June 18, 2007

Forgetfulness

Hello Friends,

I apologize for being a slacker, or actually, for forgetting my login and password for alittle over two months and not posting since April. I've thought and pr@yed for my supporters, I just never want to take ya'll for granted. Here are some thoughts from then to now...

APRIL: ...Minnesota was awesome! A few phrases to summarize it all: all-night karaoke,arm-wrestling matches, progressive date, sticky rice patties, indirecteverything, falling snow and flunked test...
...This past week we've been meeting and greeting the Fulani. If anyone comesback from a voyage, it's absolutely necessary to say hi to everyone andtheir cow and receive the return blessing that is equivalent to the American'welcome home' phrase. It's good, helps us to slow down and smell the??? well, you know what I mean. I rather enjoy this practice; it keeps ourpurpose all about the people all the while our research and computer workslowly accumulates in our hot and dusty home. That's always the tricky part,balancing the African and the American lifestyles. Spent a night in thevillage and it was and always is beautiful. I miss those days, a whole weekin the village. The villagers miss us too. Pr*y for the families and groupswe have shared our lives and pr*yers with that His glorious purpose isrevealed through and beyond us to get them to the point of repentance andunderstanding of the truth of JC and our salvation through Him alone...
MAY: ...Munyal is 'patience' in the language of the Fulani and G8d has reallyimpressed upon me how much I don't know about the meaning of this word. Evenas I write I shake my head at myself because of the mercy of our Father andhow He has such patience for me. For the people here, they know patiencevery well. They probably know it in the sense of long-suffering so much morethan I ever will. I am patient for the things that I WANT. They are patientfor the things that they NEED. Right now it is hot season, but the Fulanihave other words for it: the season of suffering or scarcity from food, fromwater and from undisturbed rest. This is not to make you feel bad. This isjust the way it is...
...Tara and I have over half our first story set approved by ourconsultant and are working on approving the rest before we leave to Beninnext week to be with our One$tory brothers and sisters. Be thinking aboutour Proph3cy, L@st Supper and P3ntecost stories, these are more challengingand really difficult to convey to Fulani without the presence of the $pirit...
...Chief has been growing so much in his walk and f@ith. We've beenhearing his t3stimony on how G8d has been working in him through jail,paying village taxes, his children's health and power struggles of Fulani chiefs. Even in his personal decision to stay quiet about his f@ith, manyHausa and Fulani believers and seekers in the area are already talking tohim about his f@ith. Recently, by the gr@ce of G8d, he has been protectedfrom social p3rsecution and throughout that he's been asking us for guidanceon how to pr@y and give pr@ise to G8d. He has listened to crafted stories aswell as recordings of sermons and prayers from the b3lievers conference withgrowing understanding and a desire to know more. When challenged by closefamily for following the 'white' way, he has said, "It's not their way, it'sG8d's way, and G8d has written J3sus on my heart and shown His power in mylife, so whose to say different what I should do or b3lieve? I will followJ3sus even when Tara and Seng are not here..."

SO...
A week ago, Tara, Toby, Bradley and I drove to Cotonou, Benin for retreat and training, all went extremely well, we're in the process of making a little movie clip about the trip, the L8rd and ofcourse the pink drink. If you're interested in seeing it, let me know. We got back yesterday, and I have to say that after a little more than 25 hours together in the car, we are still discovering so much about ourselves and eachother that we didn't even realize. It's hard to think our time is nearing its end, makes me wonder and wonder about the L8rd and His purposes and plans. I'm getting sentimental, but these guys are worth it. I give Him thanks and pr@ise for being so good to us. In less than a month, our Team supervisor Judy and Word consultant Sarah will make their way to the desert to check out our work and relationships and help us as much as they can. Please be pr@ying while they're here, and especially for our national partners who help us with our story telling and testing. So, peace and love to you all, I'll try to post more regularly. Later:)

SengMyVang

Going to America

Hi All,

I leave tomorrow evening and will get home Friday. It's a ten day trip and I think I'll hit the floor running. Please keep me in your thoughts. Remember especially the day of Our Risen L*rd! I can't wait to worsh*p Him with my family and friends this weekend.

