PUBLIC STATEMENT-Director’s Office Announces Market Closure in Response to Criminal Incidents

In response to recent, escalating criminal activity directed at the SIL community in Ukarumpa, the Branch Administration has decided to proactively implement a series of self-imposed restrictive measures aimed at reducing crime. Starting Friday, the 10th of October, the produce market on centre will be closed. This action is designed to bring peer pressure on those responsible for recent crimes through the villages in which they reside. It is hoped that these same communities will benefit in equal measure from the cessation of criminal activity to which they too are exposed. Please pray for all members of the Aiyura valley who are affected. Also pray for the victims and the perpetrators of these crimes. Pray for the community's resolve to follow through with this course of action. 

Experiencing Our First Bible Dedication on KarKar Island

We had the amazing privilege of attending the dedication of the revised Waskia Bible on KarKar Island on September 27th, 2014. The original translation of the Waskia New Testament was completed in 1985. This revised translation included the New Testament, as well as Old Testament portions including the Psalms, Proverbs, Genesis, Ruth and several prophets. Interestingly, it was produced as a diglot, meaning it included two languages, both Waskia and English, printed in columns side by side. This can be used as a powerful literacy tool for people who desire to learn English as a second language. We traveled with a group from Ukarumpa to KarKar island, an active volcano off the coast of Madang, via two SIL Kodiak aircraft. We received a warm welcome from the Waskia people and were introduced to the villagers by Fay Barker, one of the members of the Waskia Bible translation team, during a ceremony to distribute the new Bibles. One of the guest speakers reminded everyone that, even though this was a great day for the Waskia people, they need to pray for other language groups in PNG who still have not yet received their first translation of the Bible in their tok ples (heart language). After the ceremony and Bible distribution, we were invited to the pastor and translation team leaders home for a mumu, a traditional meal of pig, taro and kaukau (sweet potato) wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked underground. As we flew back to Ukarumpa, we praised God for the work He is accomplishing here, as His Word continues to transform lives and communities. It was also a terrific encouragement for us, as support people, that ultimately this is why we are here!. 

Top Ten Prayer Requests

1. Pray for the work of Bible translation worldwide

2. Pray for missionaries here in PNG struggling with health, financial, and family problems

3.Pray for the Word of God to continue to transform lives & communities in PNG

4. Pray for our continued learning of language and culture in PNG

5. Pray for peace in the Aiyura valley between all factions

6. Pray for audi-Bibles and apps to be made available in more languages, so people who cannot read can hear God’s Word

7. Praise for improved health for our family members, especially Kathy’s mom & dad

8. Pray for wise budgeting while we continue to seek financial partners; we are still at 52% 

9. Pray for God’s protection and direction of us each day

10. Praise for what Jesus has done and is doing here in PNG! 

https://give.wycliffeassociates.org/p-694-scott-and-kathy-watson.aspx

Term 1 at Ukarumpa International School is complete

The school year is off to a brisk start, as Ukarumpa International School has just completed the first term of 10 weeks, half of the first semester. It has been a genuine pleasure for Kathy to get to know her 7th, 8th and 10th grade students. They come from the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, South Korea, and Papua New Guinea, each with their own cultural heritage, languages, idioms and learning styles. It is a rich environment in which to teach, and she am grateful to be teaching them science and helping them to explore the wonders of God’s creation. Please pray for her students; many of them face the normal challenges of being teens, plus some unique challenges of being in PNG. All of the missionary kids are far from friends and family “back home,” but for some who have been here long enough, this is becoming home. Many live in children’s hostels with dorm parents while their parents are working on translation projects in remote villages. Often, the Papua New Guinean students need to complete all of their homework at school, because at home in their village they have no computers, or even electricity in some cases, and have many other family responsibilities. Yet, the students arrive each day, eager to learn, and have a great appreciation for the value of the education they are receiving. Kathy says, "It is a privilege and a blessing to be their teacher!". 

Security and Youth Ministry coincide at Encounter

I recently had the privilege of serving as a sponsor for Ukarumpa’s annual youth retreat, Encounter. The event featured guest speakers from Lancaster, PA who taught on the book of Jonah. It was originally scheduled to be held at a camp two hours away, but had to be relocated due to civil unrest. As the Security Manager, I spent the days leading up to Encounter assessing the situation and networking with other missions, local police, contract security firms and other sources. As a result, we moved Encounter to the SIL Training Centre, which is located here in Ukarumpa. Though there was disappointment at not being able to go off centre, the students understood the situation and had great attitudes. During the day and into the late evening, we worshipped together, walked through the book of Jonah, and played games. At night, other men from the community and I took turns working security. On the last full day of the event, a large group of students and sponsors hiked on a familiar trail off centre. During the hike, two smaller groups became separated and were robbed by masked raskols (criminals) armed with bush knives. Thankfully, no one was physically harmed and all of the students and sponsors returned to the centre safely. When I learned of the incident, I interviewed each of the victims, created a list of lessons-learned for future hikes, and followed up with the local police. This investigation is ongoing, so your prayers would be appreciated. Despite the relocation of the event due to civil unrest and the robbery that occurred off centre, we chose to focus on God and were strengthened. 

Is God Calling You to Teach in Papua New Guinea?

This video was shot recently at Ukarumpa International School you can see some of Kathy's students using the triple beam balance in one of her labs.  UIS is always looking for teachers-Maybe God is calling you to teach in PNG!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uFwFYNvcyw

Highlands Cultural Show

The annual Highlands Cultural show in Goroka was well worth the visit; we met many interesting and colorful people and got to visit some friends from POC, too-worth all the PMV rides.

On another positive note the K92 Bridge repairs we mentioned in an earlier post are quickly progressing. Small vehicles are now able to cross. Praise God!!