From Devastation and Desolation to Hope
Maranatha senior, Muusa Dama, was a young teenage boy enrolled in Mali’s Bamako Christian Academy when his high school was suddenly closed and his world flipped upside down. Due to the rising political unrest and religious persecution in the country, schools closed, people fled, and Christians feared for their lives daily.
In late December of 2010, the West African country of Mali was going through a political war; the country was split from the north to the south. The northern section of Mali was supported by violent rebels who raped and terrorized all who stood in their way. For months on end citizens could not leave their homes; the borders were closed and daylight presented danger. For Muusa and his family, the ever-present threat of a rebel insurgency was a daily reality that could mean death for those they loved. Any man found trying to flee the country was killed and women were terrorized daily by the constant threats that engulfed the region. The borders were closed, the terror was real, yet the risk of fleeing was the only option. The Dama family had to go, but where, and how?
Not knowing what tomorrow would bring, Muusa’s father, Daniel Dama, a native African missionary, made the decision to escape the peril that his family faced and, with the assistance of the South African military, he successfully led his family to Burkina Faso, the country just southeast of Mali. Daniel thought he had finally found safety for his family, but, a week after arriving to Burkina Faso, he and other refugee missionaries were told they must return to Mali. For Daniel and his family, a return to terror was not an option. Ten missionary families prayerfully joined together seeking the Lord’s plan and for His will to be done. Within a week, the families’ prayers were answered as refuge was found in Cameroon, Nigeria, Europe, and for the Damas it was in the country of Benin, just southeast of Burkina Faso. In Benin, Daniel, his wife Esther, and their children could finally get back to what they referred to as a “normal life.” The kids went back to school, and Daniel’s 16-year-old, 6 foot 8 inch son, Muusa, could get back to playing the sport he’d grown to love—basketball.
As a missionary it was a life-long desire for Daniel to leave Africa to study Christianity in the United States, so when he was accepted into Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, another decision had to be made. The decision to go was made clear, but, before leaving for the United States, Daniel knew he had to settle his family in a place where they would be safe from religious and political persecution. Daniel Dama moved his family to Ghana and then came to the United States to fulfill the calling the Lord had put in his heart. Unfortunately, the late move left young Muusa without a school to attend, putting his education again on hold until the Lord intervened.
While attending Fuller Seminary, friends Bill and Jill Zobrist introduced Daniel to Bernardo Gonzalez, who happened to be a basketball coach and former standout basketball player himself. As Daniel and Bernardo began to share their stories, young Muusa often became the topic of conversation. As the
Lord began to intertwine their life stories, Bernardo suggested that Daniel bring Muusa to the United States to finish his education and play basketball for a high school in California. The pair agreed that
bringing Muusa to the United States would increase his chances for a quality education and, Lord willing, provide an opportunity for a university experience.
Maranatha means “The Lord Cometh”. After careful planning, Muusa obtained the opportunity to move to California where the next step was to find a high school that would spiritually enrich his life while providing the preparation needed for college. For Daniel it could not be any high school; it had to be a Christian high school that would challenge his son in all aspects of his development. Daniel soon learned of Maranatha High School. Finding an intentionally Christ-centered school that is focused on college preparation a mile from where he was studying proved to be another answer to prayer and an offer of hope for his son who endured hardships that most do not face in a lifetime. Daniel and Bernardo brought Muusa to the Maranatha campus, where an immediate sense of belonging and purpose emerged. Upon meeting Muusa, Maranatha Head Basketball Coach Tim Tucker said, “All I knew was that he was 6’8” and had a college basketball body. It didn’t matter to me if he could play or not. Of course my purpose at Maranatha extends far beyond basketball, and, after hearing Muusa’s story of God’s faithfulness, I was even more excited to work with him. I knew that we could learn from Muusa and that he could learn from us.” Tucker went on to say, “After a few days Muusa knew he belonged at Maranatha; he was a delight to be around and the players accepted him immediately. He has a warm spirit about him, and he fits right in.”
As Muusa himself stated, “The first time I played with the team, I felt at home. I loved the way the coaches and players interacted and that they prayed after every game and practice. I was touched. When I left Ghana, my mother, Esther Dama, told me to be careful, that being in the United States could make me lose my faith. At Maranatha, I felt this is where God wanted me to be. I knew I would grow in my faith rather than lose anything.”
As Muusa shares his story and the changes that have occurred in his life, he understands the hope that Christ offers. “What I like most about being at Maranatha is chapel. To get together with other students and hear different speakers share their experience with Christ is amazing. Also, once a week we finish basketball practice with a Bible study. Either Coach Tucker or someone on the staff has a story of faith for us. It’s encouraging to be around men that believe in the Lord and Savior.”
From persecution can come triumph, and to hear Muusa’s plan for his future is truly a Maranatha miracle. “My hope is to make it in basketball, get a college scholarship, graduate, and go back to help others in my country to have the same opportunities that I have.”
Muusa’s dream may soon come true, as the Maranatha senior has already made a mark on many interested onlookers. Several colleges have shown interest in the big man. Muusa is looking at some college offers now.
For Muusa, it’s not money he’s after; rather it’s an education and helping others overcome adversity to both know and to win in Christ. Muusa’s experiences have led to a sound foundation, yet he attributes the consistent support from his teachers and the administration of Maranatha for what lies ahead. One of Muusa’s favorite teachers is Mr. Pat Mesisca ’92, his theology teacher. Dama said, “Mr. Mesisca always asks me how I’m doing. He is really sincere about caring for me as a person more than a basketball player. He prays for me all the time. Coach Tucker has also believed in me since day one. He shows me the positive side of everything and encourages me to do my best, and always tells me that my best is enough. Being a student at Maranatha has given me hope for a brighter tomorrow. In the basketball program, every player has to remember a favorite Bible verse. My verse is Jeremiah 29:11 “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Muusa concluded by saying, “My hope is in my Lord and Savior.” From desolation, devastation, and the unknown emerges hope in Christ. Maranatha High School has been pleased to partner with this missionary family during Muusa’s senior year.
Maranatha High School, 169 S. St. John Avenue, Pasadena, (626) 817-4000 or visit www.maranatha-hs.org.
