Looking back, I see that I have only written three blog posts since school started in August. Sorry about that. Apparently, when you become a teacher, you enter some kind of time warp and the days go by much faster than they did before. Well, that means there’s lots to tell, so let’s get to it!
Uppermost on our minds lately is the fact that Micah will graduate from high school at the end of May, which means we have only a short time left as a family of 6 here in PNG. We’re waiting to hear whether or not Micah will receive a scholarship from Liberty University. If so, he will attend there in the fall, and if not, he plans to go to Ethnos360 Bible Institute in Wisconsin. Due to the fact that 6 round-trip tickets to the US is insanely expensive, and also the fact that Cole will graduate next year, only Chris and Micah will be traveling back to America this summer while the rest of us stay here. To be honest, I’m trying not to think about it, but when the time comes for the separation, it will be hard on all of us. We’d appreciate your prayers! Also, Chris and Micah are looking for a place to stay for June-August in the Carver County area, and Micah will also be looking for work for those months. If you have any ideas for us in either of those categories, please let us know!
The Pal church continues to grow in maturity, even as it starts to dwindle in numbers. The clan that owns the land the church building sits on is still standing in opposition to the truth of Scripture and the authority of the Bible teachers, and the teachers are asking Chris and our coworkers to please come and help them work through what needs to happen to make sure that there is no compromise of truth while working toward unity in the church and protection of the flock against wolves. Chris was supposed to go to Pal this past week, but because there has been a fuel shortage that has thrown a wrench in many plans across the country. Thankfully, the shortage seems to be resolving, and Chris and our two coworkers are scheduled to fly to Pal in a couple of weeks for a visit to encourage and support the teachers and other believers as well as to work on some translation. Please pray for the flights to happen as planned, and for wisdom and discernment for the Bible teachers who are seeking to serve God by shepherding his church in Pal.
Speaking of translation, Chris finished up his stint of being the Central Area Coordinator, and now he is back to (almost) full-time Bible translation and curriculum development for the Pal church. Even though we no longer live in Pal, his passion is still to see a mature body of Christ, full of believers who rely on God’s Word for truth and who live lives that glorify their Creator and seek to share His truth with others. He’s currently working on the books of 2 Corinthians and James. For as long as God allows us the privilege, we plan continue translating Scripture, writing lessons, and making disciples in the Pal people group. Please pray that God will continue to give us direction and wisdom and strength as we continue this work.
After the fourth and final school term, I will wrap up my first year as a classroom teacher. I’ve learned a lot, and hopefully my students have as well. I plan to teach next year, too, and we are praying for more people to be willing to join us as school staff so that all our missionary moms and dads can continue to serve full-time in their ministries. Please pray with us that God will supply laborers for the important field of educating missionary kids.
Our own kids are all doing well and are enjoying their spring break. Between school, sports, youth group, and volunteering for various ministries at church like worship team and nursery, they are busy and happy. They are each growing in their faith as they grow older. Please pray for them–we have reached the point where they will all be leaving home within the next six years! Thank you for lifting us up.