Of Growth and Guano

One of our banana trees is producing… it probably will be ripe a month or two before we return in July.

 

Growth

Coming back anywhere after a time away often is a surreal mix of the familiar and the awkward. Stepping off of the helicopter on Monday, we were greeted by the same familiar folks (albeit, they were a little more excited since it has been a long time). Most notable changes included kids that had grown up some, a whole new crop of literacy school graduates proudly showing off their skills, tall grass around the house, newly married couples shyly explaining their news, and a new teaching house for believers meetings in the village.

Over the last few days I’ve been able to sit down with people, be encouraged by their questions, and reminded again of the long process that discipleship is. Our believers are asking questions, some new, some old. They are listening to the answers, some carefully, some not so carefully. They are praying, singing, and reading in meetings. In general there is a good level of excitement and growth. We are so glad for the hard work of our partners and faithful guys in the Pal community.

Please thank the Lord with us for His faithfulness in building His church.

 

Our back porch – when the people are away… the bats move in. You should see our laundry tub...

 

And Guano

While there are many great things going on here in Pal. There are also a few other things if you catch my drift. The day that we arrived I was informed that some (many?) of the believers have been drawn into a money-making scheme. Many of our guys are not quite able to filter the messages that they are hearing or are stuck on ideas that had been drummed into their heads for years. One believer said to me, “Nate, if I get mad at you, then I will go to hell.” And most of the people sitting around us nodded in assent. I was reminded again that we are to be vigilant in prayer and always on guard for the truth. Please pray for the Pal church that they will love God’s Word and use it as the true basis for their lives.

 

Thanks for praying  - and stay tuned. (In our next update – Snake in the house – a true story)

Nate

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