October 14, 2004

Siawis, who had previously wondered where they would get a sheep to sacrifice for their sins, now see Christ as the Lamb of God offered in their place.

Six months of evangelistic Bible teaching culminated this week. For three days missionaries Tom Brendle and Jason Swanson taught on the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

The meeting house was packed each day. It seemed that almost every Siawi wanted to come and hear this great final talk.

The attendance was an answer to your prayers.

A heated argument Monday night over a marriage exchange threatened the gathering. To show their agitation, Siawis would typically stay away from group meetings. However, their strong interest in the message overruled.

Tom and Jason answered many questions this week, but it was the questions they asked the people in private that showed the Siawis were understanding the message.

You don't think Jesus really paid the price for sin, do you?" Jason asked one man. "He must have done something wrong to be treated like that."

Yes, Jesus paid the price for sins with His very own blood!" the man responded. "Jesus opened the road to God. That's why the temple curtain was torn. That was a picture of how the road to God is now open. Before, the road was blocked by sin. The blood of animals couldn't open that road. But Jesus' blood paid the price completely and opened that road."

Jason questioned another Siawi about Jesus being the substitute.

Yes," the man answered, "Jesus was the real substitute! Not like Isaac's substitute who just covered over his sins but didn't pay for them completely. Jesus paid for it all with His blood, His perfect blood."

It is uncertain how many Siawis have placed their faith in Christ, but the missionaries are encouraged by the concern many are showing for others.

Some are thinking about neighboring tribes. "What about the Falu? They haven't heard this talk yet."

The work is only beginning! There are new believers to teach.
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