NEWS

DRAPER UPDATE

"...

 E-mail This Page 
 Printable Format 
 Feedback 

Daily Scripture
 
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4

LEARNING TO LET GO

A tribal man from Papua New Guinea being baptized

January 3, 2007

by David Bell

More than 75 Mibu believers were baptized a few weeks ago but there are still many who, for various reasons, have yet to take that step.

Some, still feeling unsure about the meaning of baptism, are choosing to wait.

"The church is being strengthened as they are working out their beliefs based on what they know from the Bible lessons," wrote missionary Joey Tartaglia.

"Sometimes giving them the freedom to have time to think about and make their own decisions, and even disagree as they are figuring things out, is as hard as parents letting go of children. But watching them come ultimately to correct conclusions is pure elation."

Last week a young man named Weung knocked at the Tartaglias' door to let them know that he was ready to get baptized. Joey and his co-worker Geoff Husa were pleased as they watched Mibu believers baptize their friend.

It was "another step of faith for them, and an exercise in letting go for us," wrote Joey.

It turned out that not only was Weung baptized, but so were about a dozen other Christians who were waiting for the opportunity.

After the baptisms, Joey received a message to meet Keteng at his hut. Keteng had been mulling over an illustration from the church meeting the previous Saturday, and he wanted to know what it means to walk with God. The two men discussed the subject for half an hour, giving Keteng plenty to think about.

As the missionaries watch God work among the Mibu people, they "are continually refreshed and encouraged by their progress, both as a group, and as individuals," Joey wrote.

Please pray for the Mibu believers as they process God's Word and grow in their walk with the Lord.