musci by Mercy Me
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Home At Last! -- A Postscript
After fifteen days of travel and ministry half-way around the world, we are finally home. We left Ukarumpa around 12:30pm on Thursday, Eastern Standard Time and arrived in Rochester at about 9:30am EST today (Sunday). All in, that’s sixty-nine hours of travel – just shy of three days. We’re all tired, blessed and happy to be home with the family and friends we love.
Our long layover in L.A. gave us a chance to leave the airport. So we rented a fifteen-seat van, piled in and drove off to Venice Beach, where the Pacific surf met our weary feet. It was a cool and foggy day, but that didn’t keep young ones from splashing in the waves, or surfer-dudes from riding the curls.
In small groups and in pairs, we walked the beach and wandered along the midway – the street of shops that runs parallel with the beach. There were souvenir shops, head shops, food stands, street entertainers and outdoor gyms. The aroma of grilled turkey legs and funnel cakes mixed with the smell of marijuana. Life and death mixed together.
Hoods hung out in small gangs trying to peddle their own rap CDs; others offered testing for medical marijuana. One young boy sported a tee-shirt with the words “F--- milk. Got pot?” There were no missing letters on his shirt. Our family walked into a souvenir shop and marched back out when we saw the large posters of topless women lining the far wall.
Some would call this “colorful.” It was really a celebration of sex, drugs and narcissism – a worship of the created rather than the creator. Having gone half-way around the world to share the gospel with people who have not yet heard it, this was a sobering reminder that our closest mission field is right here at home – on the streets of L.A. and in Rochester, New York.
As we turned to leave this marketplace of sensuality and license, we stumbled upon another group. They were young men and women; white, yellow, black and brown; a multi-cultural collection of Christ followers. They, too, were on a mission: “to love Jesus and love like Jesus.” So, into the midst of this darkness, they poured light by singing songs of the gospel. Life and death mixed together.
We joined with them and sang along. We were blessed and they were, too. The head shop owner across the walk turned up his rap music to drown us out. There is a war being waged here and it’s more than cultural; it is spiritual and it is real. It’s not about behavior; it’s about life and death. It’s about faith.
Some 4,000 years ago, the great liberator, Moses, laid before his people a choice:
"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)
Today we have the same choice. Whom will you serve?
Choose Jesus: the Way, the Truth, the Life.
Our long layover in L.A. gave us a chance to leave the airport. So we rented a fifteen-seat van, piled in and drove off to Venice Beach, where the Pacific surf met our weary feet. It was a cool and foggy day, but that didn’t keep young ones from splashing in the waves, or surfer-dudes from riding the curls.
In small groups and in pairs, we walked the beach and wandered along the midway – the street of shops that runs parallel with the beach. There were souvenir shops, head shops, food stands, street entertainers and outdoor gyms. The aroma of grilled turkey legs and funnel cakes mixed with the smell of marijuana. Life and death mixed together.
Hoods hung out in small gangs trying to peddle their own rap CDs; others offered testing for medical marijuana. One young boy sported a tee-shirt with the words “F--- milk. Got pot?” There were no missing letters on his shirt. Our family walked into a souvenir shop and marched back out when we saw the large posters of topless women lining the far wall.
Some would call this “colorful.” It was really a celebration of sex, drugs and narcissism – a worship of the created rather than the creator. Having gone half-way around the world to share the gospel with people who have not yet heard it, this was a sobering reminder that our closest mission field is right here at home – on the streets of L.A. and in Rochester, New York.
As we turned to leave this marketplace of sensuality and license, we stumbled upon another group. They were young men and women; white, yellow, black and brown; a multi-cultural collection of Christ followers. They, too, were on a mission: “to love Jesus and love like Jesus.” So, into the midst of this darkness, they poured light by singing songs of the gospel. Life and death mixed together.
We joined with them and sang along. We were blessed and they were, too. The head shop owner across the walk turned up his rap music to drown us out. There is a war being waged here and it’s more than cultural; it is spiritual and it is real. It’s not about behavior; it’s about life and death. It’s about faith.
Some 4,000 years ago, the great liberator, Moses, laid before his people a choice:
"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)
Today we have the same choice. Whom will you serve?
Choose Jesus: the Way, the Truth, the Life.
___________________________________
Sunday, September 27, 2009
One Life
Only one life,
‘Twil soon be past;
Only what’s done
for Christ will last.
-- Anon.*
Fourteen people – men, women and children – made a journey to Papua New Guinea on the other side of the world for a variety of reasons and various callings. In the end, they all boil down to a desire to serve Jesus Christ and spread his message of redemption from sin. The world – and American culture – is increasingly at odds with the Gospel of Jesus, but it is a message we cannot and must not keep to ourselves.
