Sometimes, evangelism looks a lot like frontier work. For many EHC workers, it’s an arduous uphill climb, literally!
This story, from Papua New Guinea, recently came across my desk.
Lai valley area is one of the most rugged places in Mendi, Munhiu district. Its geographical settings are made of limestone mountains and fast fl owing rivers. People live in little hamlets situated on mountain ranges and beside riverbanks. Reaching homes there was quite challenging because of the ascending and descending slippery mountains. But we thank God for our two workers, Benny and Simon, who were able to reach every home there.
After years of reading reports from all over the world, I’m still arrested by the devotion and determination required to take the message of God’s love to a lost world.
Without focusing on the obstacles, our brave brothers and sisters lean on the One who gives strength and courage. Together, they forge a path to the homes, huts and shelters where lost people live.
Since 1987, the steady effort of EHC’s team in Papua New Guinea has reaped a harvest of nearly 25,000 responses to the message of God’s love in Christ.
At EHC, obstacles and difficulties never have the last word. The drum beat that sets the tempo for the millions of footsteps that are needed to take the Gospel from home-to-home is one of hope, trust and joy. Almost every report I read concludes with thanksgiving for the Lord’s faithfulness and for hearts opened to receive the Gospel.
Papua New Guinea is a hard terrain for several reasons. Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, it is an incredibly diverse and complex nation. More than 830 languages are spoken here and over 85% of its seven million people live in remote locations, some of which are very difficult to reach. But with the help of the Holy Spirit and gospel messages in different languages, EHC workers are able to share the Good News home by home.
In Canada, we face a different sort of “rough terrain”. Our nation appears to be one of people searching for meaning, unsure what to believe. A Carleton University study in 2010 found that a majority of Canadians–more than 60%–were not exactly sure of what they believe about God.
These searching people are all around us. They are our neighbours, family members and acquaintances.
The good news is that there is something we can do to help people in our own nation meet Jesus. Why should anyone continue to wonder what they should believe about God when it is so feasible to tell them who He is?
The Finding the Hope campaign, launched in 2008, is providing an answer. We continue to make every effort to help local churches reach the wider audience, beyond the walls of the church. But much more needs to be done and your help is vitally needed as we continue to create resources and opportunities for people in our own nation.
Reaching people with the love of Jesus is doable, whether in Canada or in Papua New Guinea. With your help and support, Every Home for Christ workers are willing to brave the most intimidating challenges and face daunting threats to take the message of salvation in Jesus home to home.
Sincerely, in Christ,
Denys Blackmore Executive Director