Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

We want to wish you all a very joyful Christmas season. Though our circumstances may not always be happy, we have learned that our joy comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ, and in this season we remember that He is Emmanuel: God with us. It is the most amazing gift we will ever receive and we pray that none of us ever take it for granted. Please pray for us as we prepare for our transition back to the U.S.; we will have a busy schedule and a lot of travel almost immediately upon our return. We are so excited to be seeing friends and family again soon, but it is also painful to say goodbye to new friends and “family” here; please pray that we will finish well. We have worked hard to wrap up our jobs here to the best of our abilities, but please pray for those who will cover our positions while we are gone for six months. We feel deeply that God is calling us to return in July, and we have been encouraged by our colleagues’ desire to see us return as well. It has been an amazing two years here in Papua New Guinea, and Scott and I thank you for all of your love and support. If you have been able to financially partner with our Wycliffe ministry, we thank you very much and pray that you would continue to partner with us in 2016. We are currently at 51% of our needed ministry budget. If you would like to begin partnering with this ministry, would you consider a monthly pledge or a tax-deductible year end gift? The Holy Spirit is moving in wonderful ways in PNG and you can be a part of the work God is doing here in people’s lives! 

Our Year in Review...

Kathy just completed teaching a full year of Biology in one semester, and is very grateful for how the students stepped up, worked hard, and did a great job with a great attitude!

Scott improved relationships with local law enforcement and our contract security provider.

Kathy also completed teaching a semester of middle school science and is grateful for the colleague who will continue her classes in 2016.

Scott worked with law enforcement to recover stolen property and prosecute several local criminals.

Scott and Kathy participated in a community Bible study and grew closer to God while encouraging and supporting others in the community.

Scott revitalized the security awareness program and conducted risk assessments for residences, SIL departments and other missions.

Kathy participated in a Women’s Bible study and formed mentoring relationships with women on center.

Scott led a high school senior boy’s Bible study and assisted with the annual youth retreat “Encounter”. 

Saying Goodbye...

Part of being a missionary is learning to say goodbye and to live in transition. Today I said goodby to my “PNG mom” and we cried and promised to pray for each other while we are apart. We exchanged Christmas gifts and I was humbled to receive two cucumbers from her garden- literally her “first fruits” harvested since the drought dried everything up. She explained that she gave her very first to the pastor of her church, and then wanted to share the next with us, because God had blessed her through us during the drought and she now wanted to bring an offering in return. It is wonderful to see how the Holy Spirit is working in the lives of the beautiful people of Papua New Guinea, to see God’s Word being taught to the next generation and Jesus Christ being proclaimed! -Kathy

Things for which we are Thankful

For the rain: the drought seems to be lifting; pray people’s gardens would begin producing food again

For our colleagues: pray for those who continue to serve in

PNG while we are home on furlough

For God’s protection and provision: Pray He would continue to

meet our needs here and while on furlough

For our PNG friends: pray they would trust God’s provision

for their needs and comfort while we’re gone

For our US family & friends: pray we can be an

encouragement and have opportunities to visit everyone

For all of our faithful prayer & financial partners: we thank

you for making our service in PNG possible 

For reaching 42% of our Wycliffe budget: if you would like to

become a partner, or give a year-end gift, please see below,

thank you! 

For Kathy’s students: they have worked very hard this

semester and been a great blessing to her

For our Lord Jesus Christ: He is working in mighty ways in

PNG and around the world!

Scott is thankful for...

God’s provision in moving the security program forward. Our mission’s relationship with our contract security provider has improved, operations are running more smoothly and we are working more closely with the local police. We are also about to hire two Papua New Guinean men to assist me with daily operations. Hiring these men will not only help to cover things while I’m back in the U.S., but will allow me to focus on more long term projects when we return to PNG. Finally, two of our fellow missionaries have stepped forward to cover my role while we are on home assignment. The last two years have been challenging, but God has provided abundantly.-Scott

Kathy is thankful for...

