Good News from Steve and Gay – April 2010

We’ve got some good news to share with you.  Last week we received the following message from the Papua New Guinea branch of New Tribes Mission

“We would like you to return to a full time position in our office.  The two main responsibilities would be 1) Office Manager, that is, overseeing the citizen employees and 2) Human Resources Manager.  The two responsibilities go hand in hand.

We have checked with (the NTM US Communications Department) and you can see that you are very welcome to stay in the communications area with NTM USA.  However, you are very needed here as well.  We have lost a lot of experienced people lately, some to going finish and some to other ministries.  Honestly, your history with PNG and cultural understanding would play a significant part in your responsibilities in the office.”

At the same time, we received the following messages from the Communications Department that Steve is currently working with.

“Hi Steve,

Will be praying for you guys and the decision you have before you.  We do appreciate your help and all the work you have done with us.  We would gladly welcome you guys to stay on the Communications staff – but realize you guys are going to have to make that decision.  So we will be praying you can get the Lord’s direction now for your future.”  –  Macon

“Hi Steve,

Thanks for keeping us in the loop.  You have been a great contribution to the Communications team.  If you feel like it is time to go back to PNG, we certainly had that understanding when you started your current ministry, and I’m sure would be very supportive of your decision to accept the request if you felt it was the Lord’s timing.  Otherwise, we’re very satisfied with the work you are doing and would be happy to have you continue.”  ~ David

Gay and I talked things over with our boys, and carefully considered and prayed about this decision for several days.  On Friday, April 23, we sent an email to New Guinea telling them that we would plan to return to PNG the summer of 2011.  (We have since moved our departure to the end of December 2011)