Gwahatike Work Session in Madang

We just got back from a two week work session in Madang province with the Gwahatike teams. Praise the Lord for a blessed time! Thank you to all those who prayed for this blessing.

We were able to get lots of Bible translation and literacy work done. All of the teams were able to travel in and have now returned home. We had some sickness that came up but overall the team members stayed healthy. Thank you to The Seed Company for funding this work session.

There was a lot of work that got done but there was also a significant benefit to having all of the teams come together. Through the devotional times, worship, prayer and sharing meals the teams from five different language groups encouraged one another. Many realized for the first time that the work of Bible translation that they are involved in is more than just their team. They are part of a larger (even global) team of Bible translators that are working to make God's Word accessible to everyone in a language they understand best. What a blessing it was to see and be a part of this work!

Gwahatike translation team hard at work

Jon helping Martin with a computer problem

We enjoyed blessed times of worship, devotions and prayer each morning

Part of the Domung team

Domung team. What a joy it is to see the scriptures come to life!

Team leader Noel Diru working through some translation work with the Domung team

Domung team considering how to translate a portion of Mark 3

Madi translation team

Asaro'o translation team

The Gwahatike Cluster Bible translation and literacy program

We ate some of our meals with the whole group

Bonus picture. While Nafian was up in Ukarumpa we had the chance to record the book of 1 John in the Gwahatike language. It is now on the phones and Audi Bibles in the Gwahatike area

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork."

Psalm 19:1

Travel and First Few Weeks

The first few weeks have been busy. Between unpacking, setting up our new house and jumping into our new role, we've had long days. Thank you to all that have been praying for us in transition. We need the prayer support.

The girls are settling in to their new school and making friends again

We are beginning to ramp up in our role in facilitating the Gwahatike translation programs. We have a work session planned for March 23 - April 7 in Madang so please be praying for the teams as they get ready to travel up and plan for how they are going to use that time. We should have 20+ PNG'n translators for this work session.

Here are a few pictures.

In line somewhere in between Toronto and Port Moresby 

Our first view of our home for the next 2 years, Ukarumpa.

Max got a new swing. He will grow into it. :)

Our yard is full of beautiful flowers. One of the perks of living here.

We were able to welcome Jon and Adie Leedahl back to the country.

The Leedahl and Jagt kids reunited again.

In Ukarumpa and Settling In

We have arrived in Ukarumpa, PNG safely with almost all of our bags (the rest should come up on Monday). It was a long trip with the three kids but we all coped quite well. Suitcases, bags and boxes are scattered all around our house but we are content settling in to our new house and beginning this part of the mission in PNG.

We do not have internet access in our house yet so no pics this time, just a brief informational post (we are borrowing internet right now). We should get internet early next week and can send some pics of our journey then.

Thank you to all who prayed for smooth travels. It was evident several times throughout the trip.

“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”
Hebrews 13:15

Back to the Mission Field

Where has the time gone! Today we start our journey back to Papua New Guinea! Please pray for us all to be healthy during the flights. We have had some illness in the last couple of weeks. We also covet your prayers for safety and rest during the 4 flights!

The last 9 months here in Canada have been so great. It was wonderful to catch up with our family, friends and church communities.

We will touch base once we have settled in to our new home in Ukarumpa.

Full Funding, Tickets Booked!

Thank you to all those who have partnered with us in the work of Bible translation in Papua New Guinea. We have reached full funding! Thank you also to all those who have prayed for full funding for our family. We feel blessed and encouraged.

We have booked our flights to leave Canada on February 2nd and arrive in Ukarumpa on February 5th. We are so excited about returning to our work in PNG!

We are so encouraged in the work knowing that so many people have joined, in partnership with our family, to serve Bible translation in PNG.

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;

    let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving

    and extol him with music and song."

Psalm 95:1-2

Fundraising Update

The 7 months that we have been in Canada have gone by quickly and January is coming soon! It is still our goal to leave for Papua New Guinea in mid January. 

Thank you to all those who have invited us in to your Bible studies, homes and churches in order to share about our work. We are thankful for all of the partners that have come alongside us to support Bible translation through our family. However, we are still in need of $950 per month. 

If you would like to help us reach full funding and get our family back to PNG by January we would love to hear from you.

We again are humbled by the support we have received and have learned about patience and trusting in God's timing over these past months.

"For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. As the Scriptures say

“People are like grass;

their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades.

But the word of the Lord remains forever.”"

1 Peter 1:23-25a quoting from Isaiah 40:6-8 NLT

Visas Are Approved!

Our PNG work visa's are approved! We are thankful to the Lord for blessing the renewal process so quickly. At first we were a little worried that we wouldn't make it before the Christmas break but have plenty of time to spare.

Now our only hurdle before returning to PNG in January is our monthly partnership level. Currently we are at 82%. Please pray for new partners to join us and that it would all come together in God's timing.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Ephesians 2:8-9