MISSIONARIES TO NEW GUINEA

        Ever since Paul and the Apostles first shared the Gospel of Jesus, there have been Christian men and women willing to travel to new lands with Jesus’ message of hope and forgiveness. Few of us will understand those who became missionaries, and fewer still will get an inside look at the life they endured. Yet, it is because of their efforts that 2.5 billion people in the world today know of their Lord and Savior Jesus.

        Several decades ago I became friends with Rev. Merlyn Wagner of Murray, Utah, and first learned he and his wife Jan had spent 8 years (1962-1970) as missionaries among a primitive tribe in Papua New Guinea, an area that now has many thousands of Christians worshipping Jesus as Lord and Savior. 

        About 3-4 years ago Merlyn asked if I might help him publish his writings about the years he and Jan spent among the people of the Maramuni Valley. Jan was an integral part of his work and had recently developed a medical condition that required Merlyn to serve as her care giver. These last years, they wrote their missionary memoirs. The Lord mercifully called Jan to her heavenly home this past spring. 

        Rev. Wagner has now published his interesting book, New Guinea Experiences: Living Among People Untouched By Time. It is now available on Amazon Books at: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=merlyn+d.+wagner&crid=38WXZSD2JHX06. It’s neither long (100 pages) nor expensive ($5.50), but I think you will find its message and photos to be enlightening as you better understand the challenges and struggles they endured to bring the Gospel to a tribe of people hungering for the hope only Jesus can give.

        The book states on its cover, “A young Lutheran pastor and his wife, just out of seminary training, were sent to live and witness of Jesus Christ among the stone age people in the Maramuni Valley in Papua New Guinea during 1962-1970. This enlightening and entertaining book gives a brief overview of their experiences. As they state in their last chapter, ‘We went to change them, but they changed us’.” I urge you to purchase this interesting paperback.

        Just before returning to heaven, Jesus urged His disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples and of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19) Pastor Merlyn and Jan Wagner did just that, and their labors in God’s kingdom were blessed. 

Thank You, Jesus, for such dedicated workers in Your kingdom.

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com