Thursday, February 25, 2010
Home, Sweet Home
After flying twenty-one hours -- plus an overnight stop in Narita, Japan -- we finally arrived home. We were blown away by the welcome crew at the Bloomington airport! I couldn't believe my eyes as I walked through the security gate. Family, friends, and the wonderful EWO mission team were there to greet us. It's amazing how just "being there" can mean so much. We were blessed and encouraged by our awesome homecoming. Thanks everyone!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Emily's Words from PNG
We recently returned from our side trip to Simbari. What a privilege to see God's work among the tribal people! The trip helped us piece together all that we've learned at Interface. We've studied language and culture, chronological Bible teaching, church planting, discipleship, finances, support ministries, and much more. Now we have seen the result: an indigenous first-generation church among a people group that had never heard the Gospel in their own language.
Simbari was, without a doubt, the highlight of our time at ITF. God blessed us with perfect weather the day of our arrival and we were able to get four planes into Simbari with the team and all of our supplies.Our tiny plane (one pilot, four passengers) landed on a grass airstrip and taxied up to the missionaries' front gate. Barring several days of hiking over the mountains, the only way in or out of their location is by plane or helicopter.
Our missionary hosts have worked in the tribe almost 20 years. We spent four days learning about their ministry and seeing their love for the Simbari people. We were surprised, and pleased, to see that they have managed to "rig" many modern conveniences such as refrigeration, bathrooms and electricity through the use of solar panels and generators. These tools help them to focus on their work (currently discipleship and translation) without having to spend all of their time trying to survive in the bush.
The local Simbari church is only a few years old, but around 50 members strong. They welcomed us with open arms as their brothers and sisters in Christ. In spite of the language barrier, we had an instant connection with the believers. We could see the joy on their faces -- especially as they shared their testimonies about coming to know Jesus.
As we worshipped with them on Sunday, two things stood out to me. First, the capable and solid leadership of the Simbari teachers and song leaders. They were well spoken, enthusiastic, and grounded in the truth. Though missionaries were needed to bring the Gospel and translate God's Word, soon they will no longer be necessary for the church to continue. Second, as I looked around at the many children sitting on the floor of the church, I was amazed to think that these children will know the truth of God's Word at an early age. Unlike their parents, who grew up in darkness, these children will know about the Light of the World. I was so thankful that the missionaries in Simbari were willing to give their lives to the Gospel -- because of their willingness and the work of God through them, I will see the Simbari believers again one day.
We spent Sunday evening with them in a little hut, sitting around the campfire. They sang songs in their language and we sang songs in ours. Different cultures, the same great God. I almost hoped that the rain would prevent us from leaving, but when the sun came out the next morning we had to say good-bye.
As I write this update, we are preparing to leave PNG in only two days. It is sad to leave Interface, but I am excited to head home and begin thinking and praying about how to use the knowledge we've been given. Please pray with us for clarity and discernment as we seek God's leading.
We look forward to seeing you all very soon!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Frank's News
After being here for over 2 weeks, I can tell that the students and teachers are getting more comfortable with each other. I know that because in the last two days, our mealtime conversations have shifted from the differences between our home cultures to making fun of them. During lunch we had a nice debate about the right to bear arms. That's always a fun one with the Europeans. I am really enjoying getting to know the other students, and it's interesting to hear their viewpoints.
The nationals sell produce at one of the villages nearby. There is always a good number of people there selling things, hanging out, or gambling with cards. When we arrive in this village, I always scope out people who may want to talk. It's hard to talk to the gamblers because they're busy. The other men will look at me but have a very straight face that seems unfriendly. However, if I smile at them or speak to them, they smile back and are very happy to talk.
Selling produce along the road
As I walked in, I saw a man by himself. We greeted him but he didn't seem very responsive, so I moved on to some people who were sitting together. After listening to them talk to our leader in pidgin, I looked back at the man and he was still alone. I went over and asked if I could sit down beside him, and he kindly obliged. His name is Sula and he was watching over some produce that he was selling. It turned out that he spoke English which made the subsequent conversation much more interesting. We shared names and small-talk. He corrected my pidgin and taught me new words and grammar. I asked him why he wasn't gambling with the others. He said that he has been trying to stop gambling and also smoking since the beginning of the year. He offered to sell me a banana, but unfortunately I didn't have any money on me. I would have gladly bought it if I did. Then a national lady came over and put some money down and picked up a banana. He grabbed two, kept one for himself, and handed one to me. I told him that I didn't want to take it because I couldn't pay for it, but he explained that the lady bought it. It felt a little strange to accept the gift, but I couldn't refuse. The conversation then turned to the quality of the produce here. The bananas, pineapple, tomatoes are amazing here. Someone once picked off a tree tomato, cut it and handed it to me to eat. I had never heard of a tree tomato before, but it was excellent. The produce here is quite something, and it's no surprise because of all of the rain, and the jet black soil. My time with Sula was probably the best with the nationals here. I hope that he will be impacted by the NTM missionary who is here with them.
The following verse was pointed out to us in the training, and I thought it was fitting for our experience here: "...the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." Acts 14:15b - 17
Frank, spending time with men in the village
Emily, spending time with women in the village
The nationals sell produce at one of the villages nearby. There is always a good number of people there selling things, hanging out, or gambling with cards. When we arrive in this village, I always scope out people who may want to talk. It's hard to talk to the gamblers because they're busy. The other men will look at me but have a very straight face that seems unfriendly. However, if I smile at them or speak to them, they smile back and are very happy to talk.
