Prayer Letter Archive

sent 11/30/02

Hello again from our corner of the world. I trust that in this festive season you all are rejoicing in the spirit of the holidays. Once again I have some important information to pass on to you for which I ask your prayers. The term here at the school will be coming to a close in a week and a half. It has been eventful in many ways. All of course, designed by the Lord and received by us with thanksgiving.

We have been deeply involved in the lives of the kids here causing it to be a very busy quarter. The Lord has given Joy and me many opportunities to challenge them and provide direction in the way of the Lord. In my Bible class we are bringing to a close my lessons in Matthew 23. I've been teaching the words of our Lord concerning the firm rebuke toward the Pharisees counterfeit spirituality. There is so much in that chapter that is very practical for the lives of today's teens. I hope it will be helpful to them.

Another concern has arisen regarding Joy's health. She has had some uterine bleeding for several weeks. Because the bleeding has not stopped even after a course of medicine was prescribed, our doctor is recommending some specific medical procedures (D& C and lab work) not available in Papua New Guinea. This means another trip to Cairns, Australia. (The fourth this year for some member of our family!). We have made arrangements to head down during the break at Christmas. We have submitted a portion of the trip to be rewarded from frequent flyer points. Pray that this will be approved. Our plans are to depart PNG on the 12th of December and return the 23rd.

According to our doctor, there is a possibility of three diagnosis' which range from mild to very serious. Pray for Joy in that she will rest in the Lord during this anxious time. Though another trip to Cairns is an added burden logistically, mentally and especially (at this time) financially we are grateful for the fact that this is occurring near the end of a school term making it easier to work out the necessary details.

Unfortunately it does bring about another hardship. Joy's Dad, who has been a widower for 16 months now, is planning on getting married again just after Christmas. He is marrying someone Joy has not been able to meet because of being over here in PNG. Joy's medical situation will not permit her to go to the wedding. Emotionally this is difficult for Joy and one of the hardships of being so far away.

Over a month ago I injured my shoulder and it has been a very slow injury to heal. I've not been able to comfortably raise my arm above my shoulder since. It has been quite a hindrance. Pray complete healing will come soon.

Lindsay no longer has the cast on her leg but walks with a limp. Pray that she will be able to get more range of motion in bending her knee.

As we function here at the mission school the work among the people of Malaumanda continues. Circumstances and health issues have recently set back some of the goals for the ministry there as well. Progress in Bible translation, teaching and literacy remain constant needs. Pray for the young Malaumandan church.

Our ministry update looks more like a health report! Fortunately, amid all this we are encouraged in the Lord and are grateful to be involved in His work here in Papua New Guinea. Thanks for being a friend to us and our ministry. Your prayers are vital to any success.

PS. Continue to pray for the people of Manem Island. The parents of one of our kids in the dorm will be finishing the teaching of Gospel story there very soon. It's the first time these island people have ever heard the word of God in there own language- What a Christmas present that will be!