What is it? It doesn’t have a name. It doesn’t have a building. It’s not Sunday. There is no worship band. There is no pulpit. There are no pews and no steeple. But…it is living. It is made up of believers. Its’ authority is the Word of God. Its’ head is Christ. It is the Patpatar Church.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
For the average American passing by the scene, it probably doesn’t look like a church: A group of tribal people sitting four inches off the ground on pieces of bug eaten bamboo. Most are dressed in their daily garb consisting of well worn and tattered clothes, or just a piece of cloth wrapped around their waste like a skirt. The rusty corrugated tin suspended above their heads by a few bamboo posts help to keep the sun off them, and if the rain starts will keep most of them dry if they are not under the big holes. Beside several of them lies a machete, ready for another day of work in the garden. Though freshly raked from leaves the ground around them is covered in red with remnants of the beetle nut they continually spit. The children many of which are naked wander in and out, and they are welcomed, as opposed to the dogs and chickens which also make their attempt to mingle with the crowd. In the background off to one side people are bathing, washing clothes, or washing dishes in the creek. On the other side a group of pigs are being fed coconuts, while someone else squats near a fire to cook bananas.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
At first glance, it may not appear like much, but you have to look a little closer. Despite the noise of the animals, the ocean, and the kids and despite the distractions, they are all straining to grasp every word that is being taught. The sounds and words would sound funny to you and would make no sense at all. But to the Patpatar this is God’s Word being taught in their own language. Not everyone in the village is here. In fact, some don’t want to be here. In fact, some are telling the rest they should not be there. But yet they have chosen to come. They aren’t very old in the faith; baby believers; two week old Christians, but they are eager to be here. When the bell was rung some left their cooking, some left their wash by the creek, some had been sitting near by ready and waiting. All eager to learn and grow in their understanding<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Someday they will probably have a building to meet in. Someday they may have benches or chairs. Someday it may look more like “a church,” but that is not what we are after at the moment. Right now we are more interested that these new brothers and sisters are rooted and built up in Christ. For now, we are more interested that these new believers are seated securely in the heavenlies. We are honored to be a part of the birth of this church and what a wonderful time to be born around the birthday of our Savior.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support in making this church a reality. Pray for the new Patpatar believers. Pray also that God will continue to add to His Church. And this Christmas when you sit at church, reflect on what truly makes it church and have a wonderful Christmas as we celebrate with you on the other side of the world.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
For His Glory,<\/p>\n
Aaron<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Some are telling the rest they should not be there, but yet they
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