Selling produce along the road
As I walked in, I saw a man by himself. We greeted him but he didn't seem very responsive, so I moved on to some people who were sitting together. After listening to them talk to our leader in pidgin, I looked back at the man and he was still alone. I went over and asked if I could sit down beside him, and he kindly obliged. His name is Sula and he was watching over some produce that he was selling. It turned out that he spoke English which made the subsequent conversation much more interesting. We shared names and small-talk. He corrected my pidgin and taught me new words and grammar. I asked him why he wasn't gambling with the others. He said that he has been trying to stop gambling and also smoking since the beginning of the year. He offered to sell me a banana, but unfortunately I didn't have any money on me. I would have gladly bought it if I did. Then a national lady came over and put some money down and picked up a banana. He grabbed two, kept one for himself, and handed one to me. I told him that I didn't want to take it because I couldn't pay for it, but he explained that the lady bought it. It felt a little strange to accept the gift, but I couldn't refuse. The conversation then turned to the quality of the produce here. The bananas, pineapple, tomatoes are amazing here. Someone once picked off a tree tomato, cut it and handed it to me to eat. I had never heard of a tree tomato before, but it was excellent. The produce here is quite something, and it's no surprise because of all of the rain, and the jet black soil. My time with Sula was probably the best with the nationals here. I hope that he will be impacted by the NTM missionary who is here with them.
The following verse was pointed out to us in the training, and I thought it was fitting for our experience here: "...the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." Acts 14:15b - 17
Frank, spending time with men in the village
Emily, spending time with women in the village
Emily's Words from PNG
Praise God! He sent the sun and wind (unusual here) on Wednesday, and last night I walked across campus on dry ground!
The road is open, and we are praying for continued dry weather as we are scheduled to leave for our side trip tomorrow morning.
Pray that our highlands destination will dry out as well. A plane with some of our supplies was unable to land today. We are hoping for better weather tomorrow.
We plan to return to ITF on Monday -- again, if the weather permits.
Please pray for safe flights, and for our hearts to be open to whatever the Lord can teach us through this trip. We'll send an update when we return next week.
The road is open, and we are praying for continued dry weather as we are scheduled to leave for our side trip tomorrow morning.
Pray that our highlands destination will dry out as well. A plane with some of our supplies was unable to land today. We are hoping for better weather tomorrow.
We plan to return to ITF on Monday -- again, if the weather permits.
Please pray for safe flights, and for our hearts to be open to whatever the Lord can teach us through this trip. We'll send an update when we return next week.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Emily's Words from PNG
My assessment of the mud yesterday was an understatement. Here's a little more about the situation on the road to Goroka. On Sunday night, one of the Interface (ITF) trucks got stuck on the way into town. They called back for help and another truck went down to tow them out. They alternately pulled each other out of the mud, until they were eventually both stuck at the same time. In the middle of the night, two of them walked back to get a backhoe, which had to dig through five feet of mud before hitting anything solid enough for them to drive on. It took almost twenty four hours for them to return to ITF with all three vehicles.
The back hoe limped back to campus, and is under repair. Wish you could see the video of them using the bucket on the front of the backhoe to dig in to the ground pulling both the back hoe and another truck through the mud - unbelievable.
The road is currently impassable. They'll have to do some work before anyone can get through -- but some sunshine (and no rain!) would be a big help. There are several people stranded here on campus that would like to get back to town, and I'm sure within the next couple of days we'll need some way of getting food and supplies in here. So please pray that it will dry out quickly.
For us though, everything is going along as usual (other than some extra sliding around in the mud as we walk up and down the hills).I have a new appreciation for the term "rainy season".
Monday, January 18, 2010
Emily's Words from PNG
The longer I'm here, the harder it is to write. Maybe I'm just tired, but I sit and gaze and the computer screen and hardly know where to begin. So much of what we are doing here has become routine (normal, even). We go to class, we eat, we visit the village, we shower (ahhhhhhhhhhhhh), we eat again, we go back to class, and then it's time for bed. In the midst of the routine, we are learning. But sometimes I wonder if coming home will be more of an education than being here. Things that used to seem out of the ordinary a couple of weeks ago have become familiar.I wonder if things that used to seem familiar will appear out of the ordinary.
Today was a break in the routine - a mumu in the village. Just after breakfast we headed up the trail and gathered with our language helpers to prepare a special feast. First we peeled kau kau (sweet potato) and bananas.The men built a fire and covered it with grass and banana leaves. The kau kau and bananas, along with lamb flaps, greens, pumpkin, cabbage, and more were piled onto the leaves. More leaves were placed on top, then covered with dirt. They poured water down the center and let the food steam for almost two hours. We played with the children, practiced our Pidgen, and worked on our bilams as it cooked. Then the men dug the food out of the ground, tossed it onto more banana leaves, and we sat around it and ate. With our hands. It was an experience. The pictures will say much more than my brief description ever could.
I think I've mentioned that it's been raining here. The mud is unbelievable. Last night one of the Interface trucks became bogged on the road between here and Goroka. In their attempts to get it out, two other vehicles (including some sort of tractor) got stuck as well. One of the staff told me that the mud is over two feet deep. Can you imagine? The men worked all through the night to get the trucks out. And until the road begins to dry, I don't think anyone will be coming or going from the Interface campus.
