Serving in Bible translation for a year or for decades…

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  - Galatians 6:9 NIV

One of the joys that we have experienced while serving here in Papua New Guinea is getting to work alongside other followers of Jesus. The LORD has brought each person here for a season, and seeing their faithfulness and obedience is an encouragement to us. Some are only here for a year, but they make a huge difference. Our friend Nat (bottom row, second from the left) has been a lovely addition to our Bible study group, has served faithfully as a recruiter in Human Resources, and volunteered constantly to serve in many other ministries during her year here. Retired and in her 70s, she is still serving the LORD faithfully, even when He called her to move to PNG for a year, and we have been deeply inspired and encouraged by her. We also said goodbye recently to our friends the Whiteheads, who have served here as translators for over 50 years. They began their ministry with the Menya people before the country achieved independence in 1975, dedicated their New Testament several years ago, and spent the last few years continuing to serve the community by training more national translators from other language groups in Bible translation techniques. Our other friends, the Parkers, just finished their 20 years of service here, supporting Bible translation by teaching and working in Aviation. It doesn’t matter if God calls you to serve for a year or for a lifetime, being obedient to that call to serve, whether right in your home church, community or here with us in PNG, is what matters. It is a joy to serve the LORD, even on the difficult days, because He has already promised we will reap a harvest if we persevere and don’t give up!

A new school year begins…

We are already five weeks into our new school year at Ukarumpa International School (UIS) and are thankful for the good start made by our students and faculty. Kathy is enjoying teaching Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science to grades 9-12. Her students are participating in laboratory exercises and projects as they learn more about the complexity and design in creation. Every day is a new opportunity to look with awe and wonder at God’s creativity surrounding us; we just need to open our eyes to see it and appreciate it. Stop and observe something lovely or new in your neighborhood - it is a choice we make to recognize the beauty and be grateful.

Prayer Points...

 • Papua New Guinea (PNG): Pray for peace and unity in PNG and preparations for the 50th anniversary of Independence on September 16th.

• Bible translation: Pray for the upcoming Urim Bible dedication in September, for transformation and joy as this community receives God’s Word.

• Our roles in PNG: Praise for a good start to the new school year at UIS. Pray for continued wisdom and discernment for Scott and his team in his new role as SIL Global Child Safety Director.

• PNG missionaries: Pray for good health for families serving in our community, and praise for the healing received by those who have recently experienced medical evacuations.

• God’s provision: Thank you for your faithful prayer support and encouragement. We are grateful for you every day and you are an integral part of our ministry.

Mission Partners: It takes a team to support Bible translation

“Without counsel purposes are disappointed; but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” -Proverbs 15:22 KJV

If you have been following our ministry, you know that we work with Wycliffe Bible Translators USA and that we serve in support roles in Papua New Guinea (PNG). What some of you may not know is that we also work with the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL). SIL, established in 1934, and Wycliffe, established in 1942, were both founded by Cameron Townsend to serve the cause of Bible translation. We and many of our colleagues are Wycliffe USA members assigned to SIL in Papua New Guinea. We are honored to serve as members of both organizations and plan to continue to do so according to God’s will for our lives. Another organization, also established by Cameron Townsend in 1948, is JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Relay Service). JAARS is based in North Carolina and provides aviation, maritime and other services in support of Bible translation. When we fly on mission aircraft, we are flying with JAARS-trained pilots. Some of the teachers at our school are sent from Teach Beyond, another mission organization that provides educators to serve at international Christian schools. Since PNG is the most linguistically diverse country in the world, it takes quite a team to support the work of Bible translation. That team consists of people with a multitude of skill sets from a multitude of organizations. As Christians, we all have the common goal of seeing God’s will and work to be done to the ends of the Earth. If you feel called to serve overseas, please pray first and then contact us; we are happy to answer your questions and refer you to recruiters. Thank you again for your prayers and support of the work God is doing here in PNG!

Transitions…

Transitions are a very significant part of missionary life; people frequently come and go and the staffing needs of the mission change regularly. After a short holiday with friends, we are back in Ukarumpa. Kathy is using the rest of her school break to prepare for the next semester, which starts in late July. Scott has just transitioned into a new role as SIL Global Child Safety Director, while still maintaining part-time assignments here in Security and Crisis Management. We are grateful to God for allowing us to use our skills to serve the children of Bible translators and support staff in two very different but very important ways.

Prayer Points...

 • Papua New Guinea (PNG): Pray for unity in the PNG church, and praise for the many translation organizations present at the recent Bible Bilum Forum.

• Bible translation: Praise for the Notsi Bible dedication in New Ireland last month and for another community receiving access to God’s Word.

• Our roles in PNG: Pray for the new school year at Ukarumpa International School beginning on July 24. Pray for wisdom and discernment for Scott in his new role as SIL Global Child Safety Director.

• PNG missionaries: Pray for the families who will be returning to PNG to begin the new school year and continue their work here in PNG.

• God’s provision: You’re such a blessing from the LORD in our lives and we could not serve here without you - thank you for your prayer support & encouragement!

Saying goodbye…

Photo Credit: Amy Evers

 

We are in a season of goodbyes right now, as the school year comes to a close in three weeks and many families leave, either for a home assignment or to finish their time here in PNG. We also said a sad goodbye to our dog J.C., who would have been 16 years old in July. We have loved having him as our own these last three years since we adopted him from his original family, but we’ve known him since 2015. He was a beloved part of our lives here and will be so sorely missed. Thank you for praying for all those saying goodbye this month and the heartache that causes; we’re grateful that our God knows all about grief and will always comfort us in the midst of it.