A Light Like No Other

Boukoki Deux Church Niamey

Sabon Matchi Youth Hosting Center Site

Debbie Braaksma speaking with Pres Kadade and Pastor at Dan Kastari Youth Hosting Site

Youth Hosting Center Architect Drawing

Last month, we were blessed to have Debbie Braaksma and Josh Heikkila come to Niger, during their visit we were able to travel to many different regions of Niger, receiving firsthand updates on many of EERN’s current projects, to pray for Pastors and evangelists, and to encourage our brothers and sisters in the expansion of the church as they seek to fulfill their vision of reaching the unreached. Wow the testimony of God’s work in Niger is so vast, so inspiring, and so spiritually stirring. One of the most inspiring moments for me was getting to see the new Boukoki Duex Church in Niamey, as it was one of the churches burned in the riots just after my arrival in country and has just finished the rebuilding process. What a magnificent site it is, one of the biggest churches in Niger, it stands as a witness to God’s protection and provision for his children, a lasting testament of beauty from ashes.

We also had the blessing of visiting two of the sites ready to start construction for the youth hosting centers that will provide housing to Christian and Muslim students traveling long distances to go to school. We were able to speak with both Pastor Maman located at Sabon Machi and Pastor Nomaw Samie located at Dan Kasari, who were both very excited to be working with the students in this capacity which they anticipate having 20 to 30 participants. This will give Christian students the opportunity to be in fellowship and grow in their faith as these pastors and their families seek to disciple them, Muslim students will be encouraged but not forced to take part.

Over the past four years, I have become very close with the children of our church and their families. They have brought me so much joy each Sunday to see their smiling faces, to see them running to be picked up, and to hear their laughter as we play together. I also really enjoy going with them to children’s Sunday School to help wrangle all their energy so they can listen to the lesson. Therefore, this year for my birthday I had the joy of inviting them and their families, along with my guard’s and Ludwig families, over to my house for dinner and a movie. We watched “Ice Age: The Meltdown” projecting it on the wall in my living room, which was a really wonderful and interesting experience, as half of the audience understood Hausa, the other half understood French, and only one of these was an offered language. Thus, many of the laughs came from watching the comedy unfold before their eyes or hearing others laugh first and therefore wanting to join in the fun. Admittedly, I was one of the loudest laughers and why not when all you want is to see the squirrel finally get that nut.

Many thanks for all of your support, prayer, financial gifts, and words of encouragement! Each day in Niger has been a blessing, as I have had the opportunity to really know my brothers and sisters in Christ here, to be inspired each day by their work and sacrifice. Debbie Braaksma touched my heart as she left her visit, saying “I really enjoy seeing you interact with the locals here, I see you have made real friends.” My Hausa name is “Husky” which means light, as Claire means light in French, and the vice president of EERN said it was a very fitting name for me as I am always joyous when he sees me, I could not be so without your prayers and continued support, there is no light like that which with He gives!

Prayer Requests:

For the youth of Niger as they continue to go to school, find opportunities to make a little money, and participate in church activities that God would give them a vision for a better future, the steps to take, and the patience to stay it.
For God to provide blessings of unfathomable account for the Youth Hosting Centers, spiritually, financially, and programmatically. Please lift up Pastor Maman’s family and Pastor Nomaw Samie that God would give them wisdom for the road ahead in shaping the lives of youth.
For opportunities to use my gifts of photography and video to help aid the communication agenda of the EERN.
For the almost finished construction of a Pastor’s house that my church has commenced, that they would have all the materials needed and the construction would finish on time with no issues.
For soldiers of Niger and many other country’s fighting against Boko Haram and ISIS. We have lost many good men here in Niger to this fight, we pray for their safety, health, and safe return to their family.

Your Sister in Christ,

Claire Zuhosky, M.Div.

Youth Center Development Specialist

God’s Glorious Blessings

Claire and Barnabas, my guard Samaila’s son, born 6/12/2017

Africa Gathering visits Kigali Genocide Memorial

Doing Yard work to make money to attend Youth Camp

In April of 2017, PC(USA) World Mission held an African Regional Gathering in Rwanda, a conference that was inspiring, renewing, and challenging to mission co-workers and peace keepers who serve in many different backdrops. It is now 20 years after the genocide that killed millions of people, turned neighbor against neighbor, created orphans by the hundreds, and left all levels of society reeling in its aftermath. The knowledge that some members of the Catholic clergy took part in the genocide by turning over their very own congregants to be killed led the Christian church as a whole to lose all credibility with survivors, who are still desperately groping their way through the dark to discover if light still exists. Therefore, the first step of reconciliation in this context was and still is a difficult one.

