What I Take for Granted

I feel as though this is a topic I write on frequently. I think this is something that God has to handle with me a lot, for whatever reason.. Maybe because I am American and have so much. Maybe just because I am a slow learner.

David Wakefield, a Bible translator serving in Papua New Guinea came to my missions class. He shared his struggles with us, his happiness, everything about working in a foreign land. But what stood out to me was a video he showed of the Minifia Village he worked out. The people of the tribe were dressed up in amazing, colorful garb, dancing, shouting in excitement. Why? Because the New Testament had finally been translated into their language. They finally had a Bible - not even a whole one - just a part. But they were SO happy. Ecstatic. Joyful. Thankful.

They even wrote the very first hymns in their own language. They can now do services in their language. They now truly understand the grace of God because its in their language.

And they are beyond excited.

I have 7 Bibles in my home. 7. And not once have I ever felt excitement like that over having a Bible... Because I have taken it for granted.

How many more in the world don't have a Bible yet? While I sit in my house with my 7 Bibles in my native language, these people still have not heard.

This is a quote from a chief in the village:

"Yesterday Jesus was an American, a British man, an Australian... but today, He has become a Minifia man."