May 2007 Update

Dear loved ones,

As new SIL members (SIL is Wycliffe’s partner organization in Papua New Guinea - PNG) we were privileged to attend a 14-week training course entitled Pacific Orientation Course (POC). The location for this course is just outside the coastal city of Madang, PNG. The POC camp is situated on top of a small mountain approximately 1200 ft. above sea level and has a beautiful view of the coastline below. We spent our first 8 weeks learning a main PNG trade language, Tok Pisin, taking hikes through the jungle, swimming to build up endurance, meeting with a national family, and learning about PNG customs and the work of SIL in the country. We did reading assignments, journaling and reports, learned to cook over an open fire, and took a 3-day survey hike. The hike was a chance to spend nights in 2 different villages, doing research and reports on the land and people we met. Our training also gave us opportunity to build relationships with missionaries from other parts of the world – England, Australia, Germany, Canada, Netherlands, Switzerland as well as the US. Our trainers were veteran missionaries and PNG nationals. By the end of these 8 weeks we were ready for our next challenge: 5 weeks of living in a village with the mentoring of a Papua New Guinean host family. During our time in the village we were able to improve in our language skills, learn more about many aspects of the culture in the country, and build relationships with Papua New Guineans.

(Kassia with friend Jadia)

God’s Faithfulness

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting” Psalm 136:1

There were several times during our training time and village living that I (Johanna) had to rely on God’s everlasting lovingkindness. I would pray to Him while cooking in our “haus cook” (our kitchen in the village) or when Kurt was sick. I would ask for wisdom to handle personality differences and to be a better wife and mom. I would also go to God for comfort when I was lonely, and in times of not having the comforts that I have in the United States. God was faithful to meet my weak times with His presence, His love, with answers to prayer and with friends to share the burdens I was feeling. I am being stretched to rely more and more on God and less and less on myself.

Where are we now?

Our new home is now the SIL center at Ukarumpa in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Kurt has begun working at the Communication and Technical Services Department here in Ukarumpa, doing primarily hardware repair and learning the ropes. Kassia is making new friends and loving it. I am taking care of Kassia and have gotten involved in a Ladies Bible Study and Mom’s Group. Kurt and I also attend a Couples Bible Study on Tuesday nights and we love it.

Praise:

• For a wonderful POC experience that enriched our relationship with God, enriched our marriage, and enriched our relationship with our daughter.
• We were able to learn so much about the people, language and culture of Papua New Guinea. We have developed a love and appreciation for the people here.
• For a great time settling here in Ukarumpa.
• For new friends.
• Many of your prayers have been answered as God has met our financial, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.

Prayer:

• That Kurt would get settled in his job and honor God with what he does.
• That Johanna and Kassia would have a good time adjusting to a new place to live and that they would have wisdom in deciding what to be involved in.
• That our marriage will remain strong and Christ centered.
• That God will give us wisdom in raising Kassia.
• That we can develop relationships with Papua New Guineans.
• For God’s continued protection and grace in our lives.

Thank you for supporting us and enabling us to be a part of the team that brings the word of God to the Bibleless people in Papua New Guinea.

In His hands,

Johanna (for Kurt and Kassia too!)

Posted in: ministry update