Here's an update from March happenings. Peace to ya'll.

_______

Tara, Danielle and I got back from the 3rd annual Fulani Bel*evers meeting yesterday. We’re all worn out but it’s a happy worn out- our Father truly blessed and encouraged us through many people and in different ways this past weekend. He’s AMAZING! Thank you for your thoughts during this time, I myself couldn’t stop pr*ying through every sermon, every pr*ise song, every conversation. I love it when the L*rd brings me to my knees in complete dependence on Him. Please pr*ise Him with us and with all the Ful*ni who came to the conference (300+ from every corner in the country as well as Mali, Benin and Nigeria!) for everything:

-Two bel*evers from Danielle’s village came with us, an older man Chuso and older woman Ia: pr*y for their fa*th and desire to know G*d more; they have not been b*ptized; when Danielle talked to them afterwards, Chuso said the singing made him so happy he cried, his beard was full of tears! (it’s sounds better in Fulfulde language, but ya’ll get the point)
-Our guard Karim and a town Fulani Ibrahim came with us: pr*y for all they heard and saw, that they make sincere commitments to follow J*sus; Ibrahim was b*ptized this past month and Karim is preparing to be b*ptized by the end of this month; pr*y also for their families who may or may not know they are bel*evers
-Last year Tara, Bekah and I went to the meeting in Dakoro, 2-3 hours away from Maradi. We understood less than half the Fulfulde used, but this year we understood close to all that was taught and sung during the meeting, thanks be to Him! Ask Father to continually increase our understanding and conversing of Fulfulde
-Baaba Sale, the Fulani man we met in Mali last October, was at the meeting! It was a great surprise and joy to see him by G*d’s grace. Tara was able to work with him on back-translating three stories from our story set and we pr*yed for and with him on both our projects and on all that He is doing with the Fulani in West Africa
-A youth leadership team was formed this year to help encourage and teach the youth and unmarried singles. Seng was asked to be a part of this team and hopes to implement storying with them as well as the youth next year
-Tara was able to test several stories with a wide range of Fulani from across the country. It was great to gauge the stories from a Fulani believer’s perspectives, especially older men who were strong Musl*ms in the past and who have a wealth of understanding on Fulani culture in their context of fa*th

Most of the Fulani leaders were from town while most of the participants were from the bush. They were taught through pre*ching and some personal test*monies. This meeting made us think a lot about ch*rch planting, teaching and d*scipleship. We saw our project in the bigger picture and how it will fit. It made us ask ourselves how culture and society shape the foundation of a ch*rch planting movement. We were challenged to continue growing in relationships and in language and cultural understanding in order to be available to G*d to use in every circumstance. We were reminded that the people are the ch*rch, not the building, place or things. Please remember and pr*y for all these things as the Fulani ch*rch continues to grow, and for the ch*rch in every country: that we lift Him up more and more and ourselves less and less.

The chief did not go but we continue to see him and will share with him all we saw, heard and believe. Keep him in your thoughts.

We have two weeks until we all get on a plane to go to the States. Danielle will be saying all her good-byes, Tara and I will be working on 3 more stories that lead to the meaning of E*ster. What is the meaning of E*ster? Between company meetings and trainings, we have 8-9 months for the 40 story set to be completed in our term (as of now, 15 have been crafted). Let’s just say I’m currently having a lot of perspective on our time left in country. His will be done. Thanks again so much for your love and thoughts.

Much love, Seng

A Day in the Life of a Believer, what would that look like?

