The R Family

Serving Africa

The R Family and began their journey more than 20 years ago with a desire to share the Gospel in Africa. This grew into a passion for Bible translation, literacy, and church planting. So after studying linguistics with Wycliffe, the high percentage of unreached people groups and the scarcity of translated Scripture in one country moved their hearts to serve there. In 2009, they learned French, and in 2010, headed to Central Africa.

They live among the T, a predominantly Muslim group of more than 190,000 people. The T people have been 100% Muslim for centuries, but in the last 10 years, a few families have come to faith. Life among the T people is communal, centered on shared relationships, and shaped by the challenges of living in the Sahel’s harsh, hot, and dry climate.

Their ministry has focused on faithfully proclaiming the Gospel in word and deed. In their early years, they participated in various humanitarian projects, such as well-drilling and dental clinics. However, much of their daily lives has always involved visiting neighbors, building relationships, and leading conversations toward the Gospel. Over the past 7–8 years, they have become an accepted part of the community, where there is no expectation of humanitarian works—just a desire that they live life with the people.

Alongside the T believers, they developed 47 Bible stories, which have been effective tools for sharing God’s word. As one of the only resources available in the T language, these stories have been embraced and appreciated by the T community. In recent years, they have also worked on translating portions of the four Gospels into the T language, while continuing efforts in language and literacy development to prepare the T people to read and engage with Scripture when it becomes fully available.

Please pray:

-That the T believers would continue to grow in their love of Christ and be bold in sharing the truth with others.
- For the salvation of our T friends and neighbors who have heard the Gospel many times.
- That God’s word would reach the T beyond anywhere we can take it and for the salvation of the people.
-That God would give us restoration, wisdom, strength and perseverance as we plan what’s next.