We are scheduled to leave for our side trip on Friday. It will be a little shorter than we thought -- only four days -- and it will be in the highlands. We will fly on a much smaller plane to get there, so this will be a new experience for me. We are looking forward to it.
Megan has sent some of your comments back to us via e-mail. Thanks so much for all of your encouragement! We feel very blessed to have your support and prayers.
I'll close with a few pictures from our time at the mumu:
Peeling bananas
Washing kau kau
Muddy Shoes
Preparing the mumu
The food is steamed under mud for two hours
Spending time with the ladies as we wait
The food is ready
Meal Time!
Today was a break in the routine - a mumu in the village. Just after breakfast we headed up the trail and gathered with our language helpers to prepare a special feast. First we peeled kau kau (sweet potato) and bananas.The men built a fire and covered it with grass and banana leaves. The kau kau and bananas, along with lamb flaps, greens, pumpkin, cabbage, and more were piled onto the leaves. More leaves were placed on top, then covered with dirt. They poured water down the center and let the food steam for almost two hours. We played with the children, practiced our Pidgen, and worked on our bilams as it cooked. Then the men dug the food out of the ground, tossed it onto more banana leaves, and we sat around it and ate. With our hands. It was an experience. The pictures will say much more than my brief description ever could.
I think I've mentioned that it's been raining here. The mud is unbelievable. Last night one of the Interface trucks became bogged on the road between here and Goroka. In their attempts to get it out, two other vehicles (including some sort of tractor) got stuck as well. One of the staff told me that the mud is over two feet deep. Can you imagine? The men worked all through the night to get the trucks out. And until the road begins to dry, I don't think anyone will be coming or going from the Interface campus.
We are scheduled to leave for our side trip on Friday. It will be a little shorter than we thought -- only four days -- and it will be in the highlands. We will fly on a much smaller plane to get there, so this will be a new experience for me. We are looking forward to it.
Megan has sent some of your comments back to us via e-mail. Thanks so much for all of your encouragement! We feel very blessed to have your support and prayers.
I'll close with a few pictures from our time at the mumu:
Peeling bananas
Washing kau kau
Muddy Shoes
Preparing the mumu
The food is steamed under mud for two hours
Spending time with the ladies as we wait
The food is ready
Meal Time!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Frank's News
I was talking with a couple missionaries about the poor infrastructure in PNG (roads, bridges, electricity, etc.) and the possible reasons for it such as the inadequate attempts of the government. As we shook our heads and complained, I thought about how that is probably what has kept this culture of tribal people so unique from our western culture. Because of my limited exposure to the culture, I don't want to comment about the good, bad and uglys of the culture here, but I do know that NTM is not here to change the culture but to bring hope to the lost.
.JPG)
Wednesday we had two hours to work in the garden with our language helpers. Doing practical things with the nationals is part of the Culture / Language Acquisition methods that we are learning about. It didn't take long for 8 guys to plant a 10 yard swath of kau kau (sweet potatoes). It was fun to learn how to plant kau kau because I have not done much gardening, and it was also fun to be instructed in Pidgin. It's also cool that what we planted will help to feed them in the future. After we finished planting kau kau they showed us around the rest of the garden. We found a tree that has seeds that make red paint, and we painted our faces to look like real tribal warriors. We followed that by some picture taking and hanging out with our language helpers. It has been great getting to know my language helper. His kindness to me and clear love for his family makes me hope for his salvation.
.JPG)
.JPG)
Wednesday we had two hours to work in the garden with our language helpers. Doing practical things with the nationals is part of the Culture / Language Acquisition methods that we are learning about. It didn't take long for 8 guys to plant a 10 yard swath of kau kau (sweet potatoes). It was fun to learn how to plant kau kau because I have not done much gardening, and it was also fun to be instructed in Pidgin. It's also cool that what we planted will help to feed them in the future. After we finished planting kau kau they showed us around the rest of the garden. We found a tree that has seeds that make red paint, and we painted our faces to look like real tribal warriors. We followed that by some picture taking and hanging out with our language helpers. It has been great getting to know my language helper. His kindness to me and clear love for his family makes me hope for his salvation.
.JPG)
Emily's Words from PNG
Today the Gospel was presented in a village not far from here! The missionary has been teaching chronologically through the Bible since September, and today he taught on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. One of the women who attended the teaching told the missionary's wife that this is the first time she truly understood what Jesus has done for us.
That is why NTM works so hard to learn the language and culture of a tribe before they present the Gospel. You see, there are churches all throughout this area, in many different denominations. Many of the people here attend church, and have heard of Jesus. But all of these churches teach in Pidgin, the trade language of PNG. It is easier and faster than spending years learning a complicated language. But Pidgin is a very "shallow" language, meaning that it is designed to help people communicate about simple things. When spiritual truths are presented in Pidgin (if they can be expressed at all) much of the meaning is lost.
Here is an example we've heard about: In the local culture, blood is seen as something unclean. If a person is sick, they shoot tiny arrows at them, to "let out the bad blood". Therefore the idea that Jesus "shed His blood for us" has a very different meaning to them, unless the idea is fully explained in their language.
NTM missionaries spend several years in a tribal culture learning about the people, the customs and the language before they attempt to present the Gospel, hoping that it will be clearly understood the FIRST time it is heard, rather than causing false beliefs to take root among the people.
It's exciting to be here while that work is going on. Please pray for the new believers in the village, and for those who are still thinking through all that they have heard.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Emily's Words from PNG
Apinun!
