A wedding invitation
Missionaries Steve and Casey Cretsinger are making the most of every opportunity to better understand the culture of the Guinean people.
Recently, taking part in the wedding of a friend led to more than they expected. When Steve’s friend and language helper, Mohammed, came to them for help in arranging his marriage, they learned a lot about the complicated process necessary for a couple to “tie the knot.”
“[Mohammed] gave kola nuts to [the bride’s] family as an offering and to let them know that he was serious about marrying her. Since then, we have been following this marriage journey with him as he seeks to fulfill his obligations to her family,” Casey wrote.
In Guinea a proposed wedding demands blessing and approval from many people and gifts must be given to each person. Because Mohammed’s family lives in a distant village, Steve and Casey are considered his parents and are responsible for him.
“While we are thankful that we can be a part of his life this way – it also means that we get to pay for a lot of things,” wrote Casey.
When Mohammed met with the girl’s family there was a long list of gifts needed to seal the contract – bags of rice, bowls, fabric, soap, a suitcase – and much more. Mohammed agreed, looking expectantly at Steve and Casey.
Finally the day of the wedding came. Steve and Casey were seated in the middle of a circle of people, so that everyone could keep track of everything they did.
After a long day of music and dancing, eating, and blessings, Mohammed and Mawa were married. Pray for Steve and Casey as they serve at the mission center in Guinea and build relationships with the people there. Pray that Mohammed and Mawa will build a strong marriage and will trust in Jesus as a result of their friendship with the Cretsingers.