On Friday, September 30th, Marcy, Caleb, Taylor and I marked the two-month anniversary of our arrival here in Papua New Guinea. It’s safe to say that for all of us, it certainly doesn’t seem like it could have been that long since we got here. With our arrival only three days before the start of the first school term, we had little time to relax and catch our breath before we hit the ground running. The majority of these two months were filled with lesson planning for classes I’m teaching, school work for the boys, and Marcy getting used to the daily routine of a new home, in a new community, in a country different than we’ve ever known. Yet through it all, we found that God’s grace is more than sufficient to meet all of our needs…through homesickness, jet lag, culture shock, and the day-to-day routine of new careers and new surroundings. And so, we rejoiced on 30 Sept. as two months of this great adventure have been completed.
Then, on the evening of Sunday, October 2nd, I had the pleasure of being the guest of honor at a birthday celebration. Yes, even in PNG, my wonderful wife cannot pass up an opportunity to host a party. Several of our new friends came to enjoy some food and fellowship as we celebrated my 43rd birthday. As I thought about the opportunity to be here in PNG, I was so thankful that God has blessed us with the friendships that are growing here. The fellowship with other individuals and families, from different backgrounds and nationalities, yet with a common purpose and desire in our hearts, was such a wonderful experience. And again, I praised our Father that He is able to meet all our needs according to His riches in glory, and that He is keenly aware of every need that we may have.
But the greatest point of celebration for the weekend was the news that came from the Siar people and the work that is going on in that location. On Saturday, news was shared by our missionaries working with the Siar of the response to the Gospel message…the church of Jesus Christ has been born in Siar land!! Testimonies of faith, granted by our gracious God, were shared from many Siar men and women. One new believer who had previously called himself a pastor and teacher of God’s word, shared how he had never understood the one True God. Another expressed his recognition of God as the Creator of all things, perfect and all-powerful. They now understood their true position in relation to a Holy God, as sinners separated from Him with a punishment for sins waiting for them. They recognized that they had believed so many lies before, but now God had showed them that Jesus is the only Truth and the only Way to eternal life. Celebration indeed!! As Jesus said, “…there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
And in the midst of this celebration weekend, I was again humbled at the thought that God has chosen me and my family to be a part of the ministry here in Papua New Guinea. Whether teaching missionary kids whose parents are ministering in a tribe, teaching children of other missionaries who support tribal work, or through the privilege of praying for these works in tribal areas, we are blessed to be a part of this team. We would ask you to pray for the Siar and the missionaries there. Pray for the ongoing work in other tribal areas, that the light of the gospel would shine forth in the darkness. We would also ask you to pray for us as we continue to have the opportunity to serve. May our Great God receive all Glory!