Calling In Backup

On my way to the office on Thursday I often stop and say hi to Ba Himu (the father of my former student Himu).  Himu was a great student - smart, funny, helpful and eager to learn.  He became an English teacher and did a great job teaching others.  Himu has been studying abroad for a few years now.  He has even taken our English curriculum and started teaching it to students in the country where he’s studying.  Every so often he sends me pictures of students getting certificates.

Tom invests in lots of young men

About the same time Himu left to study abroad, his younger brother, Himumbili, became my student.  Himumbili is cut from the same mold as Himu.  Bright, funny, an even bigger smile than his brother—he has learned a lot of English, become an English teacher and has been working hard in school so that he can follow in the footsteps of his older brother.  At least, that’s what I thought.

As I greeted Ba Himu (Himumbili’s father) he pulled me aside and told me very gravely that Himumbili is not doing well.  It turns out he’s been hanging out with the wrong kind of friends, getting into trouble and not taking his studies seriously.  Well, I commiserated with his father that this was not good.  I told him I would pray for Himumbili, that he would choose what is right and be careful about his friendships.  He nodded his head and said, “You need to talk to him too.”  “Okay,” I said, “I’ll make sure to say something next time I see him.”

Local Singing Competition

That evening Himumbili showed up at my door. “My dad says you wanted to talk to me,” he said.  I asked him if his dad had told him what it was about and he said no.  Thus began our awkward conversation.

At least, I thought it would be awkward but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.  I don’t know if it was the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the fact that I’m a lot older than him, or that these kinds of talks feel more natural in island culture, or a combination of all of these together, but I sat down and started talking.  I explained that his dad wanted me to talk to him, that his dad was worried about him, that he was getting into trouble.  I asked if it was true.  We talked about influencing your friends vs being influenced by your friends and doing what is right.  I told him that his dad must love him very much to care so much about him and tell me to talk to him.  Himumbili listened and nodded and promised to change.  I prayed for him and he left all smiles.

Our boys!

Island culture likes using mediators.  When there is a problem, is it normal to have someone step in and take a role in bringing resolution to the two parties.  I think in America, many people would find this strange or wrong.  “How dare you bring someone else into our personal business!”  They might say.  But on the islands, it is seen as the right and proper thing to do.  It also highlights the sort of influence and responsibility that we wield, something that as an American I tend to downplay.  Yes, I’m Himumbili’s teacher and I try to be a good example and a good influence in his life.  But perhaps he sees me as much more than that.  What does it mean for his English teacher to give him counsel and advice and to pray with him?  His father certainly seems to think it’s important.  Perhaps he’s just trying anything he can to get his son back on a good path.  Then again, perhaps my opinion really does matter to Himumbili.  I hope it does.  I told Himumbili and his father that I’m praying for him and I am—not just that he have the right friends, but for real heart change.  

PRAYERS ANSWERED
Praise God that we are trusted enough by island parents to be advisers to their children. Our neighbors decided to take trash disposal into their own hands, but then the very next day the trash truck came (‘I prayed!” Tom declared). We’re still not sure how frequently to expect the trash truck, so please keep praying, but it was nice to see that provision when things were looking desperate and others had given up hope. We are excited that island brothers and sisters are meeting more regularly and that there are plans coming together for a big gathering for the upcoming holiday next month. May maturity and unity abound. 


PRAYERS REQUESTED
Our team’s new family is struggling with illness— first the husband and now all three kids and wife are sick. Pray for healing and protection, that no one else would get sick. Pray for them as they try to establish good rhythms of language learning and being in their community. We have heard word of an island brother who has walked away and may even be badmouthing the island body. Pray for repentance and restoration. We had confirmation that the same boy stole from us again— he has been avoiding our house, but pray that we would have wisdom and grace to know how to proceed with him. Our son is finishing his exams for the 2nd term of local island school— pray that they continue well without being too stressful. Pray also for our daughter as she has a bunch of tests in the next couple weeks before she comes home for a month-long break.  The month of fasting will be here in less than two weeks— pray that a great prayer movement for the islands would happen and that all of us on the islands would be ready to shine brightly.