One of our church members who has since passed away was Margaret Rodgers – a single nurse at Vancouver General Hospital who heard the call to ‘give pray or go’ and responded by going to Mali in West Africa as a pioneer missionary nurse...
One of our church members who has since passed away was Margaret Rodgers – a single nurse at Vancouver General Hospital who heard the call to ‘give pray or go’ and responded by going to Mali in West Africa as a pioneer missionary nurse. While there she underwent much privation but as she worked to see a hospital established, the Lord used her efforts and today there is a modern Alliance missionary hospital in the city of Koutiala. What a gal!
Through her contacts, I was invited in 2011 to be the speaker at the national Alliance conference to be held in the small town of Yorosso. Mali is a largely Muslim country – terrorism abounds – but the vast majority of Christians in the country are Alliance brothers and sisters. So, I had a chance to be on a mission field for ten days or so. Here are a few recollections from that time.
-The international airport in the capital of Bamako has one baggage belt – the parking lot is gravel.
-I got all the shots as this is a malarial zone and I slept under a tent each night.
-The Muslim call to prayer is everywhere starting at 4 a.m. I went and observed a Muslim conference – it was all in Arabic and the attenders understood nothing.
-Traffic was wild and uncontrolled. Trucks were routinely way overloaded. The main highway was narrow and full of potholes with people walking, riding or leading cattle on the narrow shoulder. I saw two men on a minibike along with a trussed goat.
-Poverty is everywhere. The unrelenting need tired me out.
-I had chance to visit two Alliance bible schools – they sang, clapped and danced for me. It was all of the missionary reports I have heard through my life. I was moved to tears.
-The hospital in Koutiala was the only place in the country with Western Alliance missionaries – all medical people, who were training nationals to take over. This place is a beacon of gospel light to the largely Muslim clientele.
-Power was off and on. When it went off during supper, everyone took out their cell phone, turned the flashlight on and continued as if nothing was amiss.
-The conference itself was under thatch, and I estimate about 800 were in attendance – all dressed in their colorful fineries. It was splendid to see. 200 Alliance pastors sat at the front along with local dignitaries including the local Muslim imam (who loved my message on the Christian family). The first morning it was 39 Celsius by 9 a.m.
-I have never felt called to missions – it has always been a call to pastoral work. But it was so interesting to meet missionaries along the way who were in their sweet spot. They loved the feeling of being in God’s will. I was so thankful for God’s calling on each of us.
So, as you pray for our Alliance brothers and sisters in Mali, the question still rests regarding ‘give pray or go.’ Which is it for you?
Pastor Leon Throness
