Deeper Still

A letter from Claire Zuhosky serving in Niger

March 2017

Just before New Year’s I was dealing with recurrent attacks of malaria and one instance of typhoid fever. Since I was having trouble shaking these illnesses, I decided to seek medical attention in the capital of Niamey, where there is more equipment and better laboratory standards. While there I was able to meet with an amazing doctor, Susan Beebout, who aided me in finding an appropriate treatment plan. Thanks so much for all the people who were praying for me during this time; I was very encouraged by your thoughts and well-wishes. Upon return to Maradi I found my health to be back in order, praise God!

Last year while I was visiting Grace Chapel Community Church in Hermitage, Pa., during my Interpretation Assignment, I had the opportunity to present at their Vacation Bible School. I previously attended and served at Grace Chapel Community Church, so it was especially meaningful for me to be with them. Many children and adolescents, interested in hearing about the youth of Niger, participated in VBS; they were not quite sure how to respond to the fact that Nigerian youth like to eat crickets! The children and youth devoted the VBS week’s tithes and donations (monetary and hygiene-related) to support Nigerian youth. The donations then made their arrival here in Maradi in January, where they were presented to the president of the EERN, Maiki Kadade, who was excited to be able to hand these items out to areas of greatest need, such as the small and outlying villages. I had the joy of accompanying two evangelists into the village of Koderowa, where we set up outside their church and handed out the donations to the local children. They were all very excited to receive their gift, shouting in a chorus uproar over and over again, “Na gode” which means “Thank you” in Hausa. At the end of our time together I had the blessing and honor of praying over the new friends who gathered near me. As we prayed my heart was reaching back to the loving church that sent the donations and to the amazing God stretched out over us all, warming us in the light of heavenly fellowship.

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Issaka Mousa, one of my advisors, stated, “Today’s young boys and girls are losing their interest in coming to their weekly church gatherings because of the lack of a clear and edifying program for them.” He and other members of the EERN are therefore interested in writing a new catechism for the youth of their church and have asked for my help in developing one. This project is close to my heart as I love the youth here in Niger and want nothing more than to see them grow in their walk with Christ and to be inspired as much as they have inspired me. Please pray for this project, that it would be God’s direction and wisdom imparted in a way that reaches the youth and touches their hearts, taking them deeper still.

God’s grace is abounding and I am so thankful for all those who have partnered with me on this journey, who have read these newsletters, who have prayed for me and for the youth of Niger, who have sought God in ways to be involved in His mission field. I am overwhelmed with joy by your loving support!

Prayer Requests:
• For the youth of Niger, that the Lord would pour His blessings upon them just as the rain invigorates the desert, and that God would teach us patience to wait for the unfolding of the Lord’s plans and provisions
• For God to provide blessings of unfathomable account for these Youth Hosting Centers, spiritually, financially, and programmatically
• Opportunities to use my gifts of photography and video to help aid the communication agenda of the EERN

Your Sister in Christ,

Claire Zuhosky, M.Div.