I met brother Lateef for the first time in a wedding procession that passed in front of our house. He was one of the trumpeters. Later, he became my trumpet teacher. As we met for lessons, we learned more about each other.

His name is Rigobert Hessou Gangni, and he is 34 years old. His Arabic Muslim nickname, Lateef, means gentle and friendly. He grew up with his Dendi Muslim mother in Kandi, except for five years he spent in the South with his Catholic father. After he completed high school, his parents couldn’t afford to send him to college, so he focused on developing useful skills in electronics, computer science and building. Also, for several years, Lateef was a well-known marabou (shaman). He was very successful in his electronics work, and he became the main technician for almost all the mosque PA systems in Kandi. As a marabou, he prepared charms for people, foretold their future and performed various spiritual rituals. His many skills made him famous in Kandi. As the director of the only musical band in town, Lateef has performed at weddings, baby dedications, graduations, and many other events for almost every family in Kandi.

For a number of years, Lateef tried to balance practicing both Catholicism and Islam. Then, about a year ago, his spiritual seeking led him to join an evangelical Christian church, though it lost him a number of mosque clients in his electronics-repair business.

As my relationship with Lateef grew, I didn’t realize it, but he was closely observing my lifestyle and convictions. The Holy Spirit was preparing his heart. Soon he began showing deep interest in our faith. He had many questions his evangelical church could not answer to his satisfaction, so he stopped attending services there.

We have many Christian friends like Lateef, but reaching out to them was not a high priority for us. In Matthew10:5, 6, the Lord bid His disciples, “Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Similarly, we had to set the Christian seekers aside temporarily to focus on our primary ministry to Muslims. Of course, Jesus later instructed His disciples to teach all nations. So, after we established our Muslim ministry among the Dendi, we returned to Lateef and his deep hunger.

As of today, Lateef has completed three Bible-lesson series. His commitment to evangelism, his prayer life and his disposition make him a good candidate as we begin looking for a native worker to assist us. In just the last three months, Lateef has invited 10 people to our house worship.

We thank God for directing him to our group. Lateef is a gift from God for our work among the Dendi. Please pray for Lateef as we decide how to join him to our team. Thank you for your support and prayers.

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