A month or two ago we launched our Bush House project with a catalog describing some of the major items that we will have to purchase before we can “set up shop” in a tribe. We had a purchase deadline of mid-July for some of these items in order to get them on a container headed our way in August. The deadline has come and gone and we are happy to report that we were able to make all of the necessary purchases.
We spent several thousand dollars on some specialized 12 volt appliances, heavy duty – deep cycle batteries, a stove, a washing machine, a ceramic water filtration system and a number of other important bits and pieces. We’re so thankful for the incredible generosity of amazing supporting churches and friends. Take a look at our updated catalog to see just how much your generosity has helped us with this project. Significant needs remain but we have been so encouraged with how God has provided for us little by little.
Money isn’t the only thing God has used to help us make progress in our set up. A few weeks ago Benjamin was able to make a trip into a tribe where the missionaries are finishing their work. The church in this tribe is ready to stand alone on the foundation of truth that has been laid for them. The translation project is almost complete but before the last missionary leaves for good Benjamin was able to go in to salvage equipment from the missionary houses that already stand empty. We’ll be able to use this equipment on our own house, in another work, expanding the reach of the Gospel even further.
Watch the story of Project Salvage for yourself. And if you missed the video Survey Asbalmin check it out too, while you’re at it!!
Another exciting step towards the tribe is Missy’s completion of her formal language study. Several weeks ago she sat for her final language test and passed with flying colors. Her language checker said, “Congratualtions Missy! You are officially done with your National Culture and Language Acquisition. I’m certain that you have reached “capable high” and that your formal NCLA is done. Don’t quit improving though. You’re going to be a great Pidgin speaker and God will most certainly use that in years to come. Praising God with you. Greg.”
We’re very excited about being done with our orientation and delighted at how well Missy did with her language study while being teacher, mother and wife. It is a great accomplishment that encourages our hearts as we think about doing the same thing again in a tribal setting. Thank you for the part that each of you play in supporting us here in Papua New Guinea. And thank you for the sacrifices you make so that we can meet these extra demands in this significant time of preparation for the tribe.
Benjamin and Missy