Saying Goodbyes - Week Thirteen through Sixteen

Every person at pre-field orientation in Florida last November was going to Papua New Guinea and I wondered what God had in store for this country. Now, I know. We have said good-bye just at Lapilo to 17 families over the past four weeks. Some will return but many will not. They are moving to whatever God has next for their lives. Our message on May 30th was about Jesus’ transition plan for His disciples when He left earth to go to heaven. He sent the Holy Spirit as our comforter, teacher, helper, counselor, and advocate. We do not have to face our transitions alone. We are to be about God’s business, set apart for His purpose, and resting in His truth. We are to take our ordinary, everyday life and place it before God as an offering. I am excited that one of the members of my orientation class is now here and another family is expected next week. We all should be here by August. There are others coming from different countries. It is all in God’s timing and plans.

Tok Save, Aigir Cooking, and Finding Gold - Week Eleven and Twelve

Several of the clinic’s staff went to a mumu (where they kill a pig and cook it in the ground) on Sunday after church to celebrate a young girl’s beginning of her sikmun. The girl typically wears the traditional dress of their tribe. The girl at this celebration was basically wearing a fishnet-type outfit with bird feathers in her headdress. Apparently she was very embarrassed and kept asking to wear a tee shirt. The girls in this day and time and in this region are now not accustomed to this type of dress. Presents are given to family members who have helped to raise the girl and the girl is given gifts including feminine products. The celebration began the night before and some of the men were drunk by the day of the mumu. It is probably a good thing I was not there.

The Alpha and Omega - Week Ten

The message on Sunday was delivered by Iteve Amole who is an elder and Bible teacher from the Yagaria tribe where NTM has previously worked to establish churches. There are now 8 churches in Yagaria. Iteve has also gone to missionary school. He preached on knowing Jesus and quoted many scriptures that point to Christ to tell who He is.