During our trip to Enga in March, we were able to spend a few days distributing the Enga New Testament. Joined by Sam Nutter (a mechanic with a vision for Scripture distribution), Malon Kenas (Distribution Coordinator), and Stanley Piokol (PNG Bible Translation Association Assistant Area Program Manager for the Highlands), we targeted churches in eastern Enga Province. We had not previously done much awareness in this part of the province. So we drove as far east as we could while still remaining in Enga Province and went from village to village, visiting every church we could find. We gave the pastor of each church a copy of the Enga-English New Testament along with the Enga New Testament audio Bible.
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| Giving a local pastor the Enga-English New Testament and audio |
As we made our way from church to church, the pastors were grateful to receive the Enga Scriptures. We showed some pastors how to download the Enga Bible app, Enga Library app, and Enga Dictionary app from the Google play store, and we stopped in a couple of market areas to raise awareness for the Enga New Testament and make some sales. As we went along, we told the pastors that they could purchase additional copies at a particular Chinese-owned store in Wapenamanda. We did this in faith, because we hadn't actually been to the shop yet or asked the store owner if we could sell Enga New Testaments there. When we finally went to the store, the owner at first refused to sell them. But after Sam Nutter reminded him that it was an opportunity to make money, he told us that he would stock them but would only pay for them after they sold. We quickly agreed to this arrangement and stocked his store with some Enga New Testaments. In Wabag town, we had a better reception. Last summer Martha had sold a carton of Enga-English New Testaments to a Chinese-owned store where we often shop. When she went back to check on whether the New Testaments had sold, she discovered that they were sold out. The owner then bought five cartons of Enga New Testaments and five cartons of Enga-English New Testaments (160 in total). We were able to get the Enga Scriptures into a few other stores as well.
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| The store in Wabag town that bought 10 cartons of Enga New Testaments |
After distributing Enga New Testaments in eastern Enga Province and in Wabag town, we set up a tent to do open air preaching in Wabag. Malon shared about the importance of Scripture, while I shared my testimony in Enga. I'm always thankful for an opportunity to share about how God has transformed my life, and a foreigner speaking Enga is always a draw for people to come listen. We were able to display the Enga Scriptures, which some people bought right then and there.
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| Malon sharing about the importance of Scripture in Wabag town |
While we only had a few days to focus on distribution, it inspired me to somehow visit all of the churches in Enga Province so that we can give pastors a free copy in print and audio formats. This is a difficult task, and I am not quite sure how it could be fulfilled. Will you please pray with us for God to work beyond what Martha and I alone are capable of to see the Enga New Testament distributed far and wide throughout Enga Province? As always, we thank you for your support, as we could not do this without your partnership.
Bella is going to Taylor University!
Bella will be enrolling at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, this fall to study Elementary Education. Taylor was Bella's first choice, so we are excited that she gets to go there. Please pray for her as she says goodbye to her friends and her home in Papua New Guinea, and transitions to life in the United States.