The PC(USA)’s partner church in Rwanda was the first to take a humbling look at itself, acknowledge publicly its fault, and seek forgiveness. The church sought ways to be an active part of the healing process. One such ministry is their Light Group, which brings perpetrators and victims of the genocide together in dialogue. Hearing firsthand from the members of this ministry brought me to tears, for the work the Lord is doing within them is self-evident. They have reached a level of forgiveness that includes visiting one another’s homes and taking part in each other’s family celebrations. Having this opportunity to visit Rwanda was a life-changing experience. My prayer is to return to Niger with my eyes open in new ways to those seeking justice, seeking reconciliation, and seeking healing.

Upon returning to Niger, I found the youth I work with busy preparing and taking their final exams. This was a very difficult period for many students who fear they will not pass, especially those who might be trying to pass their grade for the third or fourth time. Our church held a prayer service the Friday before exams began, a service in which the adults and youth gathered, prayed, and fasted for five hours. The exams took two and a half days to complete and students waited two to three weeks for the results. Please give praise to God for those who passed, and pray for the other three fourths who will need to take the entire year of school over in order to complete the exam once again. The next event that the youth are greatly looking forward to participating in is their National Youth Camp, which will meet August 5-August 10 in Maradi. This camp will feature many periods of delightful worship, hilarious skits, soccer matches, fellowship in every corner of the facility, and the mediation of the word. Many youth’s families find it difficult to find the money to send their children, especially those with large families. Therefore, the youth seek opportunities within the Christian community to find work. A large group of youth did landscaping work at the Eglise Evangelique de la Republic du Niger’s (EERN) radio studio compound; the pastor in charge gave funds to those who participated. I joined the youth during this day of work to be in fellowship with them and I provided their lunch.

It is with overwhelming joy that I report my guard Samaἵla Maman, his wife Rahanatou, and their two sons Nathan and Abraham just welcomed a new member to their family. In the early morning of June 12th, he entered the world, and seven days later the family held a naming ceremony, where they baptized and named him Barnaba. The women socialized in front of the house, where they looked at the baby, helped to cook the meal, and discussed village life. While the men rested on benches just outside the door that secures their walled yard, so many men came that they completely filled the small road of their mud brick village. Smiles and congratulations were passed around as Christians, Muslims, friends, and family celebrated this blessing of God together. I was blessed beyond measure to see that Samaἵla’s wife had chosen to dress the baby in one of the outfits I gave as a gift the day he was born. For it was a symbol of the love and respect we have garnered for one another over these years of service together.

Your prayers, words of encouragement, and financial support are dearly appreciated as we continue on this journey to ignite sparks of light that will ultimately lead to a restorative Heaven on Earth. May all praise and honor be unto Jesus’ glorious name!

Prayer Requests:

Please pray that that those who participate in the Youth Camp this year will be enriched in their Christian development and this fire will last throughout the year.
For God to provide blessings of unfathomable account for the Youth Hosting Centers, spiritually, financially, and programmatically. These centers will provide a Christian housing option for students who walk great distances to go to school.
For opportunities to use my gifts of photography and video to help aid the communication agenda of the EERN.
For the construction of a pastor’s house that my church has commenced. Pray that they will have all the materials needed and the construction will finish on time with no issues.
For a Christian convert woman who wants to have the courage to live her faith openly while in prison among majority Muslims.
Through this season of heat entering into the rainy season, there have been many power cuts and meningitis outbreaks. A few people even lost their lives in the capital city of Niamey and Maradi due to torrential rains that caused structure damage.

Your Sister in Christ,

Claire Zuhosky, M.Div

Youth Center Development Specialist

Deeper Still

Donations from Grace Chapel Community Church, Hermitage, PA

Just before New Year’s, I was dealing with recurrent attacks of malaria and one instance of typhoid fever. Since I was having trouble shaking these illnesses, I decided to seek medical attention in the capital of Niamey, as they have more equipment and better laboratory standards. While there I was able to meet with an amazing Doctor, Susan Beebout, who aided me in finding an appropriate treatment plan. Thanks so much for all the people who were praying for me during this time, as I was very encouraged by your thoughts and well-wishes. Upon return to Maradi, I find my health to be back in order, praise God!

