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.

Happy 1 Year Anniversary – Coming to PNG!!!

After 40+ hours of travel, being sleep deprived and sweaty – here is a picture of us after we stepped off the plane in Madang – one year ago today. We’ve come a long way, baby!

To Kainantu and Beyond!

The Usarufa translators have once again come to Ukarumpa to continue their work on Old Testament portions. Pray that we can get a lot accomplished in their week and a half here.

One thing that I forget is that one of our translators for the Usarufa is a former warlord (leading raids, killing people, that sort of thing…) and it is not safe for him to travel through Kainantu (the nearest town). So, today, I spent the better part of the morning waiting for his PMV (like a taxi) to come to a junction outside of town. What is so special about this trip to go and get him, was that today was my first time driving a manual outside of Ukarumpa – and PRAISE THE LORD! I did not even kill the car once today (and somebody kindly put the planks back on the bridge so that we could cross the river to get there)!!

VBS – our week at a glance

Thank you so much for your prayers – VBS this week went extremely well. We really enjoyed our time with the children, although at times, we felt more like bouncers than teachers (which can be explained from the fact that Kara and I alone had around 50 4th grade and up students in our “small” group). The kids enjoyed times of recreation, puppets, did a fabulous job with their memory verses and were fun to be around. Our hope and prayer is that many children were receptive to the gospel and that God will work in their lives to change their communities through the children.
On a completely different note: VBS in another culture and language sure is interesting, as this was the first time we have ever helped out with a VBS were some of the “kids” have facial hair, and the announcements had to explain how to use a toilet… =)

Aaron and Tande – a friend, pastor, and Imbo-Ungu translator

Tok Pisin Vacation Bible School

This morning kicked off a week of VBS for the kids in the surrounding villages to attend. Aaron and I are helping teach the grade 4 and up group - a.k.a. 'the banana group'. :) Each morning for two hours we gather for a bible lesson, games, memory verses, and recreation. They are learning about the fruit of the Spirit in our lives and how Jesus is the vine, so we must remain connected to him in order to grow. Please pray for the kids who come (today there were 500+ total - over 130 in our 4th grade and up group!) - that they would see Jesus in the people who are leading, that they would experience His love, that they would accept His gift of grace, and that they would live changed - growing and bearing fruit for the kingdom in their homes and villages. Pray we would be a blessing. We'll be sure to post more pictures at the end of the week and let you know how it all went. :)

Titus’ First ‘Real’ Party

Titus was VERY excited to be attending his first ‘real’ party this morning (where we drop him off and don’t have to stay!) – a birthday party for an Australian friend of his who is turning 5. It was so funny to hear him say ‘par-tee!’ ‘par-tee!’ with each step that he took up to their front door . They played games, ate cake and I heard lots of giggling went on. J He is such a social bug and didn’t seem to care one bit that he was about 2 to 7 years younger than any of the other birthday guests… J
(pictures of coloring wrapping paper and party…)

Young Woman Burnt at the Stake in the Eastern Highlands Province

Some of you may have already heard reports of this on the national news. A young woman (they say between 16-20?) was burnt to death this week most likely because of suspicions of her involvement in sorcery/witchcraft here in the Eastern Highlands where we live. Sadly, this is not some astonishingly uncommon occurance. (If you’d like us to email you a copy of the news article, email and let us know.) Please be praying for the highlands people here, many of whom are very spiritually oppressed. Pray that they might know the Truth which sets free from all bondage and fear of darkness. Pray that the WORD would get out and deeply impact the hearts of so many who are still lost.

Swimming... in January

Christmas in January!

Thank you SO much to those of you who’ve sent packages recently – it’s such a treat for us and we feel very loved that you thought of us over the holiday season. We received FOUR packages on the flight that came in on Wednesday this week – it felt like Christmas! (I know there are others of you who said that you’ve mailed things as well….we’ll be sure to let you know personally when they arrive. J)

THANKS AGAIN!