Niger
Low literacy rates, poor medical care, and poverty are leading factors in the United Nation’s Human Development Index rating, through which Niger is presently considered the world’s least developed nation. With the average Nigerien woman giving birth to over 6 children, this gives Niger an average age of 15.5 years old, making Niger the country with the youngest population. Fast population growth and limited food supply in this dry country lead to food shortages and sometimes famine. Though there are many difficulties in Niger, there are also many beautiful opportunities. Nigerians are typically friendly, warm, welcoming, and willing to give to bless visitors. The difficulties along with the warm culture give many opportunities to serve and share the Gospel of Christ.
Youth Center
The Youth Development Center on the outskirts of Niamey offers a variety of programs to reach out to the surrounding community through word and deed.
Literacy Program
2015 data shows that 11% of women in Niger can read. The Bible is translated and available in Zarma, but not many women can actually read it. We teach literacy with a hope that one day, many women will read and cherish God’s word.
Music School
Most kids have never had the opportunity to play instruments. We teach piano, drums, guitar and bass guitar to children and youth. The songs that we use communicate biblical truths.
Recording Studio
As the percentage of evangelicals is way under 1%, there is little locally recorded Christian music. We have a studio dedicated to only Christian music and resources. The studio has also been used for project such as recording KING of GLORY in Zarma.
On-Demand Printing Press
In the early 2000s, digital printing, or print on demand (POD), entered the printing world. With traditional printing, the price lowers as the quantity increases. Digital printing keeps the price reasonably low and consistent for whatever the quantity. It is the same price per book for 1,000 copies as for 5 copies, and the book produced is high quality. Our POD printer is used by the Lord’s servants to print Christian literature in local languages. One day, we would love to see new Nigerien authors!
Kids Club
Each weekend, a kid’s club is held, giving children the opportunity to learn the Scriptures and experience the love of Christ in action.
Relief Center
Due to flooding in Niger, the YDC has also been used in times of need to house hurting families.
Local Church Building
The center is also used for the meetings of a local church which focuses on making disciples of the Zarma people.
Medical Program
All too often simple and avoidable medical issues can turn into more critical problems if untreated. Many people in our community don’t have the money to meet these simple medical needs. We take people to trusted clinics in an effort to help them physically in the name of Jesus.
You Can Be A Vital Part
Projects in Niger are channeled through ROCK International, which forward your donations to the local ministry called Mission ROCHE. ROCHE means “ROCK” in French and is an acronym for Relève [RELIEF] Opportunité [OPPORTUNITY] Compassion [COMPASSION] et Hospitalité [HOSPITALITY] pour les Enfants [for CHILDREN]. Though all the words reflect the vision of the English counterpart (ROCK – Relief, Opportunity, and Care for Kids), we were left with the “H” to deal with. In the end, the word “Hospitality” was chosen. Jesus clearly decreed for little children to come to Him (Matthew 19:14). In a culture where children were often left out of social situations, Jesus welcomed them. We have not come to Niger to merely deal with children but to welcome them as cherished guests. Not only are these kids our honored guests, but we are their honored hosts privileged to serve them. Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9:37) The heartbeat of Mission ROCHE in Niger is to passionately show and share the love of the Lord Jesus Christ to this generation of youth.
To give to projects in Niger, click on the CONTRIBUTE page, and under “Give to a Specific Project” select: NIGER: Youth Ministries. Thank you for your part in what God is doing in the lives of children and their families.