Here's a summary of the past few days:
Met my PNG language helper, Joyce.
Studied the creation of Adam and Eve.
Found a roach in my bed.
Ate crocodile for lunch.
Went to the village market.
Installed a mosquito net over my bed.
Learned how to begin stitching a bilam.(well, I tried.)
Played games with the students and staff from Interface.
Studied the fall of Adam and Eve.
Found a flying cricket inside my mosquito net.
Bugged Joyce with questions. "How do you say that in pidgin?"
Learned to cook kaukau (sweet potato) over an open fire.
Talked with Frank about all that we are learning.
Gave up trying to keep my feet clean (it rains all the time here).
Re-installed my mosquito net.
Had a great conversation with one of the missionaries.
Spent time reflecting on the destiny of those who have not heard the Gospel.
Yikes! Just saw a mouse run by on the window ledge.
There is rarely a dull moment here, but we are learning so much. Please pray for me to stay strong physically. I had to miss a day of classes on Saturday when I was too worn out to keep going. God has been faithful to provide all that we need, and we thank you for your support and your prayers!
Lukim yu bahain, ol gotta.
Here's a summary of the past few days:
Met my PNG language helper, Joyce.
Studied the creation of Adam and Eve.
Found a roach in my bed.
Ate crocodile for lunch.
Went to the village market.
Installed a mosquito net over my bed.
Learned how to begin stitching a bilam.(well, I tried.)
Played games with the students and staff from Interface.
Studied the fall of Adam and Eve.
Found a flying cricket inside my mosquito net.
Bugged Joyce with questions. "How do you say that in pidgin?"
Learned to cook kaukau (sweet potato) over an open fire.
Talked with Frank about all that we are learning.
Gave up trying to keep my feet clean (it rains all the time here).
Re-installed my mosquito net.
Had a great conversation with one of the missionaries.
Spent time reflecting on the destiny of those who have not heard the Gospel.
Yikes! Just saw a mouse run by on the window ledge.
There is rarely a dull moment here, but we are learning so much. Please pray for me to stay strong physically. I had to miss a day of classes on Saturday when I was too worn out to keep going. God has been faithful to provide all that we need, and we thank you for your support and your prayers!
Lukim yu bahain, ol gotta.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Frank's News
We've been here a week and a day now, and we're learning a lot. NTM has a well thought-out method of teaching God's word to the unreached. They work very hard to teach the story of God and man chronologically. They do this to avoid syncretism which is the mixing of former beliefs into Christianity. You see syncretism all over the place such as in Haiti where they mix Christianity and their voodoo and witch doctor practices. Also you see it in America where we mix the American Dream (Prosperity) with the Gospel. We have a bible teacher here who is going through the Chronological Teaching with us. It has been great to go back to the basics of who God is, who the spirits are that He created, and how he created earth and man. And, what a wonderful location in the world to contemplate these things. This place is as close to a paradise on earth that I have experienced. The weather is almost perpetually a nice spring-like day in Illinois. There is no need for insulation, heating, or cooling in the buildings, except for maybe a fan in the middle of the afternoon, but only until the afternoon shower comes. The bugs here are a little annoying at times, and bother some people more than others. Emily definitely doesn't like them, but she's handling it well. Anyway, in addition to all that we are learning and experiencing, it has been great to get away and think about God's magnitude, and wonder.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Emily's Words from PNG
Today we put on our hiking shoes and walked up to the village. We've learned a few phrases in Pidgin, but it doesn't take long to exhaust my vocabulary.
"Good afternoon!"
"How are you?"
"What is your name?"
"What is that?" (point to something)
"See you later!"
Not really my idea of an in-depth conversation. I knelt down to watch one of the village women weaving a bilam (a bag or purse). I tried to ask her about it in Pidgin, and she replied to me in English. Praise the Lord! It was the highlight of our trip so far, to be able to truly communicate with someone from a tribal culture -- to ask her questions and know her as a PERSON.She told me about her husband and her children, about the different patterns she uses for weaving, and that she works in the kitchen at Interface. She asked about where I was from and about my family. Did I mention it was the highlight of our trip so far?
Another interesting event today was our game of "Kill the Chicken". We played with a plastic bat and a soccer ball, but apparently some tribal people play with a real chicken. They bury a chicken up to it's neck in the dirt, blindfold someone and hand them a machete. Their goal is to listen for the chicken and try to... well... (insert title of the game here).
Tomorrow we will begin meeting with our language helpers - a national man or woman who will work with us to learn Pidgin. Please pray that we will absorb the language quickly, and learn to communicate effectively to show the love of Christ to the nationals here.
"Good afternoon!"
"How are you?"
"What is your name?"
"What is that?" (point to something)
"See you later!"
Not really my idea of an in-depth conversation. I knelt down to watch one of the village women weaving a bilam (a bag or purse). I tried to ask her about it in Pidgin, and she replied to me in English. Praise the Lord! It was the highlight of our trip so far, to be able to truly communicate with someone from a tribal culture -- to ask her questions and know her as a PERSON.She told me about her husband and her children, about the different patterns she uses for weaving, and that she works in the kitchen at Interface. She asked about where I was from and about my family. Did I mention it was the highlight of our trip so far?
Another interesting event today was our game of "Kill the Chicken". We played with a plastic bat and a soccer ball, but apparently some tribal people play with a real chicken. They bury a chicken up to it's neck in the dirt, blindfold someone and hand them a machete. Their goal is to listen for the chicken and try to... well... (insert title of the game here).
