Jaffray Project 2019: Investing in People

Kristi Hopf is an international worker in Niger serving the Fulani people, a group of people the Jaffray Project is reaching. She is involved in a program that teaches local Fulani agricultural strategies, such as zaï holes,¹ and composting. Christophe, the agricultural trainer, had a village representative plant an experimental field to demonstrate what was taught. The rains were scattered this year. The Fulani farmers had planted multiple times, but there was not enough rain to sustain the millet. People were saying that, “An invisible umbrella had been placed over Niamey, the capital city, to keep the rains out.” Other people said that their religious leaders were saying that, “There will be a drought this year and no millet will be harvested.” While all of this was happening, Kristi prayed. And when the rains still did not come, Kristi urged others to pray with her.

The Jaffray project is intended to inspire and motivate us to continue to bring access to Jesus to the least-reached people of the world. The Global Advanced Fund (GAF) is the underpinning of all international worker support and the Jaffray Project is the avenue in which each year we promote the opportunity to invest into a people group where few or none have heard the message of Jesus. The Jaffray Project is not a separate fund than GAF, rather it is used to give the initial boost and focus that will lead to multiplying disciples and dynamic faith communities.

This year in Niger, Kristi helped plant a field, and she trusted God for rain. The day before the millet would die due to a lack of rain, God answered her prayers and provided. Though the rains continue to be less than normal and some fields are dying, while others are still growing, the villagers have noticed that the height of the millet planted in the experimental field surpasses that of the regular plantings.

Through the agricultural program, Kristi has developed relationships with the Fulani. Every week a group of them gathers and Kristi tells them a story from the Bible. As Kristi teaches agriculture, she has been telling the stories of Noah and Joseph. She teaches patience and tells them that, just as God showed Noah and Joseph how to prepare for lean years and hardships of the flood, the Fulani can prepare for what may come. She is astounded at how many of the village chief ’s family have begun attending the story times! The Fulani are thirsty to hear more about God.

There are people all over the world who are eager to hear more about God. The Jaffray Project sends international workers to least-reached people groups such as the Fulani, Wolof, Yazidis, and Balinese Hindus.² Your support launches new workers and supports the Global Advance Fund.³ Join us.

¹ Creating zaï holes is a farming technique done by digging small holes in the fields before planting season, filling them with compost, and allowing rain water to gather in them. A farmer will then plant their seeds in these holes.
² Learn more about the impact of these donation at www.cmacan.org/Jaffray
³ The Global Advance Fund (GAF) underpins all the C&MA in Canada international worker support.