Well July has come and gone that quickly. We’re super thankful for the summer activities we’ve enjoyed with the girls on their break from homeschooling. Nature walks, trips to the rapids, building forts, camping in the backyard and several campfires in the evenings. It’s been dry season for the past 2ish months so it lends to more outdoor activity.
We’re encouraged by the people who have continued to come to the Bible lessons Tim is teaching in the evenings. Our groups have dwindled and that’s been sad for us to see because we so long for all to hear the Truth and respond in faith. But we’re reminded that even many of those who heard Christ Jesus speaking the Truth still chose to walk away in disinterest. But we rejoice in those that are sticking in there with us as many have seemed very interested in knowing more and baby sprouts of beginning faith seems to be growing! Continue to pray with us that each of these dear friends will thrive and grow under the teaching of Truth.
This week we have been teaching the story of Moses and the plagues of Egypt. We’ve tried to address the fact of the enemies’ attempt to continue to deceive and show his power, but it had nothing to match with God’s amazing power. We also want them to see God’s faithfulness and care for His people to free them from their slavery. The very place our dear friends here are in- slavery and bondage. We’ve been able to show little clips of video to help the people “see” a bit of how these stories might have taken place. Just seeing the clothing, customs, even food of the Israelite and Egyptian ways has been an eye opener for our friends here.
We’re also a couple weeks into teaching in another village. We go there on Saturday nights and thus far have had 30 to 50 people including lots of kids at each of the nights. We’re teaching through Genesis and the fall right now. Even though this village is only 20 minutes away by motorcycle the people are very different and have different demeanor than the village we live in. It’s all the same language group though. Pray that these early days would be foundational and will challenge their current worldview that says the first people popped out of bamboo, and creation came from spirits stealing land and trees and hauling them here to this island.
Thanks to each one of you who have said a quick prayer for our family or team or the people here as we come to your mind. We’re very encouraged by the ways God has been working in us and through us in these trying and challenging days. It’s during the storms and trials that we see our great weakness but also His Great Ability to come through for us. Thanks for lovingly supporting us and being a part of the encouragement and strength we’ve felt. Your prayers, your faithful financial giving and emails of “cheer” have not gone unnoticed! Thanks!!!
And we’re off! To a short break in town for some R&R! Pray we will all stay healthy so we can fully enjoy making some family memories and can take advantage of some modern conveniences- power all day, air conditioning, food varieties other than rice, a bathtub, and shopping (says Andrea)!
This is a short video of what it looks like for us to be teaching in the village, to give you a better sense of how to picture the things we talk about!
Blessings,
Tim & Andrea, Dina & Abby
Aunt Susan says
I love the updates, and particularly the video clips. Thanks so much. As ever, prayers and love coming your way.
Mary Kaye Jones says
Dear Precious Ullum Family,
Thank you for this update on your work with your Kendawangan friends. I really enjoy the video clips and hearing their language being spoken. The girls are beautiful and are naturals in front of the camera! The photo of the backyard camping trip does not show the cows, chickens or pigs that campers may encounter, but there did seem to be a wild Andrea outside the tent! Very rare, only one of a kind.
My prayers continue for the hearts of these people, for your physical strength and health and for your spiritual strength.
With love and thankfulness,
Mary Kaye
Vicky says
Andrea and Tim,
Thank you for this sharing. Keeping you, your family, and your mission in our prayers. Praying for those you are ministering to in Jesus’ name to have receptive hearts.
Vicky
Franklin, TN