During IA, Grace Chapel Community Church, Hermitage, PA where I have had the pleasure of previously attending and serving alongside, gave me the opportunity to present at their VBS. A great volume of children and adolescents, interested in hearing about the youth of Niger, and who were not quite sure how to respond to the fact that Nigerien youth like to eat crickets. They then devoted that VBS week’s tithes by the children to bringing in donations of all types for Niger’s youth both monetary and hygiene related. The donations then made their arrival here to Maradi in January, where they were presented to the President of the EERN, Maiki Kadade who was excited to be able to hand these items out to areas of greatest need such as the small and outlying villages. I then had the joy of accompanying two evangelists into the village of Koderowa, where we set up outside their church and handed out the donations to the local children. They were all very excited to receive their gift shouting in a chorus uproar over and over again, “Na gode” which means thank you in Hausa. At the end of our time together, I had the blessing and honor of praying over the new friends who gathered near me, my heart was reaching back to the loving church who sent the donations, and to the amazing God stretched out over us all, warming us in the light of heavenly fellowship.

There are two projects that I would like to highlight, the first is my involvement in EERN’s new building project of Youth Hosting Centers, which will aid students who have to walk up to 5 miles to and from school, sometimes even twice a day so that they can eat their lunch at their house. These hostiles would provide a place for them to live while attending school, a place to study as it would have a library of books not available to them at home, a place to develop their life skills, and most importantly, a place to develop their Christian character as a Pastors family would be the head of the household. My role in this project, as I have had experience working at residential programs for youth back in the US, that I would create an overall program that would facilitate the above goals in being met. Become involved by being a prayer warrior lifting up the youth who will live in these hostiles and the people behind the scenes working together collaboratively to bring them into fruition. To provide financially online please use the following link: http://www.presbyterianmission.org/donate/e051746/

Issaka Mousa, one of my advisors stated “today’s young boys and girls are losing their interest to come to their weekly church gatherings, because of the lack of a clear and edifying program for them.” He and other members of the EERN are therefore interested in writing a new catechism for the youth of their church, and have asked for my help in developing one. This project is close to my heart as I love the youth here in Niger and want nothing more than to see them grow in their walk with Christ and to be inspired as much as they have inspired me. Please pray for this project, that it would be God’s direction and wisdom imparted in a way that reaches the youth and touches their hearts taking them deeper still.

God’s grace is abounding and I am so thankful for all those who have partnered with me on this journey, who have read these newsletters, who have prayed for me and for the youth of Niger, who have sought God in ways to be involved in His mission field. I am overwhelmed with joy by your loving support!

Prayer Requests:

For the youth of Niger that the Lord would pour His blessings upon them just as the rain invigorates the desert. That God would teach us patience to wait for the unraveling of the Lord’s plans and provisions.
For God to provide blessings of unfathomable account for these Youth Hosting Centers, spiritually, financially, and programmatically.
Opportunities to use my gifts of photography and video to help aid the communication agenda of the EERN

Your Sister in Christ,

Claire Zuhosky, M.Div

Youth Center Development Specialist

Joyeux Anniversaire (Happy Birthday)

Jael cooking the rice

Sauce made by the girls

Cooking the food at Jael’s house

Rachel and Zach

Playing the drums

This year I had the joy of celebrating my birthday with the youth from church. The day started with going over to my good friend Jael’s house who had previously invited a couple of girls to help us prepare the meal. Over the fire they prepared a meal that was absolutely delicious, with a rice base and a spicy sheep’s meat sauce. To drink they made a juice from lime, sugar, and shaved ginger that was both tasty and definitely tart. After preparations were finished, the youth arrived at my house where we began by singing worship songs. My colleagues the Ludwig family as well as my guard joined in the fun. I love to hear them sing to the beat of the drum, which was passed around during the night to those who are very gifted with it. In the middle of our dancing, we experienced a black out which served as a natural transition to the meal time where people sat on mats outside the house and shared a platter of food with their friends. It was a very fun evening full of joy, conversation, and laughter. The lights returned about 30 minutes later to a resounding AMEN, providing the necessary light to clean up!

I have had the pleasure of working one on one with a professor of French, Mousa, who is also the secretary for our church, he has been helping me to prepare for my DELF/DALF exam at the beginning of November. It has been great to get to know him and he has tremendously aided me in my preparations. The test will comprise of four sections and taking about 4 to 5 hours to finish, and then another month to receive my results as they send them to France to be corrected. As I pass these levels of exam, my written and spoken French become stronger thus placing me in better position to communicate professionally while performing my duties.

The EERN is currently seeking to construct a Youth Hosting Center, with the hopes of fundraising the money to provide others in the future. These centers would be built next to schools in the villages and allow children who are coming from great distances to live there. These centers would provide a sense of community for the youth, an opportunity to be helped with their homework, as well as a vision for discipleship. I am hoping to take part in these initiatives, giving a hand with both the programing and communication through photos and video.

