To Whom are You a Leader ?

Meeting God in the Highlands

(PART 3)

(Written on Sunday, 9/14/14, while on Cultural Retreat in Dusin, PNG)

We awoke early, listening, knowing we must not miss the chime of third bell. It's Sunday here, and church is announced to the entire valley from a truck wheel gong which hangs at White Stone. Pastor Thompson, or perhaps one of his boys, first rang the bell at about 0730, while we enjoyed coffee over our devotional. Throughout this time of waiting for "Lotu" (church) to begin, we were treated to pleasant melodies from someone practicing guitar. Second bell was at 0900, followed shortly by third bell around 0940, and so we made our way to Lotu, down the hard clay path which lies adjacent to the airstrip. 

The Church "Bell" at White Stone

We separated once inside the long low church building, Rachel to the women's benches on the left, and I to the right, to sit with Pastor Thompson. He informed me we would see even more people come, the latecomers having travelled the furthest. (Imagine hiking for 2 hours through steep jungle terrain to get to church!) We joined the congregation in song, three guitarists and an elder leading from the front. When the local lyrics escaped me, I would sing my own words to the same tune, and the Spirit was present. We were then treated to a few "specials" by various groups of youths, and I was happy to place some "Kina" (dollars) into the men's side offering plate. I found it interesting that while the men's plate was sparse with only a single 50 "Toea" (cents) coin, the ladies' plate had many Kina bills and Toea coins. Perhaps their wives manage the household tithing as mine usually does. 

Pastor Thompson's message was regarding leadership. He reminded the people of God's infinite authority, the pastor's duty and authority as God's mouthpiece, and each man's duty and authority as head of their household. The people of PNG culturally place importance on gaining authority, becoming the "Big Man" in their community, by generously placing others in their debt - the more people in your debt, the more friends/allies/supporters in your time of need, which equals power. Pastor Thompson reminded us of our place in God's kingdom, members of one Body, equal in importance as each of us is a leader to someone. Rachel and I were thankful our language study had enabled us to understand this beautiful message. 

A Rainbow Reminder of God's Promises

After a quick lunch of tuna on chicken crackers (my favorite new snack), I took a soccer ball outside. At first I was passing the ball with the 2 or 3 kids who were already lounging outside our house, but as usual, within just a few minutes we had enough for two full teams, and the stick goals were put up.  Some boys who have become soccer friends are Richard, Randy, Charlie, and Randal. In this type of soccer, while size, speed and skill still matter, every single one of these kids happily rugby tackle and hack at the ball with everything they've got. I was continually amazed and encouraged by the feirce smiling and jesting which these children exhibit in their rough play, taking and returning serious blows without the slightest trace of anger or tears. I kept thinking "THIS is the way soccer should be played! ...none of this falling down faking injuries business!"  Anyway, almost 90 minutes and at least two dozen goals later, sore and exhausted, we called it quits. I'm sure it helped that a large front of rain was tearing down the mountainside towards us. :-)



Surrounded by so many young hearts, Pastor Thompson's message had returned to me, and I wondered who The Lord would place before me this year to disciple and lead into His Love.  

Please PRAY for our eyes to be opened to the needs of those around us, that we might be vessels of His Love and salvation. 

...and while you're praying, ask God who He's got in mind for you too! You are indeed a leader to someone. Think upon the fruit of your relationships - does it point toward Christ?

By His Love and Grace, T&R