I’m 2 days in to my first trip back into the jungle in 2011. It’s been so good to be back. Everything went relatively smooth heading in and upon arriving I got some great hugs from the cutest kids ever, had 15 kids in my home trying to clean it up and got to see some friendly faces that I have truly missed.
A couple boys I have been sharing the Word with came by last night and we got to pray together. Wan-Balla, a non-believer, was there and when asked if he wanted to pray, simply said, “I don’t know how”. That led into a good conversation about prayer and then the three of us got to spend some time talking with the Lord.
I had lots of visitors, most of who just came by to say hey. The others came by to see if I had really gotten whiter, as some of the villagers had been saying:) I guess it’s true. After not being blasted by the sun on the equator for a while, I must have lost some of my “redness” as they say.
Already some praises but also some hurts and prayer requests as well. The prayer requests:
1 ) Pray for the family of a local pastor here in the jungle whose son was just murdered in the capital city on the coast. The young twenty year old did not live in the jungle anymore but decided to begin a life in the city several years back. The pastors family is now in the city visiting and mourning.
2) Another concern…one of my good friend’s wife is really sick. I thought she just happened to have some health issues as of late, which still may be the case, but I just heard from another villager that a curse had been put on her by a “wisiman” in the village. A wisiman in short is basically just that, someone who puts curses on people. Please be in prayer for these two families.
My huge praise came this morning as we were able to hold a service in a nearby village called Sanbedoemi. This village, to the best of my knowledge has not had a church service held on its island before, at least since I’ve been here. A women from this village passed away, supposedly one of the oldest women on the river and many family members have come from the city and neighboring villages to mourn. Im not sure how it came about but another pastor in a neighboring village was asked to hold a Christian service for the women who had passed away at Sanbedoemi.
Next thing I knew, we were going to the village this morning around 10 and I was informed at 9:30 that I would be “preaching”. Whoa! Im usually ready for sharing, but for the funeral of one of the oldest women on the river, in a village that had never held a Christian service before….I definitely began praying for the Lord to speak! And thankfully, He did.
We arrived and began worshiping together, danced together and read from Gods Word together. The sweet thing about this service was that we were in the exact same place where they would later be holding their own “spiritual” and ancestral services which involves very much animism and demonic worship. The same drums that were going to be used in these spiritual ceremonies in just a few hours, we were able to use to praise the Father. The same place where people would soon come to dance and mourn over the loss of their loved one, we were able to dance there and sing with joyful hearts to our loved One. The same place where alcohol would soon be poured out to the gods and ancestral spirits, we were able to pour out our prayers to the Father.
It was a pretty special day to say the least. A great start to these last few months here in Suriname. Please keep praying.
Sorry for the lack of new pictures on the blog. My camera broke and a new one is on the way. If you are a friend on facebook, you can check out pics and a new video I posted there. Im going to try and keep posting pictures and short updates each week on facebook to keep everyone posted. Thanks again for the prayers!!
ti
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Chains Be Broken
10 October is the official name of what I would say is the biggest celebration of the year for the villagers here in the jungle. Basically, it’s a celebration of their freedom from slavery and this year marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the peace treaty between the villagers and the Suriname government. Our people group (The Aukan People) was the first of the five people groups to sign.
As this big celebration was approaching, I heard all sorts of stories as to what was going to happen in my village. We are the "capital" village of the people. Their leader lives here and lots of events tend to revolve around the leader. I was getting pretty excited about it all but doubted most of the stories that I heard. I was definitely proven wrong during this years big day. The President of Suriname actually flew in and made an appearance and even spent the night with the people. The Vice President and many other “higher ups” in the Suriname government also landed in the jungle by plane and helicopter, just like the people had told me.
So yea, it was neat to see the President. But that was old after about 10 seconds of lookin at the bald dude. I was way more interested in everything else going on: the cultural food they were cooking, the paddle boat race they told me all about (that ended up not happening) and also the wearing of the old-school traditional clothing from over 300 years ago. Ok, maybe not too thrilled about the traditional clothing, because the men's attire consisted of wearing a vibrant colored loin cloth/skirt/diaper kinda deal. Pretty funny. I can honestly say I've never worn a hand stitched, yellow and blue flower patterned mini skirt before, and all day long on top of that! Ill try and post a pic or two on here when I get back to the city:)
To fast forward to the end of the celebration…for me (not that it was about me) it was a huge let down and ended up growing the hurt in my heart for these people. In the midst of all the excitement, many of the events that took place just kept reminding me again and again of just how dark this place is and how strong satan’s grasp is on these peoples hearts.
