Just like the Israelites
Several Mwinika men in Mozambique are helping missionary Phil Henderson translate the Scriptures into their language.
They are hearing God’s Word and comparing themselves to the Israelites.
Phil has been translating from the book of Numbers concerning the Israelites complaining in the wilderness.
"At this point all the translation helpers let out a collective groan," wrote Phil. "’Not again, the Mwinikas respond, ’Don’t those Israel people ever learn?’ And then usually one of them speaks up and says in a sober voice ’Yeah, but we are just like them. We are always doing things and we know very well that they are wrong. Our hearts run away from God just as fast as their hearts do.’"
Phil’s translation co-workers are hearing God’s Word and responding, but are still caught in the clutches of their culture. Recently one man’s wife was sick and he consulted a diviner who suggested he host a "spirit possession cult" to heal her.
The drums pounded all night as the people danced. They were dancing to ereewa, a spirit belonging to a group of spirits called "satans." One of the main features of the ceremony is a drama which the participants take part in. They act as if they are slaves in captivity being taken in a slave caravan and the cult leader plays the role of deliverer and sets them free from their bondage.
Pray that when the Mwinika people hear of the true Deliverer they will turn from spirit worship and trust Jesus as their Savior.
They are hearing God’s Word and comparing themselves to the Israelites.
Phil has been translating from the book of Numbers concerning the Israelites complaining in the wilderness.
"At this point all the translation helpers let out a collective groan," wrote Phil. "’Not again, the Mwinikas respond, ’Don’t those Israel people ever learn?’ And then usually one of them speaks up and says in a sober voice ’Yeah, but we are just like them. We are always doing things and we know very well that they are wrong. Our hearts run away from God just as fast as their hearts do.’"
Phil’s translation co-workers are hearing God’s Word and responding, but are still caught in the clutches of their culture. Recently one man’s wife was sick and he consulted a diviner who suggested he host a "spirit possession cult" to heal her.
The drums pounded all night as the people danced. They were dancing to ereewa, a spirit belonging to a group of spirits called "satans." One of the main features of the ceremony is a drama which the participants take part in. They act as if they are slaves in captivity being taken in a slave caravan and the cult leader plays the role of deliverer and sets them free from their bondage.
Pray that when the Mwinika people hear of the true Deliverer they will turn from spirit worship and trust Jesus as their Savior.