BOUND BY CULTURE
March 4, 2009
by Dena McMaster
Missionary Jason Williamson seeks to understand the worldview of his Tobo neighbors in Papua New Guinea. He is questioning them about their beliefs on life, death, spirits and God.
While many Tobos have trusted Christ and are demonstrating their faith through changed lives, others attend church and attempt to say all the right things but continue to fear the spirits and hold to their old beliefs.
Unex, who helps Jason learn the Tobo culture and language, comes to all the Bible teaching meetings and even rejects parts of the culture that contradict God's Word. But when Jason asked him what he believed about life after death, Unex replied, "those people who are really nice to others, and don't do sorcery on others will go to Heaven. Those who are mean and do sorcery will go to Hell."
Then Jason asked what he believed about the spirits and he said, "My parents taught me to fear the spirits that live in the jungle in rocks and trees and sometimes people see them. I am afraid of them and don't like to travel alone." Unex has heard the Gospel over and over again, but it has not
penetrated his heart.
On the outside Unex is happy-go-lucky and faithful to attend all the meetings. He knows all the right words and sings all the Christian songs and believes he is headed down the right road. Satan has blinded him to the truth.
Pray that Jason will continue to build a friendship with Unex and that he will come to an understanding of God's grace. Jason asks, "Please pray that my language will continue to progress and that I would be able to finish up my language learning time here in a few months."
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