No Longer New
The question on my mind as we prepared to host our second outreach event in the village was, “Are they going to come back?” We knew the first event would be well attended because everyone was curious about what the vazah (foreigners) were up to. The second one would be less about us and more about what we were presenting… God’s word in their own language. Last time we spoke and sang about creation, but this time the focus was on man, sin, and the need for a savior. The band created a story-song from Genesis 3 titled “Namitaka Zagnahary” (We all wronged God). We continue to be amazed at how God is working through Ladys and the rest of the band to create Sakalava music with words straight from scripture. We prepared a dramatic reading from the Jesus Storybook Bible’s story of the fall. We planned an activity for the kids. Everything was prepared and the only thing left to do was to pray and ask God to bring his people to hear his word…
And the people came. In both villages we had over 100 people attend. They sang, listened, and participated in a group discussion. “We know that God made everything very good, but that today everything is not good. There is death and sickness and hunger and anger. What caused everything to become bad?’ this is the question that was asked at the beginning of the gathering, and people had a chance to share their opinions on why things were bad. Some said it was a curse, others that it was man’s fault. It was a great time of discussion, proof that people are becoming more comfortable and safe discussing important matters.
At the end we asked, “Since we know that indeed the land is cursed, and it is cursed because of our sin, where can we find any hope in the world?” We will attempt to reveal God’s plan to restore hope to us through his Son at our next gathering in December. Please pray as we reach the redemptive climax in God’s story next month.
Here is the Sakalava version of Psalm 23, with a refrain from Psalm 7, by Ladys and the band:
And here is a short video of our team’s first year on the island:
-Bryan
Exciting to follow along this unfolding story of God’s love for the Sakalava people!!! 🙂
Blessings, Barbara Wannemacher The Bible Institute of South Africa 180 Main Road Kalk Bay 7975 South Africa
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Barbara, it’s good to be back on the island and we are excited about sharing the story of redemption and celebrating Jesus with our neighbors in December. Blessings dear friend, Rebe
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Brayan, Rebe – This is terrific! The quintessential of life in this world – the original plan, what happened, why it happened, where we are in this situation, who can help us, where can we go from here – this should be taught in every Theology Class in every University in the world – at least in our Christian Universities for sure –
Bryan, you wonderful people are being vessels unto God’s honor, sanctified, meet for the Master’s use, filled with the Treasure that can be shared/poured out to others – you both are going to intersect these people’s loves at a crucial point or points and help to change their direction and destiny forever – WOW!
God Bless You! You are being prayed for daily.
Carl Summer Adjunct Online Faculty
Trevecca Nazarene University
Caribbean Nazarene College
carlbsummer@gmail.com
Home # 1-405-787-7807
Cell # 1-405-627-3099
Excited About the Re-Presenting of the Master/Message of Christ’s Full Salvation for the 21st Century!
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19).
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Hi Carl and Barbara, it’s good to hear from you and we praise God for your prayers. It’s a blessing to be on the ground here in Madagascar and to experience how God is at work among our neighbors. Blessings to you and your family…Rebe
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What I love about what you are doing is that the Sakalava people are having time to think about their fallen state before you explain their opportunity for salvation in December. They may not know that their time to think about their fallen state is a time that the Holy Spirit can begin preparing them for an understanding of their need for a savior.
Our western culture, so driven by immediate results, leaves little time for reflection within our own hearts and minds, let alone a chance to discuss the questions on their minds. That approach does not very often provide honor to God, who is relational, who wants us to commune with Him, to turn from wrong choices to right choices for the right reasons. When God’s elect choose Christ, they will know why they are choosing Christ. There will be God’s imprint on their heart.
I’m excited for you that God has given you a better path to tell the Sakalava people about His plan for their lives. May you be bathed and protected with God’s grace as you experience what God continues to do with both the Sakalava people as well as you and your own family. We pray for you and your family.
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Yes, we praise God for how He is working and, you’re right, the time for reflection is a hidden blessing. We’re thankful for your support and prayers. Grace and peace, Rebe
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