Its been awhile...

Adjustments

Well, here we are again, sitting down to update you all about what we've been up to over the last few months. There has been so much that its tough to know where to start. Here are the bullet points. 

• After our return to New Guinea in late August, we spent a glorious 3 1/2 weeks in Mesi-land working with our co-workers, discipling believers, helping with medical work, writing and teaching Bible lessons, and supporting the literacy program.
• In September, as part of our role in oversight and caring for other missionaries on the field, we flew out to spend time with a team in crisis. We are praising God for what He has been doing in that team.
• Also in September, Nate had the opportunity to meet with the Mibu church (another tribal church here in PNG) to hear from them about their vision for reaching the lost peoples around them. It was a great few days meeting with the believers there. They even sent a video greeting back to the Mesi church. 
• In early October, we were able to participate in our yearly regional conference. More than 150 men women and children gathered together to hear from each other, to pray for each other, and to have some down time together. 
• Later in October, we spent time discussing and planning for the next year with others from around the field. These are exciting days for the church here in New Guinea. 
• Also in late October, our mission helicopter broke down - extending our stay at our regional headquarters. It was a good thing too. We were able to finish our work with the troubled team, learn about the role that we will be stepping into in January at our headquarters, and spend some time getting to know some people there. 
• Yesterday, we were able to fly back into Mesi-land. Warm greetings were given and received. Elizabeth was even able to run our scheduled medical clinic in the afternoon. 

It may seem like a pretty simple schedule for a couple of months, but we honestly felt like we were barely able to take care of the most important aspects of our daily lives.  Please be praying for us for wisdom and balance as we re-engage here with the Mesi church. 

Focus on our flight program

The Pal work is one of 12 or 13 tribal works in New Guinea that rely exclusively on helicopters for supply and transport. Many other works rely on fixed wing aircraft as their primary physical connection to the outside world. Without a functioning aviation team, we would not be able to live and function in remote places like we do. 

The thing is, our flight program is in a pretty tough place right now. In particular, our aging helicopter is regularly breaking down. That, and the fact that we are down to 1 full-time mechanic to keep 3 planes and a helicopter going, has us concerned. Please pray with us for our mechanics and pilots. Please pray too for the aviation guys as they explore how they may add a second helicopter to the fleet.