Prayer Letter Archive

September 1, 2004

It's not a website address, but maybe it should be! A lot can happen in four years. We returned from furlough in 2001 anxious for another four year term in the tribe working with the Malaumanda church. The Lord, using health issues, within the year directed us toward the boarding home ministry at our mission school. Now, for health reasons again, the Lord is directing us toward another change.

After only three days of school this year Grant became ill again and was out of school for three weeks. Because of this we feel we must make a change in ministry focus. The dorm ministry is very demanding and does not permit much room for distraction. It also, perhaps, results in Grant having a higher degree of exposure to various colds and viruses because of the close living conditions with other kids. With seemingly few other options to pursue , we feel that stepping out of the dorm is a reasonable approach in an attempt to help Grant with his health issues.

It comes at great cost. The kids that we look after and their families are forced to consider another transition in the future with broad ramifications. At this writing we do not have another couple available to replace us as boarding home parents. This could result in some children being forced to leave the school. These are anxious days for the us, the kids in our dorm and their parents serving in tribal locations. Please pray for clear direction from the Lord.

We will cease to be dorm parents when the quarter ends (Sept 22nd). Jeff will still oversee the dorm ministry and stay active in school operations. Pray that this move will be helpful for Grant and that the Lord would heal his body to function normally.

Jordan & Elias--click on the picture to view a larger one

During a school program called "Feet To Your Faith" I watched the kids of Numonohi Christian Academy (NCA) interact with students at a nearby school for the blind and deaf. It was a delight to see Elias call out Jordan's name as he was searching to give him a big hug (pictured at right). Another boy named Soloman found Lindsay and did the same. These deaf/blind kids come from all over the northern portion of the island of Papua New Guinea. Our missionary kids have free course to interact with the kids in whatever manner they wish. Although exposure time is limited, it is emotional and meaningful! Communicating spiritual truth to deaf and blind kids from various tribal areas in a setting like this is a very difficult task. However, representing Jesus to these kids by showing them love and compassion is the place to start. Pray for our kids as they visit the school and that the Lord will use these opportunities for His purposes.

Prayer Needs:

• There will be lots of adjustments ahead for all involved in the dorm ministry. Pray for smooth transitions.
• Pray for Grant. He is back to school and gaining strength everyday. Pray for a sustained period of no illness and for complete healing.
• In the country of Papua New Guinea we are facing urgent personnel shortages in every area. Prayer for laborers. We need church planters, teachers, dorm parents and those with technical expertise.