When we were serving in Guinea, most of the young converts faced serious Sabbath problems. Sabbath is a regular school day in much of the French-speaking world. For high school students, it is often a test day. Imagine the severe trial it is for young people who stay faithful to God to see their grades plummet. They faced ostracism and persecution from friends and family members who could not understand why they refused to go to school on Sabbath. The greatest trial however, was the high school exit exam, which always fell on Sabbath. This meant that faithful, bright young people would never be allowed entrance into a university.

Then we had an idea: Why not create our own exam and make it so good that it would be approved by the government? After more than a year of hard work, we had developed our test, the BDAS (le Bilan des Acquis Scolaires). In 2009, we administered it to our first student, and he passed. The government education officials were elated with the quality of the test and asked us to generalize it to include non-Adventist students. They validated the final version, and a new path was opened for Adventist students to advance their educations.

In my new role as AFM’s Africa Field Director, I am challenged by the plight of young people from Mauritania to Benin and beyond who face the very same challenge. For this reason I have decided to further develop the BDAS to help young people all over French-speaking Africa. We would appreciate your help and prayers as we put the proper structure in place, liaise with government education departments, and print and distribute tests so young people facing Sabbath challenges may know that God has provided a way for them to continue their educations and remain faithful to Him. BDAS funding need: $20,000.

Somewhere in staunchly Muslim North Africa, a lady and I talked in hushed tones, ready to veer into idle chit-chat if someone else came within earshot. From her testimony, it was clear that she was following Christ to the best of her ability. “I am a Christian,” she said proudly. “Even if the president of this country asks, I will tell him so.” She carefully pulled out a crumpled study about the Bible as the word of God and looked me square in the eye. “Pastor, I need Bible studies in French and Arabic. I am studying secretly with 10 ladies, and we have nothing to guide. Can you help us?

Later, I was enjoying a family’s traditional hospitality in their home. Seated on a carpet, our backs against the wall and our legs propped up on pillows, the man of the house and I began to discuss what was on his heart. “I want to be baptized,” he said in measured, careful tones. I wondered if he knew what he was saying and what it would cost him.

I returned from that North African trip with the deep conviction that we need to prepare culturally adapted Bible studies in French and Arabic for the people of North Africa. I have already begun writing this material. Of course, the project will require funding for translators, testing and printing, so I am bringing this need before you. We are preparing a set of 20 studies targeting Muslims, introducing them to the Bible and beginning the important task of developing their spiritual hunger and gently challenging their worldview. Please pray for us as we move forward with this task. Our goal is to have the first lessons ready in June 2012. French and Arabic Bible studies funding need: $25,000

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