Sadness, Anger, and Hope

Podis and Masak speaking at a Mesi Literacy School Graduation

 Tragedy

We arrived back here to our home in New Guinea last Friday and Sunday night, phone calls from the bush began. One Mesi friend after another called with news of sudden violence, murder, and mayhem. Through whispered conversations we were told of refugees from a distant Mesi village, fleeing for their lives asking for hiding places from their pursuers. We were told of pursuers, armed with bow and arrows, demanding that our friends reveal those in hiding. We were told of secret rituals and the building of a "spirit house", of a suprise attack and worry over a couple of victims that are still missing.

In our 13 years of working with the Mesi people, we have never seen this kind of attack. We've seen anger and some destruction of property, but never all-out murderous attack. The fallout is intense already - not only are there orphaned children to shelter, wounded to care for, and land/garden concerns, our friends are not sure that this round of fighting is over yet. On top of that, there is peace to broker, justice to try to apply to the aggressors, future reconcilliation to think about, and the potential for escalating revenge attacks. Please pray with us for the Mesi people - those affected most in this situation have not yet heard the gospel - and they are showing very clearly that they are entrapped in false thinking.

Revealed Maturity

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others.”

 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Although we are truly heartbroken over the lives lost and the chaos that is going on in this distant Mesi village, we are so thankful for the clear impact of the truth on the Mesi church as they face these sudden challenges. Several of the Bible teachers have risked their own safety to hide refugees. They have been talking together and praying together for wisdom and strength to be able to stand up and do the right thing even when it might cost them. They have been encouraging each other from God's Word and clearly identifying the twisted, evil worldview that is prompting these attacks. They have decided together to go and confront the perpetrators to call them to repentance! Pray for them as they do this. The meetings are supposed to happen here in the next 48 hours. 

As I spoke with Podis and Masak, they told me that they are strengthening each other with Ephesians 6:12:

"For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."

Its not about us

So, where do we missionaries fit into all of this? Its been said that the world in its present state is a giagantic pain machine - full to the brim of injustice, tragedy, violence, and hurt.  Today we are feeling that acutely. Welling up within me is a sense of wrath, a desire for justice, and the deep sadness of loss. 

But its not about us is it? There is no outlet upon which we can vent our frustrations - at least nothing that will relieve the tragic results of wicked lies and duplicious lusts. No, we are followers who can only put our hope in the One who redeems. We put our trust in Him, because this story is about Him. Its what He is doing in the lives of the Mesi believers - giving them strength to stand up for good in a new way. Its what He can (and I believe will) do in the lives of those who have lost loved-ones and those who have caused those losses - comforting, comvicting, and redeeming. Pray with us for His good work to be accomplished.

Nate for us