I really enjoy the passage in Luke 15 that speaks about the rejoicing in heaven that goes on when one sinner repents. We have had the opportunity recently to rejoice with them even though we had to do it from planet earth! What a joy to hear from our good friends and former students Mike & Libby Wild about the new believers among the Wano in Papua. It does not seem that long ago that they were here at the Missionary Training Center preparing for future ministry.
Here is an excerpt from an e mail I received today 10/21.
“It was a strange feeling to be presenting the “end of the story” after many years of preparation and three months of daily teaching. The Wano language that has taken so much work to grasp, was now being spoken freely by us, and God’s gospel of grace was being communicated clearly… God opened many blind eyes and darkened hearts to respond in simple faith to the completed work that Jesus Christ did on the cross at Calvary… There are some who are still unsure or confused, but we feel confident that we have about 30 new (Wano) brothers and sisters in Christ.”
Here is the testimony of one Wano man named Temi:
“Back before you guys came here we were Satan’s children. Since we were on Satan’s side, in order for us to change our minds, you told us that Yahweh sent Jesus for us, that He sent Him in order to save us. You taught us that if we truly believe that, then we become Yahweh’s own children… Oh Jesus, He did an amazing thing for us. I am so happy. Before I had two hearts. Is God’s talk true or not? When you began to teach us, my heart was two then as well. But then you taught us… The Lord Jesus is amazing. Jesus is amazing. He already completed an amazing work for us. Jesus is amazing. I am so happy… Jesus has already paid the punishment for my sins that I have done and will do. Jesus is amazing. I am happy.”
I am so grateful for those who have given so that we had the privilege of being a part of Mike & Libby’s lives while here in training. I am thankful for their faithfulness in going to the Wano people with God’s Word. I am humbled and grateful that God would chose to give us a small part in expanding the reach of His Gospel among the Wano.
Take time to join the rejoicing that is going on in heaven.