Aside from lots of time being devoted to the President, what ended up happening was, all the fun things like the paddle boat races, swiming contests, etc. were quickly pushed aside as the day filled up with the villagers "calling upon the spirits" through different mediums, rituals and practices. Early in the morning, the festivities began with the pouring out of alcohol to the gods and praying to “those big people” as they like to say. The festivities proceeded with a few of the older men calling out to the gods in a very unique language quite different than the one Ive learned. Its a language stictly devoted to talking with the demons. With the changing culture here in the jungle, the language is only known by a handful of the older men who are heavily involved in the dark practices of the people. Its a sloly fanding practice among the people, so they were very excited to be able to find a few men who still knew it.
Later in the day, the spirit summoning and practices continued. The older men went into a “story” by means of another spirit language. This language is actually spoken through drumming and then interpreted by another villager. On and on it went. New waves of men came forward almost every half hour. They too “performed” these ancestral rituals for the President and everyone else that was gathered. Some men danced while pouring out libations to the gods, others spit and blew alcohol onto the ground and their flag in an effort to talk with their gods. Everyone just sat and watched and clapped in amazement. It seems like this was enough, but it was actually only the beginning.
We finally reached "intermission" and everyone returned to their homes for a quick break to eat dinner and then headed to the river to wash. The big “talk of the town” now was about everything that was supposed to be going on once the sun went down. Everyone was waiting for the "fire dancers".
We all know how much people love the dark. Its clearly stated in the scriptures that many will not come into the light for fear their dark deeds will be exposed. So very true and evident here. After the sun went down, they began making two small fires. Just when things started to seem like they were finally slowing down a little and getting “normal” again, here comes the “fire dancers”. They were all dressed in one accord with dark red body wraps and many of them were wearing their “booies” (a form of spiritual protection in the form of a metal clasp bound around their upper arms). Then they all began to sing and sway, the eerie drums and bells began to play, and before I knew it, we were back into the "show" and turned into what I felt was the most satanic part of this entire "freedom day". They began calling upon the “obia” (the demons) in unison. The demons are where they seek their power and protection.
For the next hour, I saw these lost souls: sit in fire, roll in shards of broken glass, hold fiery red machetes in their mouths, eat burning coals and broken glass, hold fire in their hands and in their mouths, fight over burning pieces of wood and erratically dancing in and around the fire. At one point in this demonic dancing, the entire group made their way over to about 10 feet from where I was standing. They began to make circles around one of the fires as they sang. I saw each face pass by and could only think about how these people are heading straight to hell, unless they leave this life of bondage, lostness, darkness and sin! As I watched each face pass by, I prayed for their salvation and felt a huge burden heavy upon my heart.
The rituals continued late into the night but I had had enough and headed home. This entire day was supposed to be about the villagers celebrating the fact that they have been freed from the chains of slavery. That’s SO SO SO amazing and worthy of celebration!!! No doubt about it. But after seeing all that I did, all I can think about is how their hearts and their lives are still chained! And these chains are heavier than those of slavery.....the chains carry their weight from none other than satan himself.
This morning, while trying to process all of this, I was reminded of the lyrics to a Hillsong song and prayed these words over the people: “Chains be broken. Lives be healed. Eyes be opened. Christ be revealed.” Even though these heavy chains are still upon the people, there is another “treaty” to be signed that can break these chains. 250 years ago the villagers signed signed a treaty to end slavery. However, this new "treaty" will free them from something far greater than the bondage of slavery. This treaty says that the blood of Jesus Christ has been poured out to free them from grips of satan, sin, death and eternal seperation from God!
These people know the stories of Christ, but so many just don’t want to come into the light. Please keep praying with us for the salvation of the Aukan people.
As this big celebration was approaching, I heard all sorts of stories as to what was going to happen in my village. We are the "capital" village of the people. Their leader lives here and lots of events tend to revolve around the leader. I was getting pretty excited about it all but doubted most of the stories that I heard. I was definitely proven wrong during this years big day. The President of Suriname actually flew in and made an appearance and even spent the night with the people. The Vice President and many other “higher ups” in the Suriname government also landed in the jungle by plane and helicopter, just like the people had told me.
So yea, it was neat to see the President. But that was old after about 10 seconds of lookin at the bald dude. I was way more interested in everything else going on: the cultural food they were cooking, the paddle boat race they told me all about (that ended up not happening) and also the wearing of the old-school traditional clothing from over 300 years ago. Ok, maybe not too thrilled about the traditional clothing, because the men's attire consisted of wearing a vibrant colored loin cloth/skirt/diaper kinda deal. Pretty funny. I can honestly say I've never worn a hand stitched, yellow and blue flower patterned mini skirt before, and all day long on top of that! Ill try and post a pic or two on here when I get back to the city:)
To fast forward to the end of the celebration…for me (not that it was about me) it was a huge let down and ended up growing the hurt in my heart for these people. In the midst of all the excitement, many of the events that took place just kept reminding me again and again of just how dark this place is and how strong satan’s grasp is on these peoples hearts.
