Monday’s Marching Orders

M village still closed so prayers needed

We have been back in the tribe for a month now. Some of you have heard me tell the “story” of the man eating the peanuts in a bowl at an elderly lady’s house and something about M&M’s. As I thought about updating you, M&M’s kept popping up in my mind. This update will have to do with M&M’s: not the kind you are thinking about, those delicious candy coated chocolate (or my favorite, peanut butter) no not those, because well we don’t have any of those. So maintain your calories and chew on our update, full of M’s. How are things? How is the church doing? How is our family doing? Most importantly, how’s the cat?

Things are going pretty well. We are heavily involved in translation and home schooling. Finally into a good routine and thankful to be involved in this ministry. There were many adjustments that had to made physically to the house, but most adjustments are being made on a heart level. We are constantly missing members of the family, desperate to proclaim truth to village M, and enjoying seeing the maturing of the church. 

Missing members of the family: As most of you know we came back to PNG lighter not from refraining from M&M’s but from leaving Charis behind as the next stage in her life progresses to college. While it’s been difficult because we just want to be with her; it is good. We hear from her every day, and she is doing very well in New Tribe Bible Institute in Jackson, MI. After arrival we soon had to leave Caleb in the dorm, and that too has proven heavy on our souls. But from all the reports we are getting; he is doing wonderfully. We will see him again in one month! Then we take off for Australia to take care of the visa debacle, trusting the Lord in this, for His provision and providence.

 

M village – We had hoped that time passing would bring a change of heart in the leadership of M village, and that we would be able to go and bring God’s message to them. However, just the opposite has happened. In fact they are pressuring people to actually move from this village back up to M to get away from us “wild dogs.” Since we are going with this M&M craziness can we ask a favor? Please consider putting on your calendars to pray for M village on Mondays. We pray every Tuesday morning, but that will be Monday for most of you. So we will be with you in spirit praying for M village on Mondays.

Maturing Church – the church is indeed maturing. It is very encouraging to witness them seeking to glorify God with their lives. Against the strong culture of oneness they are standing on the truth of the gospel in sincerity and love. The bible teachers have grown tremendously, and it’s a sheer joy to see. Of course growth includes growing pains, and there are some wrong choices made. This is normal, but it is good to see them handle these things in a way that honors God.

Ironically, these M&M’s are bittersweet. Missing members of the family is tough but necessary. M village needs much prayer, and the maturing church is a joy to witness. Oh and the cat? Well, it used to be cats. We’ve heard conflicting stories so we really aren’t sure what happened to the older one, but we are going with the old age story. The other one is fine. So glad you asked. Now, pass the M&M’s.