Men and women gathered to hear God’s Word.
From week to week our routine here in the tribe does not tend to vary too much. From day-to-day it is unpredictable, but overall we know what is likely to take place at some time during the week. This week however is a little bit different. We have some big things lined up and are very excited about what is coming. Here is the top 3 countdown.
Number 3: Growing up in Iowa, I always thought the yearly Iowa Basic Skills was just a state-wide standardized testing program. Later, when I lived in other states and found out they too were taking the same standardized test I realized that it was nation-wide. Now, several thousand miles from Iowa, my girls are preparing for those same standardized tests. Since we have been in Papua New Guinea, each year the school students have had to take the testing as is given in the U.S. This year all the missionary kids in the different tribes on the island we are on will be headed our way this week for the testing.
On Tuesday afternoon, eleven other kids will join Avalon and Sierra here in Patpatar land and will begin a few days of testing. There will be a few certified teachers here, including our coworker Madonna, to facilitate the tests. We will also have plenty of moms on hand for cooking and meeting all the needs of our students. It will be a cozy fit with everybody here but should be fun. Pray for our two girls along with the other students this week.
Number 2: In addition to students and moms coming to Patpatar on Tuesday, one of the fathers who is also a translation consultant will be coming. Ned will be doing a translation check for me on Genesis 37-46. This is one of the final steps in the arduous task of translation. Both Lori and Madonna have been able to be a part in helping me and the Patpatar translation helpers to get this portion of God’s Word into the Patpatar language. Please pray for me and the Patpatar men and woman who will be doing the translation check with Ned this week.
Number 1: At the top of our list this week is the Bible teaching that will be taking place this coming Friday. As many of you know, I along with the Patpatar Bible teachers have been teaching through the Bible Chronologically to three different groups. In the process, there have many false beliefs and misunderstanding come to light in the minds of those who are attending as God’s Word reveals truth to them. This Friday will be the culmination of the evangelical Bible lessons as we present the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pray that the Holy Spirit will open hearts and minds and that the Gospel will be understood and believed.
In the last few weeks we have seen all kinds of things come up to thwart those who are coming to hear the truth of God’s Word. There has been a lot of sickness; there have been rumors and antagonism; there have been other events to distract. We pray that this week God would allow victory over these areas and that everyone who has been attending would be able to hear and understand clearly the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
All for Him, Aaron for the family
Fact: This week both translation and teaching of God’s Word is being done in the Patpatar language. Yet there are still literally thousands of language groups that still do not have that privilege.
Dad’s big 6th grader and 3rd grader.