September News
Over the years, we have encountered several challenges while conducting training in Africa. This newsletter highlights one of them; the next newsletter will explore another. Other contexts may, of course, present different challenges.
Working with the Agricultural Calendar
Seasons play an important role when we work in rural areas, where many people depend on subsistence farming. If training takes place during the rainy season—especially near its end—participants may arrive late or not attend at all. Those whose plots are far away may travel there and stay while they plant before the dry season begins. Those who farm closer to home may work their land early in the morning and join the training later in the day.
We experienced this during our September training in northern Ghana, at the end of the rainy season. Half of the leaders who had indicated that they would attend did not come, and the others arrived late. This is one drawback of intensive training that runs for three to five days. However, the approach also has important benefits: participants gain a firm grasp of the content, and we build relationships within a short period.
It was encouraging to see those coming “early” talking together about the previous days content.
Building Local Training Capacity
This challenge reminds us why our goal is to equip local facilitators to provide training in their own communities. We are grateful to be making progress in every place where we work—step by step and prayer by prayer.
Baba Lawi doing training in northern Nigeria this past week - he said: my people are preoccupied with harvest this week.
Please pray for the seeds planted in northern Ghana in September, where less than 10% of the population is Christian.
Reflecting with Similar Organisations
TWT was also privileged to spend a few days with representatives from 24 other organisations working in Africa. Each organisation is involved in non-formal training in some way.
Together, we considered what is working and what is not. For us, it was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the impact of our training: Does it truly transform lives? What could we change to make it more transformative?
Thank you to Mergon Foundation who facilitated this great initiative. May this effort bear fruit in His Kingdom.
Places where these 24 organisations minister in Africa.
Please pray that the Lord will give us wisdom and guidance as we consider what to change and where to focus our time and resources. A friend recently reminded me (Ivan): “Remember your call … just be obedient … if it is to sow, then sow … if it is to water, then water … the rest is in the Lord’s hands.”
