The Big Announcement
Tuesday, a week ago, was
anything but a typical day. There were squealing pigs, lots of
people around the house, pieces of bamboo, firewood, leaves,
coconuts and cooking pots streaming into our yard. Quiet would
not have been the way to describe that day! It was great,
though.
Butch arrived with a crew of
men, and two pigs that had been sold to us. Aaron oversaw and
helped men as they cut bamboo, and built benches, and a shelter
for the feast. Tammy and I (Lori) oversaw over 15 women in
gathering firewood, and cooking rice, and potatoes. It was
interesting to see it all come together. We weren’t born here,
so hosting these things can be awkward at times, and we just do
our best. The people pretty much run it all, and are happy to
do that so things can be done their way.
The reason we had a big feast
like this was to make an announcement to the people. Aaron and
Butch did an excellent job with presenting to the people how we
had come here, learned their language, and now would begin the 3
things we had come to do. We told them we were here to teach
them to read and write in their own language, and that we would
teach them God’s Word, and translate some of the Bible as well.
This speech also asked them for help in proofing and clarifying
Bible lessons, which Aaron and Butch have been writing since
January. We wanted to build their excitement and get them
involved for the upcoming teaching.
The response was great. We had
excited men and women. They were excited that God’s Word as
well as literacy would be taught to the old, and the young; to
both men, and women. On the spot, they started to discuss how
and where the teaching could be best done. Several expressed a
great desire to help in the work.
Now we are asking you to help
us. Would you pray with us that help would come? We honestly
don’t know if this response was emotional, or true, but they
were excited on the day. Since then there have been many
distractions with cultural events here. Please pray that people
would remember this meeting and truly desire to come and help,
and then later hear God’s Word taught to them.
We are encouraged right now.
Butch and Aaron have worked hard. They are continuing to make
stride in curriculum development. We are hoping to be able to
start the teaching in August of 2008. Pray with us for God’s
leading in timing, and that this will be carried out in the best
way possible. We know God is in control, and this is His
work. Please pray for our team in the next few months.
In His Hands
Aaron,
Lori, Avalon, Sierra, and Kylee Luse
Missionaries with New Tribes Mission
To the Patpatar of Papua New Guinea
www.tribalmissions.com
www.ntm.org/aaron_luse