The Evangelical Church of the Republic of Niger (EERN) congregations are currently preparing for their annual Godiya or Thanksgiving service to occur during the month of November, starting with my church in Maradi and then traveling to the other churches throughout the month. The reason for the staggering is that people are encouraged to attend as many as possible. This is one of my favorite services as it is an intense display of the generosity of heart these people have for Our Lord. These services are to give thanks and praise to God through the giving of physical and monetary gifts to the church, each person is to participate. And they do! Bringing all types of gifts joyously down the aisles of the church to music and dancing.

With sincere thanks and gratitude to all those who have provided financial gifts, prayer, and words of encouragement! Each day that I am on the field, I count as a blessing to be with such beautiful people of God as I learn more and more about His Kingdom and His Love Eternal!

Prayer Requests:

For the youth of Niger that the Lord would continue to grow the relationships He has blossomed so that we may grow deep roots of ministry. For the year ahead, opportunities to evangelize through sports outreaches, youth gatherings, and drama presentations.
For God to give a clear vision for these Youth Hosting Center and how we might all play a role in seeing them come to fruition.
I will take the exam in November to complete the 4^th of 6 levels in my French language studies
Opportunities to use my gifts of photography and video to help aid the communication agenda of the EERN
For my vehicle, that it would continue to work for my time here as its constantly breaking down and I am unable to change it

Your Sister in Christ,

Claire Zuhosky, M.Div

Youth Center Development Specialist

What a Warm Welcome

After having experienced a productive, revitalizing, and engaging IA, I find myself embraced once again by my Nigerien friends and family in Christ. It has been my joy to relay the greetings of the United States with the members of the church here in Niger, bringing them the peace, love, and grace of Jesus Christ.

Since my arrival I have been very busy, visiting with friends and members of the church who are eager to hear about my time at home. I have been meeting with President Kadade of the EERN, as well as, other leaders of the church to discuss a plan of action for this year of ministry. Lastly I have been doing repairs to my house and vehicle so that they are in working order.

The passing of intahiya is a tradition of Niger, in which a person who has traveled brings a small gift to share upon return to their family and friends, it can be as simple as soap, or new shoes, or bread, or a game. In receiving the gift, the person knows they were not forgotten. When I saw that one of the leaders of the church emailed asking me to “bring back sage” I wanted to honor this tradition and show my vast respect for this family man so I bought a whole lot of sage, only to find out that my brother was saying return safely, “bring back safe.” We enjoyed a good laugh together to say the least!

On August 21^st I had the honor of presenting the church of Makedoniya a gift from Hebron Presbyterian Church in Clinton, PA. Pastor Idrissa, the congregation, and its musicians were overjoyed to receive an acoustic electric guitar that will aid them in their worship. The Pastor stated though presently we have come into relationship with each other our bond existed long before through the body of Christ. They thank God for the gift of His provision and pray the Lords blessings upon our congregations in the United States.

I am excited to be attending two weddings in the upcoming days and months, especially since I have personal connection to the happy couples. One bride is the daughter of my maid and the other bride is a dear friend of mine from church. I and another missionary have even been asked to help decorate the cake so it will be fun to participate in said manner. These months are perfect for weddings in Niger as it is cooler but we must pray for no rain at least till after the service, which judging by the rainy season we have been having will be nothing less than a miracle.

Marriage of Bulus and Solomi who is the daughter of my maid.

The cake that me and two other missionaries decorated.

I am greatly looking forward to starting my next level of French language courses preparing for an exam in November wherein I would complete the 4^th of 6 levels. It will be wonderful to see my teacher and fellow classmates once again. I would also like to start taking Hausa language lessons as well, so that I can get deeper in my knowledge of the language thus far.

I want to sincerely thank all the people who have given so generously to our ministry here in Niger, it is the provision of God that allows us all to be a part of something so significant, our partnership with the youth of Niger. Please prayerfully consider giving financially to this ministry and let the Lord set the boundaries of our achievement.

Prayer Requests:

For the youth of Niger that the Lord would continue to grow the relationships He has blossomed so that we may grow deep roots of ministry. For the year ahead, opportunities to evangelize through sports outreaches, youth gatherings, and drama presentations.
I will begin preparing for an exam in November to complete the 4^th of 6 levels in my French language studies
Opportunities to use my gifts of photography and video to help aid the communication agenda of the EERN
For my vehicle, that it would continue to work for my time here as its constantly breaking down and I am unable to change it

Your Sister in Christ,

Claire Zuhosky, M.Div

Youth Center Development Specialist

What A Warm Welcome

Bulus and Solomi get married!

