Source: International Mission Board, May 31, 2022
In 2021, IMB published a story about missionaries Travis and Beth Burkhalter and their work among the Embera people of Colombia. Travis was learning a difficult and unwritten language to share the gospel with an unreached people group.
In early April 2022, Travis waded into the rushing waters of a jungle river to baptize Sarah, the first known follower of Christ among her tribe. With tribe members watching from the bank of the river and on nearby rocks, Sarah took this bold step of faith.
Sarah explained her decision to accept Christ with her community. The Burkhalters and others on the team shared with her for three years. As Travis learned more of her spoken vocabulary, he taught Bible stories in her heart language. The more she learned, the more she understood the truth of what Jesus had done for her. Finally, she expressed her belief in Christ and desire to follow him.
Ask God to use Sarah’s testimony and witness to bring many more of her people to salvation.
Read the full article and the previous one for a good description of challenges and strategies for working in this region.
See also Colombians Face Violence Just for Going Outside (Open Doors). It has to do with an anti-government strike called by a major cartel.
Let’s also pray for Colombia in the days leading up to a surprise presidential election run-off on June 19.