REJOICE WITH US AS WE SEE YET ANOTHER LANGUAGE GROUP REACHED WITH THE GOOD NEWS OF CHRIST’S DEATH BURIAL AND RESURRECTION in PNG!
“It’s 7:30PM here (Friday their time) and we just got back from the Teaching House, heads spinning, and hearts floating high. We began today’s lesson an hour earlier (4PM), and started by acting out the crucifixion. From there we taught: Why did Jesus have to die? What did that mean for us? Why had God the Father forsaken Him? What did He mean “it is finished”? What did the torn curtain mean? How in the world did the thief get saved? From there we acted out the resurrection and then taught on the significance of it. Finally the ascension and some more teaching.
Obviously the reactions were as varied as the individuals that were in attendance, but the neat thing was to see the joy that many of these men & women wore on their faces. For the ones that have been faithfully coming and listening to this talk…wow, it was the culmination of hope for them! They finally know with clarity, the road that God made for them…Jesus Christ the Road Man…didn’t just show or make a road…He IS the Road!
Here are some of the things that a few of the folks said:
“Brandon, it’s so clear now. I used to go to church, give money, and do good. All those things I thought would make me clean in God’s eyes. But when I slept at night, truly I had no idea where I would go when I die. But now I know! Brandon, I’m not scared of dying anymore. Now we know why Gail (our co-worker who was diagnosed with severe cancer) wasn’t afraid of it either.”
Another fella just kept saying “Really?! Really!?” Everyone beside the guy kept looking at him like he was nuts, but he was just beside himself with amazement at what Jesus had completed on his behalf.
One friend said, “I’ve been listening to the whole teaching and I understand this. I believe this. I know Jesus ONLY has straightened my sin pay. Now I understand this and the first thing I’m going to do is tell me family. They need to hear this.”
Another said, “We’ve talked about it already. We’re going to be going to the next islands to share this talk (15 miles – open ocean). We’ll row in our canoes if we have to. They need to hear. They don’t understand this talk at all. None of us did. We’ve been lied to this whole time. Man, those folks who lied to us are going to carry BIG PAY for the behavior. But us, we need to get this talk to others now.”
These are just some preliminary thoughts, words that have come out in the first hours. Obviously, as with any birth, the work has really only started. But we wanted to share with you as soon as we could so that you can glorify God with us. No numbers or anything like that, but today the Lord has definitely reaped a harvest for Himself on this little volcano in the Pacific.
Thanks so much for the prayers. We’ll send more soon.
Marveling,
-Brandon for the rest of the Biem Team.”
What a blessing to see God faithful as this team has done the teaching and the people have heard the GOOD NEWS!
Thanks for being a part of this team to reach the world with the Gospel! It takes a TEAM. We are thankful to be a part as we serve here at the home Offices.
Thanks for your prayers for this team, these new believers, and these people who are still thinking about what the teaching means in their lives.
Please remember to pray for us. The Lord is teaching us plenty, and we are asking to be used by Him, in His way and time. Fall brings us new challenges, and many blessings.
We rejoice that Tim has a job now again after a month or so of working on his own mowing lawns and odd jobs. He is employed at Taco Bell and is enjoying it. David is struggling to make ends meet at the Bible school, but has a great attitude and is working when he can. He does janitorial work and occasional tree trimming. He is on the student leadership team, and enjoying that. Last month he had an opportunity to sing a few of his songs on a local TV station. We are eagerly waiting to hear/see that broadcast recording online. Please pray for David and his studies at the Bible Institute, for God’s provision and David’s learning. Thanks.
We have stepped back from the Youth Group for a time and are trusting God to work in the group, and in our lives. He is faithful. George is still teaching adult Sunday School at our church, and Linda is playing Piano and leading the Choir for a Christmas Cantata.
We are trusting the Lord for direction for a trip up north this next month. Praying much for direction, and God’s wisdom regarding the timing involved and the places to go. We would like to connect with friends and churches along the way on this trip through Indiana (10/22), Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois (10/24,25), and maybe a few others. If you or someone you know would like to have a missionary share about world missions, let us know!! (Church, Sunday school, small group, home meetings, or just a meeting over coffee!). We are available!
Thanks for joining with us in prayer. Thanks for your part on our team.
With our love and prayers,
George and Linda Heckman
NTM Home Offices-Sanford Florida