Donating Church from Hebron Presbyterian Church

Prayer Requests:

For the youth of Niger that the Lord would continue to grow the relationships He has blossomed so that we may grow deep roots of ministry. For the year ahead, opportunities to evangelize through sports outreaches, youth gatherings, and drama presentations.
I will begin preparing for an exam in November to complete the 4^th of 6 levels in my French language studies
Opportunities to use my gifts of photography and video to help aid the communication agenda of the EERN
For my vehicle, that it would continue to work for my time here as its constantly breaking down and I am unable to change it

Your Sister in Christ,

Claire Zuhosky, M.Div

Youth Center Development Specialist

Homecoming

After heartfelt goodbyes and tears shared, I began my long journey home for my Interpretation Assignment, taking 10 hours by bus to arrive in the capital city of Niamey, then 9 hours by flight to Paris, and another 7 hours of flight to arrive home in Pittsburgh. It had been a year and a half since last seeing my family and friends, so to say that I was excited to embrace them is a huge understatement. I am very thankful to the Lord for having kept everyone safe in our time absent one another.

Throughout my Interpretation Assignment I had the honor and blessing of visiting different PC(USA) congregations, sharing with them photos, videos, and personal testimonies that characterized both the struggles and the joys of living in Niger. Each time I visited a church in the U.S. I was blown away by both their hospitality and their compassion shown through their prayer, words of encouragement, financial gifts, and sincere interest in the mission work occurring in Niger. It is truly remarkable to experience firsthand the amazing things God accomplishes through the body of Christ when we are observing intently the movements of His will. When I think back upon this year and a half of ministry I am flabbergasted by God’s grace, provision, faithfulness, and guidance as He broke ground and dug deep roots for this ministry among Niger’s youth.

On April 17 I had the joy and honor of visiting St John’s Presbyterian Church in Devon, Pa. Their youth did an amazing job of presenting the service this special Sunday, reflecting the love of Christ through songs, a humorous children’s message, reading Scripture, and providing an insightful sermon. I was very thankful that this was my first opportunity to speak to a church as their youth-led service inspired and encouraged me anew. It reminded me once again of the gifts and talents that our youth possess that the Lord wishes to use for His glory and expansion of His Kingdom. How blessed we truly are that the hope of a beautifully blooming future rests with buds of present day!

On April 24 a Sunday School class at Bessemer Presbyterian in NewWilmington, Pa., invited me to speak. I have been greatly enriched by my interaction with these young kiddos as they have taken the time to write me encouraging notes while I am overseas, always remembering the holidays and my birthday. One cannot help but smile to see their handwritten notes and heartfelt questions about the youth of Niger. When I shared my videos and photos, they loved to hear the Nigeriens singing during their church services, to know how they prepare and eat crickets (though surprisingly we did not have a volunteer to try one!), and to see Christian hymns printed in the Hausa language.

On May 22 I preached at Hebron Presbyterian Church in Clinton, Pa., a congregation that has a fierce heart for mission and reaching out to its neighbors, near and far, with acts of compassion and the spirit of evangelism. Their prayer and support has been a true motivation to me. Each time things got tough in Niger I knew that this family of Christ was lifting me up in prayer, and what a difference that makes in taking the next step. I enjoyed fielding their insightful questions as they pursued a better grounding, involving our ministry partnership in Niger, seeking how they could be of further help through prayer, words of encouragement, and financial gifts.

On May 29 I spoke at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mercer, Pa., to their Adult Sunday School, sharing with them my video featuring personal testimonies of youth in Niger. I really enjoyed speaking at this local church since I grew up in Mercer—therefore I know and love many of its members. I appreciated their interest in hearing how Niger is a good example to us all of how Muslims and Christians can and do live in peace with one another, respecting and loving their neighbors.

I am looking forward to the other visits I have scheduled as I seek to share the vibrancy and joyfulness that our brothers and sisters in Christ in Niger live with daily. Upon my return to Niger on July 15 my goals are to help the president of the youth department map out a plan of action for all youth events this year as we seek to educate, disciple, encourage, and equip them so that they may go deeper and deeper in their Christian walk.

Prayer Requests:
• Please pray for me as I transition back to Niger; that the Lord would be preparing my place of ministry in Niger once again, giving me wisdom, discernment, and clarity for His direction and guidance as we work in partnership with the EERN (Eglise Evangelique au Republique du Niger).

• Please continue to pray for the health of my father. His surgery has been postponed until it becomes absolutely necessary; as of right now the size of his aortic aneurism is too small and therefore the risk outweighs the benefits. Pray for the Lord’s timing and hand of mercy.

Your Sister in Christ,

Claire Zuhosky, M.Div.

