These glad tidings in Romans are regarding the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. We have some glad tidings concerning the outcome of the miles and miles some very beautiful feet have traveled here in Congo to share this life-giving message.
In the bush as well as in the cities of Congo, the police and soldiers are greatly feared, lording there positions over helpless women and random travelers. They steel, loot, & rape.
Two years ago, Ezekiel an Hosea graduated from Laban Bible Institute and following their graduation our mission campus was invaded by gangs from Mibiere and Mpene-the same villages who fought Dr. and Mrs. Smith's coming to Nkara in the 40's. They said at the time of attack that they just wanted a little of Jim's blood. Mob's filled with anger made there way into the valley of Ewa, but their efforts were thwarted by more than 40 police and soldiers sent from the government center of Bulunga some 40 miles form Nkara.
I had just returned from Congo, and Jim was out here trying to tie up loose ends, He was due to return to America a few weeks later. The mobs' present, however, necessitated his being quarantined. Arnmed guards accompanied him as he walked up aerobic hill to call me because the valley we live in prevents a good telephone signal. He could'nt teach in the bible school, couldn't welcome any guests in our hoe, and was aloud outside only for emergencies, such as making phone calls to update us on his status.
One day he went to the radio site with a couple of police who were guarding the radio station and taught them scripture. When the other police heard about this, they requested that he teach them as well. So Bible studies began in our home as well as the sheriff's office and the radio station. The police stayed at Nkara until the matter was settled peacefully. They were so troubled by these villages, outbursts, that they threatened to burn their homes to the ground. Jim remembered the devastation we experienced with the fire that robbed us of our home and all our earthly posessions, and he asked them not to proceed with their plan.
The protection the police and soldiers rendered in 2007 no doubt helped save Jim's life. However, as a rule, these men area menace to their own people. The beauty that The Lord brought out of those ashes is that Hosea and Ezekiel were hired to be pastors to the police and soldiers of this area. These men whose thirst for more of the Word of God caused an intense interest in continuing to study the Bible.
Now, two years later, we are told in the reports given to us by Hosea and Ezekiel that the Bible has really done a job on their hearts. Their behavior has been measured by the standards of the WOrd f God and found to be wanting. Many have professed Christ and are now no longer robbing, bullying, and ravashing women. They realize they have been instituted by God to be a form of protection instead of a threat to the population. We stand amazed at their hunger for and reception of the scriptures. These men who have "walked on darkness have seen a great light", and on those who "have dwelt in the land of intense darkness and the shadow of death upon them has the light shined."
Please pray for Ezekiel and Hosea as they bike to far out police posts to continue to shine the light of the gospel on hearts enslaved in the darkness and despair of sin.
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2 comments:
Praise God! We will be praying. I remember praying for Jim two years ago when he was threatened. Hope you are doing well in Congo. Thinking of you often! love you, Emily
Oh, Lord, we thank you for the change in the hearts of Ezekiel and Hosea. I pray that they would remain steadfast in you, and that they would stand firm against the pressures they may face in their jobs as policemen. They will surely be tested. Give them strength of character to stand up to that test and prove themselves worthy to be called Christians.
I pray for the continued growth and strength of these Bible colleges, and I pray for the women who are learning to read. They can turn the tide of this next generation from the ways of the evil one to Your ways.
Thank you Father, for the endurance you have given to Jim and Nancy in continuing bringing Your ways to the Bandundu people. For surely Your name will be Praised!
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