There's a reason we call it the Good News. It's not bad news; it's good! Yet, all too often, we who call ourselves Christians act, not like joyous ex-convicts mercifully rescued from death row, but rather like IRS agents looking to spoil someone else's party. Not that there aren't tax cheats and other sinners out there doing things they shouldn't; it's just that being a Christian isn't about changing other people's bad behavior. It’s about introducing them to the Life Changer. Jesus said it best -- as he always does:
“How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” (Mt 7:4-5)
Being a Christian is all about first receiving, and then bestowing, grace.
Grace? Yes. It's a little word with immeasurable value. We receive grace primarily and most importantly from God through faith in Jesus Christ (“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.” -- Ephesians 2:8-9). That grace, in turn, rearranges our lives, causes us to recognize that "plank" in our eyes and put our lives in order. That's repentance, the flip side of grace, and the two cannot be separated. So Christianity does have something to do with a call to better behavior, but the better behavior should be among us self-professed Christians, shining like lights in the world. What a glad disposition that would put on us if only we would learn that simple fact. I count myself among the first who need to remember it (and apply it).
But that fact doesn’t eliminate the reality that polite, refined, educated sinners are just as condemned as vile, despicable ones. And so we share the Good News with whoever will hear it.
We saw the work of the Life Changer at work in many people on this trip. One was the Papua New Guinean drug maker and peddler who also took to collecting weapons. To the people of his village, his face became the face of death. But, having also come face to face with the risen savior, he got rid of those things with their trappings of power and surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. Now Jesus is his strength and his shield, and the weapon he wields is love as he leads the little congregation of Ba’e and battles drug dealers and the culture of vengeance that surrounds him.
Another was the American missionary with a similar story.
Most of us don’t have the past history of Ba’e’s pastor, but we all fall under the weight of sin. Some of us are just nicer, more cultured and refined sinners, but sinners all the same. All of us are in need of the life changing work of Jesus Christ who died on the cross, in our place, for our sins. When we come to that realization, then the lives we live and the way we live them begin to change.
*Verse is from John Piper’s book, Don’t Waste Your Life
There's a reason we call it the Good News. It's not bad news; it's good! Yet, all too often, we who call ourselves Christians act, not like joyous ex-convicts mercifully rescued from death row, but rather like IRS agents looking to spoil someone else's party. Not that there aren't tax cheats and other sinners out there doing things they shouldn't; it's just that being a Christian isn't about changing other people's bad behavior. It’s about introducing them to the Life Changer. Jesus said it best -- as he always does:
“How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” (Mt 7:4-5)
Being a Christian is all about first receiving, and then bestowing, grace.
Grace? Yes. It's a little word with immeasurable value. We receive grace primarily and most importantly from God through faith in Jesus Christ (“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.” -- Ephesians 2:8-9). That grace, in turn, rearranges our lives, causes us to recognize that "plank" in our eyes and put our lives in order. That's repentance, the flip side of grace, and the two cannot be separated. So Christianity does have something to do with a call to better behavior, but the better behavior should be among us self-professed Christians, shining like lights in the world. What a glad disposition that would put on us if only we would learn that simple fact. I count myself among the first who need to remember it (and apply it).
But that fact doesn’t eliminate the reality that polite, refined, educated sinners are just as condemned as vile, despicable ones. And so we share the Good News with whoever will hear it.
We saw the work of the Life Changer at work in many people on this trip. One was the Papua New Guinean drug maker and peddler who also took to collecting weapons. To the people of his village, his face became the face of death. But, having also come face to face with the risen savior, he got rid of those things with their trappings of power and surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. Now Jesus is his strength and his shield, and the weapon he wields is love as he leads the little congregation of Ba’e and battles drug dealers and the culture of vengeance that surrounds him.
Another was the American missionary with a similar story.
Most of us don’t have the past history of Ba’e’s pastor, but we all fall under the weight of sin. Some of us are just nicer, more cultured and refined sinners, but sinners all the same. All of us are in need of the life changing work of Jesus Christ who died on the cross, in our place, for our sins. When we come to that realization, then the lives we live and the way we live them begin to change.
Unity
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!-- Psalm 133:1
It isn’t unusual that irritations arise when people have to work closely togetber for extended periods of time. The wonderful thing is that this team worked with a remarkable degree of unity – even despite our many differences in personality, callings, giftedness, etc.
