Saying goodbye…

Photo Credit: Amy Evers

 

We are in a season of goodbyes right now, as the school year comes to a close in three weeks and many families leave, either for a home assignment or to finish their time here in PNG. We also said a sad goodbye to our dog J.C., who would have been 16 years old in July. We have loved having him as our own these last three years since we adopted him from his original family, but we’ve known him since 2015. He was a beloved part of our lives here and will be so sorely missed. Thank you for praying for all those saying goodbye this month and the heartache that causes; we’re grateful that our God knows all about grief and will always comfort us in the midst of it.

Finishing our tenth year teaching at Ukarumpa International School…

Photo Credit: Ken Nelson

 

“That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things.” 1 Timothy 4:10-11 NIV

It has been a blessing to see another year at UIS nearing completion, with all of the joy and excitement that brings. Our students love to learn, to have fun and to engage with each other and their teachers, making this a special place to teach. It has been a privilege to educate them this year, and to see them grow in their understanding of God, His creation, and themselves. Whether Kathy was helping the Grades 6 and 7 classes launch water bottle rockets (pictured below), dissecting cane toads and rats with the Grade 9 students (not pictured :-), or performing experiments with the Grade10 Chemistry in the Community class, it has been a full and fruitful year. Pray for Scott’s Self Defense class as they complete their scenario-based final exam this week, known as Club Mayhem; it’s an opportunity to put all of their knowledge into practice. Praise for Sports Day taking place last week, and for good weather for the event. Pray for upcoming semester exams, as the students strive to finish the year well and to demonstrate their knowledge in all of their rigorous academic subjects. Praise for our graduating class and the ways the LORD is guiding their steps and providing for all of their needs. Psalm 150:6 (ESV) says, “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD” and we will praise Him and be thankful always.

Prayer Points...

 • Papua New Guinea (PNG): Pray for all of the language groups who do have access to God’s Word to be faithfully using and applying it in their daily lives.

• Bible translation: Pray for the Nobonob Bible dedication in early June to bring glory to God and be well received by the community.

• Our roles in PNG: Praise for a few more teachers in the pipeline for next year. Pray for everyone at UIS to finish strong. Pray for Scott, the Security team, and the Crisis Management Team, for wisdom, discernment and safety.

• PNG missionaries: Pray for the families who will be leaving PNG within the next month, for good closure and peace as they transition back to their passport countries.

• God’s provision: You’re such a blessing from the LORD in our lives and we could not serve here without you - thank you for your prayer support & encouragement!