Homecoming

Claire speaking at Bessemer church with childrens school

A young man presenting his sermon at St John’s Presbyterian

Home Coming

After heartfelt good byes and tears shared, I began my long journey home for IA, taking 10 hours by bus to arrive in the capital city of Niamey, then 9 hours by flight to Paris, and another 7 hours of flight to arrive home in Pittsburgh. It had been a year and a half since last seeing my family and friends so to say that I was excited to embrace them is a huge understatement. I am very thankful to the Lord for having kept everyone safe in our time absent one another.

Throughout my Interpretation Assignment I had the honor and blessing of visiting different PCUSA congregations sharing with them photos, videos, and personal testimonies that characterized both the struggles and the joys of living in Niger. Each time I visited a church in the US, I was blown away by both their hospitality and their compassion shown through their prayer, words of encouragement, financial gifts, and sincere interest in the mission work occurring in Niger. It is truly remarkable to experience firsthand the amazing things God accomplishes through the body of Christ when we are listening intently to the movements of His will. When I think back upon this year and a half of ministry I am flabbergasted by God’s grace, provision, faithfulness, and guidance as He broke ground and dug deep roots for this ministry among Niger’s youth.

On April 17^th, I had the joy and honor of visiting St John’s Presbyterian Church in Devon, PA. Their youth did an amazing job of presenting the service this special Sunday reflecting the love of Christ through songs, a humorous children’s message, reading scripture, and providing an insightful sermon. I was very thankful that this was my first opportunity to speak to a church as their youth led service inspired and encouraged me anew. Reminding me once again of the gifts and talents that our youth possess that the Lord wishes to use for His glory and expansion of His Kingdom. How blessed we truly are that the hope of a beautifully blooming future rests with buds of present day!

On April 24^th, Bessemer Presbyterian Sunday School, in New Wilmington, PA invited me to speak to their class. I have been greatly enriched by my interaction with these young kiddos as they have taken the time to write me encouraging notes while I am overseas always remembering the Holidays and my Birthday. One cannot help but smile to see their handwritten notes and heartfelt questions about the youth of Niger. When I shared my videos and photos they loved to hear the Nigeriens singing during their church services, to know how they prepare and eat crickets (though surprisingly we did not have a volunteer to try one: P), and to see Christian hymns printed in the Hausa language.

On May 22^nd, I preached at Hebron Presbyterian church in Clinton, PA a congregation who has a fierce heart for mission and reaching out to its neighbors, near and far, with acts of compassion and the spirit of evangelism. Their prayer and support has been a true motivation to me, each time things got tough on the field, I knew that this family of Christ was lifting me up in prayer and what a difference that makes in taking the next step. I enjoyed fielding their insightful questions as they pursued a better grounding, involving our ministry partnership in Niger, seeking how they could be of further help both through prayer, words of encouragement, and financial gifts.

On March 29^th, I spoke at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Mercer, PA to their Adult Sunday School, sharing with them my video and personal testimonies. I really enjoyed speaking at this local church as I grew up in Mercer, therefore I know and love many of its members. I appreciated their interest in hearing how Niger is a good example to us all of how Muslim and Christians can and do live in peace with one another, respecting and loving their neighbors.

I am looking forward to the other visits I have scheduled as I seek to share the vibrancy and joyfulness that our brothers in Christ in Niger live with daily. Upon my return to Niger on July 15^th my goals are to help the President of the Youth, map out a plan of action for all youth events this year as we seek to educate, disciple, encourage, and equip them, so that they may go deeper and deeper in their Christian walk.

Prayer Requests:

Please pray for me as I transition back to Niger, that my traveling would go well with no problems. That the Lord would be preparing my place of ministry in Niger once again, giving me wisdom, discernment, and clarity for His direction and guidance as we work in partnership with the EERN.
Please continue to pray for the health of my father, his surgery has been postponed until it becomes absolutely necessary, as of right now the size of his aortic aneurism is too small, therefore the risk out weights the benefits. Pray for the Lord’s timing and hand of mercy.

Your Sister in Christ,

Claire Zuhosky, M.Div

Youth Center Development Specialist

A Joyous New Year

Dear friends,

What a joyous New Year! As with any New Year’s celebration it gives one the time to consider the year that has passed and the year that is to come, it is with this heart of contemplation and sincere thanks to the Lord for having sustained their life, their very breath, that my brothers and sisters in Christ enter the church for a midnight service where we sang praise, offered prayer, and rang in the New Year. The next morning a church service was held again, where people were given the opportunity to sing a song of praise to the Lord individually or in a group, I shared the song “That Where I am, May You Also Be” which speaks of the promise Jesus gave to go ahead of us and prepare a place where will rest in His presence for eternity. After the service, the youth of the church were so charged with the excitement that they stayed for an hour longer playing music and dancing up a storm. I had a wonderful time as they tried to teach me some traditional dance moves, and am happy to report no one got hurt.

