Twenty-seven short-term missionaries are joining the International Mission Board’s West Africa team in a new effort called HandsOn. The program offers semester-long missions opportunities for young adults age 18–29.
“HandsOn is an exciting new program to get people onto the field for four and a half months to have a great missions experience and to really make a difference,” said Laura Sharpe, who, along with husband Greg, is organizing the first HandsOn class Jan. 10–25.
The Sharpes, International Service Corps missionaries and members of First Baptist Church, Alabaster, are excited about the help these short-term workers will give to career missionaries reaching multiple people groups.
Called to love
In addition to helping coordinate HandsOn, the Sharpes are continuing their work among the Hausa people group. The couple have worked with the Hausa for the past three years.
As the largest ethnic group in West Africa, the Hausa population is estimated at 30 million people spread throughout 14 countries. There are, however, only about 36,000 known Christians.
The Hausa are considered the fourth-largest Muslim bloc in the world and have strong political and religious influence.
These people are also known as friendly and gracious, which has been an advantage to the Sharpes in their adopted hometown of Abidjan, Cote d’lvoire (Ivory Coast). When their term ends in June, they plan to seek career appointment to resume their work.
Laura Sharpe grew up attending First, Alabaster, where she heard her call to missions as part of Girls in Action and Acteens. Greg Sharpe was a Royal Ambassador at Columbia Baptist Church, Falls Church, Va. Both were influenced by family and church members’ models of ministry.
The couple’s love for missions has taken solid root in their love for the Hausa.
“All I can say is that the Lord has really given us a heart to love these people,” Laura Sharpe said. “We love them even more as we spend time with them and continue to develop relationships. I am so blessed the first time they call me friend or they offer rice from the same bowl they are eating from.”
Noah, the Sharpes’ 16-month-old son, makes meeting strangers easy. His ready smile and open arms are a perfect complement to the Hausa’s traditional hospitality.
Still the Sharpes fret for the Hausas’ future.
“How they need to hear of His love. My heart breaks to think of how lost they are — how much they need the love of God,” Laura Sharpe said. “We have seen an openness here that we have not seen before — and we are praying that this will be their time.”
Whether it is “their time” may depend upon whether they have an opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel. It is hoped that HandsOn will allow more West Africans to be exposed to the story of Jesus.
Those who are exposed express great interest. Greg Sharpe has memorized in the Hausa language the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and has been able to consistently share it with friends. Laura Sharpe finds many women interested in hearing more from God’s Word.
“I am constantly reminded that God does not need us. Instead He gives us the privilege of being used by Him,” she said. “And we must be faithful to listen and to follow Him no matter where He is leading.”
To join the Hausa prayer team, e-mail ssavsm@charter.net.
EDITOR’S NOTE — To participate in HandsOn, students must have completed their freshman year of college. Young adults may be married couples without children. For more information, visit www.hands-on-africa.com.
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