“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein”. Thus begins Psalm 24, as you well know. But have you ever heard of the following places in the world: Kadiolo, Ouolossebougou, Kolokani, Tenenkou, Diola, Bamako? These cities of the Republic of Mali, in West Africa, are also part of the earth which belongs to the Lord. The people who dwell there belong to the Lord too. But ninety four percent of Mali’s inhabitants are Muslims. In spite of this sad fact, the Lord opens doors for His Gospel to be preached in Mali as well as in other regions of the earth. There is a small Christian radio-station operating at the local level in each of the above mentioned cities; all six are grouped in an Alliance for the Communication of the Gospel, and have asked to receive the programmes of “Foi et Vie Réformées” on a regular base. We are thankful for this new opportunity, and deeply motivated for the Proclamation to which we have been called.

Muslim countries in Africa need to receive our urgent attention: oppressive social structures (for women in particular) are implemented in the name of a supposedly merciful god with whom no personal fellowship is possible. Millions of African Muslims believe that only repetitive and formalist works or formulas can work out their salvation. The liberating power of Jesus-Christ and His Spirit is unknown, a living faith is something unheard of. “Foi et Vie Réformées” is glad to report to you that we have just started broadcasting on short waves from a national station in Germany, with Northern Africa as a focus: during the next three months, 4 weekly programmes will reach predominantly Muslim countries and tell them about the Triune God who is not only sovereign, but also truly and faithfully merciful through the atoning work of His Son Jesus-Christ. Will you pray with us that this series of broadcasts may reach as many hearts as possible?

The African scene is currently dominated by another plague, the AIDS pandemic: how distressing to read again (this time in the January 10 issue of a mainline American magazine) some figures concerning the spreading of AIDS in Africa. The journalist identifies promiscuity as the main factor for this sad fact and unequivocally states the following: “Casual sex with multiple partners in the midst of an AIDS pandemic amounts to suicide on a continental scale”. To read this in liberal magazine is already revealing: the harsh reality of men and women’s sinfulness and the deadly consequences it brings along, cannot be ignored even by liberals. But how amazing to read further in the article that plausibly religion will be central to any successful response to the pandemic. The journalist condones the opinion of those who believe that only a religious and moral revival like the one which took place in eighteenth century England, can help Africa today… “Foi et Vie Réformées” does not take its mandate from mainline magazines nor does it have to give an account of its work to them, but still, reading this offers us a new perspective on the testimony which we render when we keep on proclaiming God’s Word on topics like the AIDS pandemic as well as others… Being informed about the reality of the world in which we live is very important, looking at this world from the vantage point of Scripture is even more important. Unlike many, we are not at peace with the fact that Mali’s inhabitants are mainly Muslims, or with the fact that Africans die from AIDS (as if noticing those facts was just as natural as saying: “babies cry”, or “trees have got leaves”).

The ministry of “Foi et Vie Réformées” is also yours inasmuch as you support it by your prayers and interest. May we together witness that indeed “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein” with in mind the only perspective that counts: Jesus-Christ came to reconcile the world with the Father through the mighty work of the Holy Spirit, bringing physical, material and spiritual healing.

In His name

Eric Kayayan