Modeling being a life-long learner…

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”-James 1:5 NKJV

As support workers, our ministry enables Translators and others to continue to bring God’s Word into the hands of Papua New Guineans who don’t have the Bible in their language. Yet, despite being consistently immersed in ministry, we find that it is still important to be intentional about deepening our own faith and knowledge of God’s Word. Thankfully, some of our colleagues are translators, scholars and pastors who help us learn more about the Bible. One such opportunity that Scott has been able to participate in over the last few months is a Koine Greek class, the common form of Greek in which the Septuagint, the earliest Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, was written. In addition to learning the vocabulary and grammar necessary to speak and write, the course includes lessons on the historical context in which the New Testament was written. This course is providing a solid back-ground to complement Scott’s ongoing online studies in Theology through Nations University (NU). NU is an accredited online school which provides fully subsidized degree programs for those living and working in many areas of the developing world. Scott has been blessed to have taken 11 courses and, Lord willing, he will complete the program before our next home assignment in June. We can all take steps to increase our faith in Christ and our knowledge of God's Word. There are even free online sites like:

https://www.biblicaltraining.org/ 

If you have always wanted to study the Bible in a systematic way, you have options; it just takes a single step to begin.

Pray for rain…

Papua New Guinea continues to experience an El Nino-related drought throughout the country. The drought impacts the gardens of our Papua New Guinean brothers and sisters, which are the main source of food production in rural areas. Food shortages increase security issues; wildfires are also more prevalent in the dry conditions. These cascading effects can have big impacts in a country with limited law enforcement and firefighting capabilities. This week God blessed us with some rain, and our papaya tree is still producing fruit, but the drought is not over. Please continue to pray for rain for Papua New Guinea.

Prayer Points:

 • Papua New Guinea (PNG): Pray for wisdom for PNG leaders as they continue to respond to drought conditions throughout the country.

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

• Our roles in PNG: Praise that Encounter, the student spiritual retreat, resulted in several baptisms. Pray for Term 2 to continue to go well. 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 serve in PNG.

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

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.