Two months ago there was a rainstorm north of Pittsburgh, where we are currently living. Rain is something that feels like home to us because it rains all the time in Papua New Guinea. We love the sound of the raindrops hitting the tin roof, and because we collect rainwater in a large tank as our clean water source, when we have downpours I start feeling like a rich man, collecting all of the free water that will keep our tank full for weeks to come. During this particular storm, Asher went outside with an umbrella and sat in the rain. It reminded him of home, and he wanted to experience the sound, the smell, and the feel of the rain. It is amazing how God can use something as simple as a rainstorm to stir our hearts for home.
But as much as we long to be home in Papua New Guinea, we are struck by the realization that our true home lies elsewhere. Our time of limbo here in Pennsylvania has reminded us that we are only temporary residents here on earth. And as good as it will feel to be "at home" again in Papua New Guinea, it pales in comparison to what it will feel like to one day be "at home" in heaven. In just three short months we will return to Papua New Guinea, and we pray that our Bible translation work will allow many others to one day find their homes with us in heaven. Thank you for making that possible!
Translation Work
During our time in Pennsylvania, I have continued working with the Enga translation team. Genesis is now complete and ready to record. Exodus is now complete and ready to record. Consultant checking for Leviticus begins this month, and I am currently completing my advisor check of the book of Numbers. Not only that, but Martin Harty, despite being legally blind for years now, continues to draft other books of the Old Testament with the help of his granddaughter. He just completed his draft of Job, which means the only books remaining to be drafted are Song of Songs, seven of the minor prophets, and portions of 1 Chronicles, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. It is amazing to consider what the Lord has done and how faithful He has been from the very beginning!
Update on Martha's Visa
Martha's visa application was officially lodged with the Papua New Guinea government on September 21. Visas are usually approved in about 52 business days, which would put us at December 1. While the PNG government is usually pretty good about approving visas within that time frame, please keep praying for Martha's visa to be approved without delay. We are scheduled to leave for Papua New Guinea on January 4, and we would love to be able to travel together as a family.
Hydration Station
Just before Jacob began classes as Pitt this fall, he got an invitation from the head of the Athletic Training department to come to a special meeting. Only he and five others from his cohort were selected to participate in the meeting, and they were asked to be discreet about it. At the meeting he found out that the six of them had been chosen to man the hydration stations once a week at the Steelers practices. Jacob has been assigned to work with the defensive backs. Basically, he follows them all around the field pushing a cart and making sure they stay hydrated. It is an excellent networking opportunity for him, and he is enjoying the chance to work with top-tier athletes. Besides this opportunity to work with the Steelers, Jacob has been getting connected with the Chi Alpha campus ministry at Pitt. He is in two small groups, a pickleball group, and a basketball group. Just last week, he and some friends rode bikes to Mt. Washington overlooking Pittsburgh, even sharing Jesus with a woman they met along the way! God is good!
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| Asher sitting in the rain |
Translation Work
During our time in Pennsylvania, I have continued working with the Enga translation team. Genesis is now complete and ready to record. Exodus is now complete and ready to record. Consultant checking for Leviticus begins this month, and I am currently completing my advisor check of the book of Numbers. Not only that, but Martin Harty, despite being legally blind for years now, continues to draft other books of the Old Testament with the help of his granddaughter. He just completed his draft of Job, which means the only books remaining to be drafted are Song of Songs, seven of the minor prophets, and portions of 1 Chronicles, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. It is amazing to consider what the Lord has done and how faithful He has been from the very beginning!
Update on Martha's Visa
Martha's visa application was officially lodged with the Papua New Guinea government on September 21. Visas are usually approved in about 52 business days, which would put us at December 1. While the PNG government is usually pretty good about approving visas within that time frame, please keep praying for Martha's visa to be approved without delay. We are scheduled to leave for Papua New Guinea on January 4, and we would love to be able to travel together as a family.
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| Jacob and friends on Mt. Washington |
Just before Jacob began classes as Pitt this fall, he got an invitation from the head of the Athletic Training department to come to a special meeting. Only he and five others from his cohort were selected to participate in the meeting, and they were asked to be discreet about it. At the meeting he found out that the six of them had been chosen to man the hydration stations once a week at the Steelers practices. Jacob has been assigned to work with the defensive backs. Basically, he follows them all around the field pushing a cart and making sure they stay hydrated. It is an excellent networking opportunity for him, and he is enjoying the chance to work with top-tier athletes. Besides this opportunity to work with the Steelers, Jacob has been getting connected with the Chi Alpha campus ministry at Pitt. He is in two small groups, a pickleball group, and a basketball group. Just last week, he and some friends rode bikes to Mt. Washington overlooking Pittsburgh, even sharing Jesus with a woman they met along the way! God is good!
