In a normal semester we have any number of missionaries and New Tribes Bible Institute alumni visit and speak with our students, sharing their hearts for evangelism and church planting among unreached people groups. This semester has been one of the most amazing I can remember. Can I list them for you?
Jason Swanson, a church planter from PNG spoke at our Orientation in August. Jason and his wife and team are phasing out of the Siawi work, after translating the New Testament and much of the Old Testament and seeing God raise Elders from the tribe who are now leading their church. How exciting to hear how God brought them to Himself.
Vern Dyck, speaking for our Special Emphasis, shared much about his time in South America among the Pume. Listening to him challenged our hearts again and moved many to the point of saying… how can we not be involved in what god is doing.
One day in September, we had the privilege of sitting with 7 men who are responsible for leading NTM internationally. What an incredible opportunity to hear their discussion about the needs of church planters and suppport workers all around the world. As I looked around the room, I was amazed and humbled to be included…men who had planted churches in Asia, PNG, Africa, Central and South America…almost every continent! WOW!
Even today as I am writing, I am in a group of over 40 men and women who have worked among over a dozen people groups throughout the world over the past 25-30 years. They are now representing NTM in the US and Canada, speaking whenever they can to raise the awareness level of Christians of the need of over 2,200 people groups who have NOT THE FIRST WORD OF GOD in their language. We are hearing all kinds of ideas so that we can leave more prepared to get the word out. People need the Lord, but more important than that…preceeding that…(since faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God!) they need the WORD of God!
Thanks for praying for us as we seek the Lord and His wisdom.