DEATH WITHOUT FEAR, BLAME
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| Lawrence was a very outspoken witness for God`s message. |
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November 4, 2009
by David Bell
The first Inanbimali believer to be baptized died of tuberculosis Saturday in Papua New Guinea.
Lawrence was a very outspoken witness for the Gospel and his testimony never faltered during his illness. From the aid station in town where he was receiving medical treatment he repeatedly sent messages to the tribe and his five children. He told them that he was not afraid to die, and that they were not to accuse anyone of working magic to cause his sickness -- which would normally happen in the case of any death among his people.
His last radio message to the missionaries was, "If God closes his hands on me then that is how it is. It is His will alone. You will see this body of mine when it comes in there to be put in the ground, but don\'t be sad. You will see me again in Heaven. I am ready and have no fear. I really have no fear."
His message was a contrast to the fearful way Inanbimalis usually face death.
As the news raced around the village that Lawrence had died, accusations and threats from those opposed to the Gospel began.
But some of the believers sat together asking each other what they thought Lawrence was doing. Some said he was talking with Adam. Some said he was probably talking to Noah. Others said he was probably talking to the apostle Paul and telling him how he had just finished studying his letter to the Romans.
"It was awesome to hear," wrote missionary Brooks Buser.
Please pray for Lawrence\'s wife, Gloria, and her children. The pressure on them will be heavy these next few weeks. Pray too that the believers will have wisdom as they prepare to bury Lawrence, intending to conduct a new type of "service."
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