You would think that moving to the other side of the globe would be a huge step for us. In some ways it is. After 4 years of praying, planning, training, etc, it’s awesome to see how God has worked in us and through us and in you and through you to see us finally get to Papua New Guinea to begin our ministry here. In many ways we can look at this and see it as a small step because this is really the beginning for us. We now have the big steps of learning the trade language and culture, building relationships, and then moving out to an unreached village to begin the process of seeing God build a church there (round 2 of language and culture learning in the village language). Please pray for us that we’ll be able to effectively learn the language and culture here. I’m reminded of Christ’s words that we are “…the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” In America as believers we can blend in and “hide” without even really trying. For us here in PNG we will be closely observed and we will stand out. Please pray that we would be good examples of Christ’s love, mercy and grace (even when we’re tired or feeling overwhelmed). We’re thankful to be able to walk through this next phase with old friends (Noyes and Chens) and new friends (Ebels, Stouses, and Longs). Pray for all of us as we adjust to life in PNG and that God would prepare us all for bringing the Gospel to those who have never heard.
Here’s a quick summary of our trip! On Monday, January 16th we were dropped off at the Burlington International Airport and began our journey to the other side of the globe. After resting half way for a few days in Hawaii (and enjoying some hiking and beach time), we arrived in Goroka, PNG on Sunday, January 22nd. On Monday morning Emmanuella met the NTM doctor and that appointment went really well! We found out that we probably will not need to travel to Australia once a year to have her see a specialist there (we’ll just send test results to her specialist in the States)! Thanks for praying for her! All 4 kids got to sit in on a couple of classes at Numonohi Christian Academy that day as well. On Tuesday, January 23rd we traveled from Goroka to Madang province which will be our home for the next 5 months. We experienced such a great welcome from the NTM staff here and also ladies from the local church here! We’re getting settled and we’ll officially begin our formal training time soon!
For those of you who are teachers, you could be part of the ministry here in PNG as well. Numonohi Christian Academy (the NTM school in the Highlands) is in need of teachers. Often times they don’t know what positions are needed until around this time of the year which makes it stressful to fill those positions. Would you consider if God would have you come for a year or two to be part of the ministry here? The campus is a little slice of the West combined with beautiful scenery and a large PNG town close by for shopping. The school hosts older students of bush missionaries who would like their kids in school. It also functions as the school for all of the children of parents living on the center doing support work. The school is vital in helping keep families on the field.
See a video tour of our temporary house here.
Praise and Prayer
Praise that our flights and time spent in the airports went well.
Praise the Lord for a good doctor’s appointment for Emmanuella.
Praise for our new friends and the warm reception that we received here!
Pray for us as we will begin learning Tok Pisin and seek to build relationships in the community here.
Pray for us as we adjust to the climate. (it’s a little different than January in Vermont!) Also pray our stomachs acclimate and we stay healthy.
Pray for us and our family back home as we adjust to being away from each other.
Pray that when times of doubt set in that we will look to Christ to carry us. (We can’t do this; only Christ can through us!)
More Photos Here