...her students! It has been a wonderful semester at Ukarumpa International School, and a blessing to get to know these students better.  Serving with them at the ice cream booth during the UIS Carnival was a special opportunity, as we served the community together.  The Science 7 & 8 students have worked diligently, producing the cell models you see on the left.  The Biology students are wrapping up an entire year’s curriculum this semester, having met twice every day, and have shown perseverance and a good attitude throughout.  I will really miss these students next semester, but trust that God’s timing is perfect, and if He desires, we will be back in July just in time for the new school year to begin. The need is great, and I want to follow wherever God leads- would you pray with me for His provision of new partners so that we can return to serve in Papua New Guinea?-Kathy

Thankful for the last two years...

At a recent church service, we celebrated the Bible translations that have been accomplished during the last two years; it was especially meaningful to us since that is how long we have been in Papua New Guinea. Thirty New Testaments, revisions, Scripture portions, audio-Bibles - all in different languages, being used to bring the hope of Jesu At a recent church service, we celebrated the Bible translations that have been accomplished during the last two years; it was especially meaningful to us since that is how long we have been in Papua New Guinea. Thirty New Testaments, revisions, Scripture portions, audio-Bibles - all in different languages, being used to bring the hope of Jesus Christ to the people of PNG! -Kathy

God’s Sovereignty and Our Duty...

Early in my career I was blessed to work for a large financial services company with a very well developed corporate security program. My time at that firm changed my outlook on a great many things and helped to focus my corporate career. One of the lessons I learned was expressed in the frequently heard phrase “sense of urgency”. Since big goals rested on many smaller, less glamourous, accomplishments, there were no unimportant tasks; everything was done with a sense of urgency. I bought into that concept and it helped me immensely in the corporate world. In fact, it still helps me as a missionary, but I’ve found that there are limits to this kind of thinking.

As a missionary, I’m ultimately working for God and, unlike when I worked for corporations, my failure to meet certain goals doesn’t even slightly derail His plans. It is not as if God is surprised when something doesn’t work out the way I had intended. On the other hand, the fact that God is sovereign is not an excuse for inaction on my part. We all have to use our God-given talents to the best of our abilities in advancement of His Kingdom. So how does one learn to relax in the knowledge that God is sovereign and still keep that sense of urgency? I still don’t know the answer to that question but I take solace in knowing that He is not done with me yet. -Scott

Relationships

So much of what we do here is dependent upon our relationships. Scott has been slowly developing a better relationship between SIL and the local Police in the Aiyura Valley. Please pray for a highly productive partnership that will be mutually beneficial for the missionaries in Ukarumpa as well as the people of the valley and ultimately glorifying to God. 

Responding to El Nino...

Matthew 25:37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?” (NIV)

As a science teacher, I have conceptually discussed with students the periodic warm water current event in the Pacific Ocean known as El Nino, and the resulting extreme global weather patterns it can trigger. What I never expected was to be living in the Pacific during one of the strongest on record. In 1997, the strongest El Nino recorded caused flooding in some regions and extreme drought in many Pacific island nations, including Papua New Guinea, ultimately deemed responsible for over 20,000 deaths in PNG alone. Only God knows how strong this current climatic event will be, but we will trust His sovereignty in the midst of it. 

What I do know is this is an opportunity for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to people in need. I can be a good steward of the resources I have been blessed with, conserve them, and share them with others. I can give a bottle of clean drinking water to a woman who now has to walk increasingly long distances to unreliable sources. I can bless a family with a kilogram of rice to help feed their children and grandchildren. I can spend time praying with people and share the hope that I have in Jesus Christ, no matter what the circumstances. Thank you for your prayers for us, and for the people of the Pacific, during this challenging time. I thank God that He is bigger than El Nino and will use this for His Glory, working both in us and through us, to accomplish His purposes for building His Kingdom. -Kathy

PNG Independence Day

The students and staff at UIS dressed out in PNG colors and costumes for the 40th anniversary of the independence of Papua New Guinea, which became a sovereign nation on September 16th, 1975. We met at the flag pole and sang the national anthem together, PNG nationals and expats alike, all celebrating freedom and God’s abundant provision for this nation. My favorite verse:

“Now give thanks to the good Lord above, for His kindness, His wisdom and love. For this land of our fathers so free, Papua New Guinea.”

Photo credit: Dr. Bob Noble 

-Kathy

Keeping Watch...

