As my departure date draws near the time to book my final leg from Japan to Papua New Guinea has come. Our Lord has supplied finances to purchase tickets and for that I give Him praise and to you all who have given and prayed I say thank you. My departure date is March 21st and looks like I will be in the air to celebrate my 72 Birthday. My, how time has gone but I am so thankful for the health He has given me that this trip might be possible.
I will be going back to a village; the place Janie and I spent several years in the 80’S. This trip will be rough at times due to the fact it is in the bush, home to lots of critters and no running water nor other comforts we enjoy stateside. What a joy it will be to be back among so many Christian brothers and sisters after so long of time.
Could I just ask that you remember to pray for me each day from March 21st to April 15th? There will be many things that only faith can supply and only a heart devoted to Him can understand. There will be a lot of hours in a large plane at 30 thousand feet or more; small planes in the bush with several hours of boat travel on River known as the, “Mad Woman.” All this makes the cost dear, but God has been so faithful to supply my needs but please continue to hold the rope as I step out once again.
This will be one of those Paul trips where he had a desire to go back to the places he had preached and just see how they are doing. As Paul went from place to place encouraging the brothers we see the churches growing, strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily Acts 16:5. Encouragement is like fertilizer and without encouragement growth will come slow. Pastors, we missionaries have many needs, but encouragement stands front and center.
There will be translation by my friend Bob, teaching and just checking to see how the church is doing and maybe eating some of the bush food I learned to love while living with them several years. I will be looking forward to sharing this trip with you all after I return. Thanks again for your part in my ministry in missions these many years. What a wonderful time to follow Jesus to the regions beyond and faithfully wait for His return.
By God’s Grace and for His Glory,
Jack Housley