2022 Year in Review

 

All of the photos and more can be found in a short slide show here.

January brought us a litany of new experiences. Leaving a Noah behind in the US and living as a family of 4 here was certainly a new dynamic. Elizabeth added the role of student to her already full missionary/mom/homeschool coordinator/mentor list. Nate stepped into a new role (and increased responsibility) as Church Development director and an additional team. Elias stepped back into high school here with the purpose and energy of a disciple and discipler. Tim became focused on his looming transition back to life in the US and college decisions. 

February was a month focused on travel and connections. Nate spent much of the month traveling – 2 weeks with the Mesi church and then a few days each in 2 other bush locations supporting church planting teams. As a family we focused on connecting with the team and with new missionaries. We also all connected again with a certain virus (an unwanted connection for sure).

March was a memory making month. We went with Tim’s junior class to serve at our new missionary orientation center where some friends are also establishing a Christian school in support of the PNG church. We connected with the orientees while the class completed a building project for Ramu Valley Academy. We left there to serve as a family for a week at a yearly conference in Hoskins on the island of New Britain, Nate was the main speaker and Tim and Elias served as VBS leaders.

April was for visitors. We hosted three of our Mesi church leaders here in town to refine and finalize a new post-literacy program. It was great to spend the time with them, connecting them with other believers from across PNG. Elizabeth was also able to mark her first semester in the books as complete. 

May was a month of goodbyes. With the end of the school year, some folks headed home for a regular home assignment while others left for permanent retirement from New Guinea. We certainly are thankful for those we serve alongside and will miss those who have moved on. Nate also couldn’t help but take 3 more trips as part of his role.  

June saw Nate and Elizabeth still doing the same things (trips and school-work) while the boys ramped up their summer projects. Tim bought himself a welder and practiced with that – successfully joining much metal and putting holes in many items of his clothing. Elias, our health food magnate, made and sold dried fruit to support his other hobbies.

July saw us back in Hoskins (New Britain) and in Musupum (with the Mesi church). Both trips were excellent, but the highlight for us was definitely the excitement of the Mesi literacy school teachers over the newly completed post-literacy program. We introduced it, expecting 4 men to give us a couple of days learning and completing some of the 72 steps. Instead, the office/literacy house was full and 12 fellas wore us out with their eagerness over the course of 5 ten-hour days. Three of them finished the entire program!

August was the month of reconnecting. Our Mesi church team is back together here in PNG. Both families have, like us, taken on additional roles alongside our work with the Mesi church. It is good to be back together and serving alongside each other in old and new ways. 

September was the month of provision. We were thankful for special gifts that helped us toward the purchase of a used car. Having our own car here in town allows us to be more effective in ministry (Nate serves at two mission centers) and saves us a ton in travel costs. There is only one decent place on our side of the island that sells imported used cars – and we praise God that they happened to have a car that fit our budget and needs. 

October was for planning and meeting. We spent time with the Field Leadership Team talking through the next 12 months and also with the families of our Central Area encouraging each other at our annual area conference. Elizabeth spent extra time coordinating and giving assessments to some of the homeschooling families here.

November was about being part of the bigger picture of global missions. Nate traveled to Thailand to meet with representatives of Ethnos360 and partner organizations from all over the world. There he was able to reconnect with old friends and also make many new ones. We can’t show pictures of the conference because many of those in attendance are from countries where Christian missionaries are not allowed. Suffice it to say though, we are encouraged that we will be singing for eternity because of what the Lord is doing in places where He cannot be mentioned publicly today.

December has been about being satisfied. Not only do we find deep satisfaction in the Lord’s faithfulness as He has brought us through this year, but we also find it in a sense of settled-ness that it has taken us most of 2022 to find. We are especially thankful as well that Noah was able to come for a visit over his winter break.  

Thanks so much for your generosity to and prayers for us. May your 2023 be filled with His good purpose for all of us!

Nate, Elizabeth, and the boys.