Our updates are called blessings.  We want you to see how God blesses, provides, equips, goes before and is in every situation in our lives.  That is also our hope and prayer for your lives that you can see, feel, hear and experience God in your journey of life as well.  Sometimes remembering to be grateful and looking at past blessings can transform our present gloomy state of mind to that of praise and thanksgiving.

“The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will exalt Him. Exodus 15:2” NIV

There is a song that comes back to memory, Count your blessings and name them one by one.

We are settling into the house in the city.  We understood this particular area of town has had a bad history of obtaining water during hot season.  Well, this was all true.  We have been over a month without water.  We have a few barrels which are filled on a regular basis.  Getting clothes washed has been a bit challenging.  PLEASE PRAY we can get water soon.  This past month has consistently been over 40 degrees.  We had been enjoying consistent power until the past two weeks.  Niger has been dependent on Nigeria for its sole source of power.  With political changes, the future of our power supply has become a point of interest in public debate.  Gratefully, we have purchased a generator with funds supplied by our church so we will not be subject to these problems.  

PRISON MINISTRY: A new team member, Faye, has joined us. We now split into two teams. One group works in discipleship of the new believers and the other group speaks with the general population. We have also been trying to give them things to occupy their hands. Our first hand sewing project demonstrated that this was a very new skill to many of the ladies. This time we are going in with a sampler with a few beginning stitches and will have them practice those before we start a new project. We have obtained some unique African artwork designs that should result in even more interest and enthusiasm. There is a variety of levels of difficulty in the artwork so they will progress through the projects as their skills improve.

Two weeks ago, there was a team doing Samaritan shoe box delivery in the prison. We were able to join this team and ensure that the women who had small children received a box for each child.

In the next few days we are expecting Saratou, Sani and Samuel to come and visit for two weeks. This is Sani's vacation time. On May 11th we were in Galmi to celebrate Samuel's second birthday. What a delightful time, lots of laughs and Samuel's reaction to chocolate cake was precious. Children are good medicine for the soul.

      Pray for:

• Our ongoing language learning.
• The grace to deal with the very hot temperatures.
• The church in Niger, that it would seek godly individuals to lead.
• The current leaders in the church to operate within God's purpose and with righteousness. 
• All believers to be salt and light to their family, friends, community and circles of influence.

Praise

For the wonderful relationships we have developed with godly individuals who wish to partner and minister alongside of us.

Blessings,

Orest & Grace Pelech

Mailing address: B.P. 121, Maradi, Republic de Niger, West Africa

Canadian Mailing address:

721 Swailes Avenue, Winnipeg, MB  R2V 4N6

 

How good it is to greet you in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior. We are blessed and thankful for God's constant goodness and provision in every circumstance.

We are happy to report that we have moved into the home that came to our attention back in December. We had the opportunity to get the help of several young men to move the heavy items. The first week was filled with various local trades person's finishing up small tasks throughout the house. We are busy resettling and unpacking all our personal effects this time. Orest is busy hanging drapes. With slight alterations we are able to make all the drapes from our home in Galmi, work for this house. We are grateful not to have the additional work and expenses to our move.

Orest has been doing regular work at the SIM office in Maradi one or two times a week depending on the needs.

Please pray for us as we travel about the city and country. We have experienced some very close calls. This week we both have had very uncomfortable experiences with very young children on the road. Today Orest missed a 2 year old child by just inches. The times Orest comes and goes from the SIM office is when children are going or leaving school.

We continue to work on our Hausa and are feeling more comfortable each time we explore new areas of town and try to engage people. People appreciate our efforts and we feel encouraged.

The country in general has quietened down, however, there is still incidents happening to individuals here and there. Rebecca is a young woman I am acquainted with. Her family compound was having water problems, so they needed to go to a community water fountain to obtain water. A dispute broke out between other individuals so they tried to bring peace to the situation, however, their intervention was responded to by hostility, and one of her sisters became a target of a severe beating including rocks to her head. One parent of the hostile child who kept picking fights told the offenders that since the little girl was Christian it would be alright to kill her. Thankfully, someone informed the Christian family as to what was happening and she was rescued from her attackers. The hospital would not treat the wounds without a police report, as a result the offending family members were all collected by police and held in custody. The Christian family pleaded with the police that they forgive the offenders and begged for their release. Again, the police were amazed by the forgiving nature of Christians to those who sought to harm them.

Continue to pray for Christians to remain unwavering and strong in their faith.

Pray they will be comforted and encouraged during these challenges.

Pray the people of God would be a light in this dark lost world.

 

For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.

