News from a far land...
Linda Krieg
Well, a far land if you consider Florida a long way from you-and for most of those who receive my updates it is. Besides, I actually have a bit of Siawi news to share in this edition of the Siawi Snippets, though maybe Siawi Tidbits would be more accurate.
Yes, it’s been disgracefully long since you received a Snippets-about 5 months. Even after having received my 2-injection course of vaccination, life hasn’t changed that much for me. Not having my own transportation means I don’t leave home too much-just going as far as my trike will take me. While I can ride for 10 miles on it, alas the safe areas to ride don’t include to stores or friends’ houses. Hence life continues along about the same as pre and post Covid-19. Which is fine.
First the first time in a while, though, a couple of letters from Siawi arrived with my morning download of emails recently. Neither was from any of the church leaders there in Siawi, but from a couple of the younger men, who are now middle-aged, I guess, since I’ve been gone for almost 10 years. (!)
Both were concerned with the situation there in Siawi, where the influence of the company that is working nearby and hiring laborers hasn’t been good. With money to spend and being out from under the eye of folks in the village, drugs and alcohol use seems to be the pattern for those who are working. Because of that, working for the company (about the only way to get any money for purchasing anything out in the towns) is equated with a sinful lifestyle.
One of the young men who wrote told that he has been playing the guitar for music during the believers’ meetings, since so many of the men are gone from the village. He asked for prayer for those who were working for the company, since the pull of access to drugs and alcohol has led many of them into sin.
The other young man, one whose Christian walk while I was still living in the village was very strong, is asking for prayer, because financial needs have driven him to take employment with the company. He’s asking us to be praying for him, that he’ll not succumb to sin in that climate.
Both these young men highlight a huge spiritual need right now for the Siawi believers-faithfulness in their walk during times of great temptation. Some, like the writer of the first letter, feel that the answer is just to not give in to the financial pull of accepting employment by the company. Others, like the second man, are faced with financial needs with almost no other options for income. Their desire is to remain strong in their walk. Let’s support and uphold them in prayer-and for one group to not judge the other. Pray also for wisdom for the church leaders, that their teaching will be faithful to God’s Word and give direction on how to maintain a strong Christian testimony in the world that is filled with temptations to sin.
The Siawi church leaders have volunteered to host the next evangelical church conference for that region that is planned for September. In a world without nearby stores for food or supply purchases (or the financials to do so even if there were options), this big meeting will require a lot of planning, so that the sago starch packet supply (one of the few food stuffs that keep without refrigeration in the hot, humid jungle air) can be built up and ready, as well as number of wild pigs slain and smoked and fish caught and dried, in preparation for meals for the big influx of visitors that will be coming. Wisdom as to speakers from the various church groups-some from NTM established churches and some from churches established by other evangelical groups-are chosen and the theme for the church conference set.
Not only was there this Siawi news, but here’s a news bulletin for myself, also: The Lord willing, I’ll be flying up to the St. Louis area August 26, then heading down for a long anticipated visit with Wayne and Christy at Camdenton September 2. The Lord opened up the option of staying at the Hope Bible Church missionary home for the days I’ll be in the O’Fallon area (August 26-30 or 31). During that time, I’m really counting on getting together with friends whose fellowship I’ve missed during my rather long absence. Since that first Saturday (August 28), will be the date of a wedding attended by many of my HBC friends, I’m hoping to get visits with friends from other churches in the area scheduled during that time. With no personal mode transportation (other than shank’s mare…for those who know what that is), all visits will depend on the other party, not myself. My sister, who has a condo in St. Louis, can fetch me for a visit with her on either Monday or Tuesday (30th or 31st), depending on fellowship opportunities in the O’Fallon area.
As far as my personal prayer requests-my primary one is this: May my goal be a life that reflects God and his glory and not be lived so that others would lift up my name. I find myself a bit like the Apostle Paul when he said, “I do what I would not, rather than what my heart desires to do.” (Yes, that is a free paraphrase of Romans 7:15.) My fleshly nature is so sneaky, subverting my good intentions, turning the spotlight off the only praiseworthy One to myself.
How I thank and praise the Lord for the faithfulness that you continue to show through your prayers, encouragement, and giving! While IRS sees me as below the poverty line, how blind they are. Not only does the Lord continue to bathe me in spiritual blessings, but He is able to make what IRS sees as poverty to meet my needs abundantly. Yes, it’s necessary to be frugal, but there is no dearth of income to provide a comfortable lifestyle. Your support (not just financial by any means) is used by Him to profusely provide daily. Thank you so much for being a part of His rich blessings.
Upheld by His Everlasting Arms,
Linda
232 Brazil Court, Sanford, FL 32771
Cell phone: 407-415-2765
Ethnos360 Hdqts: 312 W 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771
