In the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 13 from verse 44 to 48 we find the Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl. In the first parable we find that the treasure is found in a field (according to the Parable of the Sower, the field is the world; therefore the treasure is the people who are in the world. People appreciated but different from each other, like a treasure with jewels of precious metals, gold coins, vessels of great value, etc.)
From that story we can interpret that the one who finds that treasure is our Father God, and He gives everything He has to buy that field and obtain that treasure. We already know that the Father did not spare even his own Son to buy us with the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8: 32; Ephesians 1: 7).
The Parable of the Pearl is similar, a merchant looks for fine pearls and finds one so valuable that he also gives everything he has to buy it. We see God the Father searching, finding and paying with everything He has, giving the most valuable, his Son, to gain that pearl for himself. Unlike the previous parable, here there are not many pieces that make a treasure, but one, a single pearl of great value. Pearls are found in oysters that come out of the sea, in the Word of God the sea symbolizes the nations. Then the pearl bought at a great price, being that it is only one, is the Church that comes out from among the nations (Matthew 28:19, Revelation 5:9)
For the Lord we are a very valuable treasure and together as the Body of Christ, we are that pearl of great price, the Church that is made up of all nations.
Sharing these parables in the little village where we have built the house, I, Hans, was able to explain to the Korebaju that they are special to the Lord, each one is a treasure and the Father is seeking that this nation also conforms to His church of great value. As missionaries we have learned to share the great appreciation that the Lord has for the Korebaju and that is why we give our resources, dreams, aspirations and even our own lives to reach them. The churches and believers who have sent us have done the same.
I was able to encourage our Korebaju friends to also share that appreciation of the Lord for the people and nations around them, so that they try to reach other ethnic groups with the Gospel. But first I told them that they should be purchased by the Father through the blood of his Son and I asked if anyone wanted to be bought. The grandfather of the community, sitting in the front row answered “Chu’u!”
Already understanding some of the language, that moment was unforgettable for me, that simple word expressed by the grandfather had a great meaning in my life. What a joy to be able to understand a word in Korebaju! And the deep meaning it had at that moment, the grandfather answered the question of who wants to be bought by saying: “Me!”
That is why we find ourselves here, learning this language, leaving our home, exposing ourselves to a different culture and any danger, ready to give it our all.
And that is why you, by the same desire to see these people being God’s special possession and forming part of His precious church, are willing to give everything in prayer and in giving to support the missionary work.
UNDERSTANDING MORE
Liliana in a language study session
I have decided to study the 40 hours a week that our mission consultant recommend, so I have tried to allocate my time in the best way to achieve my goal.
Last week while I was reviewing the language lessons we have, the ones we have done since we started studying Koreguaje, it was noticeable to me that the phrases are starting to make sense in my head. When listening to them it is no longer necessary to look for the meaning but rather I begin to understand the words when I hear them.
It may not be a big thing, but for me it has been a great encouragement, because I am beginning to glimpse the possibility that I will be able to understand this language and, with the help of the Lord, speak it. At this moment I am putting all my effort into this.
I understand that my ministry, like a vehicle, will not start until I have the gasoline of the language in the engine, therefore, with the help of the Lord, I try to achieve my study goal everyday.
A SPECIAL NEED
Our PRAYER
requests
– For the provision of the motorcycle so that transportation to the indigenous village can be more economical and frequent.
– For the adaptation and safety of both of us when traveling on the motorcycle, for skill when driving and that the Lord protects us from accidents.
– For good progress in learning the language.
– Due to security in the region, at the moment it has deteriorated a little. We ask the Lord that we can visit the indigenous communities more frequently and peacefully.
Mail:
A.A. 16569
Bogota, Colombia
E-mail:
hans_frank@nhcol.org
Want to support us?: Phone contact: 866-547-2460
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Check:
Ethnos360
312 West First Street
Sanford, Florida 32771-1231
(To the order of Ethnos360 with a note for Hans and Liliana Frank)
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