Pastoral training brings hope and healing to Niger

Niger (MNN) ― As October wound down, a Global Advance team ushered in a new season of growth in Niger, West Africa.

Islam is the dominant religion, and groups with strict and aggressive interpretations of it are on the rise. According to "Operation World," the spiritual effects of folk Islam and demonic oppression are major hindrances to people coming to Christ.

However, there is encouraging spiritual openness among its peoples. Within the past few years, the church has seen signs of growth. Global Advance also noted that the body of Christ is strategically positioned to cultivate that even more.

There are less than 10,000 Christians in the entire nation and, according to Global Advance, about 400 churches represent these believers. Outnumbered and under-resourced, church leaders can get discouraged about the demands of discipleship and the need for new leaders and training.

   

Jason and Anna Holland led the Frontline Shepherds Conference, attended by some 250 pastors and church leaders from across the country. Some leaders travelled to Niamey from Diffa, easily an 18-hour bus ride. They were willing to travel the distance because the team was teaching on vision, faith, church leadership, spiritual gifts, prayer, raising Biblical elders, the Great Commission, church planting and much more.

Global Advance's Anna Holland led special workshop sessions for pastors' wives. Along with the wives of some of the most influential churches in Niamey, the women's team taught over 10 hours specifically to encourage women to operate in their gifting and callings.

In the end, more than 50 leaders committed to plant a new church in the next 12 months, and nearly 30 committed to go as a missionary to an unreached people or another nation.

In addition to the conference, the team spent two days ministering in villages in southwestern Niger. The team reported some miraculous healing where sight and hearing were restored to some, among other ailments. The healings served as a testimony to the non-believing villagers of the power of Jesus. Keep praying for hearts to respond to the Gospel.