Proverbs 22:3 “A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” (NIV)

As Security Operations Manager or “SOM”, one of my roles is to help other missionaries understand the personal and operational risks associated with ministry in Papua New Guinea. In addition to managing the day-to- day operations of the security program here in Ukarumpa, I help with new member orientation and conduct regular security awareness seminars on a wide variety of topics. I also conduct residential and departmental security surveys, advise individuals on personal security matters and monitor events throughout the country. This monitoring function is important because it allows translators and other missionaries to make informed decisions about travel and other ministry activities. By monitoring the news and other open source media, as well as maintaining relationships with other mission organizations, law enforcement, contract security companies, government contacts, individuals and businesses, a risk picture starts to develop. Since answering God’s call to this missionary endeavor, many people have asked me about the need for security in the overseas mission field. It is true that our ultimate security rests exclusively with Jesus Christ, but we each have a responsibility to look after our brothers and sisters. I am honored to be able to use my God-given talents in support of His work here in Papua New Guinea.  -Scott

She is... Brave

Isaiah 43:18b-19 “Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (NIV)

I am always awestruck by how God uses the Body of Christ, His church, not only to reach out to those who do not yet know Him, but to also minister to others within the Body. A dozen wonderful women from Queensland, Australia, travelled to Ukarumpa to bless us with a women’s retreat on the theme, “She is Brave”. Now, I certainly don’t feel brave most days, and must daily rely on the Lord’s strength to be serving here, but I was intrigued and am so glad I attended. The worship and teaching were uplifting and solid, and their message was one of great encouragement, but also of action. I was convicted of new steps I could take to step bravely forward, and we discussed useful “arrows” we could put in our “quivers” that would help us to pursue bravery as a lifestyle, even as Christ is molding us into humble servants. As I celebrate my 46th birthday this month, I marvel at how God is still patiently, gently molding me and sanding off the rough edges, even as He is calling me to continue to step up and out of my comfort zone to serve Him. I praise God for a time of spiritual refreshment and refilling, as I prepare for a new term at UIS and the stress of packing and preparing to return to the U.S. for furlough in December. Thank you for being an active part of the Body of Christ, as prayer warriors on our behalf to encourage us and carry us though- we appreciate you! -Kathy

How Much Do You Value Your Education?

Proverbs 22:6 “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (NIV)

It has been a genuine pleasure to begin my second year teaching at Ukarumpa International School. The school exists to provide a quality education for the kids of Bible translators and the staff who support them. But missionary kids (MKs) are only a part of our student body, as we reach out and enroll kids from the the wider Papua New Guinean community. The average level of education completed in PNG is Grade 6, which significantly limits the opportunities of adults for varied employment. The Papua New Guinean students I teach in Grades 7, 8 and 10 know this and are truly appreciative

of the education they are receiving, thanking me each day for teaching them. The mother of one bright, Grade 7 girl asked to meet with me last June, just to tell me how much she appreciated me and the school. She tearfully said how much her daughter would miss it, as she would be unable to return this year due to financial reasons. We prayed together and I boldly asked God for a miracle, so this lovely girl with such great potential could continue her education at UIS. I cannot express how overjoyed I was to see her smiling face in my Grade 8 class this year! God is working in powerful ways here, preparing these young girls and boys to be future leaders of their nation. Thank you so much for your prayers and partnership that are an active, vital part of this process. 

Students at UIS

The international flags on the middle school lockers reflect the cultural diversity at Ukarumpa International School well. Many different nations and cultures come together in a robust learning environment where Jesus Christ is the central foundation and binding common ground. Please pray for good relationships between students and each other, their teachers, and the community in which we live. 


-Kathy

Saying Goodbye to a Mentor and Friend...

This week the Ukarumpa Community and indeed the entire Aiyura Valley said good bye to Arua Tepi, a good friend, mentor and co- worker who supported Bible Translation efforts for 34 years. Arua spent his last several years working as the Assistant to the Security Operations Manager and he excelled in his work. Even though I was his manager, it was he who mentored me; helping me to understand cultural differences, improve my Tok Pisin and keeping me focused on the big picture of what God is doing in Papua New Guinea.  Shortly after my arrival, Arua came into my office and asked if I was OK with him conducting prayer walks around the center during the overnight shift. You see, Arua had a good understanding of physical security and its limits in a mission environment. More importantly, Arua understood that God has no limits and his life reflected that reality. 

