Steve and Casey Cretsinger Experiencing Tribal Missions in Guinea, W. Africa 
There are a lot of times when we’re unsure how much is “too much” for our kids. There are some experiences that we have to pass on simply because with three little ones we need to choose carefully what adventures are do-able. This trip out to the baptism we knew would be a long, hot and tiring day, but we didn’t miss out on being there to encourage these new believers.
I asked my friend, Maimuna, what would be the best thing to wear and she said that I should have a new African dress made for the occassion. I had a tailor in town make me an African dress – complete with the traditional headdress. I honestly felt pretty odd wearing it, but Maimuna kept assuring me that it is better to dress African rather than American at these ceremonies. We watched the ladies prepare the traditional rice and sauce for the group meal and were amused by the kids trying to sneak a few bites when no one was looking. The believers from several villages all gathered together to sing songs of praise and to listen to a message from a pastor. It was really interesting to hear the message being translated into several tribal languages so that everyone there could understand it. Maimuna is not a believer and I was glad that there was this opportunity for her to see believers in community together and hear the message. After the church service we all ate rice and sauce together. The ladies sat together with their bowls and the men with theirs. There are so many times that I wish I could speak all the different languages around me. Listening to the ladies share in laughs and stories together was one of those times. After the meal we walked to the river to watch a group to six adults give a testimony of their faith and to be baptized. We take for granted how easy it is to express our faith in the U.S. It’s a completely different story here in Guinea. By saying that you are now a follower of Christ you are turning back on the traditions and faith of your entire family. You could be completely shunned by everyone you know, lose your job, lose the ability to buy and sell items you need for living or even possibly lose your life. So, to see these men and women publicly declaring their faith is an amazing thing. It was also really impacting to see this large group of people praying as a body for these new believers. We pray that they will be able to stay strong in the midst of the persecution to come.
Tags: host family