February 25, 2007



Hey ya’ll,



I’ve been caught up in life and work here in Niger. We just got email from the past two months as well, so I apologize if I haven’t written lately. I still am thankful that you are there as pr*yer support and moral support. Everyday I’m reminded to draw close to the L*rd in order to be close to you all, as distant as we may be. I know He’s working all things to the good and I can’t wait to see what He will do next in my life and in yours. Here’s some news and pr*yer requests to lift up to Him:



-Tara’s mom’s surgery and recovery for ovarian cancer: Tara’s mom Carol has had a rough few weeks; she had surgery a week ago but is now resting at home. We truly praising Him for His intervention, for His love and healing. She is clear of cancer at the moment, please continue lifting her up

-We are steadily progressing in our stories and getting them from Fulfulde to English in order to be Biblically sound. We will have sent 10 stories to our consultant within the next week, and we’ll be continuing to refine the stories she sends back to us. Praise Him for His goodness, for helping us focus when need be and for the times of rest that we’ve truly enjoyed

-Sweet time of fellowship and rest with Toby, Bradley, Danielle and all M’s of Niamey this past 2 days. Thank you L*rd

-Tara and I will be heading home for 1-2 weeks in April. We hope to send in 14 stories to our consultant by that time. Please pr*y for our crafter Bouba and back translator Miriam, for patience on all parts, for the leadership of the H*ly Spirit through the stories and for integrity in the crafting process

-Fulani Believers Conference March 15-17: Fulani from across Niger will come together to fellowship, worship and learn from His word. Pr*y for accepter/believers of Konni and surrounding villages to feel the desire and need to go, that we too will go with faith in the H*ly Spirit and joy in the body of Chr*st, and for the Fulani leaders who are seeking to serve the Lord and their people at this time



Well, there’s always more, but the Lord is good, He’ll take care of the rest. Please earnestly seek His will in all these things.

In His Name,



Seng

Fulfulde Praise!
Min getti Alla gam fuu ko o hokki min nder yonki amin fuu!

Dear family and friends,

This past month, Tara and I have been hard at work crafting 6 stories with Bouba, a Fulani man who lives in Konni!!! If you have been receiving updates from OneStory, great! If not, and you would like to know exactly what and how I am doing, please contact me by email at vansen@bethel.edu. I will be checking email Feb. 22-24, then sometime in April again. I thank Our Father for all your thoughts and pr*yers. There is always more I can share, but I lift it all up in pr*yer and I know He is faithful and is taking care of us all. I'll leave you with a few thoughts and praises:

-everynight Tara and I pr*y together and plan the next day(we rarely plan beyond that). We're blessed to be able to do everything we do and get the help and support we need. Praise Him for all He is and all He's doing with us and through us
-w*rshipped with believers Karim and Chief this past Sunday & with volunteers who told the story of Cain and Abel. It was pure JOY and we are all pr*yin hard for them
-yes! 6 stories in 1 month! by His grace and mercy, we are learning and growing a lot as a team and with our crafter, who's a strong Musl*m. Please remember Bouba
-I'm goin home(St. Paul)in April for 10 days: besides a rollercoaster of emotions, this trip will be very important in understanding His plans for me in the future
-lifting up my older sister Cheng and my father Houa: health and spritual needs
-next couple of weeks: we will be working on a prophecy story and beginning J*sus stories (birth, baptism and 12 disciples). Please keep all of this in your thoughts
-please remember Tara and my health and protection daily

Much love always,

Seng

Being a Stranger

Dear Family and Friends,

I haven’t posted on the blog for a while and I apologize for that. The months of October and November have flown by, but I would like to do my best to share some thoughts as well as praise and pr*yer requests for the coming month of December into the New Year.

Excerpts from October-November updates…
- Friday, Oct. 20: We returned safely and a little tanner last night from our journey into the heart of Mali- it's been 4 years since I've been back in Mali and I love every minute of it… I’ve seen a need to give up what I think I deserve from others or from life and surrender my person and my whole heart to His Work right now… I ask you remember me to our Father as He continues His work in me and more importantly His work with all souls in West Africa… It's been hard with Bekah gone; Tara, Toby, Bradley, Judy and I are dealing with it in different ways but we just hope to be open and real about it with each other… The physical world as well as the spiritual is at work to plant seeds of doubt, discouragement and disillusionment but our hope is greater than this world and everything in it…
- Wednesday, Oct. 25: I am praying for the words to say and share with ya'll to show you how blessed I feel and how much God is at work right now… The trainers and fellow M's are amazing to me, everything we're learning at training is a bit overwhelming but I am absorbing all that I can and praying for all the rest…
- Thursday, Oct. 26: I wish I could share with you every awesome thing G*d has been teaching me…He is present and at work and it fills me with JOY to be in His Will in West Africa. In my heart, these M’s are quickly becoming trusted mentors and friends, and I give Him all the praise and glory for every good thing I see
in my life right now. Thanks for remembering me and ultimately, remembering
Him and His faithfulness to His people…
- Friday, Nov. 3: Although I've been in Niger a year, being in Mali is a very
different feel, and I am thankful I get to know both countries in their own
special ways… I fell in love with the people and with West Africa in Mali, and by His grace I've had the opportunity to come back as an M in Niger. How wonderful is our G*d!

