Torrential rains illustrate lesson
The Siar people in Papua New Guinea are hearing about Noah and the flood this week.
As they experience torrential tropical rains they begin to identify with Noah who stayed faithful to God’s leading even though he was the only one listening.
Many Siars saw the rains as an obstacle and stopped coming to hear evangelistic Bible lessons. But some continue to be faithful and attend the teaching every day. Though some live far away and have to walk a long distance in the rain, they are eager to hear God’s message for them.
“This lesson of faith in spite of difficult circumstances was particularly poignant this week as we taught on Noah,” wrote missionary Jon Jackson. “How ideal for the Siars to be learning about Noah and his example of faith in spite of the whole world around him rejecting the truth. As he displayed faith through the 40 days and nights of rain, it was as if God was challenging the Siars to remain faithful to hear from Him and believe in spite of their present circumstances. Many of them related well to Noah and have begun to feel the pressure like he did, but are remaining faithful to come, be taught, and trust God’s Word.”
One Siar man, Stiven, stayed after one lesson to express his struggle with continuing to listen to the message even though many of his relatives have stopped coming. The passages from Noah encouraged him to attend every lesson and hear the entire evangelistic Bible lessons.
Sackman, a Siar lady, often comes to both the morning and evening sessions. She says that she learns something new every time she hears God’s Word. Her deep desire is to truly understand and believe the truth, and has, of her own volition, become the recruiter of those in the village who aren’t coming to the teaching.
Pray that many Siars will continue to come to hear God’s Word and that their hearts will be tender to His message for them.