Dear Friends,
There is so much to tell you since our last letter. Thank you for praying for the Simbari. We know God has been working here.
Presentation Of The Gospel
Our co-worker Dennis Best has just completed teaching in the Simbari language beginning in the Old Testament and continuing right up through the life of Christ and His death and resurrection. We were encouraged to see the impact of the truth on the 15-40 people who attended regularly. Some gave clear testimonies of faith, Praise the Lord! Some said they believed what the others did but since they made no confession from their own mouths we are not sure what they actually believe. Please pray for all these folks. Dennis and Jeanne Best have left now for a year furlough and so these folks will not be under teaching for a year. (We are unable to teach because of our inability in the Simbari language at this point.)
Shari’s Trip To Moresby
Shari traveled to the capital city of Port Moresby to see the doctor who will be delivering the baby in September. The doctor found her blood sugar to be very high, almost to the point of needing insulin. So now she is on a strict low-sugar and low-fat diet. This has been difficult for her to adjust to since most of us “weyapa’s” have a pretty high-sugar diet. Another missionary woman has offered the use of her glucose testing device so that Shari can keep track of how she is doing. It will also save her from having to travel out to town again for further testing.
New Highlands Centre Property
God has provided a new piece of property for our Highlands missionaries. We have long since out-grown our old facility and continued growth in our region depends on a sufficient support facility. Funds are needed for developing this vacant lot. Many buildings are needed just to get it up and running. Which also presents the need for laborers, short-term or otherwise. If you can help out with this project just let us know and we will put you in touch with the right people.
Tractor Needed For Airstrip Work
Ever since we opened the airstrip here about 3 years ago safety has ever been a concern. There have been numerous “incidents” where planes sunk in because the airstrip surface was too soft. The airstrip was built entirely by hand over about 7 years time. The Simbaris themselves have spent thousands more hours trying to keep it up since it has been opened. When our aircraft department was ready to close our airstrip for the next wet season our home church, Trinity Baptist Church from Santa Barbara, California came to the rescue. A team came to do large scale earthmoving by hand (a backbreaking job) for 2 weeks, in which time they literally paved a bad section of the airstrip with clay. This has kept our strip open until now but the strip condition is deteriorating again. We have been praying for some time now about a small tractor to maintain and improve the safety of our airstrip. We have just been notified of a small used Ford 4WD tractor for sale for $5000.00 We only have around $1800.00 saved so far in our tractor account. Please pray for the provision of the rest of the needed funds for the purchase of a tractor.
Genesis Translation Handed Out
Some time ago our co-worker had translated most of the book of Genesis, among other scriptures. But up until now none of this translation has ever been put in the hands of the people. Using our computer and laser printer we published a small booklet containing most of the book of Genesis (all the material that has been approved for distribution) and the last Sunday before Dennis and Jeanne left we handed these out to the few that know how to read. It was received with open weeping of joy and thanks. It was a moving experience to witness the response of these Simbari believers who were holding God’s Word in their own language for the first time…ever!
Serving the Living God!
David and Shari Ogg