Isa

For those of you who receive our newsletters you'll be familiar with Isa. He was the man who, as I was standing on the path praying for a man of peace, called me out by name to come talk to him.
Since that day back in January I have met consistently with him. Last Thursday he came by my house and said "I don't have time to talk right now but I just wanted to come tell you I'm ready to follow Jesus." On Monday he stepped out of a stream that for centuries has carried the Songhai people away from God and into the stream of life.
After explaining the Gospel one more time he responded in faith. After talking about baptism he responded much like the Ethiopian in Acts and said "why not right now?"
So we went to the river and I baptized my new brother in Christ.
Isa already feels burdened to share with his family and friends the hope he has in Christ. Isa can read both French and Songhai which means discipleship will not be strictly based on oral methods. Isa is a Songhai man with Songhai roots. Isa is an influential member of the community with family and friend ties. In other words, we feel God has called Isa out to reach the Songhai.
Isa's new life is not a result of our faithfulness. It's not because we have a slick methodology. Isa is a child of God because God is faithful to His promises and He promises that where His name is proclaimed He will draw men to Himself. Isa is a new creation because our gracious Father heard and responded to your prayers. Isa is clothed in righteousness because the One, True, Living God has a plan for the Songhai and all the nations. Isa will be one of those with knee bowed and tongue confessing "Jesus Christ it is you who is Lord" to the glory of God!