Luke 21:36

 

Since our last newsletter, we had the opportunity to host 12 Canadian troops in our home. They happened to be participating in an international training exercise in the area where B.H. tried to make an insurgence into Niger. The government has been trying to identify B.H. sympathizers throughout the country. The Canadian troops were kind to leave us a gift of Canadian maple syrup . . . What a treasure!

PHOTO OF 9 OF OUR GUESTS

 

Esther, Rebecca and I have now made three visits to the woman's prison, with another scheduled this week. We are very encouraged by the response to our visits. We have certainly been made to feel that our visits are eagerly anticipated and welcome. We took some hand sewing material the past time to help them break up their time. It was good to see the guard participating as well. Please continue to pray that our words will be understood and life transformation and healing an take place. As of today please celebrate with us a new sister in the kingdom. Praise God. The needlework started last time was proudly displayed to us.

 

REBECCA, ESTHER AND GRACE

Pray that we will have opportunity to meet people in our new community and begin to develop relationships with them.

Thank you for your faithful prayers. We are so encouraged and delighted when we hear back from you when we send out a prayer letter. We would love it if you would share your news with us as well so we too can pray for you.

Blessings,
Grace and Orest Pelech

Mailing address:
BP 121, Maradi, Niger
Republic of Niger, West Africa

Canadian mailing address:
721 Swailes Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2V 4N6

 

 

Hi Dear Family and Friends,

Please bear with us as we write to you about the recent events affecting Christians in Niger. To honor and tell this with the detail it deserves, this letter is going to be long. We have added a number of other resources.

Today the many Nigerian Christians meet in what remains of burnt out buildings or rented tents. Let us remember the church is not the building, but the people. Praise God, we worship Him in spirit and in truth, not in a specific place.

A quote from SIM NIGER follows:

Recent attacks against Christian churches and homes of believers in cities across Niger (Saturday and Sunday, 17-18 January) have left a wake of destruction, pain, and fear.  These events have resulted in the deaths of 10 Nigeriens (not Christians), millions of dollars in damaged property, and a community stunned at this unexpected wave of violence.  Christians are currently wrestling with the trauma of this loss and some even left without homes and basic necessities.  Furthermore, in a country among the poorest in the world the Nigerien Church will struggle to rebuild damaged churches, pastors’ homes, and ministry centers. SIM stands with our church partners in picking up the pieces, rebuilding what was destroyed, and continuing to proclaim the love of Jesus in a country that so desperately needs to hear.  

Approx. 47 evangelical churches damaged or destroyed, plus additional 12 catholic churches, this number varies depending on the source. Many pastor's homes and homes of Christians were also destroyed. In addition  to many other business buildings and a youth centre, there were other Christian work endeavors, such as an orphanage in Niamey, that were targeted and fell victim to the rioters. In one hard hit community 50 homes of Christians were destroyed. We give thanks that not one Christian died in the fires for which we praised God. The person's found dead in the burnt out building were looters who entered the building and got trapped by the fire. In the cases of homes, looters first removed all they could carry prior to setting fire and it was also reported that even zinc roofing material  had been removed. Christians fled with only their clothes on their back.

 

 

On Friday morning we became aware of the anticipated problems. We had planned to travel to Galmi because Saratou was sick, so we made a hasty departure so we could be off the roads prior to 2 pm. Galmi remained on alert but not affected by the activity in the rest of the country. We give praise that any attempts made in Maradi were swiftly dealt with by the authorities. This past weekend there were rumors that demonstrations would resume, we are happy to report the country has been peaceful. We have not lived in fear, but this has not been without stress. We have a ready bag packed for a rapid departure if the need arose.

We had gone to Galmi that weekend because Saratou had been sick for a week. She had been suffering from typhoid, likely from some contaminated food. We praise God that she is better. While sick, Sani was an excellent caregiver and father to Saratou and Samuel. So much so he became exhausted and developed a bad cold. We are happy to report he too has recovered, however now Samuel has malaria. He is currently undergoing treatment.

On Thursday night Orest became ill and on Friday we went to Danja (another SIM hospital) 30 km. from where we are and Orest was treated with IV fluids and malaria treatment. He is weak and still experiencing symptoms. Prayers are the best medicine. I was certainly grateful for the blanket and mat we had put into the vehicle the day prior as part of our rapid departure strategy, both came in very handy at the hospital. How interesting God set a plan before us to follow. If we had not been obedient to the quiet small nudging we would not have these pleasant items to help keep Orest comfortable.

On the personal front, we believe we have found a home in the city. The landlord is Christian and specifically wants Christians residing in the home. It is larger than our needs, so the second floor will be developed into either a guesthouse or other Christian work endeavor. Pray the work in the house can be completed and the contract can be completed. We trust in God in this matter and seek His direction.

