Managing Risk in the Land of the Unexpected

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” 

                                                                               -Psalm 20:7

Scott serves in many roles here in Ukarumpa. His primary job is Field Security Officer but he also serves as Crisis Management Team Leader, Covid Response Team Member, Critical Incident Debriefer and an occasional teacher at Ukarumpa International School. As you might imagine, no two days are exactly alike. On any given day, Scott may meet with village leaders, the police, other missionaries, business people or local government officials. He might be investigating a security incident, organizing an event, posting travel advisories, reviewing the government’s latest pandemic measures, providing training to new people, conducting a security assessment or facilitating training or a crisis management meeting. This means that Scott is on call 24/7/365. Thankfully, he has been blessed with a solid team. Our Center Security Manager, along with three contracted Gurkhas, run the day-to-day security operations of the Ukarumpa center. On the Crisis Management side, Scott is blessed to have a diverse team composed of other missionaries and Papua New Guinean staff who work in Translation, Medical Services, Aviation, Staff Care and Communications. The days go by quickly in Ukarumpa as projects and emergencies flow into one another, but God is gracious and gives Scott and his teams the strength and wisdom to manage risk in the land of the unexpected. Sometimes, this even leaves him with the time and energy to offer a women’s self defense class for the community!

Happy Birthday to Scott!

We are always grateful for the ability God has given to us to serve here in Papua New Guinea, even though it comes with its challenges. But we recognize that it also comes with many great blessings as well. We actually get to spend more time together here than we ever did when we lived and worked in the USA. Living and working in such a small community can also be a challenge, but it means there is no long commute at the end of the day. After a 15 minute walk or 3 minute drive, Scott is home from work and Kathy gets to see his smiling face as he walks to their home. There may not be anywhere to go out to eat, but with fresh market produce and some time, a home cooked meal is ready for supper. Celebrating annual events like birthdays may mean baking from scratch, but the important thing is being able to celebrate together. So, happy birthday, Scott! Cheers for 54 years of life, for our 30 years of marriage, and for choosing to obediently say yes when God called you to PNG- what an amazing adventure!

Prayer Points:

• Papua New Guinea (PNG): Pray for continued protection as the Covid Omicron variant surges.

 • Bible translation: Praise for audio recordings of the Bible being widely used in languages where translations are completed. 

 • Our roles in PNG: Praise that school has remained in-person so far, even with many students out sick with Covid. Pray for wisdom for Scott as he serves in his roles.

 • PNG missionaries: Pray for peace and a speedy recovery for all of the families living in Ukarumpa who have been affected by the Covid Omicron variant.

 • God’s provision: We are still so thankful for God’s grace and mercy in keeping us healthy, providing for our needs and allowing us to continue to serve each day in faith. 

Thank you for continuing to hold us up in your prayers, and for your faithful financial support of our Wycliffe ministry in PNG. We could not continue to serve here without you!