Separated by 100 miles, MAF helps bring two tribes together for fellowship

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” —Hebrews 10:24

August proved to be a month of firsts for a group of believers in the Moi tribe in Papua, Indonesia. They not only took their first airplane ride, they were also meeting members of the Wano tribe for the first time. A group of 26 traveled 100 miles east in three of MAF’s KODIAKs to the village of Mokndoma in Papua, Indonesia, to fellowship with Wano believers.

When they stepped off the plane, the Moi were immediately welcomed with warm handshakes (in Papua, this takes the form of an exchange of snapping fingers) and hugs. Even though they had never met and spoke completely different languages, it was as if these brothers and sisters in Christ had been lifelong friends.

The Moi believers and missionaries share a meal prepared for them by the Wano believers in Mokndoma.

MAF has been serving the Moi people and missionaries who live among them since 2008, when they completed their airstrip. A few short years later, the first Moi believers emerged. Their numbers have grown steadily over recent years, as they have taught and discipled their own people.

The Wano church was developing around the same time as the Moi’s. They too are now teaching their own and reaching out to surrounding villages—eager to share the Good News they’ve received. MAF began serving their village last year, after they completed work on their airstrip.

“The Lord is allowing us to be part of a great work,” said David Holsten, MAF’s regional director for Indonesia.

“The Moi people, they’re known for their boldness. So they were able to encourage the Wano people who are a little more subdued in that area,” explained Holsten. “But the Wano people are known for their generosity, so they welcomed these new believers and showed them a great example of hospitality.”

Despite the verbal acrobatics of translating between four languages (English, Indonesian, Wano and Moi), the missionaries were thrilled with how well the three-day conference went. The teachings revolved around the theme of Radiating Jesus’ Life … in their relationships, their families and their local church.

Both the Moi and the Wano were encouraged and challenged by meeting together, and the Moi are already making plans to hold the next gathering two years from now.

The Moi and Wano believers worship together.

Their time together culminated in a ceremony to send Wano missionaries out to share the Gospel with other Wano clans who have never heard about Jesus. The Moi witnessed this ceremony and lifted their new brothers and sisters up in prayer. One Wano couple has already received death threats against them by another clan.

Please join the Moi in praying for these new Wano missionaries!