Aside from lots of time being devoted to the President, what ended up happening was, all the fun things like the paddle boat races, swiming contests, etc. were quickly pushed aside as the day filled up with the villagers "calling upon the spirits" through different mediums, rituals and practices. Early in the morning, the festivities began with the pouring out of alcohol to the gods and praying to “those big people” as they like to say. The festivities proceeded with a few of the older men calling out to the gods in a very unique language quite different than the one Ive learned. Its a language stictly devoted to talking with the demons. With the changing culture here in the jungle, the language is only known by a handful of the older men who are heavily involved in the dark practices of the people. Its a sloly fanding practice among the people, so they were very excited to be able to find a few men who still knew it.
Later in the day, the spirit summoning and practices continued. The older men went into a “story” by means of another spirit language. This language is actually spoken through drumming and then interpreted by another villager. On and on it went. New waves of men came forward almost every half hour. They too “performed” these ancestral rituals for the President and everyone else that was gathered. Some men danced while pouring out libations to the gods, others spit and blew alcohol onto the ground and their flag in an effort to talk with their gods. Everyone just sat and watched and clapped in amazement. It seems like this was enough, but it was actually only the beginning.
We finally reached "intermission" and everyone returned to their homes for a quick break to eat dinner and then headed to the river to wash. The big “talk of the town” now was about everything that was supposed to be going on once the sun went down. Everyone was waiting for the "fire dancers".
We all know how much people love the dark. Its clearly stated in the scriptures that many will not come into the light for fear their dark deeds will be exposed. So very true and evident here. After the sun went down, they began making two small fires. Just when things started to seem like they were finally slowing down a little and getting “normal” again, here comes the “fire dancers”. They were all dressed in one accord with dark red body wraps and many of them were wearing their “booies” (a form of spiritual protection in the form of a metal clasp bound around their upper arms). Then they all began to sing and sway, the eerie drums and bells began to play, and before I knew it, we were back into the "show" and turned into what I felt was the most satanic part of this entire "freedom day". They began calling upon the “obia” (the demons) in unison. The demons are where they seek their power and protection.
For the next hour, I saw these lost souls: sit in fire, roll in shards of broken glass, hold fiery red machetes in their mouths, eat burning coals and broken glass, hold fire in their hands and in their mouths, fight over burning pieces of wood and erratically dancing in and around the fire. At one point in this demonic dancing, the entire group made their way over to about 10 feet from where I was standing. They began to make circles around one of the fires as they sang. I saw each face pass by and could only think about how these people are heading straight to hell, unless they leave this life of bondage, lostness, darkness and sin! As I watched each face pass by, I prayed for their salvation and felt a huge burden heavy upon my heart.
The rituals continued late into the night but I had had enough and headed home. This entire day was supposed to be about the villagers celebrating the fact that they have been freed from the chains of slavery. That’s SO SO SO amazing and worthy of celebration!!! No doubt about it. But after seeing all that I did, all I can think about is how their hearts and their lives are still chained! And these chains are heavier than those of slavery.....the chains carry their weight from none other than satan himself.
This morning, while trying to process all of this, I was reminded of the lyrics to a Hillsong song and prayed these words over the people: “Chains be broken. Lives be healed. Eyes be opened. Christ be revealed.” Even though these heavy chains are still upon the people, there is another “treaty” to be signed that can break these chains. 250 years ago the villagers signed signed a treaty to end slavery. However, this new "treaty" will free them from something far greater than the bondage of slavery. This treaty says that the blood of Jesus Christ has been poured out to free them from grips of satan, sin, death and eternal seperation from God!
These people know the stories of Christ, but so many just don’t want to come into the light. Please keep praying with us for the salvation of the Aukan people.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Schools Out for Summer!
Well, its not really summer, at least back in the States. However, it seems to always be summer here:) The temperatures are rising, the water is getting a little lower and the number of people in the village has dropped dramatically from school being out in the jungle. However, Monday school starts back and all the young fellas that were comin to the house to get in the Word are heading back in!!! Really excited about that.
As for the past few weeks, although things have been slow in the village, it has left lots of time open for more intentional time with the believers at the village of Pipa Konde. They just asked me recently to begin leading a Tuesday night Bible study with them. We started in the book of Acts and are gonna work our way through it until whenever it is that we may finish. This past
Tuesday was awesome! They seemed so eager to hear the Word, which is such a blessing.
