Homecoming

A letter from Claire Zuhosky in the U.S., on Interpretation Assignment from Niger

May 2016

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.

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

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!

Claire with boys from Bessemer Sunday School

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.

Hebron’s congregation before Claire preached

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.