May 2002

1 May 2002

Dear Faithful Ones,

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. – Proverbs 31:30

This month’s Mandinka update focuses on women. Mandinka women are nearly a forgotten people group. The role they fill in their society is essentially the same as it was 100 years ago. There is nothing wrong with that per se; it works for the MNK. But what is unconscionable is the fact that from childhood, this precious group of people are taught that not only are they less important than men in society’s eyes, but that they are less important than men in God’s eyes. As you pray for the women of Bakary’s family this month, ask God to open their eyes and hearts to truth of the Gospel, that God is a God of love, and that Jesus Christ died for ALL mankind.

Continue to pray for the entire fictitious, yet representative, family of Bakary, his wives, his children, and his parents. Pray that those of us on the field will be found faithful, available and obedient to what the Lord has asked of us; pray for those God is calling out to work among the MNK.

Bakary, the head of the family (early 50s)

Fatou, Bakary’s first wife (early 40s) and her children (Adama, Hawa, Kadi, Sali, Mariyama, Fatou, Ibrima)

Binta, Bakary’s second wife (mid 30s) and her children (Lamin, Modou, Tida, Alieu, Isatou)

Kadi, Bakary’s third wife (early 20s) and her children (Ebou, Nyima, Alhaji)

Lamin, Bakary’s elderly father (mid 70s)

Sali, Lamin’s only surviving wife, birthmother of Bakary

Toubob, what MNKs call white westerners

May 2 has been designated as a National Day of Prayer in the United States. Pray for opportunities of witness for yourself and your church among whatever people group God has given you to minister to. Also, on May 19, please pray specifically for the TUAREG (the Tuareg reside in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso). Like the MNK, the Tuareg are an unreached, unevangelized Islamic people group of West Africa.

Please let me know if you desire more promotional materials or to begin receiving the bi-monthly prayer awareness video. We desire to assist you as you advocate on behalf of the MNK.

Your sister on the MNK field,

Mandinka (MNK) Update May 2002

Wed, May 1: For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. – Romans 15:4 MNK women have very little hope in their lives. Their physical lives are difficult; their spiritual lives are completely dependent upon their husbands. They are a group of individuals bound by society and religion. As we look at the life of MNK women this month, ponder this Scripture from Romans and how it applies to the lives of these Muslim MNK women. Pray for MNK women to become truly hungry for the things of God and seek their answers from Scripture and not tradition.

Thu, May 2: She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. – Proverbs 31:26 As Fatou prepares to go to the well, she instructs her daughters (those of her own body, as well as Kadi’s and Binta’s) to sweep the cookhouse, sweep the latrine, sweep the house and give the youngest children baths. They begin to complain, but stop when she raises her flip-flop; for an MNK child, this is much like being told to go out and cut a switch. The girls stop whining, but are frustrated that the boys aren’t given any work to do. Fatou reminds them that Bakary will give the boys plenty to do later in the morning. Pray that MNK women will not only train their daughters to be good wives and mothers, but that they will teach them Godly values, with His wisdom; pray for MNK women to know that God is faithful in all things.

Fri, May 3: She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. – Proverbs 31:20 Hospitality is a gift according to Scripture. In MNK society it is the norm. But often the giving to the needy (in MNK and western society) is done begrudgingly and half-heartedly. Bakary came home from the mosque in town today with a stranger; now it is up to Fatou as the first wife to provide for him. She must draw water for this man to bathe, cook a nicer meal (with no monetary assistance from Bakary), and be up earlier than normal to prepare a delicious porridge for breakfast. This is her role; she does what is expected of her; but in her opinion, this man is not needy. Pray for MNK women to see that extending hospitality is an extension of God’s love for mankind; pray that they will come to know the Savior God provided for them.