With a slower pace in the village, Ive also had a lot more time to share on the Radio. I am now one story away from finishing the 40 Story Creation to Christ story set. After that is finished, Ill be praying as to where the Lord would have me start up next. Im thinking about doing a No Fear track with the people, since so many are bound and captive to it, r possibly starting up a book of the New Testament and working through that.
All in all, things have been going great. Our recent soccer tournament was a blast and the water is starting to finally get a little lower, which means its time to go fishing a lot more with the men. I cant even begin to count how many meals of fish Ive had in the past two weeks. It just doesn’t seem to get old thoughJ And it makes fishing a lot more intense when your dinner is depending on it.
Just wanted to pass along a quick note and let ya know how things are goin in the village.
A few things you can be praying about: 1) As always, for salvation among the people. 2) That the believers would grow stronger in their faith. 3) That the Bible study in my home would pick back up quickly once the guys that were coming return. 4) Ryan is leaving in less than three weeks. Please be praying He finish strong. And 5) Pray for our team as a whole. For direction, guidance and strength as we continue sharing the gospel among these beautiful people.
Thanks for all the prayers! God bless
As for the past few weeks, although things have been slow in the village, it has left lots of time open for more intentional time with the believers at the village of Pipa Konde. They just asked me recently to begin leading a Tuesday night Bible study with them. We started in the book of Acts and are gonna work our way through it until whenever it is that we may finish. This past
Tuesday was awesome! They seemed so eager to hear the Word, which is such a blessing.
With a slower pace in the village, Ive also had a lot more time to share on the Radio. I am now one story away from finishing the 40 Story Creation to Christ story set. After that is finished, Ill be praying as to where the Lord would have me start up next. Im thinking about doing a No Fear track with the people, since so many are bound and captive to it, r possibly starting up a book of the New Testament and working through that.
All in all, things have been going great. Our recent soccer tournament was a blast and the water is starting to finally get a little lower, which means its time to go fishing a lot more with the men. I cant even begin to count how many meals of fish Ive had in the past two weeks. It just doesn’t seem to get old thoughJ And it makes fishing a lot more intense when your dinner is depending on it.
Just wanted to pass along a quick note and let ya know how things are goin in the village.
A few things you can be praying about: 1) As always, for salvation among the people. 2) That the believers would grow stronger in their faith. 3) That the Bible study in my home would pick back up quickly once the guys that were coming return. 4) Ryan is leaving in less than three weeks. Please be praying He finish strong. And 5) Pray for our team as a whole. For direction, guidance and strength as we continue sharing the gospel among these beautiful people.
Thanks for all the prayers! God bless
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Until The Whole World Hears
Its been a while since my last time blogging. Things have been going great here in Suriname and I give God all the glory. Not much has changed over the past couple months. We’ve been busy as usual and we’ve continue to pour into many people and places that God has set before us.Victories: the small group of young men have continued to come to my home a couple times a week for discipleship and prayer. The radio is still rollin and we are spreading the good news via airwaves a few times each week. Although the water is extremely high for the month of August, we are far from the flood levels we experienced in the Spring. And last but not least, we had an amazing time of refreshment and fellowship recently with many other missionaries from around our region. We were able to meet and share stories and learn so much, which was so encouraging, and also very heart stirring. This last victory has lead me to sit down and try and put some of my recent thoughts and passions into this blog.
While attending our annual prayer retreat this past month, my heart was constantly pounding and my mind seemed to be running 100 mph all day long as I sat and listened to story after story of those people groups in the world, and more specifically the ones here in South America, who have yet to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. I was somewhat shocked at first, having known that our organization and so many others have been working in and around this area for over 100 years now. But there are still people who have yet to hear the name of Jesus Christ in so many places.
Revelation 7:9 says, “and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.” I cant help but wonder if the fulfillment of these words might not bring to our eyes one of the sweetest and most beautiful sights that we may ever see in this life here on earth, and our time in heaven. To see a representative from every nation, tribe and tongue…that will be absolutely incredible. But even more incredible, even more beautiful, even more breath taking…they are gathered around the throne of the Lamb. They are gathered around the throne of our Savior, of Christ Jesus our Lord.
But I also cannot help to think about the fact that right now, in regards to the fulfillment of these scriptures, there are tribes and tongues that are not yet represented around the throne. Revelation 7:9 wont be fulfilled until every nation, tribe, people and language have been reached! Even now, in the year of 2010, there are entire people groups heading towards eternal damnation simply because they have never even had the opportunity to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. There are still tribes and people who have not yet even been located, much less evangelized.
