What It’s All About

by

 

Brian and Josh drove to the trailhead where the supplies were transferred to a sled which would then be pulled down the trail to the missionaries' houses.
Brian and Josh drove to the trailhead where the supplies were transferred to a sled which would then be pulled down the trail to the missionaries’ houses.

In the midst of the excitement and work of getting the helicopter registered and airworthy, we’re also trying to support our missionaries who are in their mountain locations until the helicopter is online. Historically we have had a full-time missionary here who has handled the enormous job of compiling missionaries’ supply orders (usually via texts and email) and then goes out and purchases the supplies for them. After purchasing their needed items, they are packed according to the needs of that location. It often involves waterproofing, protecting eggs, disguising valuables and many other seemingly odd but very necessary requests.

Bailey organized the purchasing and then she, Josh and Candy purchased all the supplies and packed them for the trip into the mountains.
Bailey organized the purchasing and then she, Josh and Candy purchased all the supplies and packed them for the trip into the mountains.
This weekend we worked as a team to purchase and deliver supplies for two missionary couples. Here is what it took to make this happen:
  • During the weeks prior to the supply trip, Bailey received emails, texts, Skype messages and Facebook texts with grocery orders and packing instructions.
  • She organized and compiled these into groups to facilitate shopping. There is no Walmart here so everything, right down to the blue plastic bags used for waterproofing, is bought at specialty stores. There is actually a plastic bag store where we have to buy those!
  • While Brian and Josh assembled the helicopter, Bailey and Candy along with all the kids, shopped for the non-perishable items in the city. They did this while living out of a hotel room and homeschooling the kids!
  • The day after returning from the helicopter assembly, Bailey, Candy and three of our Filipino friends went to the market and local stores with Bailey’s shopping lists to purchase the fresh items.
  • Bailey, Candy and Josh all packed the supplies following special instructions because the load would be carried over a rough 4×4 trail in our truck followed by being dragged down a hiking trail on a sled by a water buffalo. Try getting eggs and mangoes to survive that trip!
  • Brian spent part of Saturday and Sunday preparing the truck for the trip – getting self-recovery equipment ready in case the truck gets stuck in the mud, inspecting the engine, hoses, electrical wires, brakes, transmission, axles and 4×4 system as well as suspension components. A breakdown in the jungle is just a bad idea. Josh’s truck was out of commission so we would be driving with one vehicle.
  • On Sunday night Bailey and Brian loaded the truck and double checked the packing list.
  • Monday morning at 4am Brian and Josh left to drive to the trailhead to meet the men from the village and their water buffalo and sled. They had to be hired and coordinated by the missionaries to meet us – not an easy task!
  • After helping load the sled for it’s trip to the village, Brian and Josh got back in the truck and reversed course. 15hrs later and after 12hrs of rough roads they arrived back at home Monday night.
  • The supplies all arrived in the village before dark and the trip was a success!
This photo was taken in front of the missionaries’ house. Their new helipad is actually in this photo. It’s only a 30 minute flight to land right here. Do you think we’re all just a little eager to get the helicopter in service?!
This photo was taken in front of the missionaries’ house. Their new helipad is actually in this photo. It’s only a 30 minute flight to land right here. Do you think we’re all just a little eager to get the helicopter in service?!
The morning after this supply trip we woke up to this message, “[Translating] Numbers is going a bit slow. Chapters 18 and 19 had some real doozies to work through.  Thanks for praying!” This is what it’s all about, isn’t it? It takes an enormous amount of work to sustain a ministry like this in the jungle. There are two couples working in this location and they are translating the Old Testament and are currently working on the book of Numbers.
We can’t imagine applying ourselves to the challenges and detail of doing a Bible translation or cross-cultural church planting. However, we are passionate about seeing the last tribes reached with the Gospel and we can use our other gifts, abilities and availability to keep those who are gifted teachers and translators doing what they do best. We love it but we are so shorthanded right now that we’re not going to be able to do this supply buying forever…actually we can’t do it for long at all. We desperately need others to join us here who have a passion for the lost and desire to serve behind the scenes. Did you know you could join us here and do the supply buying? Check it out on New Tribes Mission’s website  If you’re interested in the Philippines let us know and we’ll make sure you get connected to the right people.