Deep contemplation and evidence of understanding were present last week as the Dinangat people in Papua New Guinea heard lessons about Noah and the flood and the tower of Babel.
After teaching about Noah, missionary Gary Smith asked one Dinangat man why everyone was so quiet.
"Because they are all measuring this talk," Tom said. "This is new talk. This story is really something. God just killed everyone. We are all thinking, 'What can we do so this kind of thing doesn't happen to us?' That's what everyone is thinking. Tonight I will listen to the lesson again and read the summary to think about it some more."
Gary reminded Tom that God did provide a way of escape but the people rejected it, and God promised to send a Redeemer.
"It has been so encouraging to see the people's open responses … and their amazing readiness to fully believe exactly what the Bible says even when it contradicts their current beliefs," wrote Esther Smith.
"Look, don't think that because you've heard some of these stories before, you know it all. Look at me," Itrinke said to the group. "I am a religious leader and this is new talk for me."
Giwet, a village grandma said, "I've heard some of these stories before in Kote and Pidgin [languages], and I never understood. Now I'm hearing it in my own language, and I understand. I'm so happy to finally hear the truth in my own language."
Toji told visiting missionaries, "I just want to tell you that we are so happy. We all are in darkness here … but now these missionaries are telling us God's Word and we are so happy."
One Dinangat man has already heard about the Redeemer. Ronny hears the Bible lessons before his fellow Dinangats as he checks the clarity of the lessons with Gary. Yesterday the two men checked the lesson about John the Baptist calling Jesus "the Lamb of God."
Ronny usually shows no emotion as he works with Gary. But upon hearing the words, "Lamb of God," his countenance changed. He said, "You mean that Jesus is going to take our place?"
Gary's heart leaped in his chest and he responded, "Yes Ronny, you know that the penalty for sin is death but Jesus is the Lamb that will die in sinful mans' place, and to all that believe and trust in Him their sin will be completely paid for!"
Gary thought he saw tears in Ronny's eyes as the man said, "Awesome, thank you so much!"
"After we composed ourselves we finished the lesson and I wondered, 'Is this the first Dinangat believer? Are there angels rejoicing in heaven right now?' I know I'm bursting with joy!" Gary wrote.
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