Towalaka
What would your reaction be if someone told you that something was becoming fat inside of you? Would you be offended, scared, happy? If a nutritionist told you that, you may have to start eating less turkey and pumpkin pie. If a doctor told you that, you may be scheduled for surgery. If a mid-wife told you that, you may have to start preparing a nursery. If your spouse told you that, you may have to show them the dog house. But what if your neighbor told you that something inside of you was becoming fat?
Recently one of the Patpatar believers, Towalaka, came and told me that someone had been watching him for a while and had noticed that something inside of him was becoming fat. Towalaka smiled and proceeded to tell me all the details. For the past two years he has walked the six mile round trip every time the Bible was being taught so he could hear the lesson. Just in miles that totals up to somewhere around 1,200 miles of walking. The weariness from making the familiar trip combined with all his other responsibilities in the village is often seen on his face, yet he continues to come.
After a bad experience several years ago, Towalaka somewhat gave up on religion and didn’t voice his opinions too often about spiritual things. Now however, he is finding himself explaining truths about God and His Word to both individuals and to the community as a whole. The light and understanding he is gaining through our study of the Old Testament, the Gospels, the book of Acts, Galatians, and Romans is beginning to impact his life. And others are starting to take note of the difference.
He has surprised his peers in the village by responses he gives and the insights he shares. Something inside Towalaka is getting fat. There is a growth inside of him, but it is not a tumor or something to be feared. Rather it is a growth in Christ as he understands more of God’s Word and how it applies to him personally. Wouldn’t it be great if our neighbors noticed that we had something becoming fat inside of us, too.
Full of Him,
Aaron
Fact – Pumpkin is very popular in Patpatar, but mostly for its leaves. The pumpkin plant is stripped of its’ young leaves for a nutritional side dish. Occasionally, its’ fruit is allowed to mature and then is usually cut in chunks and boiled in a potato soup.
Avalon with her little friend.
Family update: Earlier this week we received a scare from Avalon who was showing signs of appendicitis. Thankfully she made it through the night and before an evacuation could even be arranged was showing dramatic signs of improvement. Only a few days later she seems back to her normal self. Thank you to those of you who prayed for her. We hope there will be no more reoccurrence during our last bit of time in the tribe before heading Stateside for Christmas.