And as I sat and listened to so many of our leaders stand before us and share these stories, I couldn’t help but wonder if God might not be preparing me and others around the world, to GO
and search, to GO and seek, to GO and share with these lost souls.
I doubt there is a one of you reading this that hasn’t heard the Commission and Command from Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” We, as believers, are all called to be a part of this, rightly and justly named, Great Commission; for it is of great importance!
Romans 10:14-15 (in summary) is basically saying: Theres people who don’t believe in the Lord because they have never heard of Him. How will they hear if someone doesn’t go and tell them?!!! Most of the people in the world right now who still have yet to hear the name of Jesus, haven’t heard for one of a few reasons. Some nations have very strict rules and laws keeping outside influences from coming in and “corrupting” their own traditions, values and religious beliefs. Some of these last remaining peoples are hostile, and reports have shown that many that have gotten too close, whether by mistake or not, have been injured or killed. Some of these people are simply hard to get to, living in extremely remote and far off places that make reaching them and living among them hard/next to impossible. And there are others still, who know there is life outside their own small people group, but still they hide…in fear of who knows what, not wanting to be found?
I just wanted to write this blog today to encourage you, and myself as well, to not forget these lost souls that have yet to be reached. We have a command to GO and tell the whole world. And even if we may not be able to physically go, we can send up our prayers to our Father who goes before each and every one of us, no matter where we may be serving; either off on distant shores, or right in America, which is also in desperate need of revival and the love and light of Christ being spread.
I shared these verses and thoughts and feelings with one of the nearby churches here in the jungle just last Sunday. I shared with them that they too are part of the Great Commission. They too are part of reaching out to the lost souls all around the world. I was so encouraged by the lady in “row number 2”. I don’t think she ever stopped smiling during the entire time I was sharing. I really think she understood it and got it. She realized she was part of something more than herself. She realized she was part of the Great Commission task of sharing the love of Christ with all peoples, tongues and tribes.
We ended that service on Sunday the same way Ill end here…in prayer. We prayed that the Lord would continue to "send out his workers into His harvest field". We prayed that the Lord would continue to raise up mighty men and women of God to “GO ye therefore”. That God would open up paths and doors that may have never been opened and send people to reach out to those who have never heard.
Let us pray for the day, where we too will be standing around the throne of the Lamb, in awe of our Lord and Savior, but also in awe of the beauty of all the people in attendance with us; people from every single nation, every single people, every single tribe and tongue, together, as one, worshiping Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. What a precious sight it will be!!!
ti
Friday, July 2, 2010
Dreams and Visions
Just finished seein Charles and two awesome brothers in Christ fly out of the jungle and back to the city of Paramaribo. Gary and Stephen, two dentists from the States, came down for a week trip to check in on three of the villagers that were trained in tooth extraction several years ago. Yep, jungle villagers pullin teeth. You know the common saying, "Give a man a fish and you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish and you have fed him for a lifetime." Several years ago, these dentists realized that it wasnt impossible, with the help of the Lord, to not just pull teeth in the jungle, but to teach a selected few, on how to pull teeth themselves. Now when the dentists are at home in their own practice, help continues on here in the jungle. So I guess you could say this was a little continuing education for the villagers this week:) The dental trip landed us in 6 different villages in a matter of 6 days. Although we didn’t pull teeth in all those villages, villagers came from all over seeking help.A brother named Ba Ke, one of the four that were trained several years ago in tooth extraction, was one of the men that the dentists came to see this week, and he is the reason why I wanted to write this blog. One thing that I absolutely love to do, is sit down and just listen to stories about people, especially stories about how God has worked in their lives. Yesterday I found myself sitting in a 7 man circle, mixed with Americans and Aukaners, young and old, black and white, married and single; all with extremely different backgrounds, but all having one common bond…at some point in all our lives, Jesus Christ met us where we were and changed our lives forever.
Ba Ke and another villager shared their testimonies with us yesterday, and these are stories that I wont soon forget. I strongly believe that every child of God has a powerful story to tell, how the Lord rescued them from sin and shame and brought them into the light. We see in the story from the women at the well, just how powerful our testimonies are. For it says in John 4:39, “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony.” Did you catch that? She simply shared her testimony of how this man named Jesus met with her, even in the midst of her sin. And others came to believe because of that.
Ba Ke’s testimony is a little different than the women at the well. It involves a miraculous healing and a dream. Those two things are mentioned more than anything else when someone from here in the jungle begins to share their testimony....miraculous healings and dreams. So for those of you praying for the people, pray that God would continue to speak to people in dreams and draw them to Himself in the midst of their pain and sickness.
