A new perspective of the Holidays
Bagwido believers in Papua New Guinea celebrated the holidays with a new perspective this year.
One of the believers said, "Now we understand why the years flip over. When 2008 goes to 2009, we know now, that is has been 2,009 years since our "Getting-Back-Man" came to redeem us. We never used to know the true meaning behind Christmas and why the year would change numbers in January. Now we know that it is all because God sent Jesus."
The believers spent the day sharing the translated Scriptures, discussing them and having a time of prayer and singing followed by sharing a typical Bagwido meal of smoked fish, sago and pumpkin soup with steamed greens and perhaps a grub worm or two.
Then on January 12, the first baptism was held in the village where Mark and Holly Woodard minister. Thirty-one Bagwido believers were baptized along with 12-year-old Allie Woodard. It was a time of joyous celebration.
Nineteen Inanbimali believers made a five-hour canoe trip to attend the baptism and encourage and build up the Bagwido church.
One of the believers said, "Now we understand why the years flip over. When 2008 goes to 2009, we know now, that is has been 2,009 years since our "Getting-Back-Man" came to redeem us. We never used to know the true meaning behind Christmas and why the year would change numbers in January. Now we know that it is all because God sent Jesus."
The believers spent the day sharing the translated Scriptures, discussing them and having a time of prayer and singing followed by sharing a typical Bagwido meal of smoked fish, sago and pumpkin soup with steamed greens and perhaps a grub worm or two.
Then on January 12, the first baptism was held in the village where Mark and Holly Woodard minister. Thirty-one Bagwido believers were baptized along with 12-year-old Allie Woodard. It was a time of joyous celebration.
Nineteen Inanbimali believers made a five-hour canoe trip to attend the baptism and encourage and build up the Bagwido church.