UPDATE!

We have received a flurry of responses from people about the situation from the last prayer e-mail we sent out and told people to be checking our blog for an update... Well, here it is...

Feb 25th - Update on Kenneth and the West Kewa

I just talked with Kenneth on the phone and wanted to let you know what is going on. Presently, he and his family are living in the “big bush” – which means that they are living in deeper and more remote parts of the jungle. They are all healthy and well, but will continue to remain in the bush until some agreement of peace has been reached.
He reported that in the recent rash of fighting, two villages were destroyed (his home was in one of them), people’s gardens were destroyed (his gardens included) and personal property was destroyed or stolen. Two days ago, 2 more men from his clan, not from his immediate family, were shot and killed. He has indicated that currently, the Christians (who do not want to fight) along with the women and children from these villages (who are unable to fight) are currently hiding in the bush. However, he says that the Christians are attempting to make a stance for peace by encouraging clan members not to retaliate to this latest set of murders.
Kenneth is a man in a hard place, but I feel he has made a good decision. He has decided that, while he really desires to be coming here to do the Lord’s work, he will remain with his family to take care of them while there is still a threat of violence. His absence (along with his wife, who was going to come as well) will mean that in order for our check to proceed, we must have all three of the other men arrive for the check. Pray for continued safety and well-being for Kenneth and his family, and for safe and efficient travels for the three others who are coming.

Feb 4th – Pray for Safety

One of the translators (Kenneth) from one of the language groups that I am working with (West Kewa) is legitimately concerned that he might be killed sometime in the near future. What happened? What did he do? Well, guilt by association (you could say). Back in August, a doctor from his clan was killed in the capital city, Port Moresby. In retaliation, some people in his clan killed a school teacher, who was from the clan that killed the doctor. This kind of give-take revenge killing is common in the Highlands of PNG, and means that Kenneth and his family have heard that there are members of the opposing clan, waiting in the city that he has to travel through to get to Ukarumpa (on Feb 26th) for consultant checking of Genesis 12 -22. Please pray for God’s protection, for safety, and wisdom as to whether or not they should travel. He will most likely try to come, as he has told me (via radio): “Mi stap long han blong Papa God na mi mekim wok blong Papa God. Em bai lukautim mi.” [Translation: I am in the Lord’s hand and I am doing the Lord’s work. He will watch over me.]

January 28th – Going Back to School

Over the past week and a half, I have been working with the Usarufa, working on finalizing Scripture portions of Genesis and beginning to advisor check portions of the History books (1 & 2 Samuel, 1 Kings…). Our work had to come to an end today because my colleagues had to get back to the village. Why? Well, let’s just say that for kids in Papua New Guinea, the end of January marks the end of fun and relaxation. With February comes the beginning of a new school year. Because 2 of the 3 men I work with are involved in beginning literacy classes in their local language, they had to be back home, preparing the schools in their respective villages. For Waks, one of the translators for the Usarufa, literacy classes in his village are going be started for the first time in a long time (possibly, ever). What an exciting time for the Usarufa, to begin to learn to read and write in their own language, both young and old, men and women… Pray for their success and for wisdom in finding continued support for these school programs.