Transformative Power of Faith in Poon Poo

 

Summary

In the village of Poon Poo, a man faced a profound tragedy with the mysterious deaths of his four children. Overwhelmed by grief and seeking vengeance, he attempted to kill the local witch doctor, believing him responsible for the deaths. However, his attempts failed, and in his despair, he contemplated suicide. At this critical juncture, a stranger arrived, seeking directions to Poon Poo. The man, despite his personal turmoil, guided the stranger to his village and home.

Upon their arrival, the man's wife prepared a meal for the stranger, adhering to their cultural norms of hospitality. The stranger, observing the evident sorrow in the home, initiated a conversation that led the couple to share their heartbreaking story. Moved by their plight, the stranger shared the Gospel with them, offering them hope and comfort through the promise of eternal life with Jesus. This encounter profoundly changed their lives, leading them to embrace Christianity.

The man was encouraged to share his newfound faith with his community. He built a small lean-to beside his hut to hold gatherings where he could share the scriptures and his testimony. This simple act of faith led to the transformation of the entire village. The impact of his testimony reached beyond Poon Poo, inspiring others to join in missionary efforts.

Years later, I had the privilege of visiting Poon Poo with a North American mission team. We constructed a church building, further solidifying the village's Christian faith. This story exemplifies the power of personal testimony in mission work and the transformative impact of the Gospel on a community previously untouched by the word of God.

The narrative of Poon Poo is a testament to the broader mission work we engage in, aiming to reach every tribe and nation with the message of Christ. It underscores the importance of personal encounters in spreading the Gospel and the ripple effect one transformed life can have on a community and beyond.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Personal Testimony: The story of the man in Poon Poo illustrates that personal testimony is a powerful tool in evangelism. His willingness to share his transformation opened the door for an entire village to encounter Christ. This teaches us that our stories, however simple, hold immense power to draw others to faith. [01:11:53]

2. Cultural Sensitivity in Mission Work: The stranger's approach to sharing the Gospel, respecting the couple's cultural practices, was crucial in gaining their trust and openness. This highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding in effective mission work. By entering their world on their terms, we pave the way for deeper engagement and acceptance of the Gospel message. [01:10:44]

3. The Role of Community in Spiritual Transformation: The transformation of Poon Poo was not just about individual conversions but about community transformation. Building a church and fostering a communal faith life helped solidify the villagers' commitment to Christianity. This underscores the importance of community in nurturing and sustaining faith. [01:12:47]

4. The Impact of Supportive Actions: The North American mission team's involvement in building a church in Poon Poo is a reminder of the practical aspects of mission work. Supportive actions, such as providing resources and manpower, are vital in helping new believers grow in their faith and in enhancing the church’s physical and spiritual presence in the community. [01:13:30]

5. Continued Engagement and Follow-Up: My return to Poon Poo to celebrate the growth of the church highlights the importance of continued engagement and follow-up in mission work. It is not enough to start the work; we must also be committed to nurturing and revisiting the communities we reach, to ensure the sustained health of the church. [01:14:11]

### Chapters
- 0:00 - Welcome
- 01:00:13 - The Attempted Vengeance
- 01:03:48 - The Stranger's Arrival
- 01:05:32 - Cultural Hospitality
- 01:09:20 - Sharing the Gospel
- 01:11:16 - Transformation Begins
- 01:12:47 - Building the Church
- 01:14:11 - Celebrating Transformation

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 14:1 - "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me."
2. Matthew 19:14 - "But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.'"
3. Revelation 7:9 - "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb."

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the initial reaction of the man in Poon Poo to the deaths of his children? ([51:39])
2. How did the stranger approach the grieving couple and what cultural practices did he respect? ([01:05:32])
3. What was the man's response after hearing the Gospel from the stranger? ([01:11:16])
4. How did the transformation of the man in Poon Poo impact his community? ([01:12:47])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of the man in Poon Poo illustrate the power of personal testimony in evangelism? ([01:11:53])
2. Why is cultural sensitivity important in mission work, as demonstrated by the stranger's approach? ([01:10:44])
3. In what ways did the community of Poon Poo change after the man shared his faith? ([01:12:47])
4. How does the involvement of the North American mission team highlight the importance of supportive actions in mission work? ([01:13:30])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you shared your personal testimony. How did it impact those who heard it? How can you be more intentional about sharing your story? ([01:11:53])
2. Think about a cultural practice or belief in your community. How can you approach sharing the Gospel in a way that respects and understands these practices? ([01:10:44])
3. How can you contribute to the spiritual transformation of your community? What steps can you take to foster a communal faith life? ([01:12:47])
4. What practical actions can you take to support new believers in your community? Consider ways you can provide resources or manpower to help them grow in their faith. ([01:13:30])
5. How can you ensure continued engagement and follow-up in your mission efforts? What strategies can you implement to nurture and revisit the communities you reach? ([01:14:11])
6. Identify a person or group in your life who is going through a difficult time. How can you offer them hope and comfort through the message of the Gospel? ([01:09:20])
7. Reflect on the importance of community in your own faith journey. How can you be more involved in building and sustaining a strong faith community? ([01:12:47])

