I have already mentioned about the awakening at Bosgoi in the early years of the mission and the number of young men and boys who were converted at that time. Many of them became workers in the kingdom of God. One of these was Hauna. He wasn’t the energetic type, like Darman of Djouman, but he was easy going, and he did much for spreading the gospel. He sat down with his friends and relatives and talked with them, in that way getting them interested in the gospel.
His father wasn’t a Christian to begin with, so he had some opposition in his home; but his mother was a wonderful, kindhearted, Christian who was wholeheartedly with him. She was a praying woman. His father was somewhat against her too, because she was kind to her son Hauna. He had a brother whose name was Semdi. They worked together, talked, and prayed together much about spiritual things. Semdi became a catechist and Hauna was called to Gounou Gaya to teach the children and young people there.
Hauna did a very good work there. Everyone loved him because of his kindheartedness. He desired to help the people when they were hungry and he was able to win their hearts, and lead many to Christ. Physically he wasn’t strong; he contracted an ailment which he suffered much from and he finally died because of it. He was happy both when he was sick and when he was well.
His wife Maria deserves mention, also. She was a daughter of an elder of the church in Bosgoi. She, like Hauna, had a wonderful disposition and was loved by everyone. Because her husband wasn’t physically strong, as mentioned before, he had a difficult time supplying the material needs of his family. But his wife was a very industrious and hard worker. She planted and grew things in places where no one else could get a harvest. God blessed her both materially and spiritually.
When it was mealtime, there was always laughter and chatter at Maria’s place. She often entertained her family and friends both spiritually and mentally. After the meal, she always followed them to the gate to say goodbye and to welcome them for the next time. She was a great help to her husband and there could not have been a happier home than theirs.
She was, you might say, a real evangelist wife, helping both spiritually and materially. And she herself was happy. Thus, whenever life in Bosgoi and vicinity is mentioned, her name is remembered. She certainly deserves to be remembered - not only as one of the finest church members, but as the wife of the evangelist of the church.
It is indeed fortunate for an evangelist to have such a helpmate who in everything goes with him and helps him. We pray that God will give many of the African pastors and evangelists such wives as Maria. Her work and life will live long after she is gone. Whoever visited their home will long remember both his and her kindness, and the spiritual uplift they received while visiting with them.
Maria, I want to be like you! I would have loved to have been a guest for one of your meals because it sounds like people felt loved when they were around you. (I so want people to feel loved when they are around me, but I wonder how often I actually achieve that...) You had laughter and chatter around the table. What hostess doesn't want that?
And you got results: “She planted and grew things in places where no one else could get a harvest.” You did the impossible. You inspire me, dear sister! Also, I love that you walked your guests to the gate, not simply to say goodbye, but to ensure they felt welcome to return. I bet they came back as quick as they could.
I wish I had known you, Maria. I’m really glad Grandpa wrote about you. I'm really glad that he wrote about the value of a woman partner.
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