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| Experiencing autumn in the USA for the first time in a few years has been an adjustment. |
Fall
There is a carpet of orange on the driveway and rain is coming down in earnest here in Northern California. Listening to the gurgling of the downspouts, I’m prompted to reflect for a moment of the novelty of an autumn in the northern hemisphere. Between decorations for three holidays and pumpkin spice everything (I’m looking at you Old Spice, KitKat, Greenies dog treats, and yes SPAM!), we are experiencing a little reverse culture shock. For 15 of the last 18 Octobers, we’ve been in New Guinea where the headline event for us has been our annual area conference - a time for the church planting teams and the support team to get together for mutual encouragement and refreshment. We are taking focused time this week to lift up the team there in PNG as they have the opportunity to let their hair down a little bit. We invite you to pray with us as well for God’s sustaining grace and empowerment for them.
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| Our friend Jack is here with Nate - together they shared the needs of the PNG field with missionary candidates. |
Representing
Speaking of conferences, apparently we needed to get to at least one here in the states lest we go into withdrawal. We had the opportunity last week to represent the field of Papua New Guinea at the Ethnos360 training center in Missouri. Talking with younger folks that are finishing up their missionary training was super encouraging. God is raising up a generation of passionate disciples that He will use to reach out and establish thriving churches. At the same time that we presented the great need for missionaries in New Guinea, we were able to hear reports from 16 other areas of the world where Ethnos has personnel. Hearing about the opportunities and the needs in other places had Elizabeth and I wishing we could replicate ourselves so that we could join those teams as well. As we traveled home together, we had time to talk and pray - for God’s strength to be able to continue in the work He has given us and for Him to raise up many more that will walk with Him in new places as He calls them.
"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:36-38
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| We have lots of work yet to do with the church in PNG! |
Connections and Plans
It seems like it was last week that we stepped off the plane in San Francisco, but it has been a full 4 months. That 4 months has been full of connections as well as prayerful processing and planning. We had intended to be in the USA for a full calendar year this time (our first year home since 2015-16), but after prayer and thought, we made the decision to head back to PNG in January for a 5 month trip before we continue our Home Assignment. We sensed pretty quickly after coming home that we have some significant work to do on behalf of the Mesi church as well as in making solid plans for stable ministry going forward. We are in process of learning about what it will take for us to support the Mesi church in the areas of education and discipleship. Stay tuned to this space - we will share more as our plans develop.
In light of our upcoming departure for PNG, we are seeking to make as many connections as possible here in October and November with supporters and churches. We hope to share more details about plans and also to express our thanks to all of you that have prayed for and given to us to see the work in PNG go forward. If you’d like to get together with us or have us come and share with your small group, Sunday School, or church, please drop us a line.
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| Noah has been back for a couple of visits, but in January he will come back to PNG as a team member! |
Prayer requests:
- We are thankful for the rest and stability that we’ve had these last couple of months.
- Elizabeth continues to work toward a Master’s Degree in Education. She is balancing classes and other responsibilities.
- Noah will be coming with us to New Guinea to serve in the school for missionary kids. He is choosing to use his time before medical school in service. He will be stretched and challenged in new ways this year. He is looking to eventually serve in medical missions and we are praying for him that God would use every experience to prepare him for effective service.
- Tim and Elias continue to work through college programs. Pray that they walk ever closer with the Lord as they learn.
- Pray for the Mesi church as they encourage each other to depend on the Word of Life over everything else.
- Pray for our co-workers, the Fachner family as they make the permanent transition back to their home country (Germany).
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