What’s new lately?

The Waran dedication has certainly been the highlight since I’ve been back. Now, what I find joy in, is my everyday duties. I love that I am the Administrative Assistant to our Director of Support Services here in Papua New Guinea!! Joni has been gone, so my duties have increased. For one thing, I get to oversee the ladies in the office. We also have been having a Bible study since I got back. Did I tell you about that? We have had ladies come and go, but now “my” group consists of Josephine, Elizabeth and Agusta. It’s a perfect set of hearts. We truly care about each other.

Within our small group, we have gotten close enough to be able to discuss difficult subjects and situations, even outside of our Bible study times. Our hearts have melded together. We have our own little Care Department.

The past few weeks we have been watching “End of the Spear” together. We only have an hour for lunch, and we don’t sit right down and start playing it right away. So it takes time to watch a whole movie, and that’s a tough movie to watch! Last week when we stopped the movie, there was much to think about until they could see the end of the movie. Jim Elliot, Steve Saint and their companions had all been killed. The national lady, Steve Saint’s sister, Rachel, and Elizabeth Elliot had just showed up… the national men were just learning about God; one man in particular. This past Thursday we finished it. There wasn’t a dry eye in the office. Such a life-changing story! This movie, and the movie that we started with, “Peace Child,” have amazing lessons in them. We even watched the 50-year reunion of Don Richardson and his sons going back to visit the people they lived with, it’s beautiful! God has been on the move with those people, all through these years.

He is on the move here too. I’m grateful that I am allowed to be a part of His story. I’m not a translator, and I’m not a linguist, but I can be of use. I love what He has called me to do. It’s too far from my family, and I miss them a lot! But I KNOW who I was when He saved me, and I’m not going to tell God no. I can’t, and neither should you. Even if the Jonah’s of the world think of you as a Ninevite, who Jonah considered unworthy of change, you are not too far from God – no matter what. His arm is not short.

If you feel a tug at your heart to do something that sounds crazy to others, but you know that it is God’s idea – go for it with all of your heart. You never know what might be asked of you, until you take the time to ponder the “what if’s” slow down and quiet your heart, and say “what would You like for me to do today Lord?” And then, be silent enough to hear His gentle whisper. What is in our heart is what matters. I just read about this in my study this morning.

Mark 7:21-23

For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

Follow your heart. Keep it healthy.

Speaking of “heart care,” or more specifically “self-care,” since returning from this most recent trip back from America, I have learned how important self-care is in order to function properly. So, thanks to generous donors who understand the importance of “getting away,” I have been able to do that – get away. I have been able to spend time in an actual hotel room with air conditioning. It’s glorious! Air conditioning might not sound good to you right now, because it’s cold where you are, but my “cold” now consists of 81 degrees! Our temperatures never get really cold here.

Why am I telling you this? Well, even though I went on a little rabbit trail, my point at the end, is that I have a special cup that goes with me. All I need is my Bible, my journal with pens, my coffee and this cup and my phone, coz I am never far from it, for various reasons (including safety).

This cup says it all.

On another note…

If you are wondering what to do with your end of year bonus, and need some direction, I can help you with that.

Since taking on “extra “responsibilities – that I love dearly, I have spent enough over my budget for 2019 to have to send in a revision. My money coming in is lower than my money going out. That can only happen for so long.

Would you please consider giving a one-time, or monthly gift, or increasing the donation you’re already giving? I would sure appreciate it! If I could “work overtime” I would, but missionaries don’t really have that option. I’m sure that in the paperwork for my work permit, it must say something about not gaining financially from Papua New Guinea. I know that my heart says that I give to the people and the communities, I don’t take away from it. I rely on God’s provision through you. I’m so grateful to you for the help that you’ve already given. I just need some more help, please.

FYI: The title of this post was taken from an article in The Gospel Coalition. It explains the awkward privilege of raising support so well! I also loved this statement from that article:
“When He wants to use an individual, He rarely chooses the most gifted, but the most ordinary—propped up by the quiet prayers and tangible love of her friends” 

I am grateful for your prayers and consideration!
More info about online giving here.

Prayer requests

• My family in America would know God and follow Him with their whole heart
• My “family” and friends here in Papua New Guinea would do the same
• My financial needs for 2019 and 2020 are completely met
• I would gain new partners in what the Lord is doing here in PNG
• I would show grace and mercy even when it is difficult to do so. Sometimes life is hard
• Lots and lots of baby blankets will be sent here to deliver to our new mamas and babies
• Good health and strong hands and feet for me to do the Lord’s work here in PNG