Climb Every Mountain, Ford Every Stream...

By: Cindy

We did! It is often said that some of those most rewarding experiences take the most work. Today (Sunday the 20th) was one of those experiences. Aaron had been invited to come preach in a village located in an area that is most often obscurely referred to as, “the other side”. The term, “the other side” can mean a number of different places depending on what direction the person using the phrase points their hand or nods their head. And then you know where they are talking about…if you are from Tanna. If you are Aaron and I, you are hard put to know where they might be talking about. In this case we just knew we were going to the other side of a big hill and the other side of the stream. At any rate, we were invited to come worship on “the other side”.

This invitation came about thanks to some dedicated evangelism that Harry, one of the local Christians and leaders of the church here, has been doing. He has been doing his best to share the Good News of Christ and His church with his family and friends and for that we couldn’t be more pleased!

So, this morning our family headed out along with Harry’s family, the girls from the RTC school, and a handful of visitors. We had in tow with us three bags of songs books, Lord’s Supper supplies, and various saucepans of “kakae” (food) to be shared for lunch. We were literally on a bush walk in order to get to worship. We climbed two good-size hills, endured a little slipping and sliding in the mud, crossed over the stream on a series of four logs that ran from one side to the other (watch your step!), got our legs and skirts a little wet from the grasses that were still damp from the night’s rain, and 45 minutes later arrived at Lousenganu Village on “the other side”.

Aaron and I had Bible class for the kids (which the new kids seemed to thoroughly enjoy), visited with a few people, and then it was time for worship to begin. The turnout was very good with 5 Christians, several people that normally attend worship with us, and about 20 visitors, plus 35 kids! Aaron preached what I considered to be a phenomenol sermon - and I’m sure I’m not biased…Ha! :o)

The response was great! Everyone, men and women alike, showed much interest and asked a lot of questions when worship was over. After we ate, Aaron spent about 1.5 hours sitting and talking with a group of about 15 men, answering their questions and always, consistantly pointing them back to the Bible.

When we left they gave us a woven mat and basket in thanks for our coming. We very much appreciated their generosity. Honestly, though, we would have been just has happy had they had nothing to give us. The fact that so many were willing to sit and listen and open their hearts to the Truth is thanks enough. We hope and pray that the Word of God will be working on their hearts and offer more opportunities for studying, and Lord willing, the obedience of these men and women!

We didn’t arrive home until 2:30pm. The walk back was a bit more grueling than the walk there because the sun was out in full force and it was hot, hot, hot! But, at least the bush road had dried some so we didn’t have to worry about slipping and sliding. By the time we got back I was more than ready for a COLD bucket bath and a good, long rest!