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DINANGATS BELIEVE GOD CONTROLS EVERYTHING

Eli and Mesari are thrilled that many Dinangats are now members of God`s family.

June 4, 2008

by Christina Johnson

While the Dinangat people in Papua New Guinea work in their coffee gardens -- picking beans, peeling, washing and drying them under a sultry sun -- Ralf and Elli Schlegel are working to translate the book of Acts and spending one on one time with members of the tribe to encourage them in their faith.

"One of my 'mamas' here excitedly told me the other day, 'Yes, Jesus is my Savior! He died in my place! When I die, I will go to him,'" Elli wrote.

Mesari also told the Schlegels how she believes God controls everything. "If He wants it, we will live and if He wants it, we will die. He gives us air to breathe. He gives us food. He gives us everything so that we can live. He is bigger than everything."

The men of the tribe are comparing their new found faith with the old traditions of their tribe. They want their belief in Jesus to affect their lives and they wonder how they can tell their friends in a neighboring village about the story of God.

Now that the missionaries have completed the evangelistic phase of chronological Bible teaching, they are now moving on to a review of their teachings designed specifically for believers. With this new phase of church planting, the Schlegels have many questions of their own.

They wonder if the people will be able to grow in their faith and they wonder what discipleship will look like for the Dinangats. The Schlegels pray God will provide them with wisdom and patience during the growth process.

Please pray for their family's involvement in the tribe and pray that the Dinangat people will continue to pursue God and enjoy coming together to learn about His Word as new believers.