Different missions serving together as one body…

“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11 NIV

Papua New Guinea is the most linguistically diverse place on the earth with over 840 languages stretched out over a geographically varied area the approximate size of California. Our mission, and others, focuses on translating the Bible into local languages, which includes literacy development and Scripture use among many other tasks. Other Christian missions focus on transportation, church planting, technology, medical care and economic development. While we work for different organizations, we have more in common than one might first think. Ultimately, the goal of every Christian and every Christian mission is to bring glory to God, so we communicate and cooperate with one another to advance the gospel in our various ways. Kathy teaches at our mission’s school, but she has students from several other missions, as well as local residents from the surrounding communities. Scott often communicates with and assists other missions to monitor and manage common security and safety risks. In the PNG trade language Tok Pisin, the word for agreement is “wanbel” (pronounced“one bell”). We all work for different organizations, with different focuses, but we are “wanbel” about ourultimate purpose; to bring glory to God as a body of believers.

A cuscus named Peanut…

One thing we missed about being in Ukarumpa was the opportunity to spend time having a cuppa with friends, and sometimes we even get to meet their interesting animals! Cuscuses are native marsupials, related to Australian koalas and North American opossums, and are found in most parts of PNG. Normally they live in trees, but occasionally orphaned ones show up in our fruit and veggie market for sale and become pets. As a biology teacher, Kathy always appreciates the opportunity to interact with local wildlife and get to know more about the species found in PNG and nowhere else. And this mountain cuscus (Phalanger carmelitae) was adorable!

Prayer Points

 • Papua New Guinea (PNG): Pray for peace and wisdom for all of the government leaders and an end to the aviation fuel shortage. Pray for the end of the conflict in Enga province.

• Bible translation: Praise for the dedication of the Kaluli New Testament and pray for God’s Word to transform lives in this language group.

• Our roles in PNG: Pray for us as we serve in education at UISSC and in security.

• PNG missionaries: Pray for safe travels for everyone moving around the country on the roads, by boat and by air.

• God’s provision: Thank you for your faithful prayers and partnership. We are grateful to be serving in PNG and could not be here without your prayers and support- you are an important part of our team, and we appreciate you very much!