NTM Updates from PAPUA NEW GUINEA

PAPUA NEW GUINEA (Menya tribe)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 0:00:00 CST

Tuberculosis has been a major cause for a very high death rate among the Menya people. A local hospital has asked the missionary team to help administer medicine, but because of the Menyas' beliefs about sickness, few people seek medical treatment and when they do, very few finish it. Please pray that the missionary team will be able to build good relationships with the Menyas and that those who are ill will receive treatment and finish it.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA (Mibu tribe)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 0:00:00 CST

Some Mibus have a clear understanding of the importance of studying the Old Testament, and others are learning. Pray that God works in hearts to draw many Mibus to Him.

Overwhelming proof of biblical understanding

David Bell — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 0:00:00 CST

Four Mibu Bible teachers in Papua New Guinea have begun teaching a group that has not yet heard or understood the Gospel.

In conjunction with the teaching, a group of about 15 have been meeting to discuss questions like, "Why do we start teaching in the Old Testament instead of starting in the Gospel of John?"

Missionary Joey Tartaglia was encouraged by some of the answers to that particular question.

"By studying the Old Testament first, we see that one Person made everything," said Posilongge. "He made us and we are accountable to Him."

Sesi said, "If we didn't study the Old Testament we would have wondered if there was another Creator."

Royfo added that we see how God worked in the Old Testament and what kind of Being He is -- His judgment, His holiness, His mercy and grace.

Keteng emphasized that we see how God created everything by His powerful Word -- not something we can do.

Benny brought out that everything that God ever said would happen did happen. He also mentioned the Jewish religion and how important it is that we understand things such as "What is a priest?" to properly understand the New Testament.

Another said "The Old Testament is what taught us to turn away from thinking that we can manipulate the outcome of things by use of magic and charms."

Others mentioned that in the Old Testament we learn the makeup of humankind (body, soul and spirit), the real reasons why we die and why sorcery isn't real.

Please pray that those who are now hearing God's Word will understand these different aspects of the Old Testament and how it leads to truly understanding who Christ is and how His death and resurrection affect them.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA (Akolet tribe)

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 0:00:00 CST

Missionaries will soon print four primers to be used in teaching the Akolet people to read and write. Several men are coming up with ideas for graded readers to let the students practice their reading skills. One man -- Toni -- has shown special interest and missionaries hope to train him as a literacy teacher. Please pray as they continue preparation for classes and decide on when to start them.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA (Dom tribe)

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 0:00:00 CST

Missionary Jim Burdett has completed the first draft of the Dom New Testament and has been doing comprehension checks with his Dom co-workers. Please pray that the team can produce a clear and accurate translation.