Our reasons for being out were (1) to attend our regional conference where we get to see many of our other co-workers and be encouraged with some biblical teaching and fellowship together. And (2) to have our consultant check the Mibu translation of Ephesians and 1 Corinthians translation. And (3) to get a much needed 2 week break, one week of which we spent in the Goroka area, in the highlands, and one week of which we spent down on the coast, in Madang.
As for the translation check, we're excited to report that Ephesians and 1 Corinthians have been checked out by a consultant now and are just a few minor tweaks away from being ready to print. Just a few days' work really… well that and then formatting for printing and making into a booklet, of course. Such great scripture for the church to have in their hands! Their translation wasn't without it's difficulties either so it feels good to be done at this point!
During our break, we were able to do some fun things together as a family, like shop in town, taking the kids out on 'daddy' dates, swimming, eating out, and going out sailing and swimming on the boat, Shan Skailyn out in Madang.
Returning to Mibu, as we approached the landing pad in the helicopter here in Mibu, we were blown away by how much the airstrip has been transformed in just the month and a half that we were out! Chris says that people have been up working just about every day for the last couple months! Wow! The Mibu people THEMSELVES have set a goal to have it finished by June or July of 2016! And at the rate it's been going, it looks like they'll be able to do it. This is the most sustained effort we've ever seen on the airstrip! Is it possible that we soon may not need to use the helicopter to get in and out of Mibu?! It's hard to imagine anything else!
You may remember we've been asking for prayer for rain here in Papua New Guinea. There has been a very long drought which has led to many problems and difficulties for the people of Papua New Guinea and also us. We are so thankful to see that God has been blessing us with rain just about every day the last couple weeks! The ground is wet, things are getting green again, and people's gardens can be planted now! Thank you Lord!
Another thing, a couple actually, that we're super thankful for is that in the last month, our core team, back in Arizona has put on two fundraising activities to help raise funds for us to purchase new computers and equipment soon. We last bought computers back in 2009, and while they've served us well, it's time for an upgrade! The first fundraiser was a backyard concert, put on by the bluegrass gospel band, Brush Arbor Revival. This concert raised over $3600!! Then just weeks after, there was a fundraising garage sale which raised over $2400. This is definitely enough to take care of our computer needs for the next 5 years or so! Special thanks and recognition to all those who planned these events, and did all that hard work! Wow! Feeling the love over here, guys!
