1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

We are challenged to thank God for all circumstances, which has not been easy, but we have certainly seen His provision and kindness in our delay. We were blessed to visit good friends in Maine, which would not have happened if we’d left on our timetable. What blessings can you find in this time of waiting and uncertainty? We pray, rejoice, and give thanks because we know and trust the One who is sovereign over all the circumstances.

Prayer Points...

• Papua New Guinea (PNG): Pray for an end to the increase in COVID-19 cases in the capital city and against its spread throughout the country.

• Bible translation: Praise for the 40th anniversary of the PNG Bible Translation Association this month.

• Our roles in PNG: Pray for those in PNG stepping up to continue to cover our roles at the school and in security, and for a positive start to the new school year this week.

 • PNG missionaries: Pray for the morale of everyone in Ukarumpa who are stretched thin and awaiting our return.

 • God’s provision: Pray for God’s plan & timing in our flights, transfers and quarantine and for our perseverance.

Delayed Again...

Dear Friends,

Our flights to Papua New Guinea were canceled by the airline again. We contacted our travel agent and asked him to rebook us for the earliest possible flight which, at the moment, is scheduled for August 18th.. We are frustrated and disappointed, yet undaunted in our desire to return to the field. Please pray for our return and the return of 5 other mission families to Papua New Guinea. On a positive note, we have official permission from the PNG government to enter the  country and to quarantine in our home in Ukarumpa. We are also thankful for friends who are helping to prepare our house for quarantine; please pray we readjust well when we do return.

Thank you for your prayers,

Scott & Kathy

A Call to Prayer...

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” -James 5:16b

We are writing to ask you to pray. We are scheduled to depart the USA for Papua New Guinea on Sunday, July 19th and we are not alone. Others are scheduled to follow shortly thereafter, serving in staff care, finance, education, health care and leadership, all trying to get back to Ukarumpa in order to resume critical roles in support of Bible translation. Since the beginning of this pandemic, many people have left our center and no one has returned. This means that those who are currently serving in Ukarumpa are persevering, doing their own work and the work of many others. This situation not only impacts operations but morale as well. We know that God is in control, but we also know that prayer makes a huge difference. We are therefore asking each of you to pray for our flights, permissions to transit Australia and the ability to enter Papua New Guinea. We ask that you not only pray for us, but also for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are attempting similar journeys, and for those in Ukarumpa who are stretched thin and still serving faithfully. And please continue to pray for an end to this pandemic, for healing and for peace, and especially for those who don’t know Jesus to seek Him and to find Him. He is the reason we are trying so hard to return to PNG and He will receive all the honor and glory when we finally do, in His perfect timing. We’ll keep you updated and thank you for your prayers!

Proverbs 27:1

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”

This proverb challenges us to thank God for opportunities to serve Him each and every day, even while we are working hard toward our return to PNG. Some days that means demolishing drywall or a cabinet, or moving gravel, mulch and soil, or painting and cleaning: all simple tasks that we can do to bless others here in NH during this season of waiting. Keep trusting in God’s plan, done in God’s timing, seeking to use your time and talents for His Glory every day!

Prayer Points...

• Papua New Guinea (PNG): Pray for wisdom and peace as leaders make decisions due to the pandemic.

• Bible translation: Praise for the Nukna people dedicating ten books of the New Testament in their language this month.

• Our roles in PNG: Pray for teachers to return to PNG in time to start the new school year on August 12 and for the acting Field Security Officer and Crisis Management team, working with Scott, to advise and serve well.

• PNG missionaries: Pray for  the Spiritual Emphasis Week in Ukarumpa on July 12-19 to be fruitful and Spirit-filled.

• God’s provision: Pray that our flights, transfers and quarantine all go smoothly.

Travel Delayed for 13 Days...

Dear Friends,

Our departure to Papua New Guinea has been delayed by 13 days.. We are now scheduled to leave on July 19th and arrive in Port Moresby on July 22nd. After a two week quarantine we will resume our normal duties in Ukarumpa. Please pray for approvals to transit Australia and for uneventful travel back to Papua New Guinea.

In Christ,

Scott and Kathy Watson