Term 1 at Ukarumpa International School (UIS) is almost over…

Photo Credit: Ken Nelson

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” -2 Timothy 2:15 NASB

The school year at UIS is off to a good start, and we are just finishing our first term. Our students come from many different countries and backgrounds, but our common cause, living here in the highlands of PNG to support Bible translation, is a tie that binds us together. The students work diligently academically, they enjoy sports and a wonderful music program, and they get the occasional field trip. The Environmental Science class had the opportunity to visit the National Fisheries aquaculture facility in Aiyura, and saw first-hand how tilapia and carp are grown in ponds, supporting local villages by providing an additional source of protein nutrition. Experiencing the real-life applications of concepts we have discussed in class is an educational win, and the students always enjoy a chance to get out of the classroom. It is also a source of encouragement to the Papua New Guinean aquaculturists running the fishery, as they get to explain their work to our students. We affirmed the importance of their service to the community, and recognized their contribution, combating malnutrition here in the highlands. Our students are not only learners, but are also ambassadors for the Gospel through their words and actions. They will also get to be refreshed spiritually during their annual Encounter retreat next weekend. Please pray for the speakers toshare God’s Word boldly, and for every student to have a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ in a transformational way. Learning to accurately handle the Word of Truth takes time and diligence, and it is ultimately the most import thing we can teach our students.

PNG Independence Day…

Photo Credit: Tara Romito

Papua New Guinea celebrated 51 years of independence today. UIS celebrated with a PNG Spirit Day, where students could come in PNG attire and even go barefoot for the day. Scott and Kathy were happy to join in the fun, though our shoes remained on. The PNG national anthem’s second verse says “Now give thanks to the good Lord above, for His kindness, His wisdom and love, for this land of our fathers so free, Papua New Guinea.” We are grateful to serve in a country that desires to more fully know God’s Word in their heart languages, recognizing God’s blessing on their nation. Happy Independence Day, PNG!

Prayer Points...

• Papua New Guinea (PNG): Pray for wisdom for PNG leaders responding to drought conditions the country. Praise for 51 years of PNG Independence!

• Bible translation: Praise for the Bible Background workshop Lynda and the Scripture Use team facilitated in Domung; pray hearts continue to be transformed by God’s Word in that community.

• Our roles in PNG: Pray for us to finish Term 1 well next week, and for students on their spiritual retreat, Encounter. Please pray for wisdom and discernment for Scott and the SIL Global Child Safety team, Crisis Management Team and Volunteer Firefighters.

• PNG missionaries: Pray for visas and work permits for families still waiting to come to PNG.

• God’s provision: Thank you for your faithful partnership with our Wycliffe ministry. You are always in our prayers.

Stewardship in the Waiting…

Photo Credit: Sun Magar

“For I know that the Lord is great and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in all the ocean depths. He causes the mist to ascend from the ends of the earth, He makes lightning for the rain; He brings forth the wind from His treasuries.” -Psalm 135:5-7 (NASB)

The current drought in Papua New Guinea is projected to continue through April of 2027. Here in Ukarumpa, we were blessed with two days of rain last week, but otherwise we haven’t seen any significant rainfall since May. The drought not only impacts the water supply on our center, but also the food supply of our neighbors in the surrounding communities. This, in turn, impacts people’s health and contributes to increased security and safety issues in the Aiyura Valley. Our Crisis Management Team has worked with leadership to implement water conservation measures while our Construction and Maintenance Department has been working with a team from the U.S. to dig wells in Ukarumpa. One well, located near the entrance to our center, is producing approximately 4 Liters of water a minute and we have set up a system where our neighbors can bring their containers to fill. The other wells are still being dug in a search for additional sources of water for both our operations and to bless the surrounding communities. In addition to the drought, PNG is also experiencing a fuel and medical supply shortage, which are being actively managed through the combined efforts our leadership, the Crisis Management Team, Aviation partners and our Clinic. We know that it is God who brings all good things, including rain, fuel and medical supplies. While we wait upon His perfect timing, we continue to be good stewards of our current blessings.

Pray for our dry season…

In the Eastern Highlands of PNG, May through November is considered to be the “dry season” during a typical year. During normal dry seasons, there is still plenty of rainfall to support local food production and to fill our rain tanks with water. This year, the El Nino driven drought has made the dry season truly dry. One of the cascading effects of this drought has been an increase in grass fires. Since joining the Ukarumpa Volunteer Fire Department (UVFD) last August, Scott has participated in bi-monthly training, one fire inspection and responded to ten active fire calls. Please pray for safety for the entire UVFD Team!

Prayer Points...

• Papua New Guinea (PNG): Pray for wisdom for PNG leaders responding to drought conditions throughout the country.

• Bible translation: Pray for Lynda and the Scripture Use team traveling to Domung to give a Bible Background workshop, for open hearts to God’s Big Story.

• Our roles in PNG: Pray for students to stay healthy for the new school year. Pray for wisdom and discernment for Scott and the SIL Global Child Safety team, Crisis Management Team and Volunteer Firefighters.

• PNG missionaries: Pray for the new families who will be living in PNG villages for their PNG Orientation training for the next two weeks.

• God’s provision: You are in our prayers - thank you for your faithful partnership with our Wycliffe ministry, enabling us to serve faithfully in PNG.

Praise for the start of our new school year...

"Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not befoolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. " Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

It has been a great encouragement to the Ukarumpa community to see many families returning, in anticipation of the start of the new school year. After so many goodbyes, getting to catch up with returning friends and colleagues is a genuine blessing. We may be in PNG, but we still celebrated the American July 4th milestone of 250 years with a cookout and picnic, complete with a roll call of the states represented (over half!), sparklers, and red, white and blue glow sticks. Then it was right back to preparations for the new school year, with classes beginning on July 21st. Scott will be teaching Consumer Fraud this semester, and Kathy will teach Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science for grades 9-12. Our school's theme verse for this year is Ephesians 5:15-17, and our goal is to be intentional in everything we do. It is a humbling reminder that, as teachers, our students don't just listen to what we say, but also watch the way we live it out. And isn't this true for all of us as Christians? Thankfully, we know we have the Holy Spirit as our helper and comforter, because we cannot achieve this on our own, and God promises to grant us wisdom if we ask for it (James 1:5). Thank you for your prayers; they have been answered, as families have received visas and been able to return. Your prayers for more teachers have also been heard - we have a full teaching staff this year! Please continue to pray for us, for health and endurance, as we strive to be intentional, faithfully serving this community and ultimately the Lord Jesus here in Ukarumpa.