Tomorrow we will begin meeting with our language helpers - a national man or woman who will work with us to learn Pidgin. Please pray that we will absorb the language quickly, and learn to communicate effectively to show the love of Christ to the nationals here.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Frank's News
The classes so far have mainly been Chronological Bible Teaching (Chron Teaching), and Culture / Language Aquisition (CLA). They both have fascinating, and we are very impressed with our teachers. CLA has linguistics and phonetics. We took a little video of the phonetics portion that we can post at a later time. It's so interesting to break down the words we speak into sounds, and to learn the names for the sounds. We love meeting the nationals. If we haven't said, we are supposed to call them nationals rather than natives or indians for cultural sensitivity reasons. It's also very fun talking to them in the trade language called Pidgin. We may have mentioned that there are 800 some languages here in PNG, so to make life easier they have a Pidgin language which is a trade language. It's easy for us to learn because it has a lot of English in it. In fact a majority of it has English words, but it's definitely a different language. They say that we will be able to learn a lot of Pidgin (Tok Pisin) by the end of the trip. They are using the opportunity to learn this simple language as a way to learn how to learn a language. I guess that's another reason they chose PNG for this course.
Emily and I are doing well. She has been feeling pretty good, but they are packing normally 5 weeks of material into 4 weeks, so it's busier than we expected. We are just praying for her, and using opportunities to catch up on rest, or do our homework in our cabin.
Emily and I are doing well. She has been feeling pretty good, but they are packing normally 5 weeks of material into 4 weeks, so it's busier than we expected. We are just praying for her, and using opportunities to catch up on rest, or do our homework in our cabin.
Emily's Words from PNG
.jpg)
When it comes to bugs, I have some growing up to do. Last night I was getting ready for bed and discovered a giant cricket had taken up residence in the ladies bathroom. These crickets not only jump, they FLY. And they've got some speed. It gives me shivers thinking about it. I got ready for bed in record time and headed back to our cabin. I hoped that he (the cricket) was going to leave too, but I met him again several hours later when I returned in the middle of the night. He was in the sink waiving his little antennaes at me. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. There are lizards here too. I've seen them running around the floor of our cabin, so I've started shaking out my shoes and checking my bed before I climb in. Good times :)
This is just one small thing, among many, that missionaries in PNG are willing to deal with in order to bring the Gospel to those who have never heard. As we've spent time with them the past few days I've noticed many other sacrifices that I'd never thought of before. Of course we think of the big ones - giving up the homes, careers, close proximity to family, etc. But I'd never thought about having to make food from scratch. (There are no cake mixes, tortillas, or pre-made soups here.) Or reading and re-reading the same books, since it is hard to access new ones. The missionary women sacrifice much of their independence in order to be a part of the culture. This includes giving up their western style of clothing to dress in a way that is acceptable to the tribal people. Also, it is not safe for women to drive into town alone, so every time they would like to go somewhere they have to ask someone else to go along.
It is a privelege for us to spend time with these missionaries and get to know their stories. It gives us a new appreciation and understanding of missionary life. I am thankful that they are willing to invest their lives in us and answer our thousands of questions.
We've also enjoyed getting to know the other students in the program. There are only five women and we are meeting together each morning to pray. It is exciting to build friendships with people who are in the same place we are: seeking God's leading for the future.
So, it's wonderful to be here in PNG and experience the "place", but it is the people here who are having a huge impact on us.
We miss everyone at home. Sounds like you are getting a lot of snow. Stay warm!
Frank's News
I've seen missions done in the past that didn't impress me work ethic wise, so as I'm on this trip, I'm trying to be conscious of that and apply myself. However, I also want to take advantage of the opportunities to get to know the wonderful people, and to learn from them. Sometimes that can only happen by sitting down with them and just hanging out. Ministry is about people and I have noticed that the culture of this campus is very friendly. From what I learn about many of the tribes in this area is that they are also friendly and warm.
The scenery is beautiful. We are located on a side of a hill that overlooks Goroka in a valley and mountains on the other side. Someone described the trees like "Lion King", meaning the have an African look to them. The tops are thin with leaves, but they are large. I see that security is a big concern here. The campus is surrounded with a fence, but inside that fence, the dorms are surrounded with another fence, which contains 2 German Shephards. At night they have hired nationals (local tribal men) to guard the campus. Along with locks on our doors, valuable items such as electronics, money (not too much), and my $20 guitar can stay safe.
The scenery is beautiful. We are located on a side of a hill that overlooks Goroka in a valley and mountains on the other side. Someone described the trees like "Lion King", meaning the have an African look to them. The tops are thin with leaves, but they are large. I see that security is a big concern here. The campus is surrounded with a fence, but inside that fence, the dorms are surrounded with another fence, which contains 2 German Shephards. At night they have hired nationals (local tribal men) to guard the campus. Along with locks on our doors, valuable items such as electronics, money (not too much), and my $20 guitar can stay safe.
In PNG safe and sound!
Emily's News:
Hello from Papua New Guinea! We arrived here on Sunday morning around 10:30 AM (6:30 PM Saturday in Illinois). The trip was exhausting, but everything went smoothly and it is wonderful to finally be here in PNG.
We have been waiting for e-mail access until today, but I should be able to update more regularly now that it is up and running.
It's a different world here. The Interface Staff have kept us isolated on campus the first few days so that they can teach us about the culture and prepare us for what we will experience. I'm really thankful for that; we have a lot to learn and we don't want to make any major cultural mistakes.
