Our goal at this stage of our project (pre-evangelism) is to earn the right to be heard and to study the culture of our people. Earning the right to be heard doesn’t just mean being able to communicate in the local language. It also means gaining a reputation for wisdom and care in the community. AFM missionaries around the world face this challenge, but in Africa it is especially important to achieve this goal. An African proverb says, “It is better for a man to break his leg than to break his words.”

With all this in mind, we knew that we needed to find a language helper who had status and respect in local society. Specifically, I wanted an old man with influence and respect to help us integrate with the community. Our search led us to the chief of the local literacy association, a man in his sixties who was well known in the town. Unfortunately, our first encounter was disappointing. He did not understand French enough for us to converse. In fact, we soon discovered that the majority of the teachers in the association did not have much knowledge of French. Most of them joined the association because of the government literacy program. Their pupils are farmers and housewives whom they tutor in the local language.

Finally, our search paid off. Our intermediary brought Mr. Desouza to our house. We had a good conversation and immediately scheduled to start studies with him that same day. So, for the last four months, Mr. Desouza has been our primary language helper. He is in his late thirties, has three children and works in a cotton factory. Though he is not a community elder, we are happy to have him. He knows many people in the town, and he has worked in the literacy association with most of the older tutors. He has introduced us to many different groups.

Language learning is often quite difficult, and we appreciate your continued encouragement and prayers.

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