Changes Taking Place

Often change is predictable, like with the seasonal change of the weather. However, this change was fairly abrupt and severe. The aviation leadership has decided that Paul no longer has the professional edge necessary for the demanding role of a licensed aircraft mechanic. They have informed him that he needs to step away from aviation but have encouraged him to seek another ministry here in Papua New Guinea still within Ethnos360 as this is not a spiritual or medical matter. Paul has started a new ministry as the assistant to the Lapilo Center Manager. It is a much-needed addition to the very demanding wide scope of the Center Manager position.

Should this assistant ministry not end up being a fit for Paul, we are assured that there are several other options. There are so many needs and the team here has been clear how much they value Paul’s gifts and experiences.  (A fact that isn’t so fun: our mission is currently experiencing it’s lowest number of support workers—nonchurch planters—since 2013!) Please pray with us through this time of change that we would humbly submit to our Lord’s direction. As well, please pray this dumb sheep will understand the kind Shephard’s hand of direction.

Paul has worked in aviation maintenance for over 40 years and 19 of that with Ethnos360 Aviation. This is no small change. Prayers are appreciated.

What does this mean?  While we are no longer under the aviation department we are still missionaries with Ethnos360.  Nothing changes regarding how you can financial support or contact us.

What actually is Lapilo?  We realize that many of you might know this but for the sake of clarity, Lapilo is the name of Ethnos360’s PNG headquarters (also called NTM-PNG).  Not only is our center the home for over 50 different missionaries, it also contains our missionary school (where Andrea teaches) & dorm, medical & dental clinics, guesthouse, supply store, business office, headquarters offices, homeschool support offices, center maintenance offices and computer department.  (And we are probably missing a few).

How does being an assistant to our center manager help spread the Gospel in PNG?  GREAT QUESTION! As the headquarters for all of NTM-PNG, we are the lifeline for our tribal works.  In order for them to live remotely (and have any “spare” time to devote to church planting, teaching, translating, etc), they rely on the team here.  Just like aviation keeps the transportation lines open, Lapilo offers support in so many other ways.  (See previous list of departments that are located here at Lapilo).  Without these departments, it would be virtually impossible for our bush missionaries to focus their time on church planting.  As Paul helps manage Lapilo, he helps Lapilo run more efficiency… which is becoming more and more important as we see the number of support missionaries decreasing.

Praise & Prayer Requests

• Praise: Thanks for praying for Andrea as she did double duty for a couple of months in school. She is back to one class (with extras) but would still love your prayers.
• Praise:  It was great being able to celebrate PNG’s 50th Independence day. Our center put on a carnival day for our national friends and Paul got to drive the train again!
• Praise: We are grateful for your faithful support and prayers, to include the love of the body of Christ as we experience this life change.
• Prayer:  Please continue to pray for more missionaries. Every department is feeling the shortages.
• Prayer: For Paul as he continues to learn his new ministry.  Also as he works through the grief and the loss of the familiar. Pray we find where the Lord wants us to serve Him.
• Prayer: That the youthful revival going on in America is genuine and has eternal affects for for God’s glory within America as well as into world missions.