Praying for Wisdom: a New Role with New Challenges

Photo Credit: Steve Johnson

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”  -James 1:5 (KJV) 

Missionaries, particularly in support roles, will often say that they are trying to train up and equip nationals to assume their positions. After a little more than 8 years, Scott has succeeded in doing just that. On April 29th, Scott’s former Assistant, Mark Oboko, assumed the role of Field Security Officer (FSO). Mark has 22 years of security and corrections experience, and over the last year he has proven his ability to run Ukarumpa center’s security operations. Mark works well with the local police and has already added valuable expertise and cultural insight to the security team. With Mark assuming the FSO role, Scott has transitioned to the role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). He will also still continue serving as the Crisis Management Team Leader and as an occasional teacher at Ukarumpa International School (UIS). As some of you may recall, four years ago Scott briefly served as interim CHRO. So, while the role is not entirely new to him, there will still be a significant learning curve. Prayers for both Mark and Scott would be appreciated as they navigate these new challenges. Please also pray for Kathy, as the school year wraps up with many “last” events for her senior girls, like AP Exams, Banquet, Awards Night and finally, Graduation. Transitions are never easy, but with Jesus as their sure foundation, each one can step out into the unknown in faith, knowing He is with them

Celebrating a baptism

Few things are more encouraging than seeing individuals make a public declaration of their decision to follow Jesus Christ through the act of baptism. It was particularly gratifying for Kathy to witness one of her senior girls make this commitment recently at the Ba’e river. Each student must make their own decision to follow Jesus, even though their parents are missionaries, and it is a privilege to speak into their lives and point them to the truth of God’s Word. And how many girls get to say they were baptized in a river in Papua New Guinea? :-)

Prayer Points:

 • Papua New Guinea (PNG): Praise for a decrease in Covid measures and restrictions in PNG.

 • Bible translation: Pray for the language teams working in remote villages, for safety, productivity and positive relationships. 

• Our roles in PNG: Praise God that Term 4 at UIS is half-way over and we continue to teach in-person. Pray for wisdom for Scott as he serves in all of his various roles. 

• PNG missionaries: Pray for the new members who are beginning a 3 month PNG orientation course this week, to be good learners and gain useful language skills and understanding of PNG culture. 

• God’s provision: We thank God for allowing us to continue to be flexible in our roles, to remain healthy, and to serve in whatever capacity is needed, for such a time as this. 

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