Julie and I arrived in Ukarumpa after an inspiring weekend in
the village of Kotidanga with John and Lena Allen and the other missionaries
who work with them. It was great to have
this reintroduction to life around PNG nationals and living at higher altitudes
than we’re used to before getting to Ukarumpa and to have extra time to cope
with jet lag. Still, these pale to the
opportunity to more fully observe and hear stories from the Allens about courage,
insight and struggle and yet see clear examples of God’s blessing on the work
among the Kamea people.
Julie was able to observe several sessions of
back-translation, a process to ensure accuracy, clarity and understanding, as
John and his national translator, Ben, translate the book of Luke. Julie also participated in the recording of
one of the Bible stories into a video.
All told, nine videos are now completed and 16 more are on tap to be
completed soon. All nine were shown one
after another Sunday night to ~200 people of all ages, and we know of several
conversations with unbelievers where the Gospel was shared.
We had thought that we would be returning Monday by a SIL
plane to the capital on the coast and then fly directly to Ukarumpa a few hours
later. God orchestrated the need for one
of the SIL helicopters to be in the area to haul equipment into a couple of
locations, one which was into Kotidanga.
Without our knowledge, John had arranged for us to fly on the helicopter
on its return trip to Ukarumpa, a much simpler trip in many ways.
Julie was able to observe several sessions of
back-translation, a process to ensure accuracy, clarity and understanding, as
John and his national translator, Ben, translate the book of Luke. Julie also participated in the recording of
one of the Bible stories into a video.
All told, nine videos are now completed and 16 more are on tap to be
completed soon. All nine were shown one
after another Sunday night to ~200 people of all ages, and we know of several
conversations with unbelievers where the Gospel was shared.
We attended Sunday service and, though preached in the
Kamean language (and some in the trade language called Tok Pison), we saw the
passion and truth proclaimed as Ben taught about Lazurus during Sunday School
and then John preached on Ephesians 1:13-14.
We had thought that we would be returning Monday by a SIL
plane to the capital on the coast and then fly directly to Ukarumpa a few hours
later. God orchestrated the need for one
of the SIL helicopters to be in the area to haul equipment into a couple of
locations, one which was into Kotidanga.
Without our knowledge, John had arranged for us to fly on the helicopter
on its return trip to Ukarumpa, a much simpler trip in many ways.
What Julie and I didn’t anticipate was the combination of
terrain (up to 8500’), cloudiness, and rain.
I rode in the co-pilot’s seat next to Duncan, a young Australian, while
Julie rode in the back row, so I had a delightful view of everything. Julie was white-knuckling a bit because
Duncan chose not to go the short, direct route over some rugged mountain chains
but instead had to poke his way through the mountains, seeking the longer path
of least resistance.
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We landed, however, to be greeted by several former friends
from Ukarumpa, a couple from JAARS serving their own short-term assignment, and
the manager of the IT department (and his wife). We were taken to our accommodations at the
Wycliffe Associates visitors center, provided a quick lunch, and then helped to
get our initial stock of groceries (~$175 of which the only meat was one lamb
chop!).
We’re still dealing a bit with jet lag but, after finishing
some “checking in” tasks at the finance office, HR and the post office, we hope
to begin the work He has called to PNG to do.
Though much has changed since our time 3 years ago, we already feel at
home, thanks to the many friends waiting for us here in PNG, the many friends
at hone supporting us through prayer, but mostly because we have consistently understood
that this is where God wants us at this time.
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