I had carefully worked my way through a Bible Lesson with the Patpatar men. Each portion in this Genesis account brought out the incredible traits of the One True God. His supremacy, His holiness, His absolute power, and His infinite wisdom were carefully portrayed through the pages of Scripture. I had carefully developed each point and tied in cultural examples from the Patpatars’ daily life. I had prayed through this lesson for God’s direction and insight. Then I taught it!
The three men in my office seemed to be following each point. I thought they really understood these truths. It was exciting to think the light of God’s Word was penetrating. As I neared the end, I proclaim, “God is great!” and I waited for a response.
Instead of agreeing and being excited they scratched their heads. Then one of them spoke up, “You can’t say that! God is not great.” “Oh no,” I thought, “they don’t get it.” I wondered why they hadn’t understood. I wondered what I had miscommunicated. A flood of concerned entered my head in that moment.
After only a brief pause in which all these things entered my mind, the man continued speaking. “You can’t say that God is great.” He continued, “You need to say that God is very highly super great completely!” Wow! I couldn’t keep my smile back as the relief and the excitement replaced my fears. God’s truths were penetrating. These men were getting it.
Continue to pray for us during this time of curriculum development. Pray for the Patpatar men that are helping, as they are hearing new truths about God communicated to them in their own language. Pray for God’s Spirit to work in the hearts of the Patpatar people as the time for them to hear the Gospel is drawing near.
For His Glory,
Aaron