Pastor *Wint was from a mixed Muslim-and Hindu-background area of Bali, Indonesia. One of his concerns was the unreached tribe on the mountains bordering where he lived. He knew he couldn’t reach them. He didn’t speak their language and they were suspicious of outsiders. So he prayed.
And instead of asking “What can I do?” he pondered, “What must be done?” As he prayed and sought guidance and wisdom from God, Wint felt the Holy Spirit urging him to approach a man named *Phaing.
Phaing was notorious in the community, a feared gangster with a fierce appearance marked by tattoos and piercings. Despite Phaing’s intimidating exterior, Wint courageously shared the gospel with him.
Miraculously, Phaing accepted Jesus as his Savior and Lord. Although known for his excessive drinking, often downing a whole bottle of whiskey in one go, Phaing immediately gave up alcohol, believing God had healed him of that addiction. As his understanding of Jesus grew, so did his faith. He obeyed Scripture and was soon baptized.
As Wint continued to disciple Phaing, he began to see potential in him for a unique mission. Maybe Phaing could reach that remote and insular tribe high up in the mountains of Bali that Wint knew he couldn’t reach. They were known for speaking an ancient version of Balinese and shunning outsiders. Wint believed that if anyone could connect with this tribe, it would be the fearless Phaing.
After more prayer, Wint challenged Phaing to introduce the tribe to Jesus. Phaing knew that this task required a unique approach. He prayed for wisdom and discernment, and during his prayer, he was reminded of his large Bible with an embossed cross on the cover.
With the Bible in hand, Phaing climbed the mountain. When he met the tribespeople, he held up the Bible and asked, “What symbol do you see on the hospitals where you go for healing? What symbol is on the packages of medicine you take? Yes, it’s the cross, the same cross you see on this Bible.” He then shared his own testimony of salvation and healing, and stories from the Bible.
Moved by Phaing’s testimony, the Bible stories, and the analogy of the cross, several tribe members came to faith in Jesus. Two families were baptized, and even the tribe’s leader became a believer. Phaing is now dedicated to discipling many more in the mountains. Pray for him as he continues equipping others to read, share, and obey the Scriptures.
*pseudonyms
Stories of God at work through Beyond, a faithful partner of The Bolick Foundation.