Fall 2024: “Going the Distance”

Some investments take time to bear fruit. Twenty years ago in Papua New Guinea, Ken was part of a support team helping new missionaries move into the Uriai people group. Over the years, mosquito-borne illnesses, personnel changes, and local disputes slowed progress in language-learning and Bible translation. Finally in August 2024 the entire village gathered for the start of Bible teaching in their own language. Please pray for clear grasp of the Gospel, and health for the family in that location now. Lessons are being taught twice a week, progressing from Creation to Christ, over several months.

For us here at Ethnos360 Bible Institute in Wisconsin, August launched a new school year. We had department trainings and setup for nearly 200 students. Ten freshmen meet in our home twice a month for “small group chapel.” There we take turns sharing testimonies, praying for each other, and having the occasional fun event. Ken continues to serve full-time with fellow missionaries and 1-year interns on the small maintenance team. Andrea has part-time hours overseeing the childcare team on campus (pictured below). An emphasis on relationship-building is part of what makes this campus so special!

Mission leadership has a vision to keep the Bible college sustainable and meaningful long-term. 1) It’s application for accreditation has finally been submitted to TRACS. 2) In October, students were bussed to Missouri for two days of classes at our missionary training campus there. Since the pandemic, students seem slower to commit to ministry after graduation; this trip is one way they hope to reverse that trend. 3) The college has also launched a “capital campaign” where alumni and community members can donate to major projects. The building is a Wisconsin historical site, and repairing its antique elevator gets more expensive every year. Fundraising for things like that will keep costs down for students while also preserving a local landmark.

(To learn more about this or other special projects, click on Projects – Ethnos360.)

Please pray that we too would be able to “go the distance,” serving the missions community as long as we are physically able. As missionaries with Ethnos360, we raise our own support for ministry and living expenses. This year several supporters passed away, and medical insurance jumped from $1200 to $1350 per month. We work side jobs as our responsibilities at the Bible college allow but are unsure how many more setbacks we can cover this way. It is an ongoing need that we do not always mention, but every $25/mo helps us continue. We’ve been able to cut costs in small ways but won’t see a significant drop until Ken can enroll in Medicare four years from now.

On the bright side, it is great to see where former Bible school grads are today. 1) We remember the family serving among the Uriai when they were a student couple without kids. 2) One of our single students, an Asian-American “MK” (missionary kid), later married an early childhood educator; now Alan and Jolie McDole – Ethnos360 are raising support to come on staff at the Bible school. 3) Back in 2016 Andrea cared for a little girl named “Jasmine” in the childcare department; this year her family finished their first term overseas. We were thankful they could stay with us for several days of their home assignment before going back!

Thanks for lifting us up in prayer as we seek to equip the next generation to reach the unreached!