Resilience and obedience in 2024…

It has been a year since we returned to Papua New Guinea from our 6-month home assignment in the USA, and 10 years since we first arrived in PNG. The year has been very productive, as we have continued to seek to be obedient to serve in the ministries God has called us to here in Ukarumpa. Kathy still serves at the Ukarumpa International School Secondary Campus (UISSC), teaching various science classes and working with her team as head of the department. Scott has worked in many roles; serving as a security consultant advising the Field Security Officer, as a teacher at UISSC, as the Crisis Management Team leader, as the secretary on the SIL-PNG Executive Committee, and as part of an international Human Resources team dealing with child safety, mediation and workplace inquiries. Scott even had the opportunity to preach two sermons at our English Sunday church service. We have been overjoyed to see eleven Bible dedications celebrated this year, and to be a part of Scripture checking for upcoming New Testaments that will be dedicated next year. We have also been sad to see colleagues and friends end their time in PNG and move on. PNG is one of four countries with the highest remaining need for Bible translation, and we need more workers to come and to serve alongside us. We have relied on the LORD for strength, endurance and resilience in times of sickness and in good health. We continue to pour into those around us, seeking to be light and salt right where God has planted us. We desire to continue to serve obediently for as long as the LORD has us here, and we are thankful for each and every one of you; your prayers and partnership have enabled us to serve here these last 10 years and we are grateful! Ask God for resilience and obedience, right where He has planted you; whether you are serving overseas or in your own community, reaching out to friends, family, coworkers and neighbors, God will use you for His glory if you are willing. Please continue to pray for us, and know that we will continue to pray for you as well!

Celebrating…

 the 11 New Testaments that were dedicated inPapua New Guinea in 2024!

Kaluli

Meramera

Nalik

Yale

Enga

Uare

Feni

Tabo

Nara

Saliba

Label

May the Word of God dwell in each of these language groups richly and bring great repentance and revival

God is still working…

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Revelation 7: 8-10 (NIV)

Progress; it seems so slow sometimes. Translation teams may start a New Testament in a language, only to see it finally printed and distributed 20 or 30 years later. When we arrived in Papua New Guinea 10 years ago, there were 2,200 languages around the world with no access to God’s Word. Today, that number is 980 — what remarkable progress! However, 250 of those remaining languages are in PNG. Join us in continuing to pray for more workers to support and begin Bible translations in these remaining languages. We also want to rejoice with the eleven languages that dedicated the New Testament this year. They not only received printed copies of God’s Word, but also have access to solar-powered audio Bibles, SD cards and mobile phone apps, so they can take the Word of God in their heart language with them wherever they go. Wycliffe has been committed to a vision that seeks to see a translation program in progress in every language still needing one by the year 2025, and that vision is becoming a reality. There is still so much work that needs to be done, as communities also need literacy teams, Scripture Use teams and all those who support them, to be able to apply God’s Word to their lives. God is still at work, and so are we — thank you for your faithful partnership with our Wycliffe ministries!

God bless you,

Kathy & Scott Watson