Recently I received a WhatsApp message from one of the women I’ve invested in through our ministry to couples in Niger. It came at just the right time.

With our plans for Niger hanging in the balance, and the uncertainty of our future heavy on my heart, my mind wandered to the dark places of doubt… what are we doing, anyway? Is all of this even worth it? Are we making a difference?

In some types of work there are measurable results at the end of the day. A building is built. A project is finished. A life is saved.

Then there is the type of work where it is nearly impossible to measure results. Teachers, artists, and caregivers fall into this category. If your work involves investing in people, you know what this feels like. You are giving your full effort while not truly knowing the level of impact or what the outcome will be.

Our ministry serving couples in Niger is what I call an invisible work. We make lots of deposits of love and information and prayer and teaching… realizing that we may never see outcomes. It takes concerted effort to keep our hearts and minds connected to the goal: serve and let God do the rest.

But, honestly, this mentality can wear thin.

I don’t recall that I prayed for encouragement, but I guess God knew that I needed a pick-me-up!

Here is the message I received:

Hello Nikki, today I want to encourage you to continue your ministry in my country because couples need it. What you taught us helps me a lot. May the Lord give you more wisdom in Jesus name. I am proud because my friends see a difference in my relationship. Thanks to your teaching I am fulfilled and my husband and I can communicate well.

Words are powerful!

Those words meant a lot to me that day. My spirit and my sights were lifted! Andy too, when I shared the message with him. Perhaps you’ve been praying for us and our ministry in Niger – I hope those words encourage you too!

The ripple effect is that I started thinking about who else in my circle of influence might need a simple word of encouragement…

Is there someone in your life who just might need a timely encouraging word?