Torches of Joy

I usually don't write things like this on this blog BUT…we just finished reading aloud Torches of Joy by John Dekker (with Lois Neely). The end of the book brought me to tears (while my kids all stared at me). It is a book about missionaries that go to the Dani people (an unreached people group) in Irian Jaya. Today, as a direct result of John Dekker's work, there are 79 churches in the Toli Valley with 13,000 baptized believers having sent out 65 couples to other tribes needing the gospel.

For some reason this book really impacted me. These people dealt with things that were unbelievable to me in my life of comfort. They were willing to die to reach these people for the gospel – and then the Dani's that became saved were willing to die for their faith. Their kids would die and they would immediately pray to trust the Lord. What also struck me was the Dani's transformation – when they became saved, they completely changed – it really is amazing. John Dekker felt that once they were saved, he could train up the leaders and then leave the church in their hands. Because they were truly saved, the churches grew – people had discernment – it was incredible.

"It is not because God's people are so well educated or have so many resources, but because of Christ's indwelling presence that His purposes can be realized through His followers. Christ in you the hope of glory – not just for the Christian but also for those who as yet need to be reached with the good news."

Often the new believers became missionaries themselves and went to cannibalistic tribes in the areas. They battled depression, death, witchcraft etc.

There are some interesting things about the books – visions (God telling them things), healings etc…It might be different than things you believe, but if you can, read it! It gave my children (and me obviously) a great account of missionaries that went to unreached people. I tend to focus on my mission field here (and I know it's a big one) but I forget that there are people out there that have NEVER been reached for the gospel. Americans have the opportunity to hear the gospel if they wanted to – there are churches everywhere here – there are people in this world that don't have any opportunity to hear it unless people go.

Off to finish school….They are trying to do projects (carving soap like the Maori's and making a New Zealand dessert!)….