As the tide in Madang, Papua New Guinea is ever changing, so our lives ebb and flow.
There’s another change on my horizon. There have been many changes since my very first trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2010 – until today.
As the tide in Madang, Papua New Guinea is ever changing, so our lives ebb and flow. There’s another change on my horizon. There have been many changes since my very first trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2010 – until today.
In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 16:9
Thank you for walking with me through everything.
You have been such an encouragement to me and continue to be today!
First, I would like to tell you that I have LOVED serving the Lord with Pioneer Bible Translators!! What an amazing organization! I would not be leaving, if I didn’t strongly feel the Lord directing this move. It has been such an honor and blessing to get to know my PBT family here in America, in Papua New Guinea… and other places I have been blessed to travel.
I was pleased to take the position in the Development Department in 2021 when the Lord thought it right to keep me here, instead of returning to PNG. I tried to argue, but of course, He was right, and His will certainly takes precedence over mine! I love being so close to my family! I’ve missed them!
It took me a while to realize that I was not meant to live alone and work at home. I need people. I need to serve “physically” somehow. PNG changed me in a good way, in this respect.
Just as the Lord changed my address in 2014, and in 2021, the Lord is moving me into my next chapter…something that has been in the making for a while. It has included countless questions and considerations about the future, as well as an amazing amount of prayers. It is not a decision I have come to easily, but I am confident these are the next steps God wants me to take.
There have been many times when my life was going in one direction when the Lord made a left turn, a right turn, or a complete U-turn. I have found that the best decision in those times is to follow His directing and prompting.
My new direction involves resigning from Pioneer Bible Translators. I definitely didn’t make this decision in haste, nor do I take it lightly. Pioneer Bible Translators literally changed the trajectory of my life! I’m so blessed to have served with them since 2012. Although living overseas was at times challenging, I thoroughly enjoyed serving God in Papua New Guinea for over seven years. He called me there, and then called me back to Dublin, Ohio, in 2021… I was confused about His “sudden” (to me) change because I didn’t understand what He was doing by changing my address back to Ohio, but I submitted to God’s will to serve Him in Ohio. It was the right decision, of course. I need to be close to my family. I didn’t realize just how much I missed them. I’m really glad I am here!
Following His lead is ALWAYS the best decision anyone can make.
Thankfully, I was able to return in 2023 to not only assist with the Apal dedication with Martha, but also it was time to “finish” my time in PNG. It was difficult saying goodbye to my friends and family in Madang Province and packing up my flat one last time.
I’m so incredibly grateful for all of the love and prayers and financial help that you have provided over the years. My heart can’t fully express how I feel about you. I literally could not have done any of this chapter without you.
Rest at ease… once a missionary always a missionary! My heart has not changed.
With regard to your beautiful monthly gifts, I’m hoping to be on my feet soon … Many of you have supported me in various ways since the very beginning – God bless you all!
If you feel the Lord prompting you to continue to support me through the end of this month, that would be really great. I will paste what is stated in my Letter of Understanding regarding your precious gifts.
“Any designated gifts that come to us on behalf of the Ministry of Sharon Kozar after January 31, 2026, will generate communication between the Finance Department and the donor. We will notify the donor that you are no longer serving with us and we will inquire as to their desire for the final disposition of the gift. We will comply with the wishes of the donor.”
If you don’t feel prompted, I understand. I want you to do what the Lord wants you to do. It’s His money after all.
It is my hope, however, that you will continue to give your monthly gifts to Pioneer Bible Translators. Would you be willing to continue supporting one of our ministries? I have some amazing people in mind who I know are in great need of financial support to continue growing their work with PBT. Please let me know, and I can introduce you to them.
I’m hoping to help with another dedication in the future – possibly in 2027. Let me know if you would like me to keep you updated on that possibility.
You hold a special place in my heart. I’m so incredibly grateful for you!
My last official day with Pioneer Bible Translators will be January 31, 2026.Please feel free to reach out to me via email now and in the future at sharonkay2022@gmail.com. I will only have my PBT until January 31. I would love to stay in contact!!
With all my heart I say — THANK YOU!!!
With much love and blessings to you,
Sharon
