A Melanesian Village Resurrection Sunday

Sue writes:

Jeff preached in a village church by the Ane River on Resurrection Sunday. He also spoke at the dedication of the church building at that place shortly after we arrived in PNG in 2006. The congregation hasn't grown yet. In fact, it seemed there were fewer attendees than at other times we have visited. Please pray that the Wara Ane church would make an impact on the lives of those who live around it.

We did have a meaningful service. The pastor accompanied singing on his guitar as we sat on the straw-strewn earth floor. The children wriggled as we nine adults sang Resurrection songs. This is how one goes:

Jisas i dai long diwai cross Jesus died on the cross
I winim Setan long matmat He beat Satan at the grave
Jisas i dai na kirap bek Jesus died and rose again
Jisas i win oltaim He's the eternal victor

There were a couple testimonies and spontaneous songs from the attendees. Then Jeff spoke about the events of crucifixion week in Jesus' life on earth. He compared Jesus' death to the death of a recent graduate of CLTC which occurred last week. Both died at an early age. In both cases, it could be assumed that Satan had won. Yet, both had accomplished what God had planned for them. There was grieving for both, but Jesus' resurrection showed that there is life after death and that the Father approved of the sacrifice for sin that the Son had made. We who believe in Christ will see both Him and the CLTC grad in heaven.

The above song ends with:

Aleluya! Jisas i win Praise God! Jesus won
Aleluya! I winim dai Praise God! He beat death
I winim dai na kirap bek He beat death and rose again
Jisas i win oltaim Jesus is the eternal victor