by Becky Kerr, Editor/Journalist
If you look up “Timbuktu” (or Tombouctou as it is spelled by the French) in Wikipedia, you will learn many interesting things about this legendary town in Mali, West Africa. While Timbuktu is important for trading, for learning, and for promoting the religion of Islam, it remains a town with street scenes that appear to have come straight from Old Testament times. The city is located on the edge of the Sahara Desert, and its name has become synonymous with “the ends of the earth.” Timbuktu was included when Christ told His disciples that they would “be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8 – emphasis added). Indeed, missionary work has been and continues to be strong in Timbuktu and the entire country of Mali. The Baptist Church of Timbuktu is thriving amid the predominantly Muslim population.

Much of the fundamental mission work in Mali is done by Evangelical Baptist Mission. When EBM missionaries and Malian pastors felt the need for a Songhai Bible translation, they turned to Bibles International. The work began in 2000 in Diré, a town not too far from Timbuktu. The translation team, overseen by EBM missionary Ken Beckley, has been zealously and faithfully working on the New Testament ever since. They have also completed Genesis.

It will be several years before the New Testament is completed, but much has been done with the Scripture portions translated thus far. For example, the Songhai translation of Luke was used as the text for the Jesus Video. Songhai speakers sat spellbound in their seats as they heard about Jesus for the first time in their heart language. Though many Malians speak French, the Jesus Video in French had not held their attention. Upon seeing the Songhai version, one viewer remarked, “We were told that Jesus was Jewish, but He’s Songhai!”
Additionally, each of the four Gospels has been printed in a small paperback format for distribution throughout Mali. Missionaries are preparing Sunday school materials from these Scripture portions, and future literacy materials will incorporate Songhai Scripture passages as well.

One fact you will not find in the Wikipedia entry on Timbuktu is the Oasis Project developed by EBM missionaries. In the middle of all the desert sand and dryness, the missionaries have developed an extensive area of irrigated land that produces green plants, beautiful flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The project helps teach the Malians about crop growing and also provides jobs for some.
The Oasis Project is a picture of the spiritual oasis that is being cultivated in Timbuktu. In the middle of the dryness and emptiness of the Muslim religion, God has planted Christians and is growing His church. The New Testament in Songhai will make the living water even more available to thirsty souls. Thank you for your significant part in this beautiful process.