Lori helping during literacy class
“Oh no, September is finished. This isn’t good. It means the school for reading and writing is going to finish quickly. It would be good if we could just keep doing more and more school,” sighed one of the literacy students when he realized two of the four months were now complete. Surprisingly, he is the most educated student in the class, but he cannot get enough school. Every morning, he and the other students, contrary to their culture and lifestyle, show up early to wait for the literacy class to begin.
Though the rhythmic reiteration of syllables can be on the side of boring, the students continue to come and be taught. Nine of the students are also being trained as teacher trainees who will be doing most of the teaching in the future classes.
We look forward to how God is going to use His Word in the lives of those who will be able to read it for themselves. We are already excited about doors the literacy school is opening up and the fact that two of the students who had never come to hear the teaching from God’s Word, have been coming.
The Patpatar believers are also halfway through their study of the book of Romans. We began chapter 8 this last week. I caught one of the men that afternoon sitting and talking to himself. “It is good…good…it is nice…good,” he mumbled. Taking the liberty to interrupt his one-way conversation I asked him what was good. “The lesson from God’s Word,” he replied, “It is really, really good.” Another believer told me how much he is now realizing the impact of his Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection and his identity with Him. He explained, “It is not me, it is not my work, it is all and only God and my sitting down in Him.”
During part of this first half, we have had the privilege of having one of our coworkers back! As some of you know, we have been without our “team members” since February 1st of this year. Butch was able to come back in September. He has been a big help, and encouragement to us and the people as he has been with us. His visit it now coming to a close and he will be leaving next week as we continue to carry on with the last half of the classes.
Thanks for your prayers with us as the second half starts next week.
Sitting down in Him,
Aaron
Kylee and friends
Fact – “Gut” is the Patpatar word for mouse. Recently its use in the language has increased as it is starting to be used not only for the furry rodent, but also for the peripheral computer device. As we are able to, we are also introducing basic computer skills to some of the Patpatar people who have the technological world beginning to encroach on their bamboo huts and electricity free lives. Just yesterday a second individual completed the Typing 1 Course that we offer.v