Death, Where Is Your Sting?

When the challenges come it is often too easy to feel discouraged and want to give up. Won’t it be easier to live in the US with Paul’s allergies? Won’t it be nicer to be closer to family/friends/medical/________? Yes and no. Right now the Lord has us in PNG and we are so blessed to be a part of seeing tribal folks introduced to Jesus.   Recently a story reached our ears about a Biem tribal Believer’s death. His testimony encouraged our hearts and we pray it will do the same for you. Together, we are part of the team in seeing God’s Word go out!

Jeri was a “top tier hell raiser” until he was introduced to Jesus when the NTM missionaries taught “Creation to Christ”, in his own language, back in 2012. Jeri accepted Christ as his Savior and his life was changed! About a year later he contracted a disease that turned this vibrant young man into a man who could no longer walk.

Recently he passed away but before he did, he took some time to share an important message with the Biem Believers…a message that is good for us to hear too. (Please note: culturally the Biem folks don’t talk about death…it is not done.)

“Guys, I know my death is near and I used to be scared of this. I was scared of being put in a coffin… Before I was a dead man. I was converted in sin and belonged to Satan. I was separated from God. But God has shown me much and I no longer fear this death. I know that I am saved… I’m joined back to God, but not by anything I have done. He did it all… When Jesus hung and said, “It is finished” that was Jesus saying that the work of saving had been done. I know He did everything to save me and now I know that I am joined to God. I don’t fear this death anymore. I know a new body awaits.”

“Just one thing I worry about is this: I worry for my two children. They are too young for me to school them about God’s talk. Brothers and sisters, use your time now to school your kids… they will only be with you for a short while. School your children well in God’s talk. As for my kids, when I die do not forget to school my kids in God’s talk. Make sure they know that Jesus alone is the way back to God.”

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, one day we will get to meet Jeri and thank him for these words of encouragement.

We waited at the gate….straining to hear the Kodiak’s powerful PT6 turbine engine. Then someone saw it’s lights through the white puffy clouds. Here she comes! Welcome to PNG!

Kodiak #3

Our entire family was able to rejoice and help welcome the third, and final, Kodiak into our fleet. We now have 3 Kodiaks and 1 helicopter. (Which is actually currently grounded.) We praise God for His direction in providing the funds and the manpower to see it done. A lot more needs to happen (registering Kodiak #3, selling our C-90 and a Cessna) but as we were recently reminded, “We are going to chew this elephant one bite at a time.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Praise & Prayer Requests

• Praise — Arrival of our 3rd Kodiak. (And they are being put to good use!!)
• Praise/Pray — Jeri’s Heavenly home-going; leaving behind his wife and 2 small children.
• Pray — Workload in the hangar…still VERY busy.
• Pray — Beginning plans for our next home assignment (furlough) in the US. (Jan 2017)