The First Book of Pah Nahtahn

[NARRATOR — SPOKEN VOICE ONLY] [DO NOT SING] Today we come to The First Book of Pah Nahtahn, one of the great missionary stories of the Nemenhah Sacred Records. Pah Nahtahn preserves the story of servants of the Peacemaker who entered cities filled with wealth, pride, corruption, and oppression. Their purpose was not to condemn the people. It was to give them another opportunity to choose the Peacemaker. Sahnhahgoht preached boldly in Lahmahn. He confronted greed, injustice, and the mistreatment of the poor. Powerful men opposed him, and Wayus, the Chief Judge, attempted to silence his influence. But Sahnhahgoht continued preaching. Then something remarkable happened. The wealthy rejected him, but humble people received him. Nayfiheht brought the prophet into his home, washed his feet, anointed him with oil, gave him food and clothing, and cared for him. Here we see two completely different societies. One protects power. The other practices charity. As persecution increased, armed men were eventually sent against the believers. But Sahnhahgoht was warned, and the people escaped. Violence then turned upon itself. The faithful walked away rather than surrender their covenant. The story continues in Ayohts, where Sahnhahgoht found his sister Hihmpahnehts preaching the gospel of peace. She had suffered terribly. She had been rejected, abused, deprived of food, and left nearly alone. Still she remained faithful to her calling. And that may be one of the greatest lessons in this book. Being called by God does not mean the road will be easy. It means we remain faithful even when the road becomes difficult. Pah Nahtahn eventually records that these missionaries completed the work the Peacemaker had given them, and the things they had prophesied came to pass. But the deepest message is not destruction. It is mercy. Before judgment, the Peacemaker sent messengers. Before consequences came, He offered repentance. Some rejected His voice. Others listened. And every person was given a choice. That same choice remains before us. Hear His voice. Choose humility. Love one another. And walk the Way of the Peacemaker. [MUSIC GENTLY BUILDS] [BEGIN SINGING — VERY SHORT] Speak, Lord... We will hear... Walk with us... Ever near... Choose Thy peace... Choose Thy way... Follow Christ... Day by day. [END]