February 15, 2005

Six days by bicycle prepared a man for one big step.

Last week, Tanda tribal man Ousmane guided missionaries Rodger Enters and Ron Yearwood along narrow foot trails, through pristine jungles, over many rivers and passing the villages of seven different language groups to a Tanda village. They covered a total of 170 km (over 100 miles) on bicycle.

When the travelers arrived, the people came running into the street shouting, "Talu, talu" which means welcome.

Neighboring Tanda villagers, including elders, chiefs and religious leaders, came to hear for themselves why these missionaries are living among the Tanda.

"Our main reason for coming," Ron wrote, "was to share with them the message about God's straight way and how someone can obtain a clean liver (heart) and live a life that is pleasing to God."

They explained that they would like to help the Tandas in any way they could but not in a way that will cause them to stop being African.

Upon hearing the missionaries' desire to come to Yemberen and teach God's Word, an elder responded, "You all have come to offer us honey, how can we refuse that?"

Ousmane had already tasted the "honey." He and Ron have always been friends but on the trip they had several good talks and grew even closer.

The day after they returned to his village, Ousmane came to Ron's house and asked him to explain very clearly how he could obtain a clean liver. After Ron finished, Ousmane said:

"Ron, this trip we took together has really caused me to understand a lot. I now believe the message and have placed it in my liver."

The next day Ousmane came to Ron again and said that for the first time in his life he slept soundly because his dreams are no longer frightening and demonic.

Pray for Ousmane as he begins to grow in understanding. Pray that the Tandas in these faraway villages will be able to hear the Gospel within the next few weeks.