Arua had a sixth grade education and yet could just as wisely counsel Ph.D’s as he could contract security staff or market vendors. Despite the fact that Arua was from the Southern Highlands and not local to the Aiyura Valley, he was able to make peace between opposing parties. During Arua’s memorial service, many people came forward to tell how he’d led them to Christ, mentored young people and come to the aid of several others in difficult circumstances. While we mourn the loss of our mentor and friend, we take solace in the fact that he is in the presence of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. One of Arua’s favorite verses was 1 Corinthians 15:58:

“Therefore my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (NIV) 

-Scott

Frost and Drought in PNG

This article makes a good point about the cascading impacts that these kinds of issues have on people. Please keep this matter in your prayers.

http://www.pg.undp.org/content/papua_new_guinea/en/home/presscenter/articles/2015/08/26/frost-and-drought-strikes-papua-new-guinea.html

Special Edition for Our Transition!

Thank you for all of your encouraging messages following our last newsletter. We are excited to begin serving as career missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Our transition date from Wycliffe Associates to Wycliffe Bible Translators USA will officially be on August 1, 2015.

We especially appreciate everyone’s prayers during this time. Even though WA and WBT are partner organizations, this transition means we must change health plans and evacuation insurance, data bases, e-mail addresses, and where our funds are sent. For those of you who are financial partners, you will need to cancel your donations to Wycliffe Associates and send them to Wycliffe Bible Translators USA instead. While the financial gifts currently received by WA to partner with our ministry will be transferred to Wycliffe Bible Translators, this will be temporary until our transition is complete. Thank you for bearing this change along with us; we truly appreciate your partnership with us in God’s work here in Papua New Guinea very much.

Last month, we announced that we will be returning to the U.S. in December, when we will attend additional training, serve in our home church, visit people and churches. We believe God will raise up partners for 100% of our Wycliffe ministry budget. As Wycliffe members, we are required to have 100% of our financial partners before returning to PNG. We will also be attending Equip, a two-week training course in Orlando, FL, in mid January. We hope to see friends and family while we are in that area, and will be driving back up the East coast in February. We would love to see as many people as possible while we are back, so please keep in touch. If you would be interested in introducing us to your home church or scheduling an evening with friends where we can share what incredible things God is doing here, please let us know. Thank you for encouraging us in this process.

Our prayer is that God’s will be done, and that He would make it possible for us to return to PNG in July of 2016, so Kathy can begin the new school year at UIS and Scott can reassume his role as Security Operations Manager. We know that “with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Please consider joining our partnership team, and thank you once again for all of your prayers and support as we continue to serve in faith here in Papua New Guinea! 

What your support means to us

We are so grateful for everyone who has financially and prayerfully partnered with our ministry since we arrived in Papua New Guinea in January 2014. You are a partner in the work that God has been doing here, through us, in the people of PNG. We know that, from an eternal perspective, the two things that will last from this earth are the Word of God and the souls of men and women. Thank you for allowing us to follow God’s calling to come to Papua New Guinea and invest in both!

Above: We were able to return to Aufan, where we lived for a month during the Pacific Orientation Course, to encourage our host family. God has given us the opportunity to speak His Truth into their lives in the wake of several family tragedies. Please pray for the people of Aufan. 

God directing our steps through new transitions...

Over the last three years, we have undergone many challenging transitions. In every situation, God has been faithful.Well, another transition has arrived and He is once again directing our steps. Our sending organization, Wycliffe Associates (WA), has undergone significant changes in their approach to  mission. Previously, WA sent support personnel to assist mission organizations. Going forward, WA is directly working in Bible Translation projects. Many support personnel were given a choice; change positions to better align with WA’s new structure or switch sending agencies. We elected to switch sending agencies and have been accepted to serve as career missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. We prayed about our decision and it became quite clear that we are called to stay in our current location and roles. We are still with WA but will be transitioning soon. WA has assured us that the financial gifts received to support our ministry will be transferred to our new Wycliffe USA account once our transition is complete. For those of you who are financially partnering with us, we will provide detailed information on how you can continue through Wycliffe USA. This change means that we will be returning to the U.S. in December, where we will attend additional training, serve in our home church, visit people and churches and, Lord willing, raise 100% of our ministry budget. We hope to return to PNG in July of 2016 so Kathy can begin the new school year at UIS and I can reassume my role as Security Operations Manager. Thank you for your prayers and support as we continue to serve in PNG.

