The Joy of Giving

God has answered many prayers as we have served in our expanded support roles this year. Kathy continues teaching middle and high school classes, serving as Science department head, and just began co-leading a grade 9 girls community group. Scott temporarily assumed the role of Chief Human Resources Officer and taught a self defense class at the high school. In June, Scott assumed another temporary assignment as Senior Manager for Regional Centers, while maintaining his role as Field Security Officer. Scott also gave of his time and expertise to assist another mission by co-designing and facilitating a crisis management exercise (with Kathy in her first cameo acting role). We have been able to minister at the local hospital in Kainantu as well, praying with patients and delivering clean water, food and baby clothes. Even emptying our storage unit in NH gave us the opportunity to give away furniture and housewares to Habitat for Humanity and a local shelter. We are grateful to God for giving us the strength and ability to serve in these various ways, so that we may give of our time and talents with joy. Yet, any giving of ours pales in comparison with what God has already given to us through the gift of Jesus Christ, His Son. Christmas is an annual reminder that God is faithful and He is still on His throne. Despite our sin, God made a way for us to be rescued through faith in Jesus Christ alone; it is by His grace that we are saved. The joy of receiving that gift is what compels us to continue to serve in Papua New Guinea, in obedience to God’s call, for as long as He would have us here.

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgement and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9: 6-7 (NKJV)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3: 16-18 (NKJV)