Sat, May 4: There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female.. – Galatians 3:28 Adama, Binta’s friend from the village of K, has just given birth to her first child – a girl. Adama’s husband is rather disappointed that she did not give him a male child; he desperately wanted a son. Adama, on the other hand, is grateful to have a daughter who will grow up to share in her work- load. The naming ceremony will be a week from today; many people will come, but not as many as would have come if the baby had been a boy. Her husband will plan the party, but not as large a party as he would have planned for a son. The elders will come and pray for the child, but their prayers will not be the same as for a male child. Pray that this child will grow up to know that God’s love is unconditional, and in God’s eyes there is neither male nor female, MNK nor westerner.

Sun, May 5: She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. – Proverbs 31:15 Kadi got up while it was still dark this morning. Her son was vomiting most of the night. After she fixes breakfast for everyone, she will walk two hours to town to take him to the hospital. Hopefully they will have medicine for him. The other women have been sympathetic towards her, offering to help with some of her chores. But she dare not accept. Roles are very strong within MNK society, and help is not accepted unless you, or someone you love, are dying – literally! MNK women take great pride in their physical strength and sacrificial living. Pray that MNK women will come to know the One who gave the greatest sacrifice for mankind, the Savior; pray that they will see their sacrifices simply as life on earth, not as good works earning them salvation.

Mon, May 6: She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. – Proverbs 31:16 It is unusual for MNK women to actually hold property; this is a male dominated society. But in the last 15 years, women have begun to step out more independently. While they are still required to have either their father’s or husband’s permission to buy and sell things, they are able to legally register property in their own name. Fatou is encouraging her daughters to take their opportunities of education, as well as money earning, seriously; her desire is for them not to end up like her, struggling with everyday life in a village. Pray for young MNK women as they compare what they see of the western world through advertisements and television to how MNK women actually live. Pray that the love of God will permeate these comparisons and they will grasp the Hope given to us through a relationship with the Savior, not through the world.

Tue, May 7: Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. – Proverbs 31:23 Respect is highly valued within MNK society. In that regard, MNK society is very Biblical. (A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. – Proverbs 22:1) A woman’s place within MNK society is well defined, and obedience to her husband is paramount. While she outwardly expresses respect and appreciation for her husband, Fatou was taught from a very young age not to trust any men, especially her husband, Bakary. Pray that MNK women will seek to honor their husbands – publicly and privately – through the love of God.

Wed, May 8: Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. – Proverbs 31:31 There is a profession within MNK society called the praise singer, or jallibaa. These men have been the oral historians, passing down details of MNK history and family lineages through song. They come to traditional festive occasions and sing the praises of whoever will give them a little money. An MNK woman does not change her last name when she marries; she is forever her father’s daughter. So, when the jallibaa comes to a women’s function, he basically sings the praises of the male relatives, not the women. MNK women are rarely praised for anything. Pray for MNK women to find their personal value and worth interwoven with their personal relationship with their Loving Heavenly Father; pray for them to know they are an integral part of God’s creation.

Thu, May 9: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – Proverbs 9:10 Fatou, Kadi and Binta share more in common than just a husband. They are traditional, rural MNK women who live in fear and ignorance of the unknown. They adorn their children with amulets to protect them from disease and injury. They close their windows at night to keep the witches out. They wear amulets themselves for protection from the unseen spirits that inhabit the rice fields. Their greatest fear, though, is death. They pray 5 times every day, they give to the poor, they keep the month-long fast, the recite the Islamic creed – There is one God, Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet - and they would make the pilgrimage if they had the money. Yet, God might still send them to hell; they have no way of knowing. Pray for MNK women to hunger for a knowledge of God; pray that their fear will be of the One who is to be feared and adored.

Fri, May 10: “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.” – Ruth 1:15-16 When a MNK husband dies, the wife must remarry. Often her husband’s brother will volunteer. The woman’s salvation is dependent upon the actions of her husband, and she must precede him in death. But when the husband of an elderly woman dies, the woman may go live with her adult son and his family. She must still marry, but they will not necessarily live together. These verses from Ruth teach us that Ruth truly married into her husband’s family, not just the man, and the death of her husband did not release her from her responsibility. God blessed this act of obedience and selflessness. Pray for MNK women to look on their marriages as God does, a holy and permanent union; pray for MNK men to see that God’s intention was one man/one woman.

