Direct Connect Recap: Rev. Nabie's Stories of Faith and Service in Burkina Faso

On October 24, 2024, participants from around the world gathered for a special Direct Connec Zoom event hosted by ReFrame's director. Kurt Selles, and ReFrame's French ministry leader, Marc Nabie from Burkina Faso. This event provided a unique opportunity to hear from a dedicated faith leader about his work in a region facing significant challenges. The conversation allowed Rev. Nabie to share images and more details on the thoughts he shared in his October 2024 Today devotionals.

Rev. Nabie has dedicated his life to serving communities in Burkina Faso, a country known for its resilience in the face of hardship. In his presentation, Rev. Nabie shared insights from the media ministry he leads, which offers both spiritual guidance and discipleship through radio and social media. Burkina Faso, one of the world’s poorest nations, has faced numerous challenges, from political instability to terrorist threats, but Rev. Nabie and his team have remained committed to their mission.

Throughout his talk, Rev. Nabie highlighted the cultural and spiritual heritage of Burkina Faso. Drawing from the nation’s rich history, he shared stories such as the tale of the sacred crocodiles of Sabou, where a village ancestor’s life was saved by a crocodile, leading to the animal being honored by generations of villagers. Another example was the role of blacksmiths in Burkinabe society, traditionally seen as peacemakers and mediators in times of conflict. These stories underscored how deeply rooted faith and tradition are in the everyday lives of the people he serves.

A particularly powerful moment came when Rev. Nabie spoke about the legacy of Thomas Sankara, the former president of Burkina Faso, who is still revered for his self-sacrifice, love for his country, and advocacy for women, children, and farmers. Sankara’s influence continues to inspire young Africans, as Rev. Nabie emphasized the importance of African unity and leadership based on service.

Rev. Nabie’s presentation also touched on modern challenges, such as the impact of social media in Burkina Faso. He noted how technology, even in relatively isolated regions, has transformed the way people connect with the rest of the world. This observation resonated with attendees, many of whom asked questions about how these changes are shaping ministry work in the country.

In addition to cultural insights, Rev. Nabie shared heartfelt stories of the personal impact of his ministry. He spoke about a young man who, after losing his family to violence, found hope and healing through the ministry's outreach. This young man, once on the brink of despair, now volunteers with the ministry to help others facing similar challenges. These stories of transformation showed the profound and lasting effects of faith and community.

As the event came to a close, Kurt thanked Rev. Nabie for sharing his experiences and encouraged attendees to continue supporting the ministry through prayer and financial gifts. He reminded everyone of the power of global partnerships, especially in times of great need. A closing prayer was offered for Burkina Faso, asking for God’s protection and guidance over Rev. Nabie and his team as they continue their essential work.

"Marc's message of faith, perseverance, and the importance of community seemed to strike a chord with everyone," said Kurt, "and the event highlighted the vital role that ministries like his play in regions affected by hardship. Through global connections and support, the light of hope continues to shine even in the darkest of circumstances."