Missionary Tom Brendle, who just returned to Papua New Guinea from home assignment, was able to fly to his home in the Siawi tribe on Wednesday with other NTM leaders to meet with the people about a recent break-in of the missionaries' homes.
"I believe that the meeting that we had with the people of our village was a success. The people were very excited to see me," wrote Tom. "It was difficult to see so many friends and brothers and sisters in Christ, for whom we desire to minister, and at the same time having to bring before the village the problem of teens and adults breaking into our houses."
Mission leaders addressed the people and made three requests of them. "You have a missionary that wants to come and teach you God's Word. Do you want him to return and continue teaching through God's Word?
"If you do then here are three things that you need to do. First, deal with the out-of-control people who are breaking into the houses and make them pay a … fine.
"Second, you have to be willing to help when there is work to do and look out for your missionaries. Third, the village leaders need to write a letter inviting the missionaries back saying that you will do these things and sign it."
The people appeared to agree with the missionaries' proposal and by the time they left, about an hour later, they had already come up with part of the fine. The missionaries again emphasized that the thieves should be the ones to pay for damages.
"What will most likely happen," wrote Tom, "is that our friends who want us back will pay the debt for the trouble makers and try to sweep it all under the carpet, so to speak. Even if this does happen, this should put some social pressure on the thieves from those who paid their debt for them. It will also hopefully make them think again that we missionaries do need their help. Without the village helping us it would be impossible for us to live there."
Tom wants to return in two weeks with a friend who is visiting from the USA. The two men want to go in and put a floor and walls on a school room addition.
Pray that the situation will be sorted out in time, and pray that God will give Tom and Danielle Brendle wisdom and direction concerning their return to the village.
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