Early on, Tony put two verses of scripture before us. Phillipians 2:3-4 says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Our daily devotions in the book of James reinforced that point: let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger….” (James 1:19) We took these things to heart and daily asked for unity among us, and the Spirit of Jesus provided our every need.
I’m sure there were frustrations, but, with God’s help, we didn’t let them get a foothold. And so, His blessings were multiplied, and we continue to hold up through long, tiring days of travel.
Early on, Tony put two verses of scripture before us. Phillipians 2:3-4 says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Our daily devotions in the book of James reinforced that point: let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger….” (James 1:19) We took these things to heart and daily asked for unity among us, and the Spirit of Jesus provided our every need.
I’m sure there were frustrations, but, with God’s help, we didn’t let them get a foothold. And so, His blessings were multiplied, and we continue to hold up through long, tiring days of travel.
Ground Hog Day -- The Movie
We began this day, September 26, 2009 – Marylou’s birthday – at midnight in Australia. We had celebrated with cake a few hours earlier at dinner. At dawn we were greeted by orange-tinted skies over Sydney – the remnants of dust storms that recently engulfed the city and much of the country.
We spent the day traveling to, and waiting in, New Zealand, where we wished Marylou “happy birthday” again. As dark fell on the 26th, we departed Auckland and flew west, across the Pacific and across the International Date Line, by-passing midnight and traveling backward in time zones through night-time toward the dawning daylight – September 26, 2009 – Marylou’s birthday.
We arrived around noon in Los Angeles where we’ll wish Marylou “happy birthday” again and spend our day taking in a few sights on this long layover. Then we’ll be on the red-eye across the United States of America, headed for home – two day-times; two night-times – September 26, 2009 – Marylou’s birthday.
Happy birthday, Mare!
We spent the day traveling to, and waiting in, New Zealand, where we wished Marylou “happy birthday” again. As dark fell on the 26th, we departed Auckland and flew west, across the Pacific and across the International Date Line, by-passing midnight and traveling backward in time zones through night-time toward the dawning daylight – September 26, 2009 – Marylou’s birthday.
We arrived around noon in Los Angeles where we’ll wish Marylou “happy birthday” again and spend our day taking in a few sights on this long layover. Then we’ll be on the red-eye across the United States of America, headed for home – two day-times; two night-times – September 26, 2009 – Marylou’s birthday.
Happy birthday, Mare!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
The Sky Beneath You
“The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” – Psalm 19:1
Our late-night tour of Sydney by Mario and Caroline, our Christian brother and sister, gave us fantastic views of the Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, both recognizable around the world. It also gave us a dusty peek at the southern hemisphere sky from way down under.
I love going outside on a clear night and looking up at the stars. Down here, the sky looks different than what I see back home in Rochester, NY. The Big Dipper and Little Dipper can be seen on any clear night in Rochester, but they are mostly out of sight in Ukurumpa this time of year; they set in the north-northwest shortly after the sun. With PNG being slightly south of the equator, the "tail" star of the Little Dipper, Polaris (the North Star), is entirely out of view, being situated directly over the earth's north pole. Other familiar constellations are still visible: Pegasus (the winged horse), Orion (the hunter) and Canis Major (the Big Dog) rise as the evening wears on. Others, not so easily seen from home, are much more prominent here: Scorpio (the scorpion), Saggitarius (the archer) and Centaur (the man-horse), to name a few.
In Ukarumpa, because of the bright security lights, a view of the nighttime sky is often obscured by the surrounding light pollution. But even just stepping into the shadows reveals a view I have never seen up north. The stars of the Milky Way glow with a brightness I had not imagined. The bulging center of our galaxy is easily seen, with one of its pinwheel arms extending northward across the sky. There’s simply a better view of it in the Southern Hemisphere. For someone who loves astronomy, these views are breathtaking. For someone who also loves God, they are nothing less than awe-inspiring.
Whether part of God's great plan or the fanciful minds of those who defined the constellations, the northern and southern skies both declare the good news of Jesus in the stars. The Northern Cross is emblazoned across the northern sky; the Southern Cross graces (no pun!) the south. We could see the Southern Cross high overhead from Sydney. From near the equator, one can see them both – two great testimonies of one great act of transcendent love!
