Derik and Sarah Grant (NTBI 2000 graduates) are in the thick of ministry. They and their partners, Scott & Jennie Phillips, have been teaching the Dao people of Indonesia for a number of months and in mid-August presented the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus."
It’s true! This is a true talk!" shouted Todopui, a Dao leader.
Others chimed in. "Jesus has done a very big thing for us," exclaimed Bedenadus.
"This really is a big and true talk!" said Wadamena.
Almost the entire group of Dao people who attended the lesson expressed faith. Some did it by jumping up and exclaiming, but most simply grinned ear-to-ear and listened to their brothers and sisters witness.
A number of weeks ago, Scott’s mother had to undergo a serious operation here in the States. They told the Daos attending the teaching that they had decided to stay in the tribe until they had finished the lessons because their message is the most important message the Daos will ever hear.
A few days later, a very important woman in the tribe died. Rather than take the customary 3-4 days to mourn her death, the Daos decided to continue with the teaching.
Voicing the sentiments of the group, one of the men said, “Was it not three days ago that Degapiyaa (Scott’s Dao name) told us of his mothers sickness ? Did they not tell us that this message was important enough that even if his own mothered died he would not leave us? Are he and his wife not still here at this very moment sitting among us and keeping their word to finish telling us the Creator’s talk ? We need to stay! We need to put God’s talk first. If it is a big enough message for Degapiyaa to stay it will also become a big message for us!”
On August 19th New Tribes Bible Institute began its fall semester. 98 freshmen have decided that the Word of God is important enough to give 2 years of their lives in an exhaustive study of its truths. Another 124 students (juniors and seniors) will complete their studies this year.
These young people are sacrificing a lot by putting God’s Word first: separation from family, delayed career goals, the financial cost of their education, just to name a few. Like the Dao people, their actions show that they have placed a high premium on understanding and following “God’s Talk”.
Pray for all of our Bible students, including those studying in our sister schools in Jackson, MI, England, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Venezuela, Colombia, and Bolivia. Pray that they will persevere in their studies. Pray that they will understand God’s Word and incorporate its truths into their lives.
Pray for the first Dao believers; that they will continue to hunger for a deeper understanding of the scriptures. Pray that more of them will learn to read so they can grow in their faith.
Thank you for your part in the ministry of NTBI through your prayers and giving. We count it a privilege to partner with you. Together we are impacting the lives of the students and those whose lives they touch!
Yours for the Harvest
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