"A Price to Pay"

As I was thinking about this matter of reaching the world for Christ, I was musing about our future plans to go back to Africa. We have covered every country on the western coast of Africa from Nigeria to Senegal in the past 2 years and 3 months. Now we look farther north. For some time, I have had a burden for the country of Mauritania, as I have crossed paths with dozens of immigrants from this land. They were mostly business people that owned small stores, hotels, and restaurants throughout much of Sub-Saharan Africa. As I began to consider various doors into this country. I came across the sad and tragic story of the man pictured in this post, Chris Leggett. Chris was from Cleveland, Tennessee. He was reared in church by his parents, and was part of an active youth group. As a young man he had gone on mission trips to places like Mexico. After college and his marriage to Jackie, Chris believed that God was leading him to Mauritania to reach the people for Christ. This West African country was not open for christian missionaries, however, Chris did not allow this obstacle to prevent him from doing the will of God. For seven years He ministered with his wife and four children in this difficult Islamic environment. He learned the local brand of Arabic and also, spoke French fluently. His heart swelled with love for the people as he longed see them saved. He worked exstensively in the local prisons and used his education and experiences to help these precious people not only physically, but spiritually.

Then on June, 23rd, 2009 in the capital city of Nouakcott, Chris was gunned down in the street by a North African arm of Al-Qaida. He had given his life for the people and his Savior whom he loved. Though much of the western world would never know what happened on that dark Tuesday, the angelic choir of Heaven rose up in unison as it welcomed home this fearless servant of Christ who had paid a price for the souls of men in Africa.