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Daily Scripture
 
"He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man."

Psalm 18:48

BELIEVERS FIND STRENGTH AMID ILLNESS

NEWS

Gloria prayed to open the meeting for women.

August 7, 2008

by Christina Johnson

An epidemic of whooping cough has broken out among the Inanbimali people of Papua New Guinea. More than thirty cases were reported and the numbers are growing steadily.

Immediate action was taken by missionaries, and treatments for whooping cough were delivered to those in need and distributed to everyone suffering from the virus.

Amid the outbreak, Inanbimali believers remain focused and passionate about what they are learning about Jesus Christ and what He did for His people.

Missionary Tim Shontere was eager to share the dedication his co-workers are displaying to their people. Tim's translation helper gave a testimony of what Christ did for him.

"I was so elated that he stood up and was bold," Tim wrote. "He is not normally like this. The Holy Spirit was giving him strength and direction as he spoke to the crowd."

The Inanbimali women are discovering strength through Christ as well. Some of the women were getting hassled by the village leaders for their belief in Jesus.

"The old mamas of the village were the faithful ones to the old way of thinking," Tim wrote. "If all else fails they could count on the mamas to carry the baton of customs and religious acts."

Now, the mamas have left the old way of thinking and have chosen Christ's way. They are excited to believe and even more excited that they can talk to God. "I am amazed to see their eyes light up when they talk about their direct rope to God," Tim wrote.

One Inanbimali woman, Gloria, prayed to open the Wednesday morning meeting for women. It was a giant step for her because it had never before been done by an Inanbimali woman. "He hears me now. He listens. I don't need to go through a priest or anyone. It's just me and God," Gloria said.

Please pray that the faith of the Inanbimali believers will continue to thrive and strengthen as they face illness and persecution from their people. Pray that they will not fear what those around them think.

Also pray for Tim and his team as they push on in their teachings of Acts. Pray that God will use their words and lessons to reach the hearts of the Inanbimalis who are listening.