Praises to Him…
- For protecting Bradley: in Mali, Bradley got a kidney stone. He was in the city at that time and was able to get the medical attention that he would not have received in Niger or just a week earlier in the bush of Mali during our retreat. He is much better now and was able to welcome his parents, who came to Niger to visit him, in good health.
- For a year of a blessed friendship and team with Tara and Bekah: Bekah had to return to the states for her health and the re-adjustment period has been difficult for us all but G*d is healing and teaching all of us through this time. What we accomplished this past year came only as we allowed G*d to use us and make us more amazing of friends and teammates than we could have ever imagined.
- For making me Hmong: Being Hmong is never quite fully understood in West Africa, but His intention is not the Hmong-ness itself, but for me to learn to see being Hmong as a door for His Will and Work with all peoples across cultures. I don’t know how else to say it, but I believe the L*rd has a purpose beyond what I think I am capable of or not capable of, no matter my experience or lack thereof.

Pr*yers to Him…
- Judy: She is pressed on all sides in her personal ministry with the Fone but also as team supervisor and business facilitator in more than one setting. May our Father guide her every step and give her His perfect wisdom in making decisions and His perfect peace in unexpected situations.
- Bekah: She is seeking G*d’s will for her in the states and where she could serve Him. May our Creator shine His light on her and give her clarity of heart and mind when American culture and life seems discouraging. May He give her words of hope and peace no matter what the day brings or does not bring.
- Toby and Bradley: They are spending the month of December in their town Tchinta to seek story crafters and continue crafting among the Tuareg. May our Provider continue to be their source of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual strength. May He take their communication to a higher level as teammates and as Tamasheq speakers and speakers of His Word.
- Tara and Me: We’ve been working on three stories with our Chief with varying degrees of success in the midst of being apart every other week this November. May our King impress upon our hearts times for worship as well as for work this coming December. May His truth be readily in our hearts and on our lips to share with one another or with the Fulani.

There are no words to express my thanks for your love and pr*yers. All glory be His this holiday season.

Seng

Team Health


Dear Family and Friends,

Two weeks ago, visiting M's returned ill from our villages. On
Thursday, Sept. 7, Fulani and Tuareg teams came in to Niamey and were all
tested for the usual malaria, bacteria and parasites. Last Tuesday,Tara and
Bradley were able to return to the bush but Bekah and Toby were sent to
Senegal for further testing. Visiting M's Emily and Jesse returned to their
post, the Ivory Coast, and are resting and doing well. Danielle and I stayed
in Niamey to begin treatment for bacteria and parasites and restore our
health before heading back out to our villages.


I ask that you remember our brothers and sisters as you talk with Dad:

1) Tara and Bradley: they are out on their own during a very crucial team
time in our storying projects. May the Creator guide their every step and
conversation with village family and friends, that they may be His tool and
His voice with His peoples. May the storycrafters we seek come unto their
paths through divine intervention, joining us in bringing His Word to His
chosen.


2) Bekah and Toby: currently in Senegal, they are resting and recuperating
from persisting illnesses and fatigue. Results are pointing towards
something viral and they will need 1-2 weeks of recovery. May the Great
Physician cover them with His peace and joy even when there are no answer to
their questions. May their lives shine brighter in their weakness to show
the greatness and worthiness of our Father.


