Dear praying friends!
Below is the update from our co-workers, Jeremiah & April Markley, about the 10th week of teaching in the neighboring village T…. Exciting news 🙂 !!!
(left to right, Basa holding a green python we found on our way to T., one of the three snakes we encountered last week, Felix and Bayario acting out Gabriel and Mary, Samandeng, really excited about hearing God’s Word)
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Lk. 1:21
Dear Praying Friends,
It is a great day to be a missionary; we have the awesome privilege of watching God change hearts and lives right before our very eyes! Last week one of the lessons was on Zachariah’s prophecy concerning John and the Messiah. There is a different atmosphere among the group as we are shifting focus from the destitution of our souls and our sin debt to the coming Redeemer. It is the most wonderful privilege in the world to be able to tell a sinner about the Saviour who has come to rescue them! There is an excitement in their eyes that tells us they are right with us, knowing their need and anxious to hear more about Jesus! At the end of the lessons they said, “Don’t stop, we want to hear more!” Praise the Lord for what He is doing among this tiny village in the middle of nowhere!
A few more people have been coming forward and denouncing their animistic practices which rely on different spirits (and a lot of trickery.) To this, Felix replied, “That is good that you turn away from these ungodly practices of sorcery. But you need to know that your sin debt still stands- the wages of sin is death and no matter what you do or stop doing, you cannot wash that sin away yourself. Keep listening to the stories, and you will understand how to be right with God.” Praise Him for what He is doing among the Bible teachers, imparting His wisdom and strength to reach these souls!
Yet, this adventure is not without its trials. One of the literacy teachers had a major fallout with his wife which effected the whole home village. While working with him was difficult, we praise the Lord for allowing it to happen. The teacher recognized his sin and he was able to watch God do His Divine work of restoration. He also confessed his sin to the village and the other teachers, and we are grateful to be able to say that they made the right choice and forgave him (although not without some healthy lectures!) Situations like this do not always work out so smoothly, and we praise Him for this open demonstration of humility and forgiveness, for we are all fallen creatures dependent on our Father for the grace to do any good work! The home church is also being tried again by their traditional religious leaders who are wanting to come back in to the village over Easter and do their “holy work”, letting people participate in their rituals for the remission of sins, and all for a price of course. While there are still some that are not quite ‘off the fence’ yet, the majority of the village recognizes the fallacy of these doctrines and are standing firm against their former beliefs.
This week we’ll teach:
Monday:
– Jesus resisted Satan’s temptations.
– Jesus began His ministry.
Tuesday:
– Jesus taught that people must be born again.
– Jesus had power to heal sickness and to forgive sins.
Wednesday:
– Jesus foretold His death, burial and resurrection.
Together for HIS glory,
Ralf and Elli with Naomi, Rebekka and Mirjam