“Living with the Moi people I have experienced moments when God turned on the lights. We could literally see the change in their eyes when they understood the Gospel.” – Steve Crockett, missionary and Church Planter.
I sat crossed legged in the dirt with the 30 or more Moi men who gathered to listen to Steve; a more scary bunch of church goers you would never see. They sat with hair matted, skin flecked with years of grim. They sat with bows and spears in hand, ready to defend any threat which might appear. They were hardened, fierce men. But what drew me was the intent gaze of their eyes as they listened to Steve Crocket teach God’s Word in their language. A nod here, a grunt of approval there revealed they really got it. They really understood.
A missionary came. He and his family lived years among them and now speak wonderful Words of Truth. God is building His Church.
Planting a Church in remote regions of the world, in a culture so different from ours takes courage and commitment. It requires moving out of your comfort zone, your culture. It tests your faith and perseverance. It also takes training.
How do you learn to communicate in a language you do not understand, teach people who have another world view, and who have no foundation of the very basic Gospel truths? I have observed missionaries teaching in remote locations. I have heard the stories of how “the lights came on” when the people heard God’s Word in their heart language.
The tribal missionary task in a nutshell: Planting a Biblical, mature, propagating tribal church.
The upcoming issue of NTM@work is about Training. It explains why missionaries need special skills to share God’s Word to an unreached group of people – and not just seeing the Gospel shared, but a strong church planted and given the tools to share the truth beyond their borders. Subscribe now…
Your partnership means you are part of this incredible privilege. The mandate to take the Light of the Gospel to a dark place and witness God transform the hearts of tribal people.
Macon