this is why God has sent me here!!!

I got this prayer update from a friend in the Mengan tribe i would love you to take 5 mins and read it God is at work even in the deepest jungles of PNG!

The Mengen Minute Volume 112

Dear Friends,

Today we’re all feeling a bit sentimental and emotional as we look back over the past few years and we REJOICE as we see what the Lord has done in the lives of our Mengen friends! What a crazy “ride” it has been. However, we are thrilled to say that by the grace of GOD, we have seen a church planted here amongst the Mengen people.

Yesterday we were privileged to witness the first Mengen baptism. We weren’t sure what to expect, and were amazed to see 16 brave Mengen believers testify of their faith in Christ in front of many unsaved friends and family members. Amongst those 16 people were 6 married couples. What a joy it has been to see both husbands and wives take this step of faith together!!

Sunday morning we awoke to high winds, rain and chilly temperatures. It was disappointing as it looked as though we would have to postpone the baptismal service. However, the Lord cleared the weather and by the time our church service was over, the sun was beginning to peep through the clouds and everyone decided that we should go ahead as we had scheduled.

The location for our baptismal service was a gorgeous pool of water, located in the jungle just down from our houses. Many people gathered to witness the event and we were happy to see quite a few unbelievers there as well, waiting to see what would happen. The first Mengen to be baptized was a keen, young believer named Edward.

Here is Edward’s testimony before he entered the water: “In the past, I was not a good person. Everyone in the village knew that I was a person who stole and drank and fought. But when I placed my trust in Christ’s death, he completely changed me. And for that reason, I want to follow Jesus’ talk and become baptized because His death alone has helped me. I am alright because He completely took away my sin.”

Dave, Lourens and Simon baptized the first few people and from there, 4 Mengen men baptized the rest of the group. It was amazing to see these guys baptizing their wives and brothers and in-laws and friends. It was a terrific testimony not only as each person shared, but to see the interaction of the believers and to see them now beginning to take a bit of leadership as well.

There were so many great testimonies. Bruce said: “I want to become baptized to show people that I have placed my trust in Jesus’ death alone that that I only follow Jesus. My sins are all gone because of Jesus’ death alone. When I die, I will go to be with Him.”

Bruce’s wife Apite gave this testimony: “When I was still in darkness, I know that my heart was filled only filled with things of this earth. But today, I know that Jesus died for my sins. And I am becoming baptized to show this to everyone.”

An older man, Joe Waimo said to the crowd, “All of us here are gathered today for one reason and that is Jesus’ death alone. And we are gathered together with joy that comes from Jesus. He alone is the only way to God and heaven. And for this reason, we are very happy.”

Becky’s translation helper Kariang said, “I believe that God’s son died and shed His blood for my sins. And there is no other ‘road’. He is the one and only way and for that reason, I am getting baptized today.

Praise the Lord with us!!

- We have seen these believers come SO far in the past couple of years and their testimonies have had a real impact on the community already.

- Praise the Lord that in spite of persecution, these 16 people have taken a stand for their faith (very much against their own culture)

- Praise the Lord that the Flanagans have moved in and started language study.

Please Pray with us!!

- Please continue to pray for a number of the Mengen believers who are struggling these days. There are perhaps 10 others who did not get baptized and are dealing with various things. Please pray that they would find grace and comfort to help them in their times of need.

- Pray for 2 new literacy classes that have started up. This will be the first class that is being taught by the Mengen people themselves. Pray for Edward, Alex and Bruce as they teach, for wisdom and understanding as they begin to take leadership roles.

- Pray for Lourens as he finishes up language study in a few weeks and for the Laureti family as they prepare for furlough next month.

- Pray for Becky as she leaves for furlough this week, for safety in travel and a restful time at home.

- Pray for the Mengen church as Dave teaches through the book of Acts, that they would continue to learn and grow in their faith and that they would stand strong in the face of persecution.

Joyfully serving the King of Kings,

The Mengen team (Wrights, Laureti’s, Flanagans, Keri Pacheco, Rebecca Preheim)

(first picture: Dave Wright and Edward baptizing Edward’s wife Francesca)

(second picture: Lourens Laureti and Edward baptizing Bruce)

Look at the Joy in this guys face he is the first believer to be baptised in this tok place (language group)

it has been a good week for me was a bit frustrated at the start didn't really think i was getting hold of the language and I know I'm just starting out but i want to get it!

please pray for patience

and that i can get my head down and get stuck into some serious work!

pray for my family at home

pray for the Mengan believers who are facing persecution for the stand they took pray for many of the Mengan people who still need to believe in the good news of Jesus Christ!

praise God that he has given me the privilege of serving Him here.

that he has given me some great team mates to work along side.

for giving me a room mate for the first month as i get settled in, Michel.

that he Loved me enough to die for me, you and the world!

Geoff