Teaching for the future...

1 Timothy 4: 11-12 “Command and teach these things.  Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”  

I have always highly valued education.  Maybe it was watching my Dad work full time, while completing his college degree at night, that inspired me to complete my own Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.  Or perhaps it was when God led me to teach high school at PCA, and I saw how each student developed the gift God had blessed them with, and then graduated and went on to become a blessing to others. Now, after teaching my first year at UIS, I am deeply reminded again of the power of education. 

With this power comes great responsibility; to teach and learn the truth, through the lens of God’s word, and then to live it out in practical ways.  For these students, it means preparation for life back in their home countries once they graduate, or when their parent’s complete Bible translations in PNG.  For Papua New Guinean students, it is a firm foundation, that they might continue their education here or abroad and come back to serve and lead their country.  I see these students stepping up, setting good examples, and leading now,  and I am joyfully reminded of the Bible verse from 1 Timothy 4.  I don’t teach just so the students can gain present knowledge, however useful, I teach so they can become present and future Christ-like leaders in their nations and in the world.

Kathy accompanied her grade 7 class to serve at a church in Kainantu, where they were able to bless the PNG congregation with music and drama for a special children’s day service. 

First school year at UIS is accomplished

Kathy is so proud of all of the work accomplished by her students at UIS this year.  Whether it was the grade 7 and 8 students building and launching water bottle rockets, or the grade 10 students dissecting toads and rats,  all of the students put forth great effort.  She especially enjoyed working with so many students from different cultures and countries, and seeing them work together harmoniously.  She is preparing for the new school year now, and looking forward to meeting her new students already!

Above: Stacey, a grade 10 biology student, is enjoying her toad dissection, while Kathy helps  other students discover their ‘inner surgeon’.

Travel in Papua New Guinea

Scott recently needed to travel to Madang, to assist another mission organization with security. He planned to travel by car, a 5-6 hour trip depending on the road, but several bridges had washed out, making the road impassable. Road conditions here are poor in general, with no traffic enforcement, higher likelihoods of accidents with animals or pedestrians, frequent road blocks to extract “tolls” and occasional armed robberies. It is no wonder that air travel is often the only way for translation teams to get to remote village locations. We are so blessed and thankful to have some of the best pilots in the world serving here in PNG, and thank you to Gavin Jones for getting Scott safely to Madang that day! 

Trying to “run the race” well...

Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” This is the verse printed on the new UISSC sport shirts, which I saw demonstrated in a powerful way during Sports Days this year. Sports Days are mandatory track and field days where the entire middle and high school participates, and the community comes to cheer them on. The students are split into Teams Alpha and Beta, so there is good-natured competition, as well as students striving to break school records in events like discus, shotput, javelin, hurdles, relay, high jump, and running events. Teachers help to officiate, measure  and record results; I placed markers for shotput for 4 hours and could barely walk the next day, so I could empathize with those who actually ran in the events! The most inspiring to me, though, were the students who were not naturally gifted in sport, but who ran their races with perseverance, like Hebrews 12 described. This is true in all of our lives- there is a race marked out for us, and some parts will be very difficult for us, but we must persevere. I am aspiring to this as I endeavor to finish my first year at UISSC well, even though I am feeling tired and worn out. What is our key to success? That is revealed in verse 2: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith”- without Him, we will fail, but with Him, we can and will persevere to the end.-Kathy
 

I may have not run, but I did get my first UISSC sport shirt, so I will be ready for next Sports Day! 

Learning what “normal” really means...

