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