 

In light of the past week’s events the Christian Evangelical church leadership developed this statement:

DECLARATION OF THE ALLIANCE OF EVANGELICAL MISSIONS AND CHURCHES OF NIGER (AMEEN)

Following the events that occurred on the 16th and 17th of January in our country.

AMEEN is making the following declaration to the national and international community and all its various forms:

1. Let us forcefully condemn all desecration of what is holy and inciting of violence in the name of the freedom of speech.

2. Let us reject violence in all its forms for God is a God of peace.
3. Let us ask every citizen to make no further attacks on places of prayer and worship dedicated to God.
4. Let us address our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and our prayers for the rapid healing of the injured.
5. Let us address prayers to God that He might grant forgiveness to those who took part in these events.
6. Let us ask Christians to grant forgiveness to their relatives, neighbors and ethnic brothers that took part in these painful events.
7. Let us encourage all Nigeriens to live in peace and justice for such is the will of God.
8. Let us call the entire population of Niger to rise up as one to promote peace and the peaceful coexistence of all the sons and daughters of this country. 
9. Let us address our recognition and profound gratitude to all Muslims moved by peace and justice who spontaneously brought their aid by protecting Christians, their places of worship and sheltering homeless families.
10. Let us call on the government to put everything in place for the rapid compensation of damages to all the victims who suffered losses in the recent events.
11. The provisional assessment is sixty-eight (68) churches and homes destroyed.
12. Despite our deep sense of being refugees in our own country, we strongly call the whole Christian community to remain resolutely in a disposition of peace.
 
Written in Niamey, January 22, 2015

 Another resource is to search on the internet: WorldWatchMonitor then scroll down to Niger for their story.    

SIM stands with our church partners in picking up the pieces, rebuilding what was destroyed, and continuing to proclaim the love of Jesus in a country that so desperately needs to hear.  
 

If you would like to help us put out the word of this project and how people can get involved.  As one church president shared with me last night, "This is a very important moment in the life of the Church in Niger."

SIM has created a project that individual or groups can contribute to as follows:

 "Niger Persecution Relief Project" (NE97308).  Donors can send money immediately to this fund to help with the relief effort through the various national SIM offices (SIM USA, Canada, Australia, etc.).  SIM Niger seeks to stand with the Church in the aftermath of this crisis.  SIM-Niger’s strategy is to offer comfort, relief, and restoration to our partner churches with the resources available to us.  When informing your correspondents of this opportunity to contribute, please have them indicate the project number (NE97308) AND the description "Niger Persecution Relief".  

Go to sim.ca and go to donations, enter the project number. SIM Niger will oversee the distribution and management of these funds.

Your faithful prayers are essential for the Christian church in Niger and World.

We declare Psalm 18:2

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Blessings,Orest and Grace

Mailing address: BP 121, Maradi, Niger
Republic Niger, West Africa

Canadian mailing address: c/o 721 Swailes Ave., Winnipeg MB, R2V 4N6

 

Merry Christmas

Barka da Noel

And the angel said to the shepherds:

"Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."Luke 2: 10-12,   NIV

What a great time to celebrate - Christ is born.  He is here for all the people of all the world.  Let His light shine this Christmas season.  This celebration is indeed about Him.  Christ our Savior, our Messiah.   Proclaim the good news through all of your celebration. 

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9: 6

This truly is a season of Joy when we focus our attention on the true meaning and spirit of Christmas. 

 

For us there is no snow, there are no carolers, there are no streets decorated with lights or stores adorned with massive amounts of decorations trying to get you to spend your money.  On the streets there is bedlam as people struggle to make a living selling their wares.    At every stop we are met by a wide range of people, some looking for handouts, others urging you to purchase from them.  Urgency and desperation is always part of the scenario.   Along the roadside there are people, children, scrounging through garbage looking for anything that can be converted to cash to meet their most immediate need.

We do have our Christmas tree up; it is the tree we bought at an after Christmas sale just before we left Canada.  It has some lights and homemade decorations, including an angel on top that seems to want to burst out in song and sing - "Glory to God in the highest..."

We will gather with our family on Christmas Eve and have a time of being together and celebrating the birth of Christ.  On Christmas Day we will celebrate at Church where the service, in some Churches, will go from 9:00 am to until sometime in the afternoon.  We celebrate the fact that we can actually do this in this country.  That we can still celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  But, we are certainly in the minority.

Last Sunday we were at Church in what is called a difficult part of town.  We celebrated the Sunday in this small Church that had been rebuilt because certain people had burned the previous Church.  The congregation was small but we felt moved by the Holy Spirit within the service.  Their passion to minister to others was very encouraging.

