Sponsorship Brings Christ's Light to Islamic Africa

“The Sponsor A Child program is our best tool to be in regular, direct contact with our most tender and sensitive population—children,” says Rev. Nouh Yattara, leader of our partner TNT in Mali.

“Because of Christmas Cheer, the love shown through sponsors, and the meeting of educational needs, parents have become more open to the love of God.”

Most believers from Islamic background in North Mali put their faith in Christ before the age of 18, thus, Rev. Yattara and his team are committed to serving children, despite a strong Islamic culture. Through one of their youth outreaches, Elijah House, a number of sponsored children have chosen to put their faith in Christ.

One of them is fifteen-year-old Ibrahim. He says, “I praise God for Elijah House. My life was transformed when I came here. Before, I didn’t have much courage to pursue my studies because I was always hungry. My parents passed away and I had to live with a poor uncle who already had a crowded family of twelve. At Elijah House, not only have each of us learned to respect the other, but we are also helped with food, clothes, and schooling. We are like brothers and sisters. They teach us a lot of good stories about life and I enjoy the ones about Jesus. I received Him as my Lord and Savior in my heart.”

As TNT works to build the Church in North Mali, their care for children has been a key to building and keeping strong relationships with local communities. “In the beginning, Muslim leaders of the schools were reluctant to work with us,” said Rev. Yattara, “but now they rush to carry out everything that is needed for the sponsorship program. We are so grateful to see this program running so well in benefit of the communities and of the kids at school. The children will certainly never forget the people who invested in their lives to help them gain hope in this poor, desert place.”