This last year in Mibu has been one of continued maturing as the church grows in their ability to stand on their own two feet. Here's a brief overview of some of the happenings in Mibu Ministry this last year.
Translation
We continue to plug along with the translation of 1 Corinthians. It's a longer, more difficult letter. We're nearing the end now and are more and more excited to be that much closer to having it ready to print for the church to use. We already have some 'teaching drafts' of the text printed in limited numbers and in perishable form (don't want the temporary stuff to last too long) for the teachers to use with their teaching.
Ups and downs with teacher responsibility
This was a year with many ups and downs. Most of the downs revolved around times when a number of servant leaders in the church struggled for whatever reason to carry on responsibilities they'd taken on. Oftentimes this would leave the entire body of believers hanging. For example, on a few occasions the church met on Sunday only to find that the person who'd prepared the teaching was nowhere to be found. This, and things like this, continue to serve as indicators of the still immature state of church leadership yet. Low points are expected. We're thankful to note that these types of low points don't characterize the church, but that continued growth seems more the norm. Yet, from our limited perspective, the low points can be discouraging. I equate the growth we see in the Mibu church to that of the stock market, ups and downs with an overall upward trend. Growth is happening!
Doors opened up for further spread of gospel
Other people groups are seeing a clear change in the Mibu community. As a result a number have put in serious requests to have the gospel message come to them too. Most notably this last year, a nearby group of villages from the Jerung language group have begun talks with the Mibu church to see if there's a way to have the gospel brought to them. The Mibu church is excited about this, but quickly realize that without a translation and literacy program any effort will not go far. They are asking for at least 2 families to partner with them in beginning a church planting ministry in the Jerung language. We've been looking for God's leading and direction in finding these much needed families who can come help.
Clearer vision of church
We are in awe as I think back on how leaders in the church continue to grow in their vision of the church, specifically as Christ's pure bride and as the pillar and buttress of the truth. There is definitely a core group of leaders that seem all the more equipped to lead, direct, and protect the church.
Literacy in Mibu
The literacy program has really struggled the last few years in Mibu. With the start of the Literacy Store, which aims to develop funds for use toward literacy expenses both in Mibu and in outlying areas, we're seeing one major hurdle to the long term ownership of the literacy program overcome. With needed funds out of the way, supplies have been refreshed and the literacy program kick started again. We hope this time with renewed gusto and long term motivation to keep it moving forward. The Literacy Store is not the only thing though. Some revisions have been made to the overall program, including its oversight.
Walkers back in Mibu
We have been thrilled to have our co-workers, the Walkers, back in Mibu to help us serve the church. It will be a huge help to have the much needed extra help with the tasks of church development!
Internet in Mibu
And finally, toward the end of the year, we were able to finally get internet in Mibu! Wow! What a difference it's made in our ability to keep in touch with folks, even being able to make skype calls back to the states! It's also helped us keep our computers and devices updated and in the best working order.
We're looking forward to this new year and all the possibility it holds. We don't know exactly what God's plan is for this year, but we trust him with every second of it each day and pray that we would be able to live in such dependence on him that we'd be his ready tools for use however he wants.
Thank you for being an active part of the Mibu Ministry through your prayers and regular giving! We appreciate your partnership!
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