Sat, May 11: Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. – Proverbs 31:30 Kadi and Binta are busy getting ready to go to the next village for the naming ceremony of Adama’s child. This will be an all day affair; they will see many friends they haven’t seen in a long time, and they will catch up on one another’s lives. They will also scrutinize one another carefully to see whose clothes are the nicest, whose jewelry is the most expensive, who had enough money to buy cologne to smell good. Their outward appearance means just as much to MNK women as it does to western women. Pray for women worldwide to know that God is more concerned with their inner beauty and wisdom than He is with their physical appearance.

Sun, May 12: Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. – Exodus 20:12 The Ten Commandments are very popular among the MNK. While their interpretation is not from a Biblical standpoint, they look at these words of the Prophet Moses as solid teachings. Honoring the elders is an extremely important teaching. Bakary honors his father in various ways; he honors his mother by taking care of her, and putting up with her interference within his family. But he lacks the spiritual insight to truly honor his mother. As we celebrate Mother’s Day in the United States, pray that MNKs will come to the place where they will be able to honor godly mothers; pray that MNK women will desire – above all else – to honor God with their lives.

Mon, May 13: Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. – Luke 8:1-2 MNK women are limited in their access to spiritual matters. They are not included in the mosque or in holy days; they remain on the fringe of religion, much as the Jewish women of Jesus’ day. As Fatou listened to this verse, she was struck by the fact that these women were so concerned with spiritual matters, that they left home – perhaps their husbands and children? – to follow Jesus! Why? Why would a woman be concerned with her own spiritual condition? Isn’t it better to depend upon your husband and be secure? Pray for the hearts of Fatou and other MNK women to be opened to their personal spiritual needs, and the fact that God is a personal God, one who is seeking after man – and woman.

Tue, May 14: The Lord had closed Hannah’s womb. [She] was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I [am] pouring out my soul to the Lord. I have been praying here out of my anguish and grief.” The Lord remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” – 1 Samuel 1:5,12-20 MNK women have no examples in the Qu’ran of women being taken care of by Allah. Yet the Bible is rich in the display of God’s love and faithfulness to mankind, men and women. Pray that Scripture will be used correctly as a witnessing tool to MNK women; pray that believers will be able to speak of the Truths of Scripture fearlessly and unashamedly.

Wed, May 15: A woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. – Mark 7:25-26 The true significance of this story is lost on Binta. She does not understand the aspect of the woman being a Greek. Nor does she completely understand Jesus’ comment about giving children’s bread to dogs or the woman’s remark that even dogs under the table eat children’s crumbs. (v.27-28) But what she does understand is that a woman went to Jesus for the healing of her child. MNK women also seek to ensure the health of their children; obviously women of other tribes and times do as well. Binta’s limited understanding is struggling to grasp the Truth of this story. Pray that as Scripture is shared with MNK women clear teaching will follow enabling the Holy Spirit to fully instruct and convict them about their need for knowledge of spiritual matters.

Thu, May 16: She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. – Proverbs 31:17 Kadi is really tired tonight. The work clearing the field where she will plant her dry season pepper garden was demanding. Breaking up soil that hasn’t been rained on in the last seven months was hard on her arms and her back. As she walks into the compound, she knows she must begin pounding the millet (grain) to prepare dinner. Bakary did not buy rice again today, but he knows his wives are strong enough to handle the workload. For an MNK woman, there is little thanks or appreciation for the labor of preparing meals. Pray for MNK women who are physically strong to acknowledge their weakness when it comes to spiritual matters; pray that Kadi’s mind will be opened to the ways of God.

Fri, May 17: When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. – Proverbs 31:21 Mandinka women have no idea what snow is! This verse, and others like it in Scripture, is confusing to them, yet the application is the same. Being prepared…being diligent. As rainy season approaches, Binta and Kadi begin looking about their supply of firewood, the amount of work their rice fields will require, their need for charcoal for their ironing, and the hole in the roof to their house. Pray for MNK women as they seek to keep themselves and their children secure, that they will also search for the True Security in their spiritual lives.

