Well much has happened since we last wrote and we wanted to catch you up.
Leo's (Kemua's) death has been a huge blow to the Yembiyembi's and their confidence in this life. Consequently, many are very scared and very worried at this time. Some have openly stated that the teaching has "made clear (explained) the paths of death", and that is why so many are dying now. Some are reverting back to what they grew up with (that Leo's spirit is stalking the village looking to hurt people), and the fear that goes with that, which is not completely unexpected. If you or I were raised to believe something about the afterlife, something that our forefathers for many many generations had believed and passed down, it would not be wiped away in one clean sweep, it would take time, and bravery to stand up and believe in something that goes against years of their ingrained culture.
The neatest thing is watching these brave ones, these 40-50 who have heard, understood, and believe that this is the truth. And if it is the truth then EVERTHING else is a lie, and therefore nothing to fear. It has been amazing to hear stories (from other Yembi's) and watch in the back of rooms as these men and women (remember these guys are not yet saved, they simply have taken what they know, compared it to God's word and believe that the Word is true) stand up for what they have heard in the teaching. It is having an incredible impact on the people around them.
Part of that group, and ones that Nina and I have been able to spend some time with are Robert, Joel, Roger, Job, Silas, Kelly, Stanley, Joanna, Rodney, Paul, Lucas, Prisca, Edward, Peter, Dennis, Vila, Zaccheus, Micheal and Ilen.
Continue to pray for these guys and girls, they are out in front leading the change that is starting to grip Yembiyembi. Many are not sure where this talk will end up, what will be required of them by God, what it will take to understand the bridge-crossing man (the man that will be the one to make a way for the children of Satan to walk across to the other side and become children of God), but they want to know badly.
Some ones to pray for that are really worried, are scared of the teaching and are not doing too well: Donald, Kerobim, Otto, Sevi, Maria (Kalanges), Januarius (Bonambil), and John-Florian. All of their pictures are at this website. http://www.flickr.com/photos/yembiyembi/
This week we will be teaching some very very important lessons, so be in prayer about these and that we would get as many Yembi's as possible out to the teaching. Because of the fear in the tribe, it has scared some (especially the older ones) about coming back, pray that we could get them there, and get them listening well. The 3 key lessons for this week will be: Abraham being asked to sacrifice Isaac, The Passover, and the Red Sea crossing. These 3 lessons have some huge implications for the Yembi's, and if they grasp the meaning of them they will be so much closer to understanding Christ when he comes on the picture, so be praying for your people.
Leo's body has still not been buried (it is in the morgue at town) and will be coming in any day. We are hoping to get a solid week and a half of teaching in before that happens and the whole village shuts down again. There are 5 other people in the village that the Yembis are calling "one leg in" (meaning one leg is already in the grave, they are very close to dying), and a couple that have gotten much worse recently and could go any day. Be praying for these ones, some have been coming to the teaching, others are physically not able to come, or mentally not able to comprehend what is going on, but loosing any of them would be very tough at this time.
Not much else guys. Remember this is not a battle, it is a drawn out war with victories and losses, the one constant is God, and our prayers and petitions for His strength and power to move in these situations. Keep up the good work we are so very happy to have you standing with us in all of this.
Your friends,
Brooks, Nina and Beau
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