Tabaski

We are currently being overrun by sheep and goats! They are everywhere you look - they even wander around the streets. On Monday it is a national holiday - Tabaski. This holiday is for all - we are not sure exactly who will slaughter an animal. We know that Muslims do, but not sure of who else. This is to remember and celebrate Abraham's obedience by offering up his son - the Bible says it was Isaac, the Muslims believe it was Ishmael, though the Koran does not give a name. They remember and imitate the sacrifice of a sheep, since God provided a substitute for Abraham's son. We have been told that this is an all day affair - we are excited to meet some of our neighbors. There is certainly festivity in the air!

It is a huge deal here - please pray as we have an opportunity to meet our neighbors as they come greet and "bless" us. It is kind of like Halloween afterwards - all of the children of our neighborhood go door to door and give blessings and then we give them money (a very small token - around 10 or 15 cents for the kids in one family).

We have been able to share with our language helper - Abdoulaye. We shared with him what the Bible says about His sacrifice and the promise of the true "ultimate" sacrifice of Jesus. Please pray that he will seek out the truth this Christmas season.