We had a strategy for our work among the Gogodala. We thought it was a very good strategy. First, we would learn the language and understand the culture. Then, with this knowledge, we would thoroughly train local workers in Bible doctrine and church planting methods. Next, armed with this expertise, our workers would travel to new villages and plant churches all over the Gogodala tribal territory.

Turns out, that’s not how it’s going. Here’s the latest development.

Joshua was an Adventist man from another part of Papua New Guinea who married a Gogodala woman and moved to Kebane—a village with no Adventist presence. For fourteen years, he attended the local evangelical church on Sunday. About a year ago, something woke him up, and he realized he actually wanted to be an Adventist and worship on the Sabbath. He invited villagers to meet at his house, and over a few months, the group quickly grew to over 100 regularly meeting on Sabbaths. Despite disapproval from the local evangelical church and a brief setback, the group continues to grow. Our elders visited them and reported that the group seemed healthy and eager to learn.

Although this development is not part of our little strategy, we have always operated from a more basic principle: figure out where God is working and join Him there. We are thrilled to see God at work in Kebane and will be doing all we can to support the budding church there with training and resources.

Jason and I are learning to plan yet be flexible. Even more exciting, this is the third village where God started a group, and we get to help it grow. God is moving in the Gogodala tribe and we are just trying to keep up.

• Twitter