Having the desire to truly capture the setting of Niger and to communicate the struggles and joys that the youth here face, I have been investing time and energy into creating a short documentary. I asked for volunteers among the youth who would like to share their stories, and Yakubu, a 17-year-old school student, with the weight of with the world on his shoulders stepped forward. Yakubu attends school in Maradi, while his parents live about 30 minutes away in a village called Danja, although this distance does not seem far to us Yakubu does not get to see his parents often for lack of transportation or funds for a taxi. He welcomed us to his home and showed us where to go as we drove out into the bush just outside the village walls of Danja. It is a barren place, with very few inhabitants, individuals who live out here have their work cut out for them as it takes much walking to carry their supplies. In front of us were three small circular grass huts, the smallest for their grain, the other two the men and women slept separately in. One of Yakubu’s younger sisters was in the middle of preparing millet for their family to eat, I could not help but notice that I took more gear and supplies on a camping trip than these people live with year to year. Yakubu explained the difficulty of their life, his parents lived a nomadic lifestyle in search for work and money to survive, moving place to place, sometimes leaving Yakubu behind due to his schooling a separation that obviously troubled him. As I asked him what he strived to accomplish in his life, what his dreams for the future were, his only answer was very much for the present “to save his family from this lifestyle through finding a good job.” Yakubu is a Christian with whom the light of Christ shines through, while both of his parents are Muslims, their love for each other is self-evident and they do not permit this to drive a wedge between them. Yakubu story impacted my life, and I am left with a hunger for how to impact his? If Maradi, Niger gained a new Youth Center this is not just a life that could be changed but many more.

Thank you so much for all your support and interest in the Youth of Niger, I am truly blessed by your emails, your invitations, your financial gifts, and words of encouragement! If you are not already giving financial support to this ministry I would ask that you prayerfully consider it and seek the Lord’s guidance as we seek to serve Him on this mission field.

IA is an opportunity to spend several months in the U.S. visiting churches to share about the ways we’ve been participating in God’s mission in our part of the world. This means I have the blessed task of preparing for a season of visits to churches, presbyteries, and other groups from April to beginning of July, before returning for another term of service in Maradi, Niger. It’s been a joy to build relationships through online communication and now is a chance to meet in person, if you would consider inviting me.

If you’re interested in inviting me to share with you, please let me know as soon as possible so I can work out a schedule.* I’ll do this on a “first come, first served” basis, while also trying to be a good steward of time, money, and fuel by grouping visits together geographically. If you can help me connect with other churches or interested groups in your presbytery or synod, I’ll be extra grateful!

I’m eager to share about my role in Presbyterian World Mission and the wonders God is doing in this part of the world. Provided below is list of settings and topics to help us think outside the box in preparing for a speaking engagement, however it is not exhaustive and am open to whatever suggestions you might like to offer.

Settings:

Sunday school (any age group)
Special church event (potluck or otherwise)
Choir practice (if the director is willing to give up a rehearsal!)
Confirmation class
Youth group
Young adult group
Clergy Bible study
Men’s or women’s groups
Prayer breakfast
Retirement home or nursing home
Classroom (elementary, high school, college, seminary)
Campus ministry
Mission committee meeting
Presbytery or synod meeting
Church camp or vacation Bible school

Topics:

One of our “Critical Global Initiatives”:
- Addressing the root causes of poverty, especially as they impact women and children
- Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, through discipleship and theological education
- Seeking reconciliation amidst cultures of violence, including our own
Doing mission in partnership with the global church
A day in the life of the youth of Niger
Advocacy as Christian witness
Socio-cultural context

A note on expenses:

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pays my salary while I’m on interpretation assignment, so I neither need nor expect any kind of honorarium. My food, lodging, and travel expenses are not covered, however, and I will need your support in meeting those needs.

We can discuss specifics as we plan, but please know that I will try to group visits by region and share the cost of airfare or car rental among several churches or organizations where possible. I’m also happy to work with you if you have frequent flyer miles to donate for airfare, a borrowed car available for transportation within the area, etc. If you would like to invite me but cannot provide for my travel, please consider working with other churches or groups in your area to combine activities in the same week and share costs. If that is not possible, let me know and I’ll look for other ways to cover those expenses.

Let your light Shine,

Claire Zuhosky, M.Div

Email: cez108@hotmail.com

A Joyous New Year- February 2016

A letter from Claire Zuhosky serving in Niger

Dear friends,

What a joyous New Year! We entered the church for a midnight service. As participants contemplated the year that had passed and the year to come, all gave thanks to the Lord for having sustained their life, their very breath. My brothers and sisters in Christ sang praise, offered prayer, and rang in the New Year.

