Gary and Esther Smith
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About

Long Term
Our long term goal is to plant an indigenous, reproducing tribal church. How do we do this? First, we trained with NTM and became coworkers 2 other families. Then we moved to PNG and into the Dinangat Tribe. After years of study we became fluent in the heart language. Then we taught them chronologically through the Scriptures with an evangelistic emphasis on the Promised Redeemer of Gen 3:15. As we taught we also translate the Bible into their language. After the church was born and much wonderful discipleship has taken place we have begun equipping them to reproduce what has been modeled to them, and eventually phase out of the work, leaving it in the hands and hearts of the tribal believers. It is difficult to estimate how long this process takes because there are so many variables. But here is some time frames:

the road to the next village

Language & Culture – 3 to 5 years (COMPLETE 2007)
Literacy & Pre-teaching – 3 months to 1 year (COMPLETE 2007)
Chronological teaching – 3 to 6 months (COMPLETE 2008)
Believers teaching – 1 to 2 years (2008-2010)
Equipping the saints – 2 to 4 years (underway 2009-2013)
Doctrinal teaching – 1 to 2 years (underway 2012-
Bible Translation – (8 to 15 years) Begun September 2006
Phase out – 1 to 2 years

All of this can only be accomplished by the power and leading of our Lord. We will constantly lean on Him for His direction and enablement (James 1:5; Col. 1:28-29). The Apostle Paul’s testimony in 1 Thes. 2:1-12 is our personal goal as church planters. It is our hope to be able to say such words to the established church we leave.

Short Term Goals
Within each phase of the Long term goals are many short term goals that we are trusting the Lord and working towards. We are currently in the teaching the new believers phase which includes:

  • teaching through key epistles
  • teaching them who they are in Christ
  • coaching them in their new found relationship with their Father
  • training them in areas of body life and outreach
  • good relationship with people always must exist
  • healthy family life is paramount

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Gary and Esther Smith

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