We are back in the city after spending Easter weekend with the Awa in the mountains. Although we wondered how things would go, we were thankful to be able to have the Believers' Conference with the Awa who came. Some of the ladies worked hard to cook lunches for all, and, thanks to Kimberly's ideas, we even managed to play some games on Saturday afternoon! It was good to see our Awa friends again, and they received us happily.
At the same time, we saw much brokenness and sadness among the believers, as they recounted to us what had happened while we were gone. Many of the believers wanted to give up being a part of God's family, because of the shame of the situation with Milton and his unfaithfulness. Many of the folks shared about how they had to make a choice...would they keep following God, or not? It was a blessing for us to hear most of the main group (eight or nine families represented) clearly tell how they had chosen to "stay" with God. They shared how they are being laughed at and scorned by the rest of the Awa in the communities, for following a God who is 'worthless'.
We had four teaching times over the weekend, and Kevin taught from the life of Jesus, reminding them that Jesus was perfect, that He loved and forgave sinners, and then of His death for our sins, and His joyous resurrection. Kevin also went over the account in John 8 of the Pharisees bringing to Jesus the woman caught in adultery...of how Jesus said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you cast the first stone." It gave the group much to think about...as it's easy, in the face of Milton's sin, to have a self-righteous attitude.
Monday morning Kathy and I went out early looking for Milton. By God's grace, we 'chanced' upon him on the road, further up the valley. In just a minute more, he would have crossed the river, to work in a field across the way, and we would have missed him! God's timing is perfect. We had a long talk with him and we can see that God is at work. He shared with us how much he is suffering (he is sick and thin, the food was stolen from the property where he is supposed to be watching, his kids are a mess, his wife won't forgive him, everyone is angry with him and threatening to kill him, he knows he has done wrong, and feels the heavy weight of guilt). He said over and over, with tears, "But I did wrong, and it's my fault. I carry the blame. I've just been waiting for God to punish me, maybe He will just kill me."
We were thankful for the time with him, and were able to remind him, that's why Jesus died! For our sins...even for this. He suffered so much, shedding His blood, to pay that debt for us...because He loves us. We are still His children, and He won't abandon us, and He is still able to help us, even in this hard situation. We prayed together with him, right there on the road, asking God for His help, and promised him that we'd sit down together, over the next few weeks, and study God's word together, looking for God's help and what His word says and where to go from here. Pray that God will continue to work out true repentance in Milton's heart--not just a recognition of his sin, but a turning to God in trust and obedience.
Thank you for being here with us by your prayers! There is a big gulf of sin, hurt, sadness, and anger here among the believers...a large space for God to work! Our hearts are encouraged knowing that HE IS ABLE! May His glory be lifted high here among the Awa.
In HIS grip,
Kevin & Kathy
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| From slippery snow to slick mud in just a few days was a bit of a shock to our system! |
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| Enjoying the humid warm open air chapel |
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| There were four new babies for us to meet |
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| We had fun with our new self inflating soccer ball |
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