September 2019
Dear Praying Friends,
Nearly 10 weeks have passed since our last report of the work in Kaintiba, Gulf Province. In the midst of all the turmoil and labor, Father has kept us in His care. When we consider all His faithfulness to us, how can we not also be faithful to what He has given us to do. It is a great privilege to be counted worthy to suffer for the sake of Christ and His Gospel. As the Apostle Paul so said: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Suffering always comes to ministers of the Gospel of Christ, and is to be expected.
This year has had the most challenges yet of all the years we have spent in PNG. Even at present the challenges are hitting us on many fronts. The hidden deceitfulness is the hardest for us to deal with, but Christ will reveal even this to us in His time. Our family has learned so much of the mindset of these people through the words they have spoken to us (for the Bible says that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh). Due to the seeds that a former church leader sowed, roots of bitterness have sprung up and the intents of many hearts have been revealed. Yet, even in spite of all this, Father has given to us a strong core of people….a small group of people that are starting to show an understanding of what the Christian life is all about.
One thing for sure that has become clear: the cultural mindset in Kaintiba is a detriment to Spiritual growth. In nearly every case of direct commands from Christ, in the manner of every day living, there is a contrary cultural adversary. Envy, strife and the destructive tongue stunt the spiritual growth and maturity of people. Selfishness, self serving and destroying anyone who has a mind to do well, leads to the demise of unseasoned Christians. Only Christ has the power to change this, and of course, a yielded soul to do His will. Pray that Father will direct my understanding of how to teach the proper way. “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves: if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.” Also, for students who are willing to yield to the teaching. I know that the same schooling that Christ gave to the Apostles is the same teaching He wants us to “commit to faithful men”, just as it was committed to us. We now pray for “faithful men” in Kaintiba who will bear up under the responsibility of learning and applying what Christ has to teach.
So, there is a lifetime of work to SHOW these people the way Christ would have it to be. Faithfulness on our part is necessary (as long as Father allows us), even in spite of the “dangers, toils, and snares”. Overall, we have many friends in Kaintiba that have shown care for us in words and in prayer. For this we are grateful. Even if there has only been small progress, we are pleased to be in the service of the King. If He is pleased with our labor of love, we are content. Christ deserves His name to be glorified even here in the “hedges” of the world, otherwise known as the “Bush” of PNG.
Please pray with us as we continue in this constant fight against the wiles of the Devil. He has blinded the minds of so many souls and their ancient culture holds them captive. Oh, how much we desire to show them there is a better culture; a Heavenly way of life that is so much more glorious and sound in logic. The current world view is so haphazard and disjointed. Pray that Father will give us an inroad to their heart and mind for them to see every action they commit has a consequence. Hence, the centuries of demise and degradation their culture has brought them to where they are now: destitute! Only Christ can remove this curse. He is their only Hope! To this we bring them, and this alone.
Christi’s Corner: Two weeks ago I started a reading class for four ladies. Three of the ladies are from our church, and two of them were the two who were just baptized back in June! These ladies are very eager to learn to read and write. Please pray for me to have wisdom as I teach them. One of the ladies, Ruth, is older than me and has always lived in the bush. Her tok pisin is limited. She is doing fairly well. Please pray for Jeni, Delma, Ruth, and Rose as they seek to learn to read and write. They all want to be able to read the Bible! I plan to give them a New Testament on completion of the course.
For His Glory,
Mark and Christi Helzerman
Hadassah,
Grace, Hope, Serenity, and Glory
E-mail: mhelzerman@gmail.com