The campus is beautiful. The facilities are well-maintained.Our cabin is very simple -- wood floor, bunk beds and a few shelves on the wall. Even though the walls are very thin and we can hear dogs barking, roosters crowing and lots of other strange noises, I've been sleeping like a rock. Probably jet lag :)
We are back in college again, with classes 6-7 hours per day. We are learning about the PNG culture, chronological Bible teaching, and Culture and Language acquisition among other things. They are serious about using our time productively while we are here. We will begin learning Melanesian Pidgin (Tok Pisin) tomorrow. It is the trade language of PNG and it will enable to us to speak with the nationals here.
Today was our first visit to the village. It is a short walk up the hill to reach Yamalayo, and we headed up this morning. It is the rainy season, which means the trails are muddy. Very, very muddy. When we reached the village it was quiet, with only a few people here and there. But since 15 white people in a small village creates quite a spectacle, soon there were plenty of nationals standing around. How I would love to be able to talk to them! Other than a simple greeting and a smile I could only communicate with a teenage girl who spoke some English. It was a good motivation for me to learn Tok Pisin as quickly as possible.
We have another class soon, so I need to wrap up. There is so much more to say, but it is hard to put this experience into words. Please continue to pray for us that we will be listening and learning as much as we can. I hope to update again tomorrow.
Hello from Papua New Guinea! We arrived here on Sunday morning around 10:30 AM (6:30 PM Saturday in Illinois). The trip was exhausting, but everything went smoothly and it is wonderful to finally be here in PNG.
We have been waiting for e-mail access until today, but I should be able to update more regularly now that it is up and running.
It's a different world here. The Interface Staff have kept us isolated on campus the first few days so that they can teach us about the culture and prepare us for what we will experience. I'm really thankful for that; we have a lot to learn and we don't want to make any major cultural mistakes.
The campus is beautiful. The facilities are well-maintained.Our cabin is very simple -- wood floor, bunk beds and a few shelves on the wall. Even though the walls are very thin and we can hear dogs barking, roosters crowing and lots of other strange noises, I've been sleeping like a rock. Probably jet lag :)
We are back in college again, with classes 6-7 hours per day. We are learning about the PNG culture, chronological Bible teaching, and Culture and Language acquisition among other things. They are serious about using our time productively while we are here. We will begin learning Melanesian Pidgin (Tok Pisin) tomorrow. It is the trade language of PNG and it will enable to us to speak with the nationals here.
Today was our first visit to the village. It is a short walk up the hill to reach Yamalayo, and we headed up this morning. It is the rainy season, which means the trails are muddy. Very, very muddy. When we reached the village it was quiet, with only a few people here and there. But since 15 white people in a small village creates quite a spectacle, soon there were plenty of nationals standing around. How I would love to be able to talk to them! Other than a simple greeting and a smile I could only communicate with a teenage girl who spoke some English. It was a good motivation for me to learn Tok Pisin as quickly as possible.
We have another class soon, so I need to wrap up. There is so much more to say, but it is hard to put this experience into words. Please continue to pray for us that we will be listening and learning as much as we can. I hope to update again tomorrow.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
And We're Off
I've spent the past two days cleaning and packing. I think we're ready to go.
Please pray for us. Here are a few specific things that are on my mind tonight:
* Pray for good health. I'm starting to get a cold, and I'd love to wake up without it tomorrow.
* Pray for smooth travel - our flight from Japan to Papua New Guinea is a once-a-week flight. We need to make our connections so that we can arrive in PNG on schedule.
* Pray for quick friendships and unity among the Interface team. We will meet most of the team at the Atlanta airport; the rest of the group will join us in Japan. There will be twelve of us from the U.S., two from Germany, and one from the U.K.
* Pray that we will get the opportunity to see the EWO leadership team the day we arrive. They are scheduled to be in Goroka on Jan. 3 - our first day on the ground. We're hoping to cross paths either in Goroka (where our plane lands) or when they tour the Interface campus that afternoon. The next day they are leaving for another area and we do not expect to see them again until we get home.
* Pray that we will be flexible, patient, and loving to each other and to those around us.
* Pray that God will burden our hearts for the lost.
* Pray that we will get a true understanding of what tribal church planting is all about.
Lastly, I have a prayer request that is just for me. I struggle with fear. When my focus is right and I am trusting God completely, I am excited for what is ahead. But when I am tired and I take my eyes off of the truth, I get anxious. I've never done anything like this, and I am afraid of the unknown. Please pray that the Lord will help me keep my eyes on Him.
I just looked at the clock and it's 9:15 PM. Time for bed! Tomorrow morning the adventure begins.
Happy New Year everyone!
Please pray for us. Here are a few specific things that are on my mind tonight:
* Pray for good health. I'm starting to get a cold, and I'd love to wake up without it tomorrow.
* Pray for smooth travel - our flight from Japan to Papua New Guinea is a once-a-week flight. We need to make our connections so that we can arrive in PNG on schedule.
* Pray for quick friendships and unity among the Interface team. We will meet most of the team at the Atlanta airport; the rest of the group will join us in Japan. There will be twelve of us from the U.S., two from Germany, and one from the U.K.
* Pray that we will get the opportunity to see the EWO leadership team the day we arrive. They are scheduled to be in Goroka on Jan. 3 - our first day on the ground. We're hoping to cross paths either in Goroka (where our plane lands) or when they tour the Interface campus that afternoon. The next day they are leaving for another area and we do not expect to see them again until we get home.
