CAUGHT RED-HANDED
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| The missionaries want to continue their friendship with the thief. |
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June 26, 2008
by David Bell
The thief was caught red-handed -- literally.
Though missionaries in Guinea have experienced few crimes against them -- the worst being an occasional petty theft -- they have recently had to deal with a crime of a larger nature. A substantial sum of Guinean francs was stolen from a missionaries' home.
A trap was set for the thief: red ink in a money bag. The thief was easily spotted after another attempt.
The man was brought before a small group of village elders, his family and the missionaries -- a culturally appropriate way to deal with the situation -- and despite overwhelming evidence, he vehemently denied the charge.
He would bring great shame on himself, his family and the village if he admitted guilt -- shame that would almost be worse than going to jail. So instead he conceded that "the evidence has trapped me," as if to say he was somehow victimized by the evidence.
The village elders gave him time to repay the missionaries, or be reported to the civil authorities. His time limit expired and the case is now awaiting the action of the authorities.
Taking the culturally correct approach strengthened the missionaries' relationship with the people, and likely will allow them to minister to the thief as well.
The missionaries learned the value of understanding and respecting culture, so they could share the gift of salvation, in NTM's specialized training for tribal church planting. Thanks for praying for and giving to the training program, so more tribes can hear.
Summer is a busy time for the missionaries on staff at the two New Tribes Bible Institute campuses and at the Missionary Training Center. For most, it is the only time they can visit the people who partner with them in prayer and finances. It is also their time for preparing for classes in the fall. Pray for safe, refreshing travel and good preparation.
Pray that nothing hinders the students who are planning to attend NTM training in the fall. Pray that those who feel led to serve God as missionaries with New Tribes Mission will press forward, and that other students will be led in that direction as well. Some 2,500 of the world's 6,500 people groups have yet to hear the Good News, and need someone to come and tell them.
Pray for continued progress in construction at the Missionary Training Center. The campus must continue to expand for the students expected in the fall, and for future students, so the reach of the Gospel can expand to every tribe.
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