New Guinea News 7 November 2009
Within the Borders
Lori doing literacy work with the Patpatar
Last time we wrote to all of you out there, we told you about the work that was being done beyond the borders. We thought that it may be good to let you know about the work within the borders as well. We do have a day to day ministry among the Patpatar people here. It is the main reason that we are here!
We meet 4 mornings a week to teach God’s Word to the two churches in the two villages. Currently Aaron is teaching through Acts with several new believers. It is exciting to see their eyes opened to the truths presented in the Bible. Aaron also spends between 6-8 hours a day in the office. At times it may be more, but this is the average. During this time, he is writing Bible lessons, correcting Bible lessons and discipling the men that come to help him. His day to day also includes teaching his two oldest girls Arithmetic in school. So, as you can tell, Aaron has his hands full with plenty to do.
Aaron has asked me to write this e-mail to give you a picture of the life of a missionary wife and mother within the border of the Patpatar Tribe. I have the responsibility to support Aaron in the ministry. I enjoy going to the teaching sessions in the villages two mornings a week. During these times I try to be sure to connect with the women and disciple them, as well as find out what is going on in their lives. If the need arises, I may help take care of some children so that the other mothers can listen to the Bible teaching more effectively.
My other part in ministry right now is that of curriculum development for the Patpatar literacy program. It is taking longer than usual because of my other responsibilities, but I’m so excited to have this opportunity. It’s actually something I never planned on doing, but I am really enjoying it! I usually get to this tasks on the days that I do not go to the teaching, since teaching usually takes at least 3 hours out of my day.
In the home, I have two children I am home schooling as well as a toddler. They all keep me hopping! I now have a 4th grader, and a 1st grader, and I try to find activities to keep Kylee busy and learning. Home schooling takes us about 4 hours a day, and may be split up between other tasks of the day. Speaking of kids and homeschooling, Avalon is now 9, and is an avid reader, enjoys climbing trees and being out playing with the Patpatar children. She is becoming better at speaking the national trade language, as well as throwing in some Patpatar language here and there. She is becoming more and more aware all the time of her need to spend time in the Bible, and seek God. Sierra is 6 and getting better at reading all the time. She is a very sweet spirited girl who loves Jesus. She is a little more quiet and reserved at first, but once you get to know her she becomes tons of fun. Right now she is very much into animals especially cats and kittens. Kylee is 2 ½ and is learning to be a big girl in many ways. She likes figuring things out and loves to be part of whatever it is the family is doing. She loves to be read too, and loves to learn and be a big helper. Kylee is still young, and still needs Jesus, so please pray for her when you think of her. We are so blessed to have three girls who love what we do and love being here despite missing their family back home.
Other things I find to do are: I hold down the fort when Dad is away on his “beyond the border” trips, and besides cooking 3 meals a day every day for the family, I cook 2-4 times a week at lunch time for the people that come to help us with various tasks such as yard work, Bible lessons, or house work. Other than that, it is raising children, caring for the family, housework, relationship building witht eh Patpatar ladies, correspondence, paperwork, and sometimes assignments to help the team. No one day is completely like another within the borders. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement that keep us going!!
Within the Borders,
Lori
Aaron, Lori, Avalon, Sierra, and Kylee Luse
Missionaries among the Patpatar people
In Papua New Guinea with New Tribes Mission