Without sharing all the details, Ba Ke’s story goes a little something like this: “I was sick, really sick. I tried finding help everywhere, including the spirits that our ancestors have worshiped for more than 350 years here in the jungle. Nothing. I found no help at all. I was still sick. One day, a believer in the jungle told me to come to church and warned me that God had revealed to him that something bad was awaiting me on the path. He told me to come to Jesus. I went to church, but that was it. I just went. And for three weeks the sickness was gone, but then it came back. I talked to my wife about us taking a step into this “new path”, the path of Jesus Christ. She said no way. I waited. The sickness was still there. I struggled with this “Jesus”, because I was the male figure who dealt with all the problems, sickness and spirits in my family. I had to consort and talk with the spirits when there were problems. I knew if I decided to follow Jesus, Id have to give this role up. My family depended on me and my brother. I waited.
Later, my wife got sick and then she came to me and brought up the idea to go back to church, to Jesus. I got mad. I was sick and wanted to go already and she said no. Now shes sick and all of a sudden she wants to go? I didn’t know what to do. She talked me into going back.
In April of this year, I heard about the Easter Conference that was going on at a nearby village called Pipa Konde. I wanted to go and I did. I prayed to receive Christ at this Easter Conference. The sickness is gone and I give God all the glory. Its not come back since. My hunting dogs, that had not been able to hunt anymore due to spiritual curses that were put on them, were also set free and were able to hunt again. God even cared about my dogs.
On top of all that, God gave me a vision while dreaming one night after I prayed to receive Christ. I was walking on a path in the jungle and a man and a woman where ahead of me. They were coming at me with a gun and a machete. I didn’t know what to do. Then a dove descended from above, and spoke to me and said, “Follow me.” We took another path. The dove then said keep following me. It flew high into the air and I flew behind it. Away we went. We flew higher and higher until we landed on a tree branch that turned into a path; but this path was a new path. The dove then said. Look down. You see that path below. That path is bad. They will kill you if you go back to it. Look at this path. This is the path of Jesus Christ. Those spirits do not have power over you anymore. Jesus is with you. Walk this path and don’t turn back.
Im walking that path still today and wont turn back.”
Amen! Please be praying for this new brother in Christ. He’s only a few months old in his new life in Christ. Pray for growth and for God to continue to work in mighty ways in his heart.
ti
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Pharisees
Just wanted to share a little bit that’s been on my heart lately. The past couple weeks Gods continued to bring the lifestyle of the Pharisees to my mind. So, Ive been sharing in my home in our small group and at a couple nearby churches about those hypocritical Pharisees in the Old Testament.
Today I visited a nearby church at Moitaki. As we were singing the following song, I was reminded yet again of those Pharisees. The words to the song went something like this: “Den bonuman de a ini a dunguu. Den a poi see a pasi. Den e beendi.” A bonuman is one of the spiritists that does the demonic work among the people. Those words translate into English something like this: “Those bonuman are in the dark. They cant see the path. They are blind.”
Its so easy for me to think of those who are far from the Lord and far removed from the “church” and its “activities” and practices, as blind and in the dark. But I tried to share with the villagers today that simply going to church and being a part of its “activities”, doesn’t make us righteous and holy in Gods sight. Anyone can go into a church and sit down and listen, but that doesn’t make them a child of God. Only giving our lives to Christ makes us a child of His.
And then I went on to share from Matthew 23. Jesus told those who were gathered to take note of the teachings of the Pharisees, but not to take on the way they live. See, the Pharisees loved to hold onto all the little laws, even to the finest of details. They wore “the right clothes”. They like to sit down in the best places at the feast and events. They even tithed down to the smallest of the seeds they harvested from their crops. My favorite, they like to put little cloth type deals over their cups while drinking. This was meant to keep the “unclean” things, such as flies and what not, out of their drinks.
But if you go on to read, what does Jesus say. He rebukes them even though they hold unswervingly to these laws. He tells them that they too are BLIND! Not just those folks walkin on the street involved in other religions and other practices. No, not just them. But the leaders of the temple. Jesus calls them blind. Yep. Jesus calls em out. Calls em blind and says that they might not be drinkin the little flies, but they swallow the camel in their cup. He’s tellin em that they hold to the little fine details, but they still miss the mark.
They don’t hold to the greatest of the laws; like loving God with all their heart and loving their neighbors like they love themselves. These Pharisees, with all their righteous garb and long prayers, didn’t even know the first thing about loving others, or loving God. Thus…no true relationship with God.
