The Men Shouted, 'Em Nau! Em Stret!'
In the heart of Papua New Guinea, BJ Sanders witnessed the power of hearing God’s Word in one’s native tongue. As Andrew Goud taught from the Book of Hebrews, the men from the Wusuraambyan tribe began calling out, “Em nau! Em stret!” These weren’t words of anger, but of affirmation — the men were shouting, “It's good! It's true!”
The Joy of Understanding
Although the Wusuraambyans had heard Bible stories before, this was their first time to hear Hebrews in their heart language. This day they heard God’s Word in the language their mothers had sung lullabies in, and the words used by their fathers who taught them to hunt and fish. What BJ witnessed opened his eyes.
It’s difficult to fully grasp the power of God’s Word being spoken in a person’s heart language without seeing it firsthand. BJ was blessed — he got to hear the excitement in their voices and see the joy on their faces as their hearts truly understood the Word of God.
Preparing for the Journey Ahead
Currently BJ and his wife, Jill, are prayerfully seeking the specific tribe in Papua New Guinea where God would have them serve. With this decision will come learning a language, or even two. Oftentimes missionaries need to learn a trade language as well as a tribal language. This takes dedication and hard work, but the reward is great. BJ and Jill will have the opportunity to witness again and again people hearing God’s Word in their heart language for the very first time.
Pray for BJ and Jill as they embark on this amazing journey. As we seek God, He equips us to serve Him — whether that’s ministering to a remote tribe or praying and giving to support the work. May the Lord bless and strengthen you as you follow His good, pleasing and perfect will. Consider how God may use you.