"Where two or three (tribes) are gathered together in My name …"
The Yembiyembi tribe in Papua New Guinea recently received visitors from a Bagwido village, which is about four hours away by motor canoe.
Both the Yembiyembis and the Bagwidos have heard the Gospel presented in the past few months, and both tribes have brand new believers in Christ.
As the Yembiyembi believers talked with the Bagwido believers, [they] realized that they had both received the same talk from the same Book," missionary Brooks Buser wrote. Members from both tribes became visibly excited.
"These kinds of meetings are a neat boost to the church right now, but also serve to lay the foundation for the future when they will need to function as a body," Brooks wrote.
While the believers from both tribes met, nonbelievers from the Yembiyembi tribe caused trouble. "It was mostly just verbal criticism and some threats, but instead of having the effect that was intended (discouragement, fear, etc.) it only served to strengthen both the Inanbimali and Bagwido believers."
"We were so excited to see our brothers and sisters in Christ standing up for the truth and always referring to God's Word for comfort and encouragement."
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4:12-13)