This country has it's trials, but I wanted to paint another picture, one of total reliance on God as the bearer of our burdens, our shield, and our firm foundation.
Let me set the back story: The details of the valley conflict are so complicated and confusing that I won't try to lay it all out. What I can tell you is that there are many different clans and tribes and language groups that have a long and bloody history in the highlands of PNG. The most recent flare-up of trouble resulted in an entire village being burnt to the ground. You can imagine the upheaval for the lives of those involved, especially for those who are actively trying to bring peace to the valley. One of our fellow workers here went to a church service soon after these events. Here is what she saw and heard:
"We had the joy of fellowshipping with believers at EBC today and was so
encouraged. In the midst of the hevis (Tok Pisin for 'troubles') of this past week, there was
testimony after testimony of God's protection in their lives. They sang
songs that told of the burden on their hearts, but more so of their
faith in the burden bearer---Jesus. They sang:
I Must Have The Savior With Me
There Is No Friend Like the Lowly Jesus
Be Still and Know That I Am God
The most amazing testimony came from Pastor Karl (pictured) who held a bilum (traditional string bag) with
a Bible inside. The house had burned, but the bilum and the Bible was
intact. The bilum had only one small burn spot. He referenced Jesus'
words in Matthew 24:35 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words
will never pass away." And he said, "This is what we're doing in
translating the Bible in our language, giving the people something that
will not be destroyed." This is such an encouragement...a local Pastor
who has seen God's hand, has caught the vision and is saying "we" in
regards to Bible translation. Is God not blessing His work in this
valley? There isn't a raskol (Tok Pisin for 'criminal' or 'bad man') around who can stop what God is doing.
This was so evident by the hope expressed in the hearts of the people
today.
encouraged. In the midst of the hevis (Tok Pisin for 'troubles') of this past week, there was
testimony after testimony of God's protection in their lives. They sang
songs that told of the burden on their hearts, but more so of their
faith in the burden bearer---Jesus. They sang:
I Must Have The Savior With Me
There Is No Friend Like the Lowly Jesus
Be Still and Know That I Am God
The most amazing testimony came from Pastor Karl (pictured) who held a bilum (traditional string bag) with
a Bible inside. The house had burned, but the bilum and the Bible was
intact. The bilum had only one small burn spot. He referenced Jesus'
words in Matthew 24:35 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words
will never pass away." And he said, "This is what we're doing in
translating the Bible in our language, giving the people something that
will not be destroyed." This is such an encouragement...a local Pastor
who has seen God's hand, has caught the vision and is saying "we" in
regards to Bible translation. Is God not blessing His work in this
valley? There isn't a raskol (Tok Pisin for 'criminal' or 'bad man') around who can stop what God is doing.
This was so evident by the hope expressed in the hearts of the people
today.
May this encourage you as it did us, as you continue to pray for this
valley and the hevis that surround us."
valley and the hevis that surround us."
In a place where man's efforts fail continually, pray that "peace like a river" will find another road. And pray for the pastors of this valley. They stand in the gap.
Caleb
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