Yleistieto

Sukupuoli: female
Lyhyt elämäkerta: Marilyn grew up on a farm and heard God’s call to be a missionary at age 12, studied linguistics and then lived 24 years in a jungle village translating God’s Word for people who had never had a written language, let alone a verse of the Bible.

She is a sought-after speaker for conferences, retreats, colleges, banquets and other events. With a twinkle in her eye and a mischievous smile, she recounts times when she heard God’s call, argued with him about who’s in charge, ate grubs and witnessed miracles.

As good as her stories about the past are, the best part is what the Lord is doing today in the lives of people she interacts with. You might see her one minute on stage in front of thousands of teenagers, and a little while later sitting and listening to a young girl’s fears and dreams and then quietly praying with her.

Marilyn’s own life doesn’t dwell on the past either. She continues to seek God’s guidance and to follow him in new ways. An example of that is her current involvement in distributing the New Testament in audio form to people in Papua New Guinea who do not read.

What makes Marilyn so special is that she doesn’t think she is special. She believes she’s just an ordinary person who serves an extraordinary God – and He has given her opportunities throughout life to trust Him and find Him faithful.

Jäseniä

Kirja-arvosteluja

Mission Possible: The Wonderful Story of God and a… Tekijä: Marilyn Laszlo

I first read this book several years ago having picked it up in a used bookstore in the Philippines. I loved it then and having re-read it believe it is probably one of my favourite books.

Marilyn Laszlo is a reluctant missionary but God persists and eventually she responds leaving her career and potential husband behind. She is devastated on being handed an assignment to Papua New Guinea believing God had called her elsewhere. However, she manages to put her sudden change of direction out of mind and heads for the jungle field with a female companion. The Sepik Iwam people are illiterate which makes her task--producing a New Testament in their language--seem impossible.

Events within a month of her arrival understandably have her rushing for the exit. Debriefing she comments,

We've heard, 'relate to the people, eat their food, live in a house similar to theirs, learn their language.' But watching someone buried alive, that's not in the book!

First trauma over, she hesitantly returns and, although her companions come and go, Marilyn remains in Hauna with the people group for 23 years fulfilling the translation task assigned by an associate of Wycliffe Bible Translators.

There are so many great stories in this book, from the language difficulties and resultant humour, to the tribal men visiting the USA for a speaking tour. The stories are told in everyday language and often from the perspective of the Sepik Iwam people themselves which always makes these types of tales more real.

A few highlights--this conversation took place when Marilyn visited a neighbouring tribe;

However, at the far edge of the clearing was a sturdy, newly built building on the ground. 'What is that building?' Marilyn asked. Oh that is our sois.' The village leader proudly told her. 'Your church? Do you have a missionary here?' 'No' he answered sadly.' We don't have a missionary yet.' 'Has a national pastor come to teach you?' 'No, we don't have any pastor; we have no books. We have no one to teach us.' the headman told her. 'Then why do you have a sios?' 'When we visited Hauna, we saw everyone going to church. We saw people learning to read God's talk and singing songs about God and Jesus. When we came back here, we told our people all about your church. We decided we needed to build a church so Papa God will see we're ready. We're just waiting now.

The perspective of a tribal man after visiting the USA

Your country is great, but it moves too fast and has too much stuff. And lots of the stuff doesn't even have any function. Knowing Jesus is not about having stuff. There are three things that seem to control most Americans lives--their watch, stoplights and money.

Although lesser known and somewhat dated, this is a must read for all those interested in missions. Marilyn successfully keeps the focus on bringing the Gospel to the people--help ministries (medicine, food, material provisions) are a side issue and only offered for the furtherance of the real Kingdom work.

I highly recommend this book.… (lisätietoja)

Merkitty asiattomaksi

sparkleandchico | 1 muu arvostelu | Jun 2, 2017 |

Mission Possible: The Wonderful Story of God and a… Tekijä: Marilyn Laszlo

Inspiring story of Marilyn Laszlo's mission service in a remote area of Papa New Guinea working with Wycliffe translators. A 25 year mission to translate the new testament into the native unwritten tongue in a remote village, Hauna.
Co-authored. I wish Marilyn had written it in her own words.

Merkitty asiattomaksi

tracygrider | 1 muu arvostelu | Mar 17, 2008 |

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