In the midst of all the activities happening here and with all the focus on the serious security incidents that keep popping up, I wanted to talk about Ukarumpa "community".
We're our own little world here, a blend of all types of people. There are about 21 countries represented here and, while English and Tok Pisin are the basic languages here, you can find people talking in German, Korean, Spanish, etc. People come in all shapes and sizes, all ages, all with different interests, hobbies and sports abilities. We love this diversity and strong friendships are made here.
One thing holds us together... well, actually at least two. One is our love for God and the other is the vision for Bible translation as a springboard for spreading the knowledge of God and His saving work on the cross.
Our community is always gaining and losing people. Every now and then, people go "finish" which means that they are leaving PNG for good. Some of these people are translators who have spent many, many (,many) years in PNG. And this brings me to the Vincents.
SIL leased the property where the center currently stands from the PNG government in 1956. Alex Vincent arrived in 1956 and likes to say that he was greeted by the entire SIL center... all two of them. Lois arrived in 1957 and they were married shortly later.
Oh that God would grip me in the same way as He has the Vincents.
And to think that Julie and I will be seeing them at JAARS with lots of time to hear some of their amazing stories...
We're our own little world here, a blend of all types of people. There are about 21 countries represented here and, while English and Tok Pisin are the basic languages here, you can find people talking in German, Korean, Spanish, etc. People come in all shapes and sizes, all ages, all with different interests, hobbies and sports abilities. We love this diversity and strong friendships are made here.
One thing holds us together... well, actually at least two. One is our love for God and the other is the vision for Bible translation as a springboard for spreading the knowledge of God and His saving work on the cross.
Our community is always gaining and losing people. Every now and then, people go "finish" which means that they are leaving PNG for good. Some of these people are translators who have spent many, many (,many) years in PNG. And this brings me to the Vincents.
Fast forward to October 2010. Every Sunday there are brief announcements before the worship service starts, including a chance to welcome new arrivals and say goodbye to those leaving for various reasons (heading to the village, furlough, new assignments, retirement, etc). When it came to say farewell to the Vincents, the announcer reflected that in many ways the Vincents were the mom and pop of the center. They are going "finish" after working in PNG for 56 years (!!) and having completed two (!!) translations. While he is Australian, they have decided to just visit friends in Australia for a few weeks but settle at JAARS to be close to several of their children and their families.
 |
| "He's always been faithful to me." |
Such an example of love for God and His word, faith, commitment and endurance always has a huge impact on me. It choked me up. It must have been true for the others on Sunday because everyone stood to applaud Alex and Lois, but even more the God that energized this elderly couple for these many years.
And to think that Julie and I will be seeing them at JAARS with lots of time to hear some of their amazing stories...
Comments