* Pray that we will be flexible, patient, and loving to each other and to those around us.
* Pray that God will burden our hearts for the lost.
* Pray that we will get a true understanding of what tribal church planting is all about.
Lastly, I have a prayer request that is just for me. I struggle with fear. When my focus is right and I am trusting God completely, I am excited for what is ahead. But when I am tired and I take my eyes off of the truth, I get anxious. I've never done anything like this, and I am afraid of the unknown. Please pray that the Lord will help me keep my eyes on Him.
I just looked at the clock and it's 9:15 PM. Time for bed! Tomorrow morning the adventure begins.
Happy New Year everyone!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Trip Preparation: Part 2
We are six days away from our scheduled departure.
Our plane leaves Bloomington on New Years Day at 5:50 AM. We will fly to Atlanta, Tokyo, Port Moresby, and finally Goroka. We plan to arrive on Sunday at 9:15 AM. I'm not sure how it all works, but I've heard that we will skip Saturday (who needs Saturday?), as we cross the international date line. My first experience with time travel!
There's not much to say, other than to ask for your prayers as we finish our trip preparations. There are a lot of things to think about, and a lot of things to do. Please pray for God to give us clear minds, obedient hearts, and energy to accomplish all that is ahead.
We are getting very excited!
Our plane leaves Bloomington on New Years Day at 5:50 AM. We will fly to Atlanta, Tokyo, Port Moresby, and finally Goroka. We plan to arrive on Sunday at 9:15 AM. I'm not sure how it all works, but I've heard that we will skip Saturday (who needs Saturday?), as we cross the international date line. My first experience with time travel!
There's not much to say, other than to ask for your prayers as we finish our trip preparations. There are a lot of things to think about, and a lot of things to do. Please pray for God to give us clear minds, obedient hearts, and energy to accomplish all that is ahead.
We are getting very excited!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Trip Preparation: Part 1
This time next month, God willing, we will be in Papua New Guinea.
We are deep into our trip preparations now. I have a "packing pile" in the basement that is beginning to get out of control. It's interesting to me that we are leaving America (where we have too much stuff) and going to PNG (where there isn't as much stuff) but I've still had to do so much shopping for this trip. Ick, more stuff. I want to learn how to live with less. But I'm grateful for the many travel-size, lightweight items we've been able to find. We each get to bring one bag that weighs fifty pounds and a carry-on that weighs fifteen. Those two bags will carry our bedding, towels, books, clothing, and anything else we'll need for a month. (Flashlights, first aid kit, camera, raingear. It adds up fast, you know?)
Then, of couse, there's our immunizations. I've received my first round of shots for Hepatitis A & B, Japanese Encephalitis and a Tetanus booster. Today I took my third Typhoid pill - only one more to go. We'll go back for another round of shots just a few days before we leave. I will be very excited when that part is behind me!
Our new passports arrived in the mail this week. Frank's old passport was getting ready to expire. He was sad to part with it, since it documented his many travels throughout the world. I also needed a new passport since my name has changed. I opened up the cardboard envelope and discovered that we not only have NEW passports, we have ELECTRONIC passports. Creepy. There is a computer chip embedded in the back cover that can be read from a distance by a special chip reader. It also contains our photographs to enable biometric comparison through the use of facial recognition technology. (yes, I copied that from the government website.) I sure feel more secure. Don't you?
Speaking of security, there are moments when the reality of this trip makes my heart a little fearful. I think to myself, "What are we DOING?" I have to remember that there are people in the world, every day, who are dying with NO HOPE. Why should I worry about my life? I know where I am going. I want others to know what I know.
Recently I was encouraged by a quote from Elizabeth Elliott's book "The Savage My Kinsman". Her husband and four other missionaries were brutally killed by the Auca tribe as they attempted to reach them with the Gospel. These words describe her feelings several years later as she prepared to enter the Auca tribe herself.
"I found peace in the knowlege that I was in the hands of God. Not in the confidence that I was not going to be killed. Not in any false sense of security that God would protect me, any more than He protected my husband... Simply in knowing that He held my destiny in His two hands, and that what He did was right."
I know he holds our destiny in His hands. And that is enough.
We are deep into our trip preparations now. I have a "packing pile" in the basement that is beginning to get out of control. It's interesting to me that we are leaving America (where we have too much stuff) and going to PNG (where there isn't as much stuff) but I've still had to do so much shopping for this trip. Ick, more stuff. I want to learn how to live with less. But I'm grateful for the many travel-size, lightweight items we've been able to find. We each get to bring one bag that weighs fifty pounds and a carry-on that weighs fifteen. Those two bags will carry our bedding, towels, books, clothing, and anything else we'll need for a month. (Flashlights, first aid kit, camera, raingear. It adds up fast, you know?)
Then, of couse, there's our immunizations. I've received my first round of shots for Hepatitis A & B, Japanese Encephalitis and a Tetanus booster. Today I took my third Typhoid pill - only one more to go. We'll go back for another round of shots just a few days before we leave. I will be very excited when that part is behind me!
Our new passports arrived in the mail this week. Frank's old passport was getting ready to expire. He was sad to part with it, since it documented his many travels throughout the world. I also needed a new passport since my name has changed. I opened up the cardboard envelope and discovered that we not only have NEW passports, we have ELECTRONIC passports. Creepy. There is a computer chip embedded in the back cover that can be read from a distance by a special chip reader. It also contains our photographs to enable biometric comparison through the use of facial recognition technology. (yes, I copied that from the government website.) I sure feel more secure. Don't you?
