Worth the wait

Few contemporary Bibles would use a helicopter as a metaphor to describe God lifting up a lost soul. But that’s how Agus* dreamed it. While he’s content to share his new faith in Christ one-on-one, Michael Martin* hopes the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering will blanket Agus’ remote location with hundreds of Gospel cassette tapes at about $1 each.

Michael also hopes they’re not too little too late. Generations of Sayang* like Agus have waited for centuries for the Good News — or as the legend has been told, a “precious gift” to be shared with them. With land almost too poor to farm and no electricity or running water, Agus’ people still felt their wait would be worth it.

One real challenge in receiving the gift was their lack of visitors. A German tourist and a Japanese scientist happened onto their village in 1967 and 1986, respectively, leaving only a photograph and a signature. Michael heard about the village by chance from a Sayang student attending one of the English classes he taught in town.

Would Michael be the “foreigner with white skin” who would deliver the gift? He could just about read the question in Agus’ hopeful eyes. Michael’s gradual sharing of the Gospel and Agus’ helicopter dream seemed to confirm his identity as the gift bearer.

“God’s plan for the Sayang started hundreds of years ago before I ever showed up,” Michael said. “I’m just glad to know that I can be a small part of it.”

*Names changed.