Approximately three million Malinke people live across West Africa. They are descendants of the great Mali Empire forged in the 12 century by the « Lion King, » Sundiata. Their lives of subsistence farming are hard, but their hearts are gentle and open to the gospel. Most Malinkes are Muslim but understand little of the faith. They view Allah as inaccessible ; so many wear protective amulets and practice magic to protect them from evil spirits. The JESUS Film is available in their language. Portions of Scriptures are also available, but very few people can read, so they need to hear the gospel through story-telling and other oral means.

• Pray for missionaries living among them to build trusting relationships. Pray that the Malinkes will place their hearts in God’s hands through Jesus. Pray for Christian leaders to be raised up in each Malinke village.-JS

Dan. 1:19

« The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah ; so they entered the king’s service. »

Daniel and his friends did not serve in Babylon on « missionary visas, » but as trainees for civil service positions. They were among the first « tentmakers » working in positions of useful service among foreign nations but also serving as representatives of the Most High God. Today, when many countries have closed their doors to career missionaries, God is using other job titles to place His chosen vessels. It is often difficult for tentmakers to fulfill their dual responsibilities to their employers and their Heavenly Father, but the rewards can be wonderful.

• Pray... Heavenly Father, bless the 21st century tentmakers who serve You in nations around the world.