Tuesday, a week ago, was anything but a typical day. There were squealing pigs, lots of people around the house, pieces of bamboo, firewood, leaves, coconuts and cooking pots streaming into our yard. Quiet would not have been the way to describe that day! It was great, though.
Butch arrived with a crew of men, and two pigs that had been sold to us. Aaron oversaw and helped men as they cut bamboo, and built benches, and a shelter for the feast. Tammy and I (Lori) oversaw over 15 women in gathering firewood, and cooking rice, and potatoes. It was interesting to see it all come together. We weren’t born here, so hosting these things can be awkward at times, and we just do our best. The people pretty much run it all, and are happy to do that so things can be done their way.
The reason we had a big feast like this was to make an announcement to the people. Aaron and Butch did an excellent job with presenting to the people how we had come here, learned their language, and now would begin the 3 things we had come to do. We told them we were here to teach them to read and write in their own language, and that we would teach them God’s Word, and translate some of the Bible as well. This speech also asked them for help in proofing and clarifying Bible lessons, which Aaron and Butch have been writing since January. We wanted to build their excitement and get them involved for the upcoming teaching.
The response was great. We had excited men and women. They were excited that God’s Word as well as literacy would be taught to the old, and the young; to both men, and women. On the spot, they started to discuss how and where the teaching could be best done. Several expressed a great desire to help in the work.
Now we are asking you to help us. Would you pray with us that help would come? We honestly don’t know if this response was emotional, or true, but they were excited on the day. Since then there have been many distractions with cultural events here. Please pray that people would remember this meeting and truly desire to come and help, and then later hear God’s Word taught to them.
We are encouraged right now. Butch and Aaron have worked hard. They are continuing to make stride in curriculum development. We are hoping to be able to start the teaching in August of 2008. Pray with us for God’s leading in timing, and that this will be carried out in the best way possible. We know God is in control, and this is His work. Please pray for our team in the next few months.
In His Hands,
Aaron and Lori, along with Avalon, Sierra and Kylee
Missionaries with New Tribes Mission
In the Patpatar of Papua New Guinea
www.ntm.org/aaron_luse
aaron_luse@ntm.org