Heli to Gende - Month 21

I had the privilege of tagging along on a helicopter trip taking supplies to missionaries, Paul and Susan, who live in a village in the Gende tribe. It was an amazing experience seeing the beauty of God’s creation and the work of these missionaries.

Mike is one of our two missionary helicopter pilots for NTM PNG
 

Indescribable! - Month 20

A twin-propeller plane went down this month during a violent storm in a remote and dense jungle not far off the coast. Most of the 32 passengers were going to a graduation ceremony at a university in Madang. There were 4 survivors. Our NTMA helicopter pilots were called in to help remove the bodies. A forensic team from Australia came to identify the victims. Please be praying for the 4 survivors and the families of those who died.

A Church is Born in Siar - Month 19

This has been a rather full, fast action month both here in Lapilo and with our bush missionaries.

The Longest Month in PNG - Month 18

The months I have spent here have absolutely flown by, except this one. I did not think it would ever end. I suppose it is because I really enjoyed spending time with my family last month and this month seemed quite lonely. However, I am very blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people. And while this month seemed long to me, God has been at work!

“Thank You for Coming to My Country” – Month 17

We have been watching a Ray Vander Laan video series on Discipleship. The series was filmed on location in Israel and followed the footsteps of the 12 disciples as they learned to be like the Rabbi, Jesus. The lesson spoke of Peter’s courage to leave his comfort zone, get out of the boat, and try to walk like Jesus. Peter began to doubt and sank like most of us would have, but he did not lose his desire to be a disciple of Christ. May my passion always be to get out of the boat and walk like the Rabbi!

Annual Exodus – Month 16

 

High school graduation was held on June 1st. While perhaps not the most formal of ceremonies :), it was a special and emotional time for the 11 graduates. Each one presented a rose to his or her parents and the junior class came on stage so the senior class could pray for them. I helped to serve punch again this year at the reception and then the students had a lock-in for the night.

 

Time In Warp Speed– Month 14 and 15

I cannot believe how much time has passed since my last entry. Every day seems like an hour and every hour like a minute. The Bible talks about our time on earth being short-lived, like steam from a hot drink. It is so true!

Active Participation, Not Passive Listening – Month 13

The Melanesian Institute

            
        

The clinic staff was invited to have a Sunday lunch with the Melanesian Institute’s administrator and his wife. We had a very nice meal and then toured the facility.

It Has Been 12 Months, the Geckos Moved Back In, and I Have Fallen Four Times – Month 12

The head of the NTM Bible School in the USA spoke at one of our church services this month. He and his family were on the field in PNG for many years. A drunk driver hit their car when they were home during their first time back from PNG. The wife broke her back, the oldest son (6) was killed, and the second son (3) was paralyzed from the waist down. The husband and the baby son were not hurt. That was about twenty years ago. They lived in the tribe for awhile after that but the second son continued to get infections so they moved to Lapilo where their sons graduated high school before returning to the States. He gave a wonderful message from Ephesians 1 on how we are not to be alone, but are to have partners in the gospel with God as our source of love, knowledge, and discernment and are to be filled with the fruits of righteousness for the glory of God.

As I reflect over this past year, so much has happened and I am so thankful that God is allowing me to serve Him in Papua New Guinea. It has been an experience of a lifetime and I have met many wonderful people. I am looking forward to staying here during the next 15 months and pray that all will be for the glory of our wonderful Lord.

Happy New Year - Month Eleven

I spent New Year’s Eve at the Earl’s house along with 30+ other people.  We had a wonderful time.  We played games, put on skits, and again exchanged White Elephant gifts.  The skits were hilarious.  The group divided into four teams with each being given costumes and accessories around which a skit was to be developed.  Our team did “Gunshot Wedding.”  I was the bride’s father and used “my gun that I got for Christmas” (inside joke with my family).  The bride and mother of the bride were men, the minister was a clown, our narrator was a samurai warrior, and the groomsman was in love with the bride.  The other teams put on “Little Red Riding Vest,” “Rapunzel,” and “PMV i Paitim Meri” (translation - Woman Hit by Bus).  At midnight, the kids (and some adults) were allowed to remove the mufflers from their motorcycles and ride around the center for 15 minutes.  This was in lieu of traditional fireworks.

Merry Christmas - Month Ten

I celebrated Christmas for the first time in PNG. It was hard for all the missionaries to be away from family during the holidays, but God provided to us strength and encouragement through His mercy and through each other. I had a peace about being here and enjoyed the fellowship. Plus, there were so many activities; there was not time to be sad. I was able to talk to my family on Christmas Day which was very nice.

It was exciting to hear how the missionaries living and working in the bush spent Christmas with their local churches. Some of the churches presented the Christmas story either by readings or by drama. Those leading the effort (missionaries or national believers) depended on the maturity of the church.