NEA just hosted its second Christian Chiefs’ Conference. This year about 120 chiefs were present from 13 tribes; 60 of the chiefs were new to the conference. Just as last year, our days together were rich and full.
Some of the chiefs shared how last year’s conference had impacted their lives. These testimonies were encouraging for us and we wanted to share them with you:
“I want to encourage you with how the Lord works. Last year when we came together there was a very difficult situation in my place. The village was divided into two and it was very tense. I asked many to pray and now the whole town is together!”
“Even though I was a Christian before I came here last year, my faith deepened and I think that helped me know better how to speak to people because the Lord’s Spirit was speaking through me. It brought we more respect and people always wanted me in their midst before taking decisions because of the way I was trying to bring them together in Jesus name. Not just in my community but wherever I go.”
“I learned that I may not be able to create cement fish ponds but I can start somewhere. I called some sub-chiefs together and was able to get hold of some land in a valley that wasn’t being used. I was able to get rice seed and tractor services and formed a co-op of 80 women and 20 men who farmed in the area and when each farmer harvested their crops, they gave me a bag of rice. I’ve used the proceeds of that rice to send 3 boys to secondary school.”
“The way I live with my wife is different now that I have seen Dr. David and the wife. The important lesson I learned was that I need a partner to work together with for the Lord. Now we are together more and work together. Even in the village people are wondering what has happened!”
Apart from testimonies, the days were filled with discussions of common concerns, learning together from the Scriptures, touring the NEA project site, communion, and even a baptism!
Once again, as we closed, it was unanimous that we should meet again next year. The chiefs have gone so far as to elect zone coordinators to help facilitate organizing next year’s event.
Please continue to keep the chiefs in your prayers as they seek to be salt and light and to declare His praises in each of their corners.
