“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Eph. 6:12
After this weeks’ teaching about the Israelites being healed because of their faith to look at the bronze serpent, about God’s instructions in building His temple, about the prophets being God’s messengers, even a session on prophecies concerning the coming Deliverer, most of the questions and comments were still concerning the animistic rituals/ sorcery that these folks have been steeped in for generations. It is true that the god of this world has deceived their hearts and minds and has no intention of giving them up without a fight. Imagine being taught something your whole life, believing in it, and then having some foreigners come to your home and tell you you’ve been believing a lie! God alone can convince them of the truth, for He IS the Truth and the Life! To help them settle this in their minds, we taught on Deuteronomy 18:9-14 (and some from chapter 13) to help them understand why sometimes those ‘rituals’ seem to work, and what God thinks about using those methods that Scripture does NOT teach us to do. We covet your prayers on behalf of this village! It has been awesome to see the Lord convicting their hearts over this! Areke (pictured left) actually got up and made this confession, “I used to look after all the money for you people who collected it doing sorcery…this sin is very bad, it is Satan’s work!” He then held up a bag of coins and said he would not do that kind of work anymore, and threw the money on the ground! What a testimony! We know that God WILL build His church!
Jordan (9) got to go with Daddy this week! He did fantastic over the tough trails, only needed to be helped a few times, once over the bamboo bridge in the rain, and twice when he lost his footing walking through the swift- running river! Never complained. I’m praising the Lord for their safe return and for the wonderful experience he had!
Please also remember the ministries of discipleship, translation and teaching that are taking place in the home village. Some situations have come up recently and we find ourselves begging our Lord for wisdom, for we feel our lack, and are seeking that “generous” supply that He promises! 🙂 Also, please pray for our co-workers Ralf and Elli Schlegel who are away right now at a translation workshop. Pray that the time would be valuable, and that the Lord would use their faithfulness to make the Dinangat Translation as accurate and meaningful as possible.
Next week we begin the New Testament…drawing ever nearer to the saving Message of the Cross and His Resurrection! Thank you for journeying with us in this mission for souls! It is His will that NONE should perish, please pray that EVERY ONE of these precious ones will understand and …..Believe! “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17
By His Grace and For His Glory! Jeremiah, April, Jordan, Judah and Alayna