Reaching the Uriay

September 14, 2010

by Dena McMaster

On September 8, 2010 the Uriay people of Papua New Guinea heard the last evangelistic Bible lesson in the series.

(left: Dakruma is clear and confident that she is a child of God.)

"The day had finally arrived," wrote missionary Lisa Kappeler. "It was finally time to present the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. I could hardly pray as we met this morning, getting choked up as I thought about a church being born [among the Uriay]."

The presentation included skits, Lisa reading the Scripture explaining the enactments, and Elias Struik teaching the lesson. Between the high emotions and expectations of the day and the teaching Elias and Lisa were exhausted.
Lisa and Elias talked with many of those who attended to find out how much they understood.

"I had the sweetest conversation first with Dakruma, who boldly declared that Jesus was her 'punishment bearing man'," wrote Lisa, "and then Nawiyem came over and the three of us, with Aketa just listening, talked about the Lord and all that they'd heard -- absolutely precious."

Elias talked with Lisa's language co-worker, Aendru, and he declared that he too had trusted Christ.

"Aendru had heard the talk about Jesus but never understood the substitutionary side of things. He was in tears basically. He said that when he saw Christ hanging on the cross, he put his head down and could hardly hold back the tears."

Several others gave a clear testimony of their understanding that Christ died for their sins and they had trusted in Him. Lisa and Elias will continue to talk with the Uriays to find out their understanding of Salvation.

Praise God with us that the Uriay people have heard the Gospel message and that many have declared their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

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This article from the New Tribes Mission site thrilled me. It's easy to get comfortable with salvation and forget that millions have never heard. I don't want to forget that we are here for a reason. We are here to share what Christ has done in our lives so others might trust Christ as savior too. As you pray and give don't forget we are part of God's eternal program to tell the world about his love for them in Christ.

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