One thing consumed their thoughts and their daily life: a crippling fear of death.
They were the Taliabo people.
But they had a story, a small glimmer of hope. As the legend went, their ancestors had once possessed eternal life; they found the key to ending suffering. But then they sailed from the island and were never seen again. So the Taliabo prayed to their ancestors, made sacrifices to their ancestors, performed rituals for their ancestors.
"If only they would return to us, they could point us to the river of life and we would drink and live forever," the chief said. "But as it is, we have no meaning; our life is cruel and hard... and then it ends."
And our merciful LORD, who hears the cries of his people who don't even yet know him, put it on the hearts of a few families to spread the good news of eternal life. They stepped out in obedience, trading clean and comfortable homes for a dark jungle, freedom for uncertainty, and family and friends for a tribe they knew virtually nothing about. They did it not out of obligation, but love.
The arrival of these outsiders created quite a stir among the Taliabo. They knew the strangers had come to share a story, but the communication barrier took a long time to overcome. And this story was too important to get it wrong. For four years they lived alongside the Taliabo, learning their language and their stories and their hearts. Over time, one of the village elders became very sick. "Please, please," he said. "You must tell me your story before I die." He desperately hoped these men knew the secret of their ancestors and could point him to the river of life. He had no idea how true that was.
Finally the missionaries began the story that would take them many months to finish. This was an occasion of great celebration; people gathered from all over the island to camp out with the missionaries until the story was finished. Beginning with the Author of life and ending with the Author of our salvation, the missionaries painstakingly related the message of the whole Bible in the Taliabo's heart language. The Taliabo people delighted in the creation story, mourned Israel's years of slavery, and were completely won over by this man named Jesus and his love for the poorest of poor. Each story was fed to them little by little, day by day, and they devoured every word. Finally they were told of Jesus' death on the cross. For an entire day they mourned, paralyzed with shock-- their hero was dead.
You know how the story ends. You and I know! But just like the disciples, and Mary, and all those who watched Jesus die-- the Taliabo had no idea of the victory ahead! When they heard the good news the next morning, their joy must have been almost as great as those who walked with Jesus on earth. He is alive. He defeated sin and death. He bought us with his blood, and we are free.
Oh, how ashamed I am of the times I have taken that good news for granted. Their joy at hearing of a Savior who loves them-- how could that ever grow stale for us as believers? How could the story become so familiar that it evokes so little emotion when we think of it? Tears spilled down my face as I watched the Taliabo people move from complete hopelessness to joyfully giving their lives to Christ.
And then I remember. This is why I go. This is a story I have heard in church every week of my life, but there are over 6,000 unreached people groups in this world where the name of Jesus is unknown. They are not indifferent; they just haven't had a chance to hear.
The Taliabo found the River of Life. What about those who are still searching? That is why I go.
"The Spirit and bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him come and take the free gift of the water of life." Revelation 22:17
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I learned about the Taliabo by watching this video during one of my orientation sessions. I encourage you to check it out, God just might use it to speak to your heart.
You know how the story ends. You and I know! But just like the disciples, and Mary, and all those who watched Jesus die-- the Taliabo had no idea of the victory ahead! When they heard the good news the next morning, their joy must have been almost as great as those who walked with Jesus on earth. He is alive. He defeated sin and death. He bought us with his blood, and we are free.
Oh, how ashamed I am of the times I have taken that good news for granted. Their joy at hearing of a Savior who loves them-- how could that ever grow stale for us as believers? How could the story become so familiar that it evokes so little emotion when we think of it? Tears spilled down my face as I watched the Taliabo people move from complete hopelessness to joyfully giving their lives to Christ.
And then I remember. This is why I go. This is a story I have heard in church every week of my life, but there are over 6,000 unreached people groups in this world where the name of Jesus is unknown. They are not indifferent; they just haven't had a chance to hear.
The Taliabo found the River of Life. What about those who are still searching? That is why I go.
"The Spirit and bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him come and take the free gift of the water of life." Revelation 22:17
...
I learned about the Taliabo by watching this video during one of my orientation sessions. I encourage you to check it out, God just might use it to speak to your heart.
