On July 24 we arrived back in the village. Our being back is a testimony to God’s faithfulness. We can’t thank everyone enough for all the ways you ministered to us. Now we are pleased to share with you, our partners, what is happening in this far corner of the world.
We were welcomed back by a large crowd, many of whom had dressed up to celebrate our return. Some wore feathers, and the children wore grass skirts and flowers. Immediately we were decorated with flower necklaces. We also noticed our house was covered with Hibiscus flower blossoms. It did not take us long to realize that it would take some time to regain lost ground in the language (not too long, I hope). That did not stop us, however, from giving a report to the Simbari church (in the Simbari language) about our time in the U.S. Afterwards the people shared with us how they wanted us to finish learning the language so we can translate the scriptures into their own language. They commented on how they just didn’t understand much of the Pidgin Bible. 
This is the first time we can remember the people asking us specifically for God’s Word in their own language. It was an encouragement for us to press on!
Upon our return we found the back of our house had sunk 5 inches over a 10 ft span. Many parts of the house are damaged by water and bugs. It is good timing to have a Summit team come in January, 1999. Our desire is to rebuild with lasting materials to remedy the high maintenance required by our decaying house. We also hope that by getting rid of the woven cane walls, which grow mold quickly, that it will cut down on our sinus and respiratory problems. Many hands make light work so with this team’s help it will be a blessing to complete this project with a minimum time out of study.
We began language study again on August 10. We are aiming for taking our 4th and final fluency test in the fall of ’99. That is just about a year away and we would appreciate your prayers as we work towards this goal!
His Servants to the Simbari Tribe,
David & Shari Ogg
Esther, Simon & Rachel