Bracing themselves in the wind as the waves role in.
I know that many of you have been praying for us this past week with all that was to be going on here in the tribe. Thank you so much for thinking of us and praying for us. Here is a brief update of the top 3 countdown from last week.
Number 3: The school testing went great. Missionary children from 5 other families joined us along with some parents and teachers. Even with providing house for 29 people, coordinating their meals, and running the tests for grades 1-7, everything went very smoothly. Lori, our coworker Madonna, and the other missionary ladies from Siar and Tigak were a huge help. Avalon and Sierra felt the tests went well and enjoyed all the non-testing time playing with their friends.
Number 2: The translation check went very well too. Ned, the translation consultant, was very pleased at how well the testing of the translation went. I enjoyed watching the four Patpatar helpers hearing the story of Joseph read to them for the first time in their language. As I read chapter after chapter to them it was exciting to see them laugh, shake their heads, gasp, and smile at each turn of events in the life of Joseph. As they translated the story piece by piece back to Ned in the trade language he was able to check off each area they gave back and ask more questions of them as needed. Now the translation of Genesis 37-46 will be prepared for printing and within a few weeks should be ready for distribution to the Patpatar people.
Number 1: At the top of our list last week was the Bible teaching that was to take place last Friday. This did not happen as planned. Within an hour of the arrival of all the families on Tuesday it began to rain and storm. For the next 30 hours there was hardly a break in the rain. The roads became flooded, the sea became rough, and the yards became swimming pools. We were able to continue with school testing as planned and were even able to let the kids get out one afternoon to splash and play in the standing water to keep us all from going stir crazy packed in the houses. The translation checking was able to go ahead as planned too inside my office.
The Bible teaching however, was cancelled on both Wednesday and Friday. The two places where we meet were muddy and wet. The wind was blowing hard and most all of the Patpatar were hidden away in their bamboo huts with the windows closed tight. Lord willing the sun will reappear in this rain forest this coming week and we will be able to resume the teaching. If we are able to carry on with the teaching this week, it will mean that the first group will be taught on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus on Good Friday this coming week. The other two groups will hear the Gospel message the week after Easter.
Thank you for continuing to pray for us and the Patpatar people, Aaron for the family
Fact: The typical 90% humidity reaches nearly 100% during these times of rainy weather. Even indoors clothes do not dry out for several days.
Girls in the classroom ready for testing.