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Like fire...like a mighty hammer...
God's word is active, working in the hearts and lives of men and women. Just seven weeks earlier the "annual baptism" was held during the yearly convention. Since then nine more people came forward to be baptized.
The nine came from different villages, joining may others who traveled to the village of Chullay for theannual "women's retreat". That event had never included a baptism before.
Before joining me in Chullay on Sunday for the baptism, Mark worked on Jeremiah chapter 23. The 29th verse says:
“Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?”
We aren’t here just to put words on paper, but to see those words of life touch and change lives.
Mark addressed the nine beforehand. At the end, he explained that just as their body needs food, so does their spirit. Along with potatoes, habas and barley, they need regular intake of God’s word.
Narrow is the road that leads to life...Matt. 7:14
I’ve always been a chicken about heights. My balance isn’t wonderful either, a by-product of hearing problems. So, when we’re hiking along and the original narrow path disappears under a steep landslide, my heart rate goes up. And, my feet don’t want to move!
Situations like this make me think of Jesus’ words about the narrow path and I wonder: Am I hesitant to move forward for him? Is there something “scary” he’s asking me to do? I don’t want to become stuck and routine in my life with him.
On the road...
• As you read this, Mark is in Dallas attending a seminar on Genesis. He should be back in Huanuco by the evening of October 24th.
• Meanwhile, I hope to travel up to Chavinillo on the 23rd to cheer on a team of three women from the Margos area. They will be making their second trip to introduce VBS to the churches over in this other area. I will be home the next day in time to meet Mark.
• Then, November 13th we’ll be on the road to Huaraz, in the next “state” over, for an Old Testament workshop.
Praises & Prayer Requests
• Pray for the first of four sessions of pastoral theology training to be held here in Huanuco November 1-12. Two of the men involved in Old Testament translation will be attending. A seminary from the capital is responsible for the classes, sending professors up for three courses each session. With this level of training more Quechua speakers will be qualified to teach in rural Bible institutes using the course material Mark has prepared.
• November 4-5 Mark will be up in Margos teaching pastors in the district the first of three minicourses on Introduction to the Bible.
• Our next Old Testament workshop is November 15th through December 3rd over in Huaraz. Once again pray for safe travels, getting all the equipment there and back. The men will be editing Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi now that they’ve done comprehension checking on them. Then they will continue adapting Job and possibly have time to work on Ecclesiastes.
Some of you have “traveled along” with us for many years and some have joined in more recently. Thanks for accompanying us along the way with your prayers and support.
Patti Bean
