"You're holding a very dangerous book. I'm serious. Tales from the Tribe is a must read for anyone brave enough to discover what "normal" should be for the Christian life. This no-holds-barred look at missionary life and God's faithfulness on a distant island isn't a collection of random stories from the middle of nowhere. No, Luse has masterfully organized these engrossing tales to ensure that you are taken on a journey--not just into the exotic world of the Patpatar people--but on a spiritual journey of great import. Because Luse honestly shares his shortcomings, fears, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way, he is able to effectively challenge us to live a life worthy of our calling, by holding our lives with open hands...no matter where we live on this planet of ours. If you're sick of being abnormal, get ready. Keep reading. Be changed."
-Jack Crabtree, Author of Tipping Our Kings and Church-Planter with Ethnos360
"Not many people can make the 30-hour trip to visit the Patpatar Tribe in Papua New Guinea, but Tales from the Tribe will transport you into a real world that very few people will ever see. It is as close as you can come without physically stepping on the island.
Aaron and Lori will take you to a remote island in the South Pacific where you will meet the Patpatar. You will visit their huts, learn their customs, and better understand their world. Aaron will share the lessons that God taught them over a lifetime of ministry. You will then be transported back to your home to apply some of these same lessons in your life and community. They will share universal principles that speak to all people, cultures, and times. Tales from the Tribe will open your eyes, challenge your heart, and change your life, if you will allow it."
-Jim Thomas, Pastor of Holly Springs Bible Fellowship
"Aaron brings years of firsthand tribal missionary experience into his riveting accounts of his family's ministry among the Patpatar people of Papua New Guinea. It's so hard to put into words what life is like among a culture so different from our own, but Aaron does an excellent job of making that a reality for his readers. Great for reading together as a family, the stories each have a challenge from Scripture and practical application points. If you want to go to the mission field without leaving your house, this is a great book for personal or group devotions. Though you may start out in the comfort of your own home, don't be surprised if you are challenged to stretch your faith and step out into the world of unreached millions!"
-Neil Burleson, Personnel Director New Tribes Mission, Papua New Guinea
"Not many Westerners get to spend years of their lives living among remote tribal groups in Papua New Guinea. Without leaving home you will get to experience something of the challenges and stresses Aaron, Lori, and their daughters faced as they moved in, learnt a brand new language and culture and sacrificially served the Patpatar people. Eventually they came to a place where they could share the precious story of Jesus and saw many move on to maturity in Christ. Aaron skillfully utilises each step in the church planting process to draw applications for the reader that will leave you personally challenged to grow in your own commitment to serve God. Although written more as a daily devotional, this is a book that once started, you'll find hard to put down."
-John Sharpe, Author of The Tugutil and Member of the Board of Directors of Crossview Australia
From the Inside Flap
Tales from the Tribe is not merely a fascinating collection of strange customs, exotic animals, and humorous situations. It is a journey of learning more about the life of tribal missionaries. Each part of the book explains the process of establishing thriving churches among the least reached people groups of the world:
- Part 1: Going Worldwide Making a Move and Adjusting to a New Life
- Part 2: Groundwork Preparing Foundations through Literacy and Translation
- Part 3: Gospel Witness Telling the Salvation Message through Teaching and Living
- Part 4: Growing Wisely Training to Follow Christ Through Discipleship and the Church
- Part 5: Giving Way Passing the Baton to Maturing Believers and Watching Them Lead
These daily devotions take a close look at the lessons, insights, and challenges found in God's Word and their relevance for each of us today. You will be encouraged to make a difference on your side of the world and maybe on the other side as well. From the Back Cover
Ready to scale cliffs, flee machetes, be stranded on an island, and escape tsunamis?
Tales from the Tribe is a missions-focused devotional book that will inspire, challenge, and educate you through incredible true stories that come to life from the jungle to your home. Get ready to see, feel, and even taste what it's like to be a missionary living in a tribal village.
The five sections of this book take you through the process of missions, from learning a tribal language and culture to seeing a thriving church established. In each of the 25 stories, you will
- hear a fascinating tale from the tribe
- learn how the life lessons apply to your home
- think through questions and study a passage in the Word
- take a motivational thought with you on your journey.
"You're holding a very dangerous book. I'm serious. Tales from the Tribe is a must read for anyone brave enough to discover what "normal" should be for the Christian life." -Jack Crabtree, Author of Tipping Our Kings and Church-Planter with Ethnos360
"Tales from the Tribe will transport you into a real world that very few people will ever see. It...will open your eyes, challenge your heart, and change your life, if you will allow it." -Jim Thomas, Pastor at Holly Springs Bible Fellowship
"Although written more as a daily devotional, this is a book that once started, you'll find hard to put down." -John Sharpe, Author of The Tugutil and a Director with Crossview Australia
"When I got the manuscript, I was blown away...I found myself laughing, crying, and moving closer to Jesus." -From the Forward by Kary Oberbrunner, Author and CEO of Author Academy Elite About the Author
Aaron Luse and his family moved from their home in the Heartland of America to the tropical jungle of Papua New Guinea in 2001 to work among the Patpatar people. He and his wife, Lori, have been involved in doing Bible translation, developing literacy programs and Bible curriculums, planting churches, and equipping leaders. Aaron's B.A in intercultural Ministry, along with his passion for tribal missions and church development, have enabled him to be involved in helping missionaries that work among different people groups all over the world. He is a cross-cultural consultant and trainer and has also had the opportunity to lead workshops and speak at conferences in 7 different countries. He and his wife, along with their four beautiful daughters, continue to serve on the mission field with Ethnos360. Now, as an author and speaker, Aaron is bringing his stories from the jungle to your home. He desires to make an impact worldwide by inspiring missionaries, pastors, and churches today.
KARY OBERBRUNNER is Igniting Souls. Through his writing, speaking, and coaching, he helps individuals and organizations clarify who they are, why they are here, and where they should invest their time and energy. Kary struggled finding his own distinct voice and passion. As a young man, he suffered from severe stuttering, depression, and self-injury. Today a transformed man, Kary invests his time helping others experience unhackability in work and life. He is the founder of Redeem the Day, which serves the business community, and Igniting Souls, which serves the nonprofit community. He and his wife Kelly are blessed with three amazing children and live outside Columbus, Ohio. Connect at www.KaryOberbrunner.com
