Celebrating with the Baruga people...

On the 9th of June, the Baruga people dedicated the New Testament in their language. What had begun 29 years ago, when Jim Farr began the translation, now culminated with the distribution of print and audio-Bibles of the New Testament, plus 23 Papua New Guinean co-translators, trained and prepared to continue work on the Old Testament. As support workers, we had the sensation of being metaphorically transported to the top of a high mountain just in time to witness the end of an arduous climb, yet we were welcomed to celebrate with them as a part of the body of Christ, our contributions to the work of Bible translation appreciated and encouraged. Romans 12: 4-6 reminds us, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them...” (NKJV)

Above Jim and Joan Farr, translators, with Irene Fumey, Director of Language Services, presenting the Baruga New Testament to one of their co-translators during the dedication celebration.

Owl Fly Away...

Sadly, our friend’s owl won’t be able to, as he has a broken wing, but he is being nursed back to health. We, however, will be flying back to the U.S. on 14 June for a short visit. While there, we will be visiting family, speaking at churches, taking care of stored items and attending to medical appointments. We will then return to PNG on 10 July, in time for the beginning of the new school year. Please pray for our travel logistics and for us as we diligently finish this school year well and prepare to fly!

Adaptability...

Adaptability is a key ingredient for a missionary. I (Scott) have been in the position of Chief Human Resources Officer for six months. Soon, I will assume a modified security role and temporarily become the Senior Manager for Regional Centers. These changes have prompted people to ask “Aren’t these roles outside of your comfort zone?” The answer is a resounding “Yes”! The Human Resources position was well outside of my comfort zone and that is OK. God provided a great team who helped me through unfamiliar territory. What about the new role? It, too, is outside of my comfort zone and once again that is OK. I am here to serve and therefore willing to take on any role for which I am capable. God continues to teach me and use me in unexpected ways. If God has called you outside of your comfort zone, don’t worry. God often equips the called, instead of calling the equipped; what He wants is a willing and obedient heart and a teachable spirit.

Earthquake Update

On 26 Feb, 2018, there was a large scale earthquake (7.5) near Mendi in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, about 200 miles from the Ukarumpa Centre in PNG. Today, there is still damage to be repaired, as well as people in need. Relief and repair efforts are ongoing and it has been a privilege to donate supplies of food and water to this cause. Our aviation team, working together with other missions, has been flying needed supplies to villages near the epicenter. Please continue to pray for those affected by the quake and for wisdom in how we can be of service.

Photo credit: Martin Namorong

Prayer Points

Papua New Guinea: Pray for the church in the Aiyura Valley and throughout the country.

Bible Translation: Pray for Jim and Joan Farr as they prepare to dedicate the New Testament in the Baruga language this coming June. We are excited to be able to attend this dedication!

Our Roles in PNG: Pray for wisdom in our roles, especially in this time of transition for Scott. Pray also for the teachers and students at Ukarumpa International School as the end of the school year approaches.

PNG Earthquake: Pray for the ongoing relief operations.

God's Provision: Praise for our ability to come back to the U.S. to visit family in June!

Working Together

At least once a year, representatives from various missions in Papua New Guinea gather together to discuss shared security and crisis management issues. These meetings help us to forge better working relationships and increase our understanding of one another’s context. This year’s meeting was particularly poignant because it took place against the backdrop of the recent 7.5 Magnitude earthquake and over 100 aftershocks that have impacted the Southern Highlands region. We heard from a guest speaker, conducted a joint risk assessment and discussed response strategies for a variety of potential loss events. Following the main meeting, Scott helped to facilitate an exercise that he and a colleague from another mission had previously designed. Kathy also participated by serving as a role player and assisting in the after-action debriefing. The various missions all have slightly different focuses, but ultimately, we are all work together to advance the Gospel here in PNG.

Above Scott, with colleagues at another mission where he assisted in designing and facilitating an exercise for their Crisis Management team. Kathy also assisted as a role player.

Full Potential

As autumn moves toward winter here in the Southern hemisphere, the poinsettias are turning red, a truly meaningful and wonderful sight for Easter, instead of Christmas. Here they reach their full tropical genetic potential as trees covered in brilliant flowers, instead of stunted potted plants. Has God planted you where you can reach your full spiritual potential? Pray this Easter that the One who loved you enough to die for your sins would show you how and where you can have the most abundant life in and for Him!