Why would a person leave the comforts of civilization to brave the jungles of Brazil? New Tribes Mission is passionate about going to the most remote areas to find those people who have the least chance of hearing about Jesus Christ. By taking steps to “do it right the first time,” NTM missionaries teach the Gospel clearly, so the listeners thoroughly comprehend the story of salvation, from the fall, through the promises of a Messiah, and up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
But that’s not the end of the process. Once the people understand the truth, they still need to hear about the Church. And have Bibles translated. And learn to teach and preach and go to the next door people group with the Gospel. This vision of God-worshipping churches thriving in every place on earth is what inspires the NTM team to carry on.
In a one year term, I won’t be able to translate a Bible, or see an entire village rejoice in the realization of what God has done for them. Though my part will be small, I am no less excited about performing it. My dream job has always been to work on computers; here, I’ll be a part of an IT team that is overjoyed for another set of hands to lighten the load. My greatest apprehension about having a computer job is being stuck in the office forever; here, they’ll be thrilled to assign me outdoor tasks such as clearing jungle growth from the power lines – power is an intrinsic part of keeping the computers working! I have always enjoyed working with kids (maybe that comes from have 11 siblings); here, I’ll be able to live at a school and teach a class.
Living in the jungle, working my dream job, surrounded by God’s people doing God’s work; it doesn’t get better than that. Best of all, it’s part of that immense vision that Jesus hinted at when He said “I will build My Church.”