I will write out some journal entries in the next few weeks but I wanted to tell you some highlights of our time in the village. We are out of Moka and are planning to be back in the states the First of November. 2021 was a huge step for us in our ministry. We have seen the Lords hand upon us and really are amazed by His wondrous works. I have read many wonderful missionary biographies this year and have been greatly encouraged. If anybody tells you that suffering for the Lord is not a thing, please don’t listen to them. This is a theme through out all of the books. I too can relate with them one way or another.
“we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance” Romans 5:3
We have been blessed by all that we have endured this season in Papua New Guinea, good and bad. We have been able to accomplish almost all that we had set out to do in 2019 upon returning.
complete construction of our house
the boat and motor
learning the language (still ongoing but great progress)
medically helping people
operation newborn
the airstrip (continuing with slow progress)
My in laws were able to come and join us for 2 weeks in the village during August. Mom got to see the house for the first time and they were able to encourage Caleb with language learning and translation. Dad did all the preaching for workers meetings, midweek meeting as well as Sunday. We had a wonderful time with them despite the rainy weather everyday.
Caleb was able to translate (initial translation) many verses from Genesis, Ezekiel, Matthew, Mark, John, and Acts. After he would translate these, he would preach on that particular passage all week. We were able to bring the Gospel down river as well as to a village up river~ that we had previously not evangelized.
Our relationships with the people have grown and we have really gotten to know them much better. It would take a lifetime to understand them culturally but we keep chipping away. There are so many things that are animistic it's hard to understand, plus they don’t share that side of themselves. We have seen things this term that have been very eye opening to us. One being a demon possessed woman.
For the first time we were able celebrate PNG Independence Day, Sept 16th, in our village. It was great fun. They have a week long time of sports, Rugby, Soccer, Volleyball, as well as Basketball. Then on the 16th they have competitions and awards. Elijah and I participated a little, I played basketball till I fell in the mud and gave up and Elijah did things with the kids. Caleb was gifted a Kina shell. Ιt was a lovely day and we really enjoyed it!
For me and the kids we have gotten a lot of school done. Elijah is in 6th and Bella in 4th. I love homeschooling for the most part, and feel like I learn so much from teaching. This year is a lot of US history which I am proud to teach! The Lord has stretched me beyond what I thought I was capable of. Dealing with children being bitten by snakes and dying, Others bitten by snakes and living, by the Grace of GOD! Helping TB patients (making sure they are taking their meds) and the best one, Delivering a Baby! I am beyond humbled on how the Lord had chosen me to be this NJ girl who hated camping into a missionary in the jungle of PNG. For those of you who know me, oh you know!
The books that I read that you might want to read:
“Becoming Elizabeth Elliott”
“Nate Saint”
“Hudson Taylor and Maria: A Match Made in Heaven”
We pray that we will see all of you again real soon!
Prayer Request:
The Holy Spirit to work while we are away from them
Traveling mercies as we navigate travel restrictions and numerous airports
The kids transitioning back to the USA
