Niger
“…I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18b. Jesus promised that He will build his church, and we confidently rest in this claim. Jesus is the light of the world and his church is the lamp-stand from where his light shines forth. We look forward to a day when this light will shine brighter and brighter in different local churches throughout Niger. Our hope is that the people groups of Niger will be changed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that families would grow in love for the Savior through discipleship in healthy local churches.
We work with a local organization and local churches in Niger to encourage outreach and discipleship, particularly among youth.
Listen as Jonathan recounts some of what God is doing in this West African nation.
Youth Center
The Youth Development Center on the outskirts of Niamey offers a variety of programs to reach out to the surrounding community through word and deed.
On-Demand Printing Press
Since September 2019, we have been printing high quality soft cover books at low costs. We print Christian resources for evangelism and discipleship that bless the church in Niger and other neighboring countries. It is our hope that many would grow in love for Christ through these materials.
School Sponsorship Program
The Sponsorship Program was set up to provide a way for local children with little income to be able to attend a Christian school in our neighborhood. We hope that these precious children will receive a quality education and come to love the Lord Jesus.
Kids Clubs
We want to see local churches reach out to youth in their neighborhood. We are excited to see the small local church meeting at our youth center doing a weekly Kids Club to consistently share the Gospel with local kids. We hope to support this ministry in any way we can.
Literacy Program
2015 data shows that 11% of women in Niger can read. The Bible is translated and available in Zarma, but not many women can actually read it. We teach literacy with a hope that one day, many women will read and cherish God’s word.
Music Classes
Most kids have never had the opportunity to play instruments. We teach piano, drums, guitar, and bass guitar to children and youth. All the songs that we use speak of biblical truths.
Computer Training
The average college student does not own a computer, and many have asked us for trainings in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. We plan to begin a training in these programs for college students in our neighborhood beginning in January 2021.
Partnership with a Local Theological Seminary
Due to flooding in August 2020, a local Bible school was underwater and most of their educational materials were destroyed. We are thankful to partner with them for the 2020-2021 school year by providing a space for this school to meet. We look forward to how God will use these Bible students for His work.
Our goal in all of these programs is not the programs themselves, but that people would be reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and grow in discipleship in the context of the local church. Though the Gospel is not preached directly in some programs, we trust that the relationships that are formed there will bring about Gospel fruit. Our hope is not more programs, but more healthy local churches, and we desire that these programs would be a small step in bringing about that end.
You Can Be A Vital Part
Projects in Niger are channeled through ROCK International, which forward your donations to the local ministry called Mission ROCHE. ROCHE means “ROCK” in French and is an acronym for Relève [RELIEF] Opportunité [OPPORTUNITY] Compassion [COMPASSION] et Hospitalité [HOSPITALITY] pour les Enfants [for CHILDREN]. Though all the words reflect the vision of the English counterpart (ROCK – Relief, Opportunity, and Care for Kids), we were left with the “H” to deal with. In the end, the word “Hospitality” was chosen. Jesus clearly decreed for little children to come to Him (Matthew 19:14). In a culture where children were often left out of social situations, Jesus welcomed them. We have not come to Niger to merely deal with children but to welcome them as cherished guests. Not only are these kids our honored guests, but we are their honored hosts privileged to serve them. Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9:37) The heartbeat of Mission ROCHE in Niger is to passionately show and share the love of the Lord Jesus Christ to this generation of youth.
To give to projects in Niger, click on the CONTRIBUTE page, and under “Give to a Specific Project” select: NIGER: Youth Ministries. Thank you for your part in what God is doing in the lives of children and their families.