For More information on the Vonk's trip to Niger in 2004 click on this link!

Mission to Niger

Photos
January 2005

See Photo
Gallery

Promoting Christian Education in
Niger

Greetings!

Since our return from Niger in February 2004, we have continued to assist the Evangelical Church of the Republic of Niger (EERN) and the Reformed Church in America (RCA) in seeking funds to build a Christian Elementary School in the city of Zinder, Niger. We uphold the vision they have to transform Nigerien society through Christian Education. It is with much joy and thanksgiving that we look back on the past year and acknowledge what God has done in providing individual donors and partnerships that confirm the vision of Christian Education in Niger by supporting the construction of a school in Zinder.

WHAT’S NEW – A Summary

Financial
Gifts and pledges to date:……………………………………………………………………….. $ 36,515
This does not include WCS or ASB, (see Networking, following ? )

Total Financial Resources needed to complete Phase One ……………………… $ 105,048
Phase one includes eight classrooms, teacher training, initial furnishings, supplies,
and operational costs: classes can begin when phase one is completed.

Financial Resources needed to complete Phase Two…………………………………… $118.468
Phase two adds four additional classrooms, a kindergarten building with
administrative wing, furnishings, supplies, and playground and office equipment.

Financial Resources needed to complete Phase Three ………………………………… $ 53,155
Phase three completes the Zinder School project with office equipment,
furnishings, supplies, and an athletic field.

Networking – It is amazing how various individuals and groups are responding to
opportunities God that is presenting for the outreach of the Gospel message in Niger.

Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) ASB is a philanthropic organization located in Cologne, Germany. They have given 5,000 euros, which equates to over $6500, and have committed additional 5000 euros for the next two years, pending support from other partners. They also provided the funds that were used to construct the 6 ft. wall around the Zinder School site.

Worldwide Christian School – Worldwide Christian School Association has placed Zinder School on their list of projects with a goal of $25,000. They are seeking
associates to help reach that goal.

Words of Hope – Lee DeYoung, Vice President of Words of Hope, visited Niger in July 2004, setting the groundwork to establish a Christian Radio Station. He revisited Niger in January 2005, and Words of Hope committed to build a recording studio in Maradi. They will train EERN members to produce and record daily radio programs. Literacy rates in Niger are low and most people cannot access the written word so radio is an important communication tool. These radio programs will make it possible to broadcast the Gospel of Christ. Christian programs will be an encouragement to Christians as well as giving them a voice to share their faith.

Presbyterian Church USA – The Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) is a partner with the EERN and RCA in Niger. They recently appointed a new missionary to Niger, Kara VanderKamp. Kara has just completed a Masters Degree in International Education. She has four years teaching experience in Chicago,
and has spent a short time in Kenya with the RCA. It was a delight for us to
meet her, and we are excited about her assignment with the EERN in the area
of Christian Education.
We have been given authorization to visit PCUSA churches to promote funding
for Zinder School.

Servants in Mission (SIM) – SIM has missionaries serving in Niger who have
initiated the training of Christian School teachers to teach with a Biblical
Worldview. We met with them while we were in Niger, and we met with SIM
representatives in Canada this past July 2004. Plans for staff development and
training for Christian teachers in Niger is moving forward. Teacher training
materials will be translated into French for use by educators and church leaders.
In July 2005 we plan to attend a two-week seminar in Windsor, Ontario, entitled
Teaching With A Biblical Worldview. We want to become better equipped
to understand the needs of Christian teachers working in developing countries.

Speaking Engagements - Please pray for us as we continue to meet with individuals
and churches to gather support for Christian Education in Niger, specifically the
school in Zinder. We are privileged to share a tiny part of God’s work in that part
of the world.

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