Much is learned during night watchesThey are unique moments to meet other Ko’revajʉ people, listen to their songs, and hear biblical teachings in their own language.
NOW SETTLED
Since early March, we have been in the village to which we moved in order to be close to the indigenous communities.
We spent a week unpacking the belongings from the move we made at the end of November and getting the house ready. Then we immediately began the routine of visiting the nearby indigenous village, alternating one week there with another week at home to process on the computer what we learned.
Liliana has made good friends in the indigenous community, especially among the younger children, who welcome her with great joy and enthusiasm.
On this occasion, she is painting little animals with the neighbor’s girls. The children invite her to go to the river “to wash clothes with them,” although in reality it is just an excuse to play for a while.
Her energy is not the same as before, but these are still enjoyable times and good opportunities to learn, since they do not speak much Spanish, which means making an effort to use the Ko’revajʉ language.
MUCH IS LEARNED
DURING NIGHT WATCHES
Among the Ko’revajʉ people there is a certain level of evangelical activism, so during the month of March several night watches were held. These consist of gathering in one place, with people arriving from different villages to spend the night receiving teaching and singing until dawn.
We had the opportunity to participate in three of these night watches, aware that they are unique moments to share with the community, meet other Ko’revajʉ people, listen to their songs, and hear biblical teachings in their own language.
The night watches also includes good food!
Meals are served at the beginning of the night, at midnight, and again at dawn.
One of the night watches took place three hours downriver in an indigenous village that we had not previously visited. Hans took advantage of the trip and the opportunity to meet the people there, coming away with a very positive impression of their kindness and their openness to the Gospel. Without a doubt, this experience broadened our vision of the magnitude of the missionary work that still needs to be done.
Note: The headscarf that Hans is wearing does not reflect any religious practice of reverence, but rather the need to protect himself from the intense sun during the journey in a roofless canoe. Thankfully, on the return trip the weather changed, and the rain made the journey much more bearable.
ABOUT THE NEEDS
Attending the night watches has allowed us to confirm what we had already been observing about the condition of the Ko’revajʉ church. The people show a desire to seek the Lord, but there are serious deficiencies in their understanding of the Gospel of grace. They often combine their beliefs, producing a form of syncretism, and the teachings tend to reflect more emphasis on emotions than on doctrinal depth.
When teaching, they use the Word of God, but with explanations and applications that are insufficient for the listeners. In addition, the version of the Bible being used is not the one translated into their own language, but rather a Spanish version that is more difficult to understand for a people who are not fully bilingual.
We grieve over what is happening; however, this also encourages us to continue learning the culture and the language, knowing that this process will allow us to better understand the existing needs and how to serve effectively, under the Lord’s guidance, this indigenous nation that, despite its religious appearance, continues to be one of the least reached by the Gospel.
Our PRAYER
REQUESTS
We thank God for the house He has provided for us in this village, where it is difficult to find housing.
We also give thanks that our youngest son, the last one who remained at home, is now working and providing for his own needs. God continues to show His faithfulness to our children.
Thanks to the Lord and to your prayers, we are now settled in the town and beginning to form new friendships. There are two young women who have expressed their desire to study the Bible, and Liliana would like to take advantage of this opportunity by meeting with them on a monthly basis. Let us pray that this may become a reality.
Let us pray that the Lord will continue to grant us His grace so that we may move forward more quickly in learning the language and in understanding the culture, now that we will be living closer to the Ko’revajʉ communities.
Finally, we ask for the Lord’s protection in the midst of the insecurity that exists in this region of Colombia where we minister, not only for us, but also for our Ko’revajʉ friends.
Mail:
A.A. 16569
Bogota, Colombia
E-mail:
hans_frank@nhcol.org
Our monthly budget is short $190 per month
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