{"id":545,"date":"2017-09-05T20:05:43","date_gmt":"2017-09-06T01:05:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/paul-swenson\/?p=545"},"modified":"2017-09-05T20:05:44","modified_gmt":"2017-09-06T01:05:44","slug":"why-because-he-is-worthy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/paul-swenson\/2017\/09\/05\/why-because-he-is-worthy\/","title":{"rendered":"Why? Because He is Worthy!"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a very large swamp not far from here there is a village.\u00a0 In this village there is group of folks who heard, in their own language for the very first time this year, that Jesus died for their sins.\u00a0 A short helicopter ride from there (but a 15-hour hike) you will find another language group and another village in the same giant swamp.\u00a0 Hazen was able to helicopter to this village last Monday and help deliver the groceries.\u00a0 In this language group, missionaries are working hard to finish learning the language so that they can start translating Bible lessons and the Bible this year.\u00a0 This will lead to Bible teaching and then, Lord willing, years of discipling young Christians.\u00a0 Between these two villages, if you hike from either for about 7 or 8 hours (swamp again) you come to another village.\u00a0 This village is one of many in a language group that has heard the gospel in their language and there are established churches there.\u00a0 In fact, these churches are working with a missionary Bible translator on discipling yet another language group \u201cnext door\u201d (a 2-hour hike through, you guessed it, the swamp).\u00a0 However, their work has been slow and they are a little discouraged, but a few who are bilingual are putting a lot of time into this.\u00a0 They have two other villages to bring the good news to in this neighboring language group.\u00a0 Also, they need to help teach much more literacy in this church plant.\u00a0 They would like more help, but so far God has allowed them to work through this time of difficult ministry on their own, but in His strength.<\/p>\n

These are just a few places in just one BIG swamp where work is being done to bring God\u2019s Word to language groups in PNG who have never heard.\u00a0 Lately we have been asked quite often, \u201cwhy here?\u201d\u00a0 Well, our family has a burden to help bring the gospel to a language group who otherwise will not hear the truth of God\u2019s love, mercy and grace in their own language.\u00a0 We also have a burden for seeing that group discipled well and in PNG that also means teaching them to read in their own, oral language, which we may have to help write out on paper.\u00a0 After all, at one time someone (a lot of someone\u2019s) did that for us back home.\u00a0 Is it important that they hear?\u00a0 Of course.\u00a0 Is He worth it?\u00a0 Absolutely!\u00a0 That is why we are here.\u00a0 He has \u201ctransplanted\u201d us here and He is worthy\u2026 worthy enough for all unreached peoples to hear about Him.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Hazen, Ben (and Kevin) getting ready to drive supplies up the road a few hours… for the helicopter to pick up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What have we been up to?\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Currently we are helping orientate the next group of missionaries that just arrived in PNG in July.\u00a0 For Paul, this consists of wearing many hats; from helping organize events and schedules to helping check in on the national men who are our night watchmen on campus.\u00a0 Ellen helps with guest housing and other odd jobs.\u00a0 The kids help a little bit around center too.\u00a0 We are both still learning pidgin (Tok Pisin) and homeschooling the kids.\u00a0 We will have another language evaluation soon.\u00a0 We are also praying for the Lord\u2019s direction as to where to minister in the bush and for a team.\u00a0 We have been asking a few questions about where we could church plant and hope to have some less general, more specific things to share in the next few months.<\/p>\n

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Playing with a neighbor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You are all a big part of this ministry.\u00a0 Thank you for supporting us along this journey.\u00a0 HE is worthy!!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Touring the neighborhood with orientees<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Prayer Requests:<\/strong><\/p>\n