"I had a dream last night; a disturbing dream. I dreamed I was looking at the framework of the Crockett's house. As I watched, evil spirits came, surrounded the house and made their demands known. If we don't sacrifice a white chicken to them soon along with beetle nut and other items in order to get permission to live in this valley, there will be bad consequences associated with this house and this work within the next two years." - Musa

In our western society, we don't put a lot of stock in dreams. Sure we get curious if they might have some significance but not to the extent the average Indonesian does. To them dreams are often omens that should be heeded. They contain messages and directions that are meant to influence the way we conduct our lives. To them the Bible stories of the dreams, such as those experienced by both Joseph and Pharaoh, are not hard to relate to. They've all been there.

Since coming on furlough, we have been asked time and again concerning the religious beliefs of the Maniwo people. Because of our inability to communicate with the Maniwo people (monolingual), much of their World View remains yet a mystery to us. We know that they have houses associated with religion. We have seen yet other houses built specifically for holding dances during a celebration called a "jo" which seems to be a central ingredient to their economic, social and religious culture. But to just what extent - who knows (yet)?

One thing we do know for certain is that the Maniwo people are in darkness, they have yet to hear the gospel. We would be foolish to think that the one who has held them there for so long, will give them up so easily. This is spiritual warfare.

In a sense, this is a plea to those of you who have followed "our" ministry from the beginning, to remain diligent in prayer for the work now going on in the Maniwo tribe. Let's join Tim and Kathy Whatley and Anderson and Leike Panambunan on the front they now face, through fervent prayer that the "arm of the Lord would be revealed to the Maniwo people and that they would soon see the salvation of our God" (Isaiah 52:10)

The pressing needs:

1) Out of the four chainsaws in the tribe used for cutting our lumber, three have broken down and the fourth isn't ours. In order to repair them so that the work can continue the parts will have to be airdropped in. The next scheduled heli flight is still a few weeks away.

2) The woodcutters and carpenters are nervous as a result of this recent dream. Tim and Andy have assured them that prayer and faith in the Lord will win out over sacrifices. This is understandably, a tense situation.

3) The Maniwo people are beginning to show a little uncertainty concerning our reasons for being there. One key figure in particular, who originally showed his support of us by moving closer to us and building his house there with us, is now considering moving back to his old village until he understands our intentions better. [a little hard to explain intentions with hand signals]

Thank you for your prayers! They are a lifeline that we depend on!

With love and gratitude,

Stephen Crockett

KEEP PRAYING:

Wow, all of a sudden things are getting tense in Maniwo. It pretty much all started when work on our house started last week; chainsaws started breaking down, the builders got nervous about our house location due to a dream one of them had, etc. I know Steve mentioned all that in the last email. Here's the latest.

This morning, Tim called from Maniwo (I still can't get over the fact that he can call us from there) to let us know that the last chain saw broke down yesterday when they were cutting down trees below our house. Tim said that, weird as this may sound, that the chainsaws broke down and other difficulties arose only when they were working below our house. (which is also where all the good lumber trees are). So, this all started making the Maniwo people more and more nervous, and two of the fellows came to Tim yesterday and asked that all the builders and wood cutters leave as well as Tim and family and our national coworkers, Anderson and Lieke. Well, Tim explained that they don't have a house in Sentani anymore, and that their house is now in Maniwo. So the two gentleman said that it was ok for the missionaries to stay but the builders and woodcutters have to leave as soon as possible. So, it looks like they will leave when the helicopter comes in next, in a few weeks.

The Maniwo have asked that we missionaries donate two pigs and two chickens so that the Maniwo can offer a sacrifice to appease the gods that we have angered in building our house on their location. Well, where do we get a pig from? We do have chickens? How would you handle this request? We're open for advice. They also want Tim and Anderson to participate in eating the meat afterwards. Doesn't Paul say something about that? :)

Please be praying that God's power would be evident in all of this; for encouragement for Tim and Anderson as they deal with all of this, and us, as well, as we feel so far away from all that's going on. We feel so bad for the Maniwo and can understand their fear in all of this. We can't disregard it. Praise the Lord, that the Maniwo aren't kicking the missionaries out; that would definitely be a set-back! :(

Oh yes, on Wednesday there is supposed to be an airdrop with chainsaw parts, so Lord-willing, the chainsaws will be up and running by the end of the week. Pray that the parts "land" safe and sound, and in a "findable" area! It's a jungle out there. :)

Thanks for praying. Have a great week!