Whoa, oh, we’re halfway there…

September 24, 2014

Well, after six weeks in PNG, Lael and I are both more than half-way through learning Tok Pisin! Last week, Lael and I finished our first culture and language evaluation for the trade language here in Papua New Guinea. We had the privilege of being evaluated by Aaron Luse, a consultant and tribal church-planter who […]

Humbling Provision

May 19, 2014

Transitioning to a different country might be complicated, but God has been showing off lately! We had several huge financial needs, and God completely crossed them off our list by working through his church! One family provided 90 percent of the funds we needed for our solar electric system, and we were able to purchase […]

An Irreplaceable Resource

February 19, 2014

Throughout our Tribal Tech class at the Missionary Training Center, we were constantly told that time is an irreplaceable resource. In a tribal ministry, where you’re learning a new language and culture from scratch, developing friendships, dealing with culture shock, and the stresses of remote living, solar power can free up a lot of time. […]

Vision Casting!

February 14, 2013

On Monday I made the two-hour drive down to Branson to share at a Perspectives class with Doug Schaible–an awesome friend and NTM representative who has had a huge impact on my family’s journey to Papua New Guinea. This Perspectives class was especially encouraging, because the pastor of the church served with NTM in Papua […]

Remembering Your Roots

February 14, 2013

This semester, I’m working in the development office here at the Missionary Training Center, while Lael takes the linguistics course. While working on some mobilization materials today, I came across the pledge NTM’s founders made back in 1942. Here are a few excerpts. I hope they inspire you to walk with God and finish this […]

Suduwama Says

January 8, 2013

One of my favorite teachers, George Walker, served for many years among the Bisorio people of Papua New Guinea. Today the Bisorio church is thriving and has its own tribal Bible teachers and elders. One of the church leaders, Suduwama, asked George to pass this stirring message on to those of us in training at […]

Our Journey Toward PNG…

January 8, 2013

Believe it or not, our 3.5 years of pre-field equipping with New Tribes Mission is drawing to a close, and we’d like to take a few moments to share with you all about our future. With that said, we have posted several new blogs that are more reflections on and lessons learned from the last […]

In the Landing Craft…

January 8, 2013

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Decision’s Decisions

December 10, 2012

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A Journey of Unexpected Joys

December 9, 2012

The last 3 1/2 years have been interesting to say the least, due in large part to the fact that God has stretched me in more ways that I could have imagined. Honestly, it’s been a journey of unexpected joys. Sure, there have been stressors, but I’ve seen enough of those turn out for the […]

Mobilizing in Wisconsin!

November 19, 2012

Lael and I just returned from a long trek up north to Waukesha Wisconsin, where we spoke to the students at New Tribes Bible institute about what life here at the training center is like. Owing to our additional precious cargo (baby Rynn) the trip took an extra 3 hours each way, but she and […]

Camping!!

November 19, 2012

We just finished up our practical skills class and had quite a good time. Not only did we learn about essential skills like chainsaw maintenance, knot-tying, compass/map/GPS skills, and measuring and building rafters, stairs and other construction things, but we also had a three night camping trip where we put many of those skills into […]

Crazy times…are the best!

October 12, 2012

Life has been busy, to say the least, but it’s about to get even more hectic. Today we wrapped up our nearly two-month long tribal simulation, and I have to say I’m a feeling a little depressed. I actually miss our language helper, Kinosi! We learned so much about the Dobu culture during our class, […]

Semester Kick-Off = Reality Check

August 22, 2012

By: Lael Crabtree Infanticide. While it’s easy to romanticize living overseas and working with a tribal group, the reality (while incredible) is also very harsh. Monday for our semester kick-off, Phil and Val Paulson shared their story of living among a violent tribal group in Western Brazil. I was blown away by their faithfulness to live among […]

In the land of lakes, badgers & cheese…

June 12, 2012

Well, we just got back from a week in Wisconsin…and it was way too short! We got to stay with our friends, Mark and Marilyn Ford (and their beautiful cats…Lael was in heaven)! We also saw a ton of friends from Brooklife Church and got to worship in the new (well, it was new to […]