Tried encouraging those that had gathered today, that coming to church really does put a smile on Gods face, and it’s a good thing, but that walkin through the door of a church, doesn’t make us holy. 1 John 4:7-13ish, has some sweet stuff on Gods love and how we should love. It says that we should love others like God loves us. Too cool. The villagers Bible, said that we shouldn’t look to the ways of others to figure out how to love, but to look to the Father, who truly knows how to love.
I prayed today that I wouldn’t be like those blind Pharisees, who knew how to clean a pot til it sparkled….on the outside, but somehow kept forgetting to wash the inside. I prayed that I wouldn’t be the young missionary, out in the jungles of Suriname, feeling like a self-righteous Pharisee. I pray I never become a modern day Pharisee, who is as blind as the highest of the highest that led in the temples in the days of Jesus; who teaches the laws of God, but knows nothing about the love of God.
Although the “activities” are not bad, let us remember that those activities are not what make us holy in eyes of the Father. Its Jesus' blood, and His blood alone, that allow us to stand before our awesome and amazing Father without a single blemish being found, inside and out. Jesus says that we must first be clean on the inside, and then the outside must come clean. That’s found no where other than the cross of Christ.
Today I visited a nearby church at Moitaki. As we were singing the following song, I was reminded yet again of those Pharisees. The words to the song went something like this: “Den bonuman de a ini a dunguu. Den a poi see a pasi. Den e beendi.” A bonuman is one of the spiritists that does the demonic work among the people. Those words translate into English something like this: “Those bonuman are in the dark. They cant see the path. They are blind.”
Its so easy for me to think of those who are far from the Lord and far removed from the “church” and its “activities” and practices, as blind and in the dark. But I tried to share with the villagers today that simply going to church and being a part of its “activities”, doesn’t make us righteous and holy in Gods sight. Anyone can go into a church and sit down and listen, but that doesn’t make them a child of God. Only giving our lives to Christ makes us a child of His.
And then I went on to share from Matthew 23. Jesus told those who were gathered to take note of the teachings of the Pharisees, but not to take on the way they live. See, the Pharisees loved to hold onto all the little laws, even to the finest of details. They wore “the right clothes”. They like to sit down in the best places at the feast and events. They even tithed down to the smallest of the seeds they harvested from their crops. My favorite, they like to put little cloth type deals over their cups while drinking. This was meant to keep the “unclean” things, such as flies and what not, out of their drinks.
But if you go on to read, what does Jesus say. He rebukes them even though they hold unswervingly to these laws. He tells them that they too are BLIND! Not just those folks walkin on the street involved in other religions and other practices. No, not just them. But the leaders of the temple. Jesus calls them blind. Yep. Jesus calls em out. Calls em blind and says that they might not be drinkin the little flies, but they swallow the camel in their cup. He’s tellin em that they hold to the little fine details, but they still miss the mark.
They don’t hold to the greatest of the laws; like loving God with all their heart and loving their neighbors like they love themselves. These Pharisees, with all their righteous garb and long prayers, didn’t even know the first thing about loving others, or loving God. Thus…no true relationship with God.
Tried encouraging those that had gathered today, that coming to church really does put a smile on Gods face, and it’s a good thing, but that walkin through the door of a church, doesn’t make us holy. 1 John 4:7-13ish, has some sweet stuff on Gods love and how we should love. It says that we should love others like God loves us. Too cool. The villagers Bible, said that we shouldn’t look to the ways of others to figure out how to love, but to look to the Father, who truly knows how to love.
I prayed today that I wouldn’t be like those blind Pharisees, who knew how to clean a pot til it sparkled….on the outside, but somehow kept forgetting to wash the inside. I prayed that I wouldn’t be the young missionary, out in the jungles of Suriname, feeling like a self-righteous Pharisee. I pray I never become a modern day Pharisee, who is as blind as the highest of the highest that led in the temples in the days of Jesus; who teaches the laws of God, but knows nothing about the love of God.
Although the “activities” are not bad, let us remember that those activities are not what make us holy in eyes of the Father. Its Jesus' blood, and His blood alone, that allow us to stand before our awesome and amazing Father without a single blemish being found, inside and out. Jesus says that we must first be clean on the inside, and then the outside must come clean. That’s found no where other than the cross of Christ.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Back In
After a short trip to the city, Im back in the jungle now. We got some serious rain goin on right now, which has brought the river to an all time high for my eyes. The villagers have told me the water can get even higher, but we’ve been praying that doesn’t happen. Several families from many villages have had to relocate until these high waters recede. Please be praying with us that the Lord lower the water levels.
