Flying on an Umbrella?

(l-r) Nathan Willems, Geoff Casteel, Ed Casteel, Reuel Yeow

Maybe the newly arrived R66 helicopter was a little bit like the “umbrella” in the ancient prophecy told among the Wana people, just as the Super Cub had been 45 years ago: one day [two white] men would return on their umbrella to bring wealth and knowledge back to the Wana.”

Then again, maybe it wasn’t a fulfillment of that prophecy! But God surely showed His grace to get the R66 helicopter re-assembled and approved for service in time for the semi-annual Wana Bible conference and all the accompanying village visits. Ed Casteel, one of the original missionaries to the Wana, and his son Geoff, now a missionary in Peru, had lots of meetings planned in a number of villages, hoping to use the R66. Delays abounded. But at the 11th hour, the R66 was ready. “What a blessing to have it in service!” rejoiced Ed. And he and Geoff went flying off.

This might sound like the report Paul gave in the book of Acts, after his missionary journeys. But here goes. Village after village, Ed and Geoff taught God’s Word, with a special emphasis on leadership. In K, they focused on what it means to be a “shepherd” and made plans with the church leaders to ordain some elders. In P, they participated in ordaining a pastor and a deacon—very needful “as the original leaders we ordained many years ago are getting older and really needing the help.”

“Our third stop was in U, where we held our semi-annual Bible conference, continuing our study in the book of Joshua. The Wana people really enjoy the breakout groups and actively participate in the study as they dig out application for their own lives and then share it with the group.”

Youth camp under the palm trees.

Then it was back to K “where our 'fellowship of churches' on the island held their annual Youth Easter Camp. This event was attended by hundreds of youth from three different language groups. I couldn't help but look at all those youth with thankfulness to the Lord for what He has done in the hearts and lives of the people on this island. I couldn’t help but think back to 45 years ago when there were no believers and such a camp was not yet even in our planning.”

Baptism

One special delight on this trip was the baptism of the first believer at a newer outreach. This village had been “reached” by a group that taught in the national language “and also the gospel was missing as they basically taught baptism [by sprinkling] for salvation,” wrote Ed. “Of course, syncretism was very prevalent as well, as they mixed their old tribal beliefs with church customs.” Now, more than one hundred people are studying God’s Word, and many have believed. But they are afraid to get baptized by immersion because of opposition by family and friends from the other “church” members who say they will lose their salvation. In spite of possible repercussions, this brave man swallowed his fear. “Pa’ Nanda” was the first to take this step of making his faith public through baptism, and we are trusting that through his testimony others will follow.”

Did you sense that you were on this trip with Ed and Geoff? When you donate to our Missionary Flight Sponsorship project, you make sure flights are affordable – you make it possible for church planters like Ed to travel and encourage the church. You help the Wana as they train their youth in the ways of the Lord. You make outreach to new villages possible. Thank you for actively serving the Body of Christ by making flight service available and affordable.