In just a few days another tribal group, the Tanguat, will begin to hear chronological Bible lessons in their own language. These are exciting times as folks hear in their own language, most for the first time, of who God is and who they are before Him.
It was just 8 years ago that the “X” people heard this teaching and a church was born! Then the Word went out to many other “X” villages. Now, after years of preparation, they are ready to take the Gospel to their neighbors, the Tangguat. (Please note: for security reasons, “X” is being used as the name of the tribal group).
The Tangguat speaking Christians within the “X” church (like Nduan and his family pictured above) have worked hard to help the NTM missionaries (Tim & Tiffany Lanier and Promise Vaughan) learn the Tangguat language, develop a literacy program, translate Scripture and write Bible lessons.
Please join us in praying for this daily teaching that will go on for about 4 months. Pray that the Tangguat will not only come to hear the teaching, but understand and believe! Pray for the missionaries (NTM and “X”) as these will be long and challenging days. Pray for their families, for their health and for strength too!
Kodiak Training
I (Paul) spent two and a half weeks in Spokane, WA getting training for the new Kodiak engines and the avionics from Spokane Turbine Center. Add almost another week in travel time (round-trip) and you have the longest I’ve been away from the family. That was rough.
The first week was lecture, with a bit of lab work. So no time for jet lag as we covered 90 plus pages of information followed by a test on Friday. The second week was mostly lab and run-up stand. This hands-on teaching is my preferred learning style. Each student also got three hours in the only full flight Kodiak simulator. We were able to go through standard start ups and once we were comfortable, the instructor threw a few faults at us to see how we handled ourselves. Very valuable training. It doesn’t cost a thing to make mistakes in the simulator and you can learn loads. The same mistakes on a real engine would cost tens of thousands of dollars, if not more.
The third half week was on the flat panel avionics package and how to troubleshoot it. I was the lone student for this class making for a pretty rough bell curve on the final test. Praise the Lord, I passed both written tests and received my certificates of training.
A wonderful added bonus to my final weekend was a visit by my parents from Kansas. We enjoyed seeing the local sights and the quick visit. Sorry, no grandkids to spoil this time. Speaking of spoiling, Ted Ward, my host for the three week stay, is a true servant of the Lord. He made everything he had available. We had encouraging fellowship about the Lord and life as we got to know each other. Ted introduced me to his church, Valley Fourth in Spokane Valley. What a wonderful body of Christ in action.
Help From A Friend
While Paul was gone we were able to have help from a good friend, Kathy Purves. Not only is Kathy the director of Children’s ministries at our home church, South Potomac Church, but she is a dear friend and Aunt to our children.
We want to thank all those who made Kathy’s trip possible….those who gave, those who helped purchase items for her (and us), those who filled in while she was away and all the other things (like cat-sitting) that made a several week trip possible.
I (Andrea) am sure glad that I didn’t have to “cowboy up” and do it all by myself. Paul’s time away gave me a deeper appreciation for those who are parenting “alone” and a reminder to me that we all need God’s strength and wisdom to raise our children.
Praise & Prayer Requests
- Praise — Good visit and help from Kathy while Paul was in the States and safe travels for both.
- Praise — Paul’s maintenance training in the Kodiak and visit with folks.
- Praise/Pray — Jon Leedahl (pilot who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident) & family are now in America as Jon continues to recover. He has been fitted for a prosthetic and has begun rehab (learning to walk again)!
- Pray — For NTM Aviation as we prepare to import the new Kodiaks while short staffed.
- Pray — Bible teaching amongst the Tangguat people.
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