Holding on to Christmas
Hanging out with and discipling Mesi believers takes lots of time, but we are so excited to see it bearing fruit.
Really loving each other
Here in the Mesi church we have been talking a bunch about real love as opposed to selfishness disguised as taking care of others. That is what Christmas is about, isn’t it – God, who didn’t have to, following through on His promises and giving up the glory and position that are His right to meet the need of mankind that no one else could.
We’ve been walking through Ephesians 4 and 5 and talking about how God’s character is expressed in His people. His people are truthful with each other. His people really care for each other’s needs. His people resolve conflicts humbly and with godly wisdom. These are new concepts for the Mesi folks. In the past, they spoke whatever was the most convenient or at least whatever they thought would best keep them out of trouble. In the past, they would give to others in order to have people think well of them or in order to accrue many folks who would be indebted to them and therefore bound to support them in community conflicts.
They are excited about changing these things. As I was talking with a Mesi fella last week, he shared with me about his sadness over some in his extended family who are continually fighting over land issues. That he then reached out to Mesi men who are known for their carefulness and reliance on God’s Word for direction is real evidence of true discipleship in a growing Mesi church! Will you praise the Lord with us that He is growing His church in truth and real love?!
Thanks for your faithful care for us. We wish you all a blessed Christmas season.
Nate for us 5
PS: I (Nate) just got back on the 22nd from a survey with other missionaries and some Mesi believers. It’s true – the Mesi fellas are thinking about all of their own villages and are not stopping there. They are looking at ways to reach out to the next language groups. More on this exciting topic in a future update. For now, will you pray with us that God would raise up a team to reach the Kovol people?
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