Devotional

Day 1: Harnessing the Power of Personal Stories
In the small village of Poon Poo, a man's life was transformed by an encounter with the Gospel, which he then shared with his entire community. His personal testimony became a catalyst for widespread change, illustrating that our individual stories of faith can have profound impacts. When we openly share how our lives have been touched by Christ, it can open hearts to the Gospel and lead others towards spiritual awakening. This man’s story, simple yet powerful, became a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of faith shared authentically. [01:11:53]

Acts 4:33-35 (ESV): "And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold."

Reflection: Reflect on a personal experience where faith played a crucial role. How can you share this story to inspire faith in others?

Day 2: Embracing Cultural Sensitivity in Sharing Faith
The stranger’s approach to sharing the Gospel in Poon Poo, by respecting and participating in the local customs, was instrumental in building trust and openness. This sensitivity to cultural norms allowed the Gospel to be received in a community that might have otherwise been resistant. When we approach others with a deep respect and understanding of their cultural backgrounds, we create a fertile ground for meaningful conversations about faith. This approach not only honors the dignity of those we engage with but also mirrors the incarnational aspect of Christ’s ministry on earth. [01:10:44]

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (ESV): "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."

Reflection: Consider a cultural practice different from your own that you have encountered. How can you better appreciate and engage with this culture to share the Gospel effectively?

Day 3: The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth
The transformation of Poon Poo was not merely about individual conversions but about the entire community coming together in faith. The construction of a church building symbolized their collective commitment to Christianity and facilitated communal worship and growth. This emphasizes the importance of community in our spiritual lives. As believers gather to worship and support one another, their faith is strengthened and their bonds deepen, creating a vibrant and resilient spiritual family. [01:12:47]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: How does your participation in your faith community enhance your spiritual growth? What can you do to foster a stronger community bond?

Day 4: Supporting Actions Enhance Mission Impact
The involvement of a North American mission team in building a church in Poon Poo exemplifies how practical support can significantly enhance the impact of mission work. Providing resources and manpower not only helped in constructing a physical church but also in building the spiritual resilience of the community. This teaches us that our supportive actions, whether they be through time, talent, or treasure, are crucial in nurturing the growth of faith communities around the world. [01:13:30]

James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can support your local church or a mission endeavor? How can your unique skills contribute to the growth of the Kingdom?

Day 5: The Importance of Continued Engagement
Returning to Poon Poo to celebrate the growth of the church highlights the importance of continued engagement in mission work. It is not enough to start a project; we must also commit to nurturing and revisiting the communities we reach. This ongoing involvement ensures the sustained health of the church and encourages continual growth and renewal within the community. Such commitment reflects our dedication to the Great Commission and our care for the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ. [01:14:11]

Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

Reflection: Think about a past ministry or mission you were involved in. How can you re-engage or follow up to ensure its continued success and impact?

Quotes

1) "How do you reach people like that? How do you bring the gospel to people who had most instances never heard, no concept, didn't have the Bible? We didn't have the New Testament as they translated a few portions. They would send us out, the linguist would, a small portion of whatever was translated. We would use that, and our little church grew." [50:13]( | | )

2) "The stranger turned to the man. He said, something has happened in your heart. Something has happened in your home. It's obvious the absence of children. Tell me what has happened. The man blurted out his story. He said, yesterday we buried the last of our four children. Mysteriously, all four passed away." [01:09:20]( | | )

3) "He pulled out the book and he opened it, he began to read some beautiful words, 'Let not your heart be troubled, believe in me.' And then he began to talk about Jesus loving little children, and he wrote that beautiful story in their dialect and shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with this heartbroken couple who had never heard this story before." [01:10:11]( | | )

4) "The man, the stranger, he said, and I want you to go to the mission station up at New Horizons where we lived, he said in the mission I will sell you a New Testament that has just come out in the dialect and I want you to come back to your village and build a little lean-to beside your hut and invite your neighbors and tell them." [01:11:53]( | | )

5) "I remember the day that he came to my house, purchased a New Testament, months later he came to your Nazarene Bible school, prepare for ministry, and he finished three years and he went back to the village of Church, the village of Poon Poo changed forever." [01:12:47]( | | )

6) "And then I had the privilege of taking a working witness team of North Americans to the village of Poon Poo and they built a beautiful wooden building with a metal. The reason we believe in mission, that's the reason we do faith promise, that's the reason we do what we do because he has called us to take the gospel to the ends of the world." [01:13:30]( | | )

7) "And this year, in October, they will be celebrating those three districts, what God has done for them. I'll be there and I'll take your greetings. Thank you for praying. Thank you for giving. Thank you for going. May God bless you." [01:14:11]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?