because God's Spirit lives inside of me, I know a reaction will be demanded from the people I come into contact with. I know I am light, and the existence of light forces darkness to be recognized for what it is. The simple presence of God's children in this place will do amazing things."
___Texas volunteer missionary teams assist Joe's team with its efforts to connect with the Wassulu through the partnership, but Texas support does not stop there. Texas money and prayer supports the missionaries financially and spiritually. Communication with the missionaries helps to motivate them toward a goal of beginning a church-starting movement in the region.
___"The direct involvement Texas Baptists have had with Malians so far on volunteer trips has been amazing," he said. "Both the Texans and Malians have been forever impacted with their contact with one another."
___ A typical Wassulu village (above) and a festive Wassulu ceremony in a culture where change is slow and the gospel is slow to be received.
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