‘Nothing more beautiful’
Lukas, a Dinangat believer in Papua New Guinea, preached on Jesus’ death and resurrection on a recent Sunday and God’s plan for man’s redemption came alive for everyone there, including missionary Ralf Schlegel.
“I think there is almost nothing more beautiful than getting to watch people believe in God’s Word and then even proclaim it publicly with so much conviction and joy,” wrote Ralf.
Nine Dinangats testified openly in church of their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Several believers had very sinful pasts and when they stood they explained the difference that Jesus made.
Epanang said, “You all know how sinful I am. I am a sinner and deserve to go to eternal punishment, but Jesus took my place and died for me. I am so grateful for that and want to get baptized to show that to everyone.”
A woman who had committed adultery in the past stood before the congregation and said, “I am a sinful woman, you all know that, but by faith I have died with Jesus and rose again with him. I want to make this public and want to get baptized today.”
The next week many hiked over to a nearby village to attend a baptism at that village. Twenty-three were baptized that day and many more are looking forward to being baptized at a later date.
As Semandeng walked toward the water to be baptized, the people watching were moved with the miracle that God had worked in his life.
“Everyone knew that it was a true miracle that this man wanted to get baptized,” wrote Ralf. “[In the past,] Samandeng was involved in occult rituals and had been accused of killing another man. But today this old man with his very white hair knows about His Savior and openly proclaimed his personal faith in Jesus’ work on the cross.”
One of the village leaders shared with strong conviction, “I have led you away from God’s Word and have pushed you into working for salvation, and I am really sorry about that. I want to apologize to you all. What I did was wrong. But today I understand God’s Word and want to follow it with all my heart for He is my only Savior.”