01/24/05 Tribal Update: A pastor poses a question....and then answers it!

Hello Folks:

I was privileged to receive tapes and letters from the Tribal believers a few days ago. It has been SO GOOD to hear from them! And as one of the pastors shares, he asks a question:

"With Adam's sin, death began. With his sin, sickness began. And we live feeling his disobedience. We have suffered greatly. We have had much sickness. We have been hungry. Many have buried their children. Many live with on-going tears. There has been much overwhelming sadness. So what are the thoughts of the true God? Does he love some more than others? Does he love the ones who have cattle more than the ones with no cattle? Does he love the ones who are dressed prettily more than the ones that are dressed poorly? Is his love the same for the ones who live in old ugly houses as for the ones who live in pretty houses? Does he love the ones who go without shoes as much as he loves the ones with shoes? Does he love the ones with no money as much as He loves the ones who have lots of money? How does the Everywhere-one think? I will tell you, he loves us all the same. He loves no one more than another. All of us are loved with the love that is beyond measuring. And we know that he is guarding many good things for us up in heaven to give to us when we get there. Yes, he loves us all the same. Even though many have died here, he loves us all the same."

Please pray:

• that the Tribal believers will have a Biblical perspective in the midst of their trials, that they will relentlessly trust God no matter what has happened
• that they would be comforted by the Spirit and that they would grow spiritually through this
• for the church leaders, and especially for Hernan, the main pastor, as they continue to teach and encourage the flock. Many are discouraged.
• that the enemies of truth in the area would either come to the Lord or be removed
• for continued health of the people there. How thankful that our Mission nurse was in there for ten days administering a total of 430 vaccinations and helping out in many ways. And the pastors now share how everyone is truly on the mend and feeling much better
• for wisdom for us as we seek to set up a program that will really help the Tribal people socio-economically

Thanks so much for praying for the Tribal and being a part of this work. We thank God for each of you.

Leaning hard on Him,
Merrill and Teresa