Where we live in the Philippines, we have a dry season that lasts up to six months. During this time, the wells will dry up and the ground will harden like a rock. Truly, one can break his shovel if he tries to dig in this dirt. The rice fields almost look like a desert. Usually in the month of May, the rains return. Farmers are anxious to get out there and starting plowing. However, they still need to wait a little longer until their fields are flooded with rain water. What once was hard dirt is now slick mud. These Agutaynen farmers will prepare their fields, not in days, but in weeks. They will till the earth, remove weeds, repair the walkways around the fields and remove snails. Then they will sow the seed in the prepared soil.
In many ways, the hearts of the Agutaynens are like the hard, dry soil of the rice fields during dry season. Their worldview and superstitions have been like the hot sun that hardens their hearts. But, as we teach them, starting with Creation and progressing through the Old Testament stories, the soil of their hearts is being softened and prepared. Prepared for what? Jesus, God’s promised Savior! By the time we arrive to the New Testament, they see clearly how Satan has tricked them and they see that salvation is not something they can earn through good works or through sufferings. The Agutaynens are then ready to receive the wonderful news of salvation which is completely provided through the work of Christ on the cross. This wonderful news has been hidden from them for generations.
Please continue to pray for the Agutaynens currently attending Home Bible Studies. As of two weeks ago, two of Stephen’s Home Bible Studies have finished the Old Testament. This past weekend, Stephen and his Agutaynen helpers taught on the birth of John the Baptist. At the end of the lesson, Stephen said that Zacharias was probably asking himself: “Why didn’t I believe the good news?” And then Stephen asked the Agutaynens if they will be like Zacharias and not believe the Good News of the promised Savior. The soil of their hearts has been prepared and we believe they are ready to hear the wonderful news of Jesus Christ.
After sowing the seed, rice farmers need to spray fertilizer and guard the rice from greedy birds. Likewise, as we teach through the life of Christ, we need be on guard against Satan’s attempts to prevent the Agutaynens from hearing the message. You too, stand guard with us through your prayers. Lord willing, in the months to come, we will see a harvest for God’s glory amongst these Home Bible groups.