Speaking of security, there are moments when the reality of this trip makes my heart a little fearful. I think to myself, "What are we DOING?" I have to remember that there are people in the world, every day, who are dying with NO HOPE. Why should I worry about my life? I know where I am going. I want others to know what I know.
Recently I was encouraged by a quote from Elizabeth Elliott's book "The Savage My Kinsman". Her husband and four other missionaries were brutally killed by the Auca tribe as they attempted to reach them with the Gospel. These words describe her feelings several years later as she prepared to enter the Auca tribe herself.
"I found peace in the knowlege that I was in the hands of God. Not in the confidence that I was not going to be killed. Not in any false sense of security that God would protect me, any more than He protected my husband... Simply in knowing that He held my destiny in His two hands, and that what He did was right."
I know he holds our destiny in His hands. And that is enough.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
A New Adventure
We have some exciting news. We are headed to Papua New Guinea in a few weeks to learn about tribal missions! The trip is a little sudden... but we've been thinking and talking about missions for a long time. It seems like the time has come for us to take a step forward and see where it might lead.
The trip is with a ministry called New Tribes Mission. They work in remote areas that do not have access to the Gospel. Missionaries move into a tribe and spend 2 or 3 years learning the language. Then they translate enough of the Bible to teach chronologically from Creation through the work of Christ on the cross. When they are finally able to present the Gospel they often have enough converts to plant a tribal church. Their goal is to ultimately train and disciple these believers so that they can continue the work on their own. They work themselves out of a job!
Our trip in January will take us to a tribal region in Papua New Guinea. We will spend 3 weeks learning about tribal ministry through classes and exposure to the local tribe/community. The final week we will be flown into a more remote area to live in a tribal setting.
I'm a little scared. I've never done anything like this before. You're probably wondering if I have lost my mind!
Here are a few sections from our prayer letter. (Not yet in print!) It helps explain why we are doing what we are doing.
The trip is with a ministry called New Tribes Mission. They work in remote areas that do not have access to the Gospel. Missionaries move into a tribe and spend 2 or 3 years learning the language. Then they translate enough of the Bible to teach chronologically from Creation through the work of Christ on the cross. When they are finally able to present the Gospel they often have enough converts to plant a tribal church. Their goal is to ultimately train and disciple these believers so that they can continue the work on their own. They work themselves out of a job!
Our trip in January will take us to a tribal region in Papua New Guinea. We will spend 3 weeks learning about tribal ministry through classes and exposure to the local tribe/community. The final week we will be flown into a more remote area to live in a tribal setting.
I'm a little scared. I've never done anything like this before. You're probably wondering if I have lost my mind!
Here are a few sections from our prayer letter. (Not yet in print!) It helps explain why we are doing what we are doing.
"Most of you know us well, and you know that "missions" has been a part of our vocabulary for years. After college, we both participated in short-term trips and considered missions as a career. Last summer, we felt a stirring in our hearts to consider missions again. We did not know what it would look like, but we began to pray and seek counsel from leadership in our church. Then, in October, our church hosted a missions conference that featured the organization New Tribes Mission. Throughout the conference we were challenged to consider our role in the Great Commission. We learned that 40.9% of the world is still unreached. That’s 2.74 billion people (4,069 separate people groups)! (1)
As we looked into Scripture, we saw that Revelation speaks multiple times of every tribe, tongue, and nation worshiping the Lord in heaven (2). Jesus also commissioned us to “make disciples of all Nations… baptizing… and teaching them” (Matt. 28: 19, 20). He even said that the end will not come until the gospel of the kingdom is proclaimed throughout the whole world (Matt. 24:14).
The missions conference challenged us with the obvious need of unreached people. These people do not have access to the gospel even if they want it. What a contrast to the United States where a person can stop by a local church, turn on the radio, or open up a web page to find out about Jesus. We learned that in remote parts of the world, tribes are asking for missionaries to come---even offering money to "buy a missionary". But there are not enough missionaries to help them.
Is it possible that God could use us to meet that need? We feel unequipped for the task. And yet God's "strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:10). We are overwhelmed to think of leaving our home and our family, yet God says to us "Follow me" (Jn. 21:19) We cannot imagine giving up our conveniences and American lifestyle. But could God be asking us to "take up our cross"? (Matt. 16:24) We understand that our lives are not our own, but our flesh is weak. We need your prayers!
As we sensed God working in us to be willing to go, we decided to take steps in that direction and see if He opened the way. We applied for a trip with New Tribes Mission for January 2010. The trip involves three weeks of training and tribal exposure (the camp is located on tribal land), as well as a week of living with a more remote tribe. We applied late, but we were accepted within days of the cut-off, in spite of Emily's page-long list of health concerns. Both of us were given permission to take a month off from our jobs. (A month!) Though it is costly, we hope that the trip will give us an idea of how and where we could be used, as well as an increased love and understanding of the unreached.
It is clear to us that God has given us an opportunity to view His work in the world "up close and personal". Beyond that, we have no idea where He might lead. We are happy to stay at home, but willing to go if He asks.
We are sending this letter because we cannot do this alone. Would you please pray for us? Would you pray that God will give us courage and strength for the trip? Would you ask Him to show us where we fit in His Great Commission?"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)