Neema is a wonderful woman of God whom we have known for
several years; however, we were blessed to become even more acquainted with her
this summer at the Discipleship Class in Katesh. She brings an energy and joy
to the room; and her spiritual hunger for God is evident as soon as we begin
teaching, as she leans forward in her chair and prepares to absolutely absorb
the teaching like a sponge.
In her church, Neema holds the position of Evangelist, but
in the village of Dawari she is known and respected as the Chairwoman. It is in
this position that she advocates to regional authorities for the needs of the
village and assists the villagers in obtaining land and settling disputes. How fortunate for these people to have a godly
woman as a leader in their community!
Neema has a strong heart to help the Barabaig within her
district. Because the government has recently built a school in a bordering
Barabaig village, she has been encouraging families and their children to prepare
for their future by allowing their children to be educated. (These will be some
of the first educated and literate Barabaig children!) She loves them and wants
to see them survive and THRIVE as a people-group that is loved by God. So though
she is happy to be involved with many responsibilities both in her church and
in her village, she prays for a time when some of those burdens may be released
so that she can pursue God's work among the Barabaig tribe more whole-heartedly.
As she served us a generous meal in her home, her husband Petro
(obviously proud of his wife) regaled us with stories of her ministry and
influence: how she has been a help to so many, how even the village men
appealed to the area government to ask for her to be the local chairperson. She
is a wonderful leader and also a wonderful wife and mother. Together, Neema and
Petro possess a great deal of wisdom and a strong understanding of practical
and Godly ways to help meet needs and to teach new ways that will assist their
personal and collective economy.
Please pray for their daughter Rachel (pictured here between
Bayo and her sister Upendo), who is faced with special challenges in life
because she is unable to hear. Although she is deaf and has had no benefit of
education, she is quick, has spunk, and has a sweet disposition. Susan played
ball with her in the yard for a few minutes, and Rachel took to her quite
quickly!
Before we left, we took a few minutes to pray for healing
for Rachel's ears and for quick development to "catch up" to others. Please
join us in this prayer as we seek God for the health and future of this
beautiful young woman.