Sat, May 18: A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. – Proverbs 31:10 Fatou is listening as the older women talk about the characteristics which make a good wife: the ability to work hard and not complain; the ability to give birth to children; the habit of praying five times a day; the ability to cook; the ability to get along with other women; the ability to manage what little money she has; the ability to hold her tongue when in an argument with anyone, but especially her husband. Pray for MNK women to come to see that the most important characteristic of a good wife is her personal relationship with God through the Savior, for if that relationship is correct, she cannot help but be a woman of noble character.

Sun, May 19: As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for 12 years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. – Luke 8:43-44 HIV is a heterosexual disease among the MNK, spread by visits to prostitutes. Women, prostitutes and wives, who become ill with the virus are often put out of their families; no one wants this stigma attached to their family. An evangelical medical organization is currently involved in a program of Aids awareness and care. This program includes a one-on-one evangelism component. Sali contracted the disease and is dying. But she has also made a profession of faith and is growing in joy and knowledge of the Lord; she shares her new Love with others she knows who are ill. Pray for those who are ill to seek the Great Physician, who is able to heal both body and spirit.

Mon, May 20: Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband. – Isaiah 54:1 There is a segment of MNK society for women who are unable to bear children. More often than not, the husband will acquire another wife, but he normally does not discard the barren one. These women are special, placed in a different class from other women. They behave differently at functions; they are treated differently; they are even called by a different name. Nevertheless they bear a deep pain brought on by their barrenness. Pray for MNK women who are unable to have children. Pray that they will find their joy and comfort in the God of Creation.

Tue, May 21: [Martha] came to [Jesus] and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that [Mary] has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:40-41 Bakary sent Kadi to find more charcoal for the evening tea just as the Righteous Way radio program was coming on. She didn’t want to go; she wanted to sit and listen to these words that brought her strange comfort from the distractions and fears of the day. She tried to resist, but begrudgingly she did as her husband requested. Pray that MNK women will be able and allowed to focus on what is important spiritually.

Wed, May 22: She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. – Proverbs 31:25 Bakary’s mother, Sali, walks around the village with great dignity. She is an old woman who has borne many children and been a good wife to Lamin for many years; she is well respected. But Sali cannot laugh at the days to come. The thought of dying is terrifying to her. She has buried her own parents, a couple of siblings, Lamin’s older wives, two children…and every single time, the fear that grips her heart and throat threatens to choke her. There is no assurance of anything after this life in Islam, save the capricious nature of God. Will she go to heaven? Will she have done enough good things to earn heaven? Will enough prayers be said on her behalf once she is dead to get her into heaven? Pray for MNK women to come to know the Peace of God through a personal relationship with the Savior that will enable them to stand before God, clean and forgiven.

Thu, May 23: She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. – Proverbs 31:18 The young girls (ages 12-16) are excited about their decision. They have decided to have their own rainy season garden. They are excited about the amount of money they feel certain they will earn. Since there are 6 of them, they can share the workload and the revenues, while still working in their mothers’ rice fields and gardens. They begin talking about the make-up they will buy, the party they will have, what kind of food they will fix, and the new outfits they can buy, all this before they have even broken the ground! Sali listens from inside her house; a smile crosses her face as she remembers her own dreams at that age. She formulates a plan to advise these young women to think ahead; how she wishes she had planned beyond the moment when she was a young girl… Pray for MNK women to see their need to plan ahead, not only in their physical lives, but also in their spiritual lives; pray for them to come to know the One True Creator.

Fri, May 24: There was also a prophetess, Anna. She was very old. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to [Joseph & Mary] at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child [Jesus] to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. – Luke 2:36-38 The concept of holy women, women of God, is quite foreign to the MNK mind. In Islam, a woman’s place and purpose is clear. Sali heard about this old woman over the radio this morning. She wonders what a prophetess does…surely she is not like the prophets in Islam, Moses, Abraham, Jonah, and the others. There is much about the “book” she does not understand. Her training tells her not to listen, but her heart remains stirred every time she hears another verse. Pray that Scripture will speak loudly and clearly to MNK women; pray that they will have ears to hear.