If that wasn’t enough, the horrible plane crash has many families in some painful morning as well. As most of you know, a plane crashed in the jungle only a week and a half ago, which lead to a 400 man search party hacking its way through the jungle, only to find little pieces of the plane here and there. Needless to say, it was next to impossible locating and identifying the 6 passengers and 2 pilots on board.
Charles and I split up upon return to the jungle and were able to visit with all the families to let them know we were there and praying for them. Although they know exactly who was on board during this travesty, families have been crushed after finding out they do not have a loved one’s body to bury. With their spiritual beliefs, it’s very important to give the dead a proper burial. Without a body, they are unable to give a normal burial, which leaves the family in more pain than they already are.
Please be praying for Ma M, an elderly women in my village who lost her son, Ba Y in the plane crash. We went and visited her in her home a few days ago, and her heart was broken into pieces and seemed to have no hope. Pray that she come to find the living hope found in Jesus Christ.
On top of all this, we just saw the end of election day here in the jungle. Yes, voting in the jungle is a reality. They fly in police and set up in certain villages to take votes. It was a crazy day for sure. Funny seeing villagers walking around with bullhorns they bought in the city, parading around pushing for
their “political party”. Amusing to say the least.
So, its been really busy at certain times, until the rain comes, which seems to put anything and everything on hault. We’ve been able to get on the radio and started sharing during the Bible hour again. The guys are meetin back at the house already which has been sweet. One of the young fellas name Poekpoek, who recently prayed to receive Christ, now wants to be baptized.
I was able to pray with him and his aunt last night in their home and we talked about Poekpoek getting baptized. Praise the Lord, his aunt said it was ok and we are now gonna try and set a date for Poekpoek to be baptized! Super excited about that.
Please continue to be praying for the villagers here who are in the midst of painful times right now. Pray that they see that Christ has the power to heal, restore, redeem and rescue them from any and every pain that they encounter.
Also, please be praying for our team right now, as we are all split up and all over the place. Charles is about to leave for a meeting in another country. Brittany and the kids will be in the city. Ryan is in the States right now visiting family and friends. And Jared and Wendy are in the city and they are expecting a baby any day now. For me, pray that I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus above all else and that I keep in step with the Spirit each and every day. And, as always, be praying for more lost souls to be saved!
Thank you for the prayers. God bless.
ti
If that wasn’t enough, the horrible plane crash has many families in some painful morning as well. As most of you know, a plane crashed in the jungle only a week and a half ago, which lead to a 400 man search party hacking its way through the jungle, only to find little pieces of the plane here and there. Needless to say, it was next to impossible locating and identifying the 6 passengers and 2 pilots on board.
Charles and I split up upon return to the jungle and were able to visit with all the families to let them know we were there and praying for them. Although they know exactly who was on board during this travesty, families have been crushed after finding out they do not have a loved one’s body to bury. With their spiritual beliefs, it’s very important to give the dead a proper burial. Without a body, they are unable to give a normal burial, which leaves the family in more pain than they already are.
Please be praying for Ma M, an elderly women in my village who lost her son, Ba Y in the plane crash. We went and visited her in her home a few days ago, and her heart was broken into pieces and seemed to have no hope. Pray that she come to find the living hope found in Jesus Christ.
On top of all this, we just saw the end of election day here in the jungle. Yes, voting in the jungle is a reality. They fly in police and set up in certain villages to take votes. It was a crazy day for sure. Funny seeing villagers walking around with bullhorns they bought in the city, parading around pushing for
their “political party”. Amusing to say the least.
So, its been really busy at certain times, until the rain comes, which seems to put anything and everything on hault. We’ve been able to get on the radio and started sharing during the Bible hour again. The guys are meetin back at the house already which has been sweet. One of the young fellas name Poekpoek, who recently prayed to receive Christ, now wants to be baptized.
I was able to pray with him and his aunt last night in their home and we talked about Poekpoek getting baptized. Praise the Lord, his aunt said it was ok and we are now gonna try and set a date for Poekpoek to be baptized! Super excited about that.
Please continue to be praying for the villagers here who are in the midst of painful times right now. Pray that they see that Christ has the power to heal, restore, redeem and rescue them from any and every pain that they encounter.
Also, please be praying for our team right now, as we are all split up and all over the place. Charles is about to leave for a meeting in another country. Brittany and the kids will be in the city. Ryan is in the States right now visiting family and friends. And Jared and Wendy are in the city and they are expecting a baby any day now. For me, pray that I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus above all else and that I keep in step with the Spirit each and every day. And, as always, be praying for more lost souls to be saved!
Thank you for the prayers. God bless.
ti
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