The next morning another service was held. All were given the opportunity to sing a song of praise, individually or as part of a group. I shared the song “That Where I am, May You Also Be,” which speaks of the promise Jesus gave to go ahead of us and prepare a place where we will enjoy His presence for eternity.

After the morning service the youth of the church were so charged with excitement that they stayed for an hour longer playing music and dancing up a storm. I had a wonderful time as they tried to teach me some traditional dance moves, and I’m happy to report no one got hurt.

(story continues below the photo)

Yakubu and his family

Hoping better to communicate what Niger is like and what are the struggles and joys faced by youth here, I have been working on a short video documentary. I asked for volunteers among the youth who would like to share their stories. Yakubu, a 17-year-old school student, stepped forward. He attends school in Maradi and his parents live about 30 minutes away in a village called Danja. Although this seems like a short distance, Yakubu can’t afford to visit them often. Perhaps that is why he often looks like the weight of the world is on his shoulders. As we neared Danja, he guided us into the bush just outside the village walls. He welcomed us to a barren place, with few neighbors. As I looked around, I saw three small circular grass huts. The smallest stored their grain; men and women slept separately in the other two.

Families that live out here have their work cut out for them because they must walk back and forth to the village frequently and carry all their supplies. As we arrived one of Yakubu’s younger sisters was in the middle of preparing millet for their family to eat. I could not help but notice that I usually take more gear and supplies on a camping trip than these people live with year to year.

Yakubu explained his family’s difficult life. His parents live a nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place in search of work with pay to survive. They sometimes leave Yakubu behind due to his schooling, a separation that obviously troubles him. I asked him what he hoped to accomplish in his life, what were his dreams for the future. His only answer was very much for the present “to save his family from this lifestyle through finding a good job.”

Yakubu is a Christian through whom the light of Christ shines. Both of his parents are Muslims, but the love that binds all the family members is self-evident; they do not permit this to drive a wedge between them.

Learning more about Yakubu’s story impacted my life, and I am left with a hunger for how I can impact his. If Maradi, Niger, were to gain a new Youth Center, it would touch not only Yakubu’s life but many more.

Thank you so much for all your support and interest in the youth of Niger. I am truly blessed by your emails, your invitations, your financial gifts, and words of encouragement! If you are not already giving financial support to this ministry I would ask that you prayerfully consider it and seek the Lord’s guidance as we seek to serve Him on this mission field.

Interpretation Assignment is an opportunity to spend several months in the U.S. visiting churches to share about the ways we’ve been participating in God’s mission in our part of the world. I have the blessed task of preparing for a season of visits to churches, presbyteries, and other groups from April to the beginning of July, before returning for another term of service in Maradi, Niger. It’s been a joy to build relationships through online communication and now there is a chance to meet in person, if you would consider inviting me.

If you’re interested in inviting me to share with you, please let me know as soon as possible so I can work out a schedule. I’ll do this on a “first come, first served” basis, while also trying to be a good steward of time, money, and fuel by grouping visits together geographically. If you can help me connect with other churches or interested groups in your presbytery or synod, I’ll be extra grateful!

I’m eager to share about my role in Presbyterian World Mission and the wonders God is doing in this part of the world. Provided below is list of settings and topics to help us think outside the box in preparing for a speaking engagement; however, it is not exhaustive and I am open to whatever suggestions you might like to offer.

Settings:

 Sunday school (any age group)

 Special church event (potluck or otherwise)

 Choir practice (if the director is willing to give up a rehearsal!)

 Confirmation class

 Youth group

 Young adult group

 Clergy Bible study

 Men’s or women’s group

 Prayer breakfast

 Retirement home or nursing home

 Classroom (elementary, high school, college, seminary)

 Campus ministry

 Mission committee meeting

 Presbytery or synod meeting

 Church camp or vacation Bible school

Topics:
One of Presbyterian World Mission’s “Critical Global Initiatives”:

- Addressing the root causes of poverty, especially as they impact women and children
- Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, through discipleship and theological education
- Seeking reconciliation amidst cultures of violence, including our own
Doing mission in partnership with the global church
A day in the life of the youth of Niger
Advocacy as Christian witness
Socio-cultural context

A note on expenses:
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pays my salary while I’m on interpretation assignment, so I neither need nor expect any kind of honorarium. My food, lodging, and travel expenses are not covered, however, and I will need your support in meeting those needs.

Let your light shine,

Claire Zuhosky, M.Div.
Email: cez108@hotmail.com
Read more about Claire Zuhosky’s ministry
Blog: https://clairezuhosky.wordpress.com/