Do you remember in last week’s update when I shared about Peter trusting Christ outside of the Mount Hagen Missionary Home? He was given a Tok Pisin Bible translated from the King James, and Pastor Camulus graciously allowed him to stay at the church for two weeks to become grounded in the Word before returning to his village of Jimi in Jiwaka Province.
This week, Peter committed to coming to the Missionary Home every afternoon to study the Bible and learn how to share the gospel effectively. Although there are many works-based churches in his village, no one is clearly preaching the gospel of grace. When he returns home, he plans to go house to house distributing gospel tracts and showing those who are interested the truth of the gospel.
He has already highlighted many key verses in his Bible to help lead others to the Lord. He has learned how to rightly divide the Scriptures, why the shedding of blood is necessary for the payment of sin, and what the Bible teaches about the family—especially how husbands and wives are to view and treat one another.
While Peter and I were making notes on soul winning, a man from the street walked into the mission home and sat down at the table with us. I did not recognize him. After a while, he stood and said he had a question but would come back later. I encouraged him to share it then, and he came and sat beside me. He explained that he had been raised Baptist, Apostolic, and in other denominations, but had never been sure of his salvation. He said he had heard me preaching on the street the week before and had come under conviction. That day, he felt strongly compelled by the Holy Spirit to come to the mission home and learn about salvation.
I showed him the Scriptures, and when he read Romans 1:16 — “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…” — he burst out laughing with joy. In that moment, he knew he was saved. The timing was perfect, as Peter needed to witness this for his own learning. The man’s name is Phillip.
A few days later, Phillip returned and shared that he had lost his joy because of sin in his life. He wanted to understand eternal security and how God deals with a sinning Christian. It was another opportunity to open the Scriptures and provide biblical clarity.
I am also learning that a traditional American classroom setting is not always the most effective approach here. Many people prefer to “story” — to sit and talk openly and personally. I am reminded that Jesus often taught through conversation and real-life encounters. This takes much time; however, but is necessary.
Today, Theresa, Destany, and I went near the bus stop, where I was able to preach to several small crowds. Some asked thoughtful questions. One man wants to meet with me this week to look at the Bible together. Another may have trusted Christ, and many received tracts. Theresa also had several meaningful conversations, and one person was especially grateful to understand the truth.
I will be teaching Sunday school soon and have drafted an eight-part series on the Seven Mysteries of Paul. I am writing my notes in Pidgin, having nationals proofread them, and providing copies so the church can study these important doctrines more deeply. They are very grateful for this resource.
This week has also been full of administrative responsibilities and necessary repairs around the mission house, but I am thankful to maintain a healthy balance.
Thank you for taking the time to read our updates and for your continued prayers.
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