This week I found myself speaking on risk management and security at the PNG Orientation Course, a similar program to the Pacific Orientation Course we participated in when we arrived in January of 2014. I am comfortable with the subject matter, but it felt odd to be on the other side of the podium teaching new missionaries about PNG. After all, it seems like we just got here and yet so much has happened over the last 16 months that has forced us to learn and adapt. For example, the basics of life take 30% more effort here. Doing laundry is an all day affair and cooking, shopping and basic repairs take considerably longer, so we've adapted our expectations accordingly. Professionally, people rarely make appointments here; instead, they show up unannounced and it is considered perfectly normal. Flying is by far he safest and most efficient way of travel here; in contrast, the road conditions are generally poor and become much more so when it rains. There is no national EMS system, first aid is illegal unless you have a license, and the police don't patrol the roads in the same way they do back home, so driving is much more dangerous overall. There are many other differences as well, but even in our relatively short time here we have adapted and some of the additional steps we need to take to get things done have become second nature. The really interesting part of all of this is that life here is far more representative of what the vast majority of people on the planet deal with every day, as opposed to what we were blessed with back in the U.S. So, in a sense, we did not know what normal was until we lived in PNG.-Scott
 

Happy Easter from PNG!!

"Oh death! Where is your sting? 

Oh hell! Where is your victory? 

Oh Church! Come stand in the light! 

The glory of God has defeated the night!" 

-Matt Maher-"Christ is Risen"

Christ is Risen....He has Risen Indeed! 

 Jisas i kirap bek....Tru tru em i kirap bek! 

New Tools for us to Use

This week, Scott and I attended the “Sharpening Your Interpersonal Skills” workshop for six days in Goroka at New Tribes Mission. We studied topics ranging from managing stress and maintaining margin to relationship killers and confronting well, using role playing, brainstorming, and analyzing demonstrations. It was an enjoyable, interactive and challenging course that encouraged us to deeply consider our core beliefs on these topics and to compare and contrast them with a Christian worldview. It was a great opportunity to meet other missionaries and visit with friends in Goroka, too! 

Rediscovering a Fundamental Truth

Prior to coming to Papua New Guinea I used to do some security consulting. Most of the work I performed was for corporations, but the projects I enjoyed the most were for churches and Christian schools.  You see, when you consult for a Christian ministry, you can openly tell your client that prayer is the most important countermeasure and they will readily understand you.

Now that I’m in Papua New Guinea, I find myself frequently “rediscovering” this fundamental truth. In the U.S., I had far more resources at my disposal.  Here I find myself stretching to ensure that basic things get done.  Back home, I was good at assessing people’s intentions through the subtext of the conversation. Here, I miss a lot of cross-cultural nuances.  In the U.S., I knew what words like “normal” and “reasonable” meant.  Here, I routinely find myself doing things that I consider to be wildly unreasonable. It is only through prayer and reliance on God that I can do anything here.

Some of you have been on short-term missions and wonder what it would be like to serve full-time overseas.  I can tell you that it is truly an adventure. However, whatever you struggle with now will only be amplified overseas. I have good days and bad days; times when I’m on top of the world and times when I’m greatly disappointed in myself.

Through it all, God is teaching me while I serve Him. He is sovereign and I simply cannot do this by myself.  My brothers and sisters in Christ, if that sounds familiar, it is because you are also a missionary to those around you.  Keep praying, keep working and know that God wastes nothing in our lives.  -Scott

How is the miracle of Easter still transforming lives?

“My purpose is that they (you) may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they (you) may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they (you) may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3

As I sat and storied with Hegia, my “PNG mom”, she told me how her grandmother had met the first missionaries who came to the Aiyura valley. Her grandmother thought they were spirits or ghosts when she saw their white skin! We laughed about it, and reflected on how their beliefs have changed. Hegia said she was so glad that, even though we are many colors, we are all loved the same by God, and Jesus died for us all.  What a huge blessing to be able to mutually encourage each other with that truth!  Later that week, I spoke via Skype to my friend Susan in New Hampshire and I was blessed to be using technology to stay connected, regardless of distance, to encourage and uplift each other.  Though there are many fears and uncertainties in this life, God’s Truth remains.  Let the miracle of Easter continue to transform us, that we may be an encouragement to each other in times of joy and pain, regardless of where we are planted!

