PELITA - The Methodist Church Newsletter
Listed below are articles abstracted from past issues of PELITA
September 2009 - The Penans in Belaga are Waiting
By Rev Law Hui Seng, Pastor-in-charge, Grace Methodist Church, Miri
I believe the history in Acts 13:1-3 will be replayed in our annual conference, especially in the work among the Penan people. "In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."
When I think of the 14 missionaries needed to serve in the 7 longhouses among the Penans in Belaga area, this precious historical passage comes to mind. We need 14 missionaries serving in the 7 longhouses; 2 sisters have responded but where are the other 12?
Unless we are willing to sacrifice and pay the price in fasting and praying as the early church did, we will not
have "Paul" and "Barnabas" stepping forward. They were a result of fasting and praying. Our 12 local missionaries should also be born out of fasting and praying. Are you willing to respond to the need of 1,500 Penans and be missionaries among them (for a term of four years)? Will you fast and pray about it?
Seven Reasons Why You Should Invest In This Ministry.
1. We need to respond to the Great Commission in Matt 28:19-20, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age." We must be faithful to these two verses. The Penan people are one of the many people groups. If you win them over to Jesus Christ, they and their descendants will know God and become disciples of Jesus Christ.
2. We need someone who is loving and is able to teach BM to the Penans. About 90% of the Penans are uneducated. They also do not have the financial ability to send their children to government schools located some distance away. Our annual conference has more than 80,000 members. Is it not possible for 12 to respond to this call?
3. The Penans are eager for their children to receive education. When we visited them during the exploration trip, the head of the village asked: When will the teacher come? We need to grasp this opportunity. If they know how to read BM, they can read the BM Bible.
4. The Penans are ready to receive Christ. When we went to Long Menapa in January, more than 20 Penan men accepted Christ during the BM evangelistic rally. Later we heard the news from Rev Wong Kiu Ngouk that when some government officials visited them, they professed they are Christians already.
In another longhouse, Long Luhat, more than 20 adults and children also accepted Christ. A few years ago, there were SIB pastors ministering to them but no more now. Are you willing to stand in the gap for the Penans?
5. Most of these 1,500 Penans are atheists. A small number believe in their traditional Bungan religion. We need to share the good news of Jesus Christ to them. I believe you do not want to see them embrace another religion.
6. The Lord has touched the heart of Shin Yang Company to open the way and prepare transport for us. The road is ready. Are you willing to respond to the call of God and go on to this mission road?
7. Time is running out. We have only about 5 years before the Murum water dam is built and the forest submerged in water. Most probably, the Penans will have to move away from their land. We need to have enough missionaries to work among them in these 5 years. None of these 1,500 has been baptised. We need missionaries to be salt and light among them, to teach them God's word, help them to know God and be baptised.
Are You Willing to Go?
Are you touched by the need of the Penans? Is God calling you now? We have many church members who want to be professionals like doctors, lawyers, business men, teachers and others. Can we also consider being a missionary?
Are material things and enjoyment in life really that important to us as disciples of Jesus Christ? Jesus taught us that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matt 4:4).
Jesus Christ has died for you. He loves you so much. What can you do for Jesus Christ among the Penans? I use the vision Jesus has given me of Him waiting for us to work with Him among the Penans. When are you going?
Please contact Rev Law Hui Seng, Chairman of the Board of Evangelism, Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference, 012-8770303, 085-662660 for more information.
Article was written in Chinese and translated by Winnie. From Connection 15 July 2009.