Luke 2: 10 tells us that this child that was born was, and still is, for all people.  He did not come just for those who sit in comfortable pews in nice Churches.  He came for all people.  Please share this wonderful news and message to all who need Him.

Blessings in 2015 on you and your family,

Orest and Grace Pelech

Arrival in Niger

Well, we are now back in Niger.  Welcome to the warm!!!!

Speaking of warm it was amazing to meet our family again.  What a blessing to have this wonderful family to greet us when we came to Niamey.  We are currently staying in a SIM house in Niamey with Sani, Sara and Samuel.  It is taking some time but Samuel is warming up to us again.  He really is an energy buster, especially in this heat.  Sara has been inviting family and friends over to the house so we have been very busy. 

On our way to Maradi we will stop in at Galmi for a couple of days to meet and greet people.  We have dinners lined up with the mission community and Sara has a meal lined up for us in the village. 

We are having a wonderful time but it has also been taxing as we try to adjust our bodies to jet lag and to the heat.  We have had some trouble getting into a proper sleeping pattern.

We have been so blessed that we received funds to purchase a vehicle in Niger.  With the funds we bought a 2003 Toyota Rav4.  The paperwork (customs, police check, registration, etc.) took about 3 days to complete but we feel that the vehicle actually adds a level of security to our lives in Niger.  The funds will also allow us to purchase a generator which will be important as there are frequent power outages and some can be quite lengthy as in days.  This will allow the fridge and freezer to continue to operate without losing their contents.

While Sani left early to return to work in Galmi, Sara is staying with us with Samuel and will return with us to Galmi.  When we were leaving Canada we spent several weeks working out at the YMCA to get ourselves more active and able to deal with our ministry.  When we told Sara about this her reply was that we should not worry because Samuel liked to play - a lot.  She was right.  The little guy can keep you going.  Who needs a gym!!!!

We are looking forward to getting to Maradi and starting Hausa language training.  We can honestly say that when we arrived, despite the temperature change, our reaction was - this is comfortable, this is where we belong. 

We just wanted to send this quick note to let you all know that we have made it safely to Niger.  They checked everyone at the airport medically to ensure there was no Ebola.  The country seems to have had a good rainy season and crops were good so we praise God for this blessing.  With the rain, however, there is lots of malaria so please pray for the people and the medical workers involved in dealing with this.

Thank you all for blessing us with your support.  Please continue to pray as we venture forth into our new life and work in Maradi.

Blessings,
Orest & Grace Pelech

Update

Dear Readers

As you know we have been on home assignment since Dec 1 2013.  To the end of January, most of time was spent in Ontario with the exception of Christmas time with family in Manitoba. 

In February we returned to Alberta to our church family and friends. 

We have traveled many miles and visited/hosted many people over these past 8 months.  What we can declare is that we have been blessed by the ridiculous loving kindness of so many of God people. 

We have been provided a vehicle first from Pat, mom and Rick, huge thanks.

We have been provided with shelter, first with an apartment in Toronto, then various homes along our travels.  Then in Lloyd, thanks to Elaine and Norbert for their very generous loving kindness in providing a place to call home, along with Jason and Tannis.

We have studied lots, and lots.  God have given us wonderful opportunities to learn and help us clarify our call to service.  He continues to press into both of our hearts the needs of those to whom we are called to live among and declare His glory and promises.

Then Southridge church filled our pantry so that today we still are enjoying its bounty.  We have been blessed by so many words and gestures of kindness, our hearts are overjoyed. 

Now through your faithful generous gifts and support we are ready to depart Canada and return to Niger.  God’s accounting is truly marvelous and delightful to see.  My heart leaps with rejoicing and thanksgiving.

 

 

 

Maradi Bound

After much prayer and deliberation we will be heading to Maradi, Niger for our next term.  Maradi is 4 hours east of our previous location in Galmi.

God had made it clear that in order to minister effectively we need to live within the community we are going to serve and not in a missionary compound, and this is possible in Maradi.  We wish to work more directly with the local people though a number of ministry opportunities from sewing with woman, micro-financing, children’s club and ESL.  But first we will spend some meaningful time learning the language as well as learn the customs and traditions in the community we will live in.  We will work in cooperation with the local church, and develop the above ministries gradually and as language is learned this will allow us to communicate more effectively.  We are excited and give God the praise for this opportunity and answer to prayer.

Our target departure is October 15.  Please pray with us that God will provide for our full support.  For our first term we received many generous one time gifts, however those reserves are now gone and we need either more one time gifts or individuals to commit to regular giving.