Hassane* was a terrorist from Timbuktu in northern Mali, a large country in the center of West Africa. (Yes, American friends, Timbuktu is a real place.) I met him when I was in Mali in January 2025.
Originally, Hassane was a soldier in the Malian army, but he defected and joined a Muslim extremist group fighting to create a separate nation in the north. His life as a terrorist didn’t last long; he was soon captured by the Mali forces and thrown into prison in Ségou, a town in the south-central part of the country.
He languished in the prison for three years until last year, when Mali Vineyard members in Ségou began going into Hassane’s prison to show Christ’s love. They brought much appreciated food and found that one of the prisoners’ greatest needs was just having people who cared enough about them to be with them and listen to their stories. Along with showing practical love through providing food and listening, the Vineyard members talked to those interested in hearing about Jesus and began Discovery Bible Study groups for those who wanted to learn more. They also prayed for sick prisoners, and many of them were wonderfully healed–some instantly, others gradually. The prisoners themselves were not trained in the Vineyard five-step prayer model, but they noted the way that they were prayed for and started using this simple pattern to pray for their fellow prisoners. They soon realized that Jesus is compassionate and powerful and hears their prayers.
Hassane and many of the other prisoners did not know how to read, but they were able to listen to Bible stories and discuss them in their groups using MP3 players purchased with money raised by the Vineyard Midwest Central region’s youth. Moved by Jesus’ healing power and what he was learning about God’s love in his Discovery Bible Study group, Hassane gave his life to Christ and wanted to be baptized. But it wasn’t possible to be baptized in his prison.
After nearly four years in prison, Hassane was released. He was thrilled to declare his love for Christ through baptism. (Baptism is a huge step to take in the overwhelmingly Muslim nation of Mali.) But Hassane had a problem. While he was in prison, his wife had moved far away to western Mali. He invited her to join him in Ségou, but he had not been a caring husband before, and she refused to come.
Sidibe, the Vineyard country leader, interceded with Hassane’s wife on his behalf, telling her that he was a changed man. She returned to Hassane, reluctantly agreeing to give him a chance.
Hassane’s wife was moved to Christ by two things. First, Hassane was a changed man. She was amazed and delighted to see how Jesus changes lives. Second, Vineyard women befriended and served her, which led her to join a women’s Discovery Bible Study. She recently gave her life to Christ and was baptized.
Hassane has begun reaching out to old army friends. He understands that many Malian soldiers are traumatized. They have seen their comrades killing and being killed, and their pain has turned many of them into alcoholics. Hassane is currently leading two Discovery Bible Study groups among these needy friends. So far, eight of them have declared their love for Christ through baptism.
Please join me in praying for Mali. Ask God for more workers for the harvest and for a powerful move of His Spirit in this poor, war-torn country. If you want more information about the Mali Vineyard partnership, visit our website, or reach out to the partnership leader Robert Stovall.
*pseudonym to protect his identity
Jim & Vicki Egli are Vineyard missionaries serving the Vineyard leaders and churches in Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Guinea.