Sat, May 25: The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” – Matthew 28:5-6 In all the recorded accounts of the resurrection, only the women actually saw and heard an angel. When Peter arrived at the empty tomb, all he found were the strips of cloth. Pray specifically for the Holy Spirit to speak directly to MNK women, audibly if need be, so that they will come to know the Risen Savior.

Sun, May 26: She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. – Proverbs 31:27 These words are truly descriptive of MNK women. Binta works hard, and was always taught that being lazy is a terrible thing; there are no MNK women couch potatoes! As she walks into her cookhouse this morning, she sees that she is nearly out of firewood. She will need to go out this afternoon to collect it; she’ll leave right after lunch and be back before nightfall; perhaps one of the older girls will begin cooking dinner for her. With rainy season approaching she needs to collect and store firewood diligently. Pray for MNK women as they care for their families to see God’s greatest desire for them is to care diligently for their own spiritual lives, as well as the spiritual and physical lives of their children.

Mon, May 27: She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. – Proverbs 31:12 As the entire village prepares for the right of passage into MNK adulthood, which includes circumcision for both boys and girls, the women are remembering their own experiences during this time. They are remembering all the songs they were taught about how to be an MNK woman; they are remembering the secrecy; they are remembering the hidden meanings in the songs; they are remembering how they were taught not to trust men, not even their fathers, brothers, and certainly not their future husbands. Pray for MNK society to become one under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and that MNK women will honor, love, and serve their husbands, not out of fear or duty, but out of love for God.

Tue, May 28: Deborah, a prophetess, was leading Israel at that time. – Judges 4:4 The Mandinka really do not live in the 21^st century. Most live without running water in their homes, without electricity, without mechanized conveniences (washing machines, ranges, microwaves). As Kadi carries the two large pans full of dirty clothes out to the well to wash them by hand, she thinks about the verse she heard on the radio. How can a woman lead a country? For MNK women, it is truly amazing to conceive of women having authority over men. But the most amazing thing to her was that Deborah was a prophetess. Pray for MNK women to experience the wonderment of personal communication with the Creator.

Wed, May 29: She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. – Proverbs 31:24 The older girls are learning how to crochet in school. They are excited about the prospect because the teacher tells them they can make many beautiful things and sell them to Toubobs or richer MNKs. But for some reason Isatou’s table covering doesn’t look as nice as her teacher’s! Isatou’s is uneven and bunched up. Fatou tries to show her how to hold the hook more gently; Isatou doesn’t think her mother can possibly know how to do this…she never went to school! But Fatou persists, wanting her daughter to learn this skill well so as to be able to take care of her own family after she is married with children. Pray for MNK women as they enter a profession normally reserved for men; pray that they will utilize this talent to benefit their families; pray that they will come to know the God who enables them to make beautiful things.

Thu, May 30: Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. – Proverbs 31:28 Fatou heard this verse on the radio this morning; she could hardly contain herself. It is not the MNK way to encourage one another, and certainly not from child to adult or man to woman. But as she listened and thought about these words, she thought to herself, “Wouldn’t it be nice if my children did appreciate the work I do for them…wouldn’t it be nice if Bakary appreciated my workload?” Unfortunately, there is no room in this society for these thoughts; everyone has a role to fill. Pray that eventually MNK children and men will rise up and call their Godly MNK mothers and wives blessed!

Fri, May 31: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. – Proverbs 31:8 As we have learned this month, MNK women cannot speak up for themselves, because they live in fear and ignorance of the truth about the Living God. They live a life of quiet desperation stoically keeping their fears and frustrations buried deep within themselves. Approach God with boldness, speak on behalf of MNK, and pray for their individual and corporate salvation…all MNK women, young and old, married and unmarried, urban and rural, traditional and modern.