“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.” Matthew 28: 5-6    - Kathy

Celebrating our first year in Papua New Guinea

It is almost unbelievable to us that we have served in PNG for over a year now. That landmark did not come without 12 months of joys, trials, laughter, and tears, but isn’t that always true when we look back on another year of life? We have learned so much about the culture of PNG; immersing ourselves first academically, but then heart and soul as we have gotten to know and love the people here. I have poured myself into my students and seen how God is growing and shaping them into the people He desires them to become. 

My junior high school students brainstormed and pondered how a box of toothpicks, a roll of tape and some cardboard could possibly become a model earthquake- resistant house, and they saw the plans they sketched on paper come to fruition in 3-D before their eyes. So, too, have I seen God working in and molding them in the last 8 months.  

Make no mistake, God has been working in and shaping me as well. It was not my plan to have two minor surgeries to remove a carcinoma from my face, but God is faithful and I am thankfully now skin cancer free. Several other viruses and minor injuries aside, I have been blessed this year beyond description and thank God for allowing me to serve these special kids at UISSC. He has drawn me closer to himself and to Scott this past year in more ways than I could’ve dreamed, using circumstances I never would’ve imagined. 

How has God been working in your life this past year, and have you thanked Him for the good as well as the difficult lessons you have learned? -Kathy

Providence, Prayers and Piracy

Popular media productions often depict pirates as swashbuckling heroes of the past while ignoring their historical record of indiscriminate violence. The fact was, and is, that perpetrators of piracy are neither romantic adventurers nor a harkening back to bygone eras. Piracy is alive and well in 2015 and it disproportionally occurs in the developing world, where a combination of economic desperation and resource-strapped governments create vulnerabilities to seagoing commerce and travelers alike. 

On the evening of February 3rd, 2015, I was notified that an SIL vessel, the Kwadima II, which had been carrying Papua New Guinean Bible Translators, had been overtaken in open water and boarded by pirates in off the coast of Alotau. 

Soon afterward, I found myself on an SIL aircraft heading to Alotau as a part of team sent to investigate and debrief the incident.  Over the next few days I toured the vessel, spoke to all who had been involved in the incident and worked with local authorities. My team- mates assessed and repaired damage done to the vessel and conducted critical incident stress debriefings for all involved.  

Those of you who know me well know that I'm not a particularly emotional person. Nonetheless, this event impacted me and showed me, once again, the great need the world has for Christ. 

Please remember the passengers and crew of the Kwadima II in your prayers. Please also remember the authorities who are charged with keeping order and, yes, please also remember the pirates and pray that they would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

Tropical Tip of the Day

Leave your green pineapples on the plant until the bottoms are yellow-orange. Then you can pick them and hang them upside-down, so the sugars move to the top and it finishes ripening. Don't try to leave the pineapple on the plant until it ripens, or the rats get to it first! We learned this the hard way...

Kwadima II incident - Public Statement

On Monday February 3rd, 2015 the SIL vessel Kwadima II was overtaken in open water and boarded by pirates near Alotau. During the course of the attack, members of the passengers and crew sustained non-life threatening injuries. In addition some personal items along with translator’s notes were lost, some of the vessel’s electronics were damaged. The ship has since made it safely back to port where the passengers and crew received medical attention and returned home that night. SIL is cooperating with local authorities as this matter is investigated..

ONE YEAR IN PNG!

One year ago today Kathy and I arrived in PNG. :) We are blessed to be here and look forward to what the Lord has in store for 2015. 

 In other news...We we're briefly in Cairns, Australia (January 3-11) so that Kathy could have a carcinoma removed. The surgery went well and the pathology report indicated that they got everything. While in Australia we we're also blessed to have some time to refresh for a few days. We're now back in Ukaumpa and jumping back into ministry. 

Ukarumpa International School In Need of Teachers

PUBLIC STATEMENT: Ukarumpa International School is in urgent need of teachers for the upcoming school year and beyond. Opportunities are available in most subjects and age levels from preschool up to the end of high school, with teachers for grades 3-6 being the highest priority need from June 2015; administrative/leadership positions are also available. Visit www.uispng.org, see our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uFwFYNvcyw, or email hr-UISrecruiter@sil.org.pg for more information on supporting the work of Bible translation in Papua New Guinea by teaching Missionary Kids.