The Aiyura Valley

Our home, Ukarumpa, is located in the Aiyura valley of the EHP (Eastern Highlands Province) of Papua New Guinea.  A typical day, any time during the year, has temperatures around 15-25 degrees celsius and will likely include some rain during the rainy season (the time-frame for rainy season is quite blurry nowadays because of changes in climate).

Ukarumpa has two main language groups that border it, the Gadsup and Tairora.  These two people groups make up the majority of the population in this valley but there are also many other language groups represented here.  The Ukarumpa center provides many opportunities for employment and so this attracts people from all over the EHP.

We have been very happy developing relationships with some people in the surrounding valley.  The Bible study that I (Jon) attend is in the Gadsup area.  It has been great getting to know these brothers in Christ and studying God's powerful Word together.  Discussions are quite often unique and fresh because of the differences in our cultural backgrounds.

We have also had the opportunity to get to know Nonte.  He works for one of the departments here in Ukarumpa.  He has been very accommodating to us and has shown us around the various places in the valley.  Recently, I had the opportunity to hike to the top of one of the mountains surrounding Ukarumpa with Nonte.

Nonte with Ukarumpa in the background

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Romans 8:1