Yesterday Macon Hare told us stories from the survey trip he and Nate took to the Moi tribe in Indonesia.
It rains everyday there, and the people live in hamlets, a couple houses here and there on the mountain, at 2400-3000 ft elevation. The slope of the mountain, where we will be hiking, is like climbing up a mud swamp because it rains everyday. For hiking, one of the missionaries uses boots with traction in the arches; while Nate went barefoot in the tribe – a true MK right at home.
Imagine a people afraid of water – welcome to the Moi tribe! When someone dies in the Moi, they cut open the body after a few days and smelly water comes out; so the people associate water with death. They don’t bathe much and have skin problems. Pigs living underneath their houses contribute to bugs and lice. Macon, who’s been to a lot of tribes, said these are the dirtiest people he’s ever seen. The positive, though is that God is changing their lives. Some of the people are now believers, and I wonder how and when God’s Word will make a difference for their fear of water.
As I went on with my day, thinking about all the mud and dirt in the tribe, I realized that I am just like the tribal people. Their culture is afraid of water, and I’m afraid of dirt. They live in bondage to fear, but I know God’s Word can make a difference for their fear and mine. God made the earth, so I’m trusting Him to protect me, even if I get sick or something. (Ps 121 for the traveler) When I dwell in God’s presence, I shall not fear. Thanks for praying.
I’m really getting excited about this trip – more about what God is doing and how I’m learning to trust Him for all the little details. I can’t wait to see how He takes me through this journey. It’s going to be a wild adventure! Soon we’ll be buying tickets and making plans to go overseas.
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