The Land of the Unexpected...

Papua New Guinea is sometimes called “The Land of the Unexpected,” and our experience has proven that title to be true again and again. Last month we traveled to Madang, the coastal city where we did our initial training back in January of 2014. Scott was conducting some site security assessments and training for other missionaries and, since it was school break, Kathy came along so we could visit with friends from another mission. One night after dinner, our friend Joni received a call from a village sister who was going into labor. Since there is no national emergency medical services in PNG, she asked if Joni and her husband, Jim, could drive out to the village, pick her up and take her to the hospital. Within minutes, we all piled into the Land Cruiser and began traveling out of the city and into the jungle. After an hour and a half of driving off-road on small bush trails in the pitch darkness, we picked up their friend and drove her to a remote mission hospital where she gave birth 30 minutes later. It wasn't how we expected to spend the night, but God had much more exciting plans for us in the Land of the Unexpected, and we had the opportunity to be part of a blessing to a national family in need. 

Ministry can take many forms...

“We are never given training like this,”said a national woman attending Scott’s self defense class, “especially not for free!” Scott spent two afternoons training both national and expatriate women on basic self-defense techniques while in Madang. This training was intended to assist them with strategies to avoid dangerous situations and, failing that, to escape as quickly as possible. Their gratitude was evident, as well as their joy in getting to kick Scott around for a bit! 

April Prayer Points

Papua New Guinea: Pray for a peaceful election period in our host country as they go about their democratic process and that God’s hand would guide all involved.

Bible translation: Praise for the completion of the final typesetting of the Baruga New Testament this week!

Our roles in PNG: Pray for Kathy’s strength & endurance as she seeks to finish the school year well, and to support her students and colleagues. Pray also for Scott’s wisdom and discernment as he serves the security needs in Ukarumpa, at regional centers, and at other missions around PNG.

God’s provision: Praise for how God is providing for our needs through His people. 

Easter weekend in Ukarumpa began with interactive Stations of the Cross on Good Friday and celebrated on Sunday with a lovely sunrise service lead by UIS students. Worshipping the Risen Savior with our PNG brothers and sisters by placing tropical flowers on the empty cross was a beautiful symbol of receiving life everlasting through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. He is Risen, indeed!