First YY to be with God

Dear Friends and Family:

This is just a quick note to let you know that one of my fathers, Lawrence Yangisi went to be with the Lord yesterday. Lawrence was the first man in the entire tribe to be baptized (he nearly got speared to death for it)  and was a very outspoken witness for the gospel. A few months back he contracted TB and managed to make his way out to the aid station in the town of Wewak for medical treatment. His wife (Gloria) was there with him as he grew thinner and weaker and he could see the end in sight.

The most amazing thing through all of it was that Lawrence's testimony never faltered. He repeatedly sent back messages to the tribe and his children (5) that he was not afraid to die, and they were not to accuse anyone (the typical Yembi way) of working magic or anything.

The last time we heard from Lawrence he sent a messenger to the radio out in Wewak and passed on this message "If Got closes his hands on me then that is how it is, it is His will alone. You will see this dirty (my body) of mine when it comes in there to be put in the ground, but don't be sad, you will see me again in heaven. I am ready and have no fear, I really have no fear". Lawrence is the first Yembi that the entire tribe has heard of that was not afraid to die, he was ready to meet his maker.

As the news raced around the village yesterday that Lawrence had died the usual chorus of voices from the opposition in here started up and the accusations and threats started to fly. But some of the believers sat down together and went around the group asking each other what they thought Lawrence was doing. Some said he was talking with Adam, some said he was probably talking to Noah, others said he was probably talking to the apostle Paul and telling him how he had just finished studying his letter to the Romans, it was awesome to hear.    

Please pray for Gloria and her kids, the pressure on them will be heavy these next few weeks. And pray for the believers as they prepare to bury Lawrence. This is the first believer to die in Yembiyembi (the first person from this language group to be with God) and they intend on conducting an entirely new type of "service", pray that they would have wisdom and be a great testimony in the process.

Thanks guys,

Brooks