New Siar believers must wade through shame, gossip, threats and accusations.

Less than a year ago the Siar people heard the Gospel message. Many joyfully trusted Christ. Now, believers among the Siars are growing and beginning to emerge as Bible teachers and leaders and reaching out to share the same Gospel message with others.

But in spite of good strong Bible teaching and discipleship, the believers must learn to deal with persecution from outsiders. Shame is a very significant fear among the Siars and with the close relationships shared by all, gossip and slander can have a very negative effect.

Along with standing up to those who desire to bring shame to the name of Jesus, the Siar believers are struggling with the clash of their old worldview and the truth they know from God’s Word. The truth of the Word is a new concept that the believers are just now internalizing.

Meanwhile there have been court cases over who is a rainmaker or who is purported to have worked black magic, so threats and accusations abound. Those outside the faith are doing their very best to undermine the new believers and the new truths they are proclaim.

“How does the believer wade through that while being salt and light in this world?” asks missionary Lane Sanford.

Pray that the Siar believers will continue to proclaim the Gospel message and face the persecution from outsiders with grace and strength.