URIAYS IDENTIFY WITH GRIEF
_img.jpg) |
 |
| Elias and his son playing the part of an Egyptian father and son. |
|
|
July 28, 2010
by Dena McMaster
The Uriay people of Papua New Guinea watched the re-enactment of the first Passover last week and the intensity of their grief was felt by those acting out the scene.
Missionary Elias Struik portrayed an Egyptian father mourning the death of his first-born son and it struck a chord with the Uriays. They have experienced the death of a loved one so often that they could really identify with the Egyptians.
"But as intense and heavy as those moments were," wrote Elias' wife, José, "we moved on to the incredible release of the Israelites to take some 2,500,000 people out of Egypt. And they left with all the spoils of Egypt -- they left the Egyptians empty-handed as opposed to leaving that way themselves. They entered the land as slaves and left rich as kings. God had fulfilled His promises to the Israelites. They were free -- headed to the land of milk and honey that He'd also promised to give them."
As Elias continued to teach the evangelistic Bible lessons in Exodus, the people began to see the similarities between the Egyptians and themselves. Their eyes were glued on Elias as he taught on the journey of the Israelites. They began to see their sinfulness and God's holiness.
Pray that the Uriay people will continue to be impacted by God's Word. Pray that they will apply the lessons to their own lives and begin to realize their need for God's redemption.
Pray too for health and strength for the missionary team ministering to the Uriays. Pray that they will remain encouraged as they focus on the goal.
|
_img.jpg)
_img.jpg)
