Akolets testify to God’s saving grace

This week, light again penetrated centuries-old darkness, and more Akolets were brought to a saving knowledge of Christ.

More people showed up for Wednesday’s lesson about the death, burial and resurrection of Christ than had previously attended the teaching and they came early (a first) and listened intently.

Gili, Gelio, Toni and Watlo, four of the 13 Akolets who put their faith in Jesus in the past weeks, gave brief, clear testimonies that they knew they were sinners but that Jesus had paid it all on the cross by His death.

Toni and Watlo were both in tears as they gave their testimonies. It was a huge step for them – especially for Watlo, since women don't usually give public talks.

After the lesson, the believers fanned out throughout the village and talked with different people. 

Missionaries Adam and Julie Martin and Ryan and Sarah Warner “praise God for [the believers’] witness.” The missionary team has been seeing growth in the group.

“It has brought us to tears so many times already,” Julie wrote.

And there was more reason for tears when the teaching ended.

“Malaka and Oltupme pretty much tackled me right after the lesson, eager to share that they believe. They each gave clear testimonies of faith in Christ alone, and the tears in their eyes and the joy on their faces was priceless.”

Nawura and Sapu both gave very clear testimonies of faith in Christ. Nawura was the happiest we’d ever seen him. Sapu also showed he clearly understands God’s way of salvation.

Sapu’s wife, Liklikme, had placed her faith in Christ a week earlier. She told Julie last week, “All along I’ve tried and tried … so hard, but there wasn’t anything I could do. But now you’ve explained to me that it’s Jesus’ work on the cross. I believe that. I feel so happy! I’ve always felt this weight, like in my stomach, and now it’s gone and I feel light and fresh and free!” 

After the lesson, Aiglas, an elderly man, stood and spoke. The man with a perpetual grin on his face, cried while speaking.

“We're not sure what all he said because he was talking very quickly and not making a lot of sense,” wrote Julie. “But Adam went to see him afterwards and we think he understands the simple doctrine of grace.”

Dina said, “I had heard before that the sky turned dark when Jesus died, but I had no idea what any of that meant. Now I understand. God was turning His back on Jesus because God can't be with sin and Jesus took all our sin on Himself. Wow! I understand that now!  Jesus is the only way. There’s no other way!”

Kotme, Nawura’s wife, was not her usual bubbly self as she listened to the final lesson. She kept saying, “I never understood. I never understood. But the way to be made right with God is just Jesus. There's no other way!”

Julie asked her, “So do we need to do good ways now above and beyond what Jesus did so that He will save us?”

“Well no,” Kotme responded. “He didn't ‘half'’ His work! He finished it and said ‘Done now’ when He died. There's nothing we can do to add to that!”

“We’re so excited to see another married couple get to start on this exciting new journey together,” Julie wrote.

In the coming days the missionary team will be speaking to others who attended the teaching to see what they understand. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will open their understanding to see what Christ did for them.