3) Danielle and Seng: I am almost 100% and will head back to the
villages this Monday, Sept 18. Danielle will stay for a few more days for
treatment and hopes to return by the end of the week. May the King of Kings
send us His strength in the days and the tasks to come. May we pursue His
wisdom above our will and commit to higher standards of consistent health;
mentally, physically and spiritually.


4) 1Story retreat/multi-training in Mali, Oct 12th-30th: Ministry goals were
set but current situation will affect them. May His Eternal Will be done in
these projects and teams. May the desires of our hearts and the works of our
hands overflow with His graciousness and faithful presence. May all
participants, trainers and all Fulani, Tuareg, Maninke and Fula-Macina
peoples believe the Most High is alive and working in our lives.

Thank you. We all highly value your words and intercession.
I won't get email until October training but sing loving songs to Him,
giving your sacrifices whole-heartedly and I will do the same.

As deep calls to deep, we call out to Him together,

-Seng

Txoj Kev Ntseeg

Dear Family and Friends…
Most of my young formation in understanding faith was communicated through Hmong culture and language. Txog kev ntseeg is ‘faith’ in Hmong, literal translation meaning ‘the way to believe’. I believe culture either has an enormous impact or no impact at all in a person’s faith. It is either transformed or removed to bring that person closer to Him.


What have I done…
August – continue to build relationships in the village, town and within the team; share Old Times Way stories with villagers; assist training in Niamey for new OneStory team, Reaiah and Kaci, working with the Maninke people of Mali

What I will be doing...
September – seek and story with story crafter(s); craft, test and anchor initial Way story set in Fulfulde
October – craft, test and anchor story set; Niger & Mali OneStory teams retreat and multi-trainings in Mali


Thoughts
Since coming to West Africa, Father has focused my life into His perspective. I know I don’t do a good job sharing about life here. It should still be a priority, but I now see that when we come before Him, offering Him our sacrifices, our services, all He wants is to see the fullness of our love in our faces, not in our hands. He’s been telling me all I need for everyday peace in relationships and circumstances is to believe that I am standing right where He wants me, ready to look at Him and love Him with all my heart and mind; that He is through all times the Truth and, without a doubt, Righteous One. That’s what I want to share the most, speaking what He has spoken to and through me- and I am starting to realize that He will do exactly that. I thank Him that I can declare His Word and His Works of love in my life to the Fulani and to all peoples that I have been moved to have a relationship with through these updates. I truly hope they encourage and strengthen you in your daily walk. May He see the love we have for Him! May He delight in His Children, from every culture, language and people group.

I Praise Him…
o House – He provided a way for me to financially help with the building costs; it won’t be finished until near or end of harvest, a few more months, but I am hopeful. At this time, I am in the chief’s house with his family
o Eastern Fulani Teams – one team has had more than 5 people receive the Son this past month through storying; what a blessing to see and hear about the coming of new brothers and sisters to His kingdom
o Teammates Bekah and Tara –We’ve been immersed in His Presence throughout difficult times; from health to personal walks with Him to storying team work, we’ve cried out to Him and He has been faithful to answer or bring us peace
o Dize – I had the opportunity to tell her about Jacob and Laban as well as Joseph, and she immediately responded to the message of our Father’s love and faithfulness in out lives, and that He has a plan for us all

I Ask Him…
o Speaking His Message– To share with Fulani as well as seeker of truth, and be able to ask for a response to the Message in Fulfulde and French
o Our Supervisor, Judy – As well as keeping us on track, she is working on a story set for a people group in Benin and planning the huge training in October; may He show her favor in these areas, give her peace during discouraging times
o Holy Presence – In what we’ve been able to share and show, may He draw Fulani to Himself through His Presence
o Story Crafter – That we will trust Him to lead us in this area but be diligent to tell the Fulani about our storying purpose
o Worship – Because of unexpected situations, we haven’t had many chances for team worship, especially in the village; may we be moved to worship Him planned and unplanned with villagers and with the Holy One as our guide


His Kingdom Reign! -Seng