New Guinea News                          25 October 2008

Death


The Patpatar gather for “Grandma’s” funeral.


We had a great 3 days of teaching this week. God had led the Israelites out of Egypt, through the wilderness and up to the edge of the Promised Land, all the while providing for their needs and displaying His power. Then at the edge of Canaan, the Israelites believed the report of the 10 deceiving spies over the promise of God to give them the land. Their disbelief resulted in a year of wandering and ultimately death in the wilderness. Israel’s disbelief and the death made a strong impression on all the Patpatar listeners, right up to when death became a reality in the village.

Two elderly Patpatar folks died this week, one being “Grandma” whom we have asked prayer for. It seems she suffered from a stroke early Thursday morning and died later that day. We praise God that she was able to be with us for as long as she had. We praise Him that she had the opportunity to clearly hear the Gospel. We had several opportunities to share the salvation message with her and each time we did she seemed to understand more and more clearly her position as a sinner before a Holy God and her need to believe in Jesus her Savior.

Only God knew her heart. In her condition it was difficult at times to understand her and what she was trying to express. However, we could see her growth in understanding as the light penetrated the years of darkness she lived in. A month ago when I had asked her of her hope of going to heaven, she was unsure and said she had lived good and hoped her prayers had worked. Last week when I restated our condition as sinners, but God had made a way for us to be with him in heaven, she looked up from her slumped position and as with all the strength she could muster said, “Jesus’ death.”

The day before she died Lori and Tammy took her a meal (which ended up being her last) and fed it to her. Grandma seemed to be hungry for the soup and egg they took her, but even more hungry for God’s Word. Lori read her a passage from John 14 when Jesus said to his disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you.” The disciples asked how they were to know the way, Lori then explained the gospel for the last time through Jesus response to his disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

Thanks for your prayers, we are so grateful for the times we had to share the Gospel with “Grandma.” There are funeral customs going on this weekend. Monday we begin teaching again.

Coming this week: (This week we finish the Old Testament!)

The Judges
The Kings
The Prophets
The prophecies of the Messiah
The setting of the world in which Jesus would enter