Clay Pots ~ On Trial

One of the many accusing Jason and Chad

Monday morning we were eager to see what the day might hold at the teaching time. But what we weren't planning on was being put on trial. They blind sided us. They didn't tell us this was coming. We were completely unprepared, and they wanted it that way. Needless to say, we didn't teach anything. But in the midst of the "court", as they laid bare their heart held beliefs for the first time ever, we found the answers to all the questions we were hoping to hear.

I don't have enough room to tell you all that was said. But the basic problem was that we used the actual word, "cargo cult". Sad to say, they actually think they are worshipping the true God in this cult, and thus the "secret society" is not a sin. The ten commandments did make them see their sin, but to them, this is not a sin. They are so blinded.

How did it end? 4 hours later we reached an agreement. We would no longer use the actual two words "cargo cult" in the teaching (it is actually illegal to be in the cargo cult in this country, thus the fear when we actually said it in the open). But, we said that when we got to places where God's Word addresses it, we were not going to back down, but we were going to preach what is says... and point out the individual sins.

Is this how we wanted things to turn out? Not exactly, but we do see God's hand in this... the truth is in the open, no more covering up what they do at night... we know. And we can work from there. The teachings of Jesus are strong, and to the point. Jesus exposed the many kinds of false gods and teachings of his day... very much like our day. So we will continue with the teaching, not just to say we finished; but so that Scripture and the Holy Spirit will convict them. They need God's Word in their lives, and they need the Holy Spirit to convict them of sin, righteousness, and judgment.

After it was all over we came home and sobbed. "Lord their hearts are so hard, only Your Spirit can penetrate them. Please work a miracle here."

So the teaching continued this morning (Tuesday) with the story of Jonah. Are we really believing what God says in his word? Are we afraid of God? Fear of God and His punishment is what gripped the sailors in the boat, and what eventually turned the hearts of the Ninivites. What do we think of that?

Keep praying for the hearts of the Tobo people.
His Clay Pots,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, & Malachi Knapp