When I look upon the vastness of space and behold the uncounted billions of stars in our own galaxy and beyond, I cannot help but praise the God who created them. Some will think that statement odd – especially those who refuse to believe that the universe is the product of a divine creator. I am certain that God created the heavens and the earth, but more than faith declares it is so; more and more, scientific evidence and rational thought declare it as well. Consider this statement from author Dinesh D'Souza in his discussion of the continuing discoveries by astrophysicists:
“In a stunning confirmation of the book of Genesis, modern scientists have discovered that the universe was created in a primordial explosion of energy and light. Not only did the universe have a beginning in space and time, but the origin of the universe was also a beginning for space and time. Space and time did not exist prior to the universe. If you accept that everything that has a beginning has a cause, then the material universe had a nonmaterial or spiritual cause. This spiritual cause brought the universe into existence using none of the laws of physics. The creation of the universe was, in the quite literal meaning of the term, a miracle. Its creaor is known to be a spiritual, eternal being of creativity and power beyond all conceivable limits.
The finding of modern physics that the universe has a beginning in space and in time [is] one of the most important scientific discoveries ever made. It provides, for all who take the trouble to understand and reflect upon it, powerful and convincing evidence of the existence of an eternal, supernatural being that created our world and everything in it.” (From the New York Times Best Seller, What's So Great About Christianity.)
Note: The Southern Cross, which could be seen high overhead from Sydney, is also prominently displayed on the Australian flag, providing a national reminder of Australia’s heritage of Christian faith.
I love going outside on a clear night and looking up at the stars. Down here, the sky looks different than what I see back home in Rochester, NY. The Big Dipper and Little Dipper can be seen on any clear night in Rochester, but they are mostly out of sight in Ukurumpa this time of year; they set in the north-northwest shortly after the sun. With PNG being slightly south of the equator, the "tail" star of the Little Dipper, Polaris (the North Star), is entirely out of view, being situated directly over the earth's north pole. Other familiar constellations are still visible: Pegasus (the winged horse), Orion (the hunter) and Canis Major (the Big Dog) rise as the evening wears on. Others, not so easily seen from home, are much more prominent here: Scorpio (the scorpion), Saggitarius (the archer) and Centaur (the man-horse), to name a few.
In Ukarumpa, because of the bright security lights, a view of the nighttime sky is often obscured by the surrounding light pollution. But even just stepping into the shadows reveals a view I have never seen up north. The stars of the Milky Way glow with a brightness I had not imagined. The bulging center of our galaxy is easily seen, with one of its pinwheel arms extending northward across the sky. There’s simply a better view of it in the Southern Hemisphere. For someone who loves astronomy, these views are breathtaking. For someone who also loves God, they are nothing less than awe-inspiring.
Whether part of God's great plan or the fanciful minds of those who defined the constellations, the northern and southern skies both declare the good news of Jesus in the stars. The Northern Cross is emblazoned across the northern sky; the Southern Cross graces (no pun!) the south. We could see the Southern Cross high overhead from Sydney. From near the equator, one can see them both – two great testimonies of one great act of transcendent love!
When I look upon the vastness of space and behold the uncounted billions of stars in our own galaxy and beyond, I cannot help but praise the God who created them. Some will think that statement odd – especially those who refuse to believe that the universe is the product of a divine creator. I am certain that God created the heavens and the earth, but more than faith declares it is so; more and more, scientific evidence and rational thought declare it as well. Consider this statement from author Dinesh D'Souza in his discussion of the continuing discoveries by astrophysicists:
“In a stunning confirmation of the book of Genesis, modern scientists have discovered that the universe was created in a primordial explosion of energy and light. Not only did the universe have a beginning in space and time, but the origin of the universe was also a beginning for space and time. Space and time did not exist prior to the universe. If you accept that everything that has a beginning has a cause, then the material universe had a nonmaterial or spiritual cause. This spiritual cause brought the universe into existence using none of the laws of physics. The creation of the universe was, in the quite literal meaning of the term, a miracle. Its creaor is known to be a spiritual, eternal being of creativity and power beyond all conceivable limits.
The finding of modern physics that the universe has a beginning in space and in time [is] one of the most important scientific discoveries ever made. It provides, for all who take the trouble to understand and reflect upon it, powerful and convincing evidence of the existence of an eternal, supernatural being that created our world and everything in it.” (From the New York Times Best Seller, What's So Great About Christianity.)
Note: The Southern Cross, which could be seen high overhead from Sydney, is also prominently displayed on the Australian flag, providing a national reminder of Australia’s heritage of Christian faith.
On the Road Again
(Friday, 9/25) We arrived safely at Lae at about 5:30 this morning without a single incident and the first rays of sunlight breaking over the horizon. Bruce drove the bus while Tony, sitting in the front passenger seat, held a spotlight out the window. He shined it on the road to look out for potholes, and on the sides of the road to look out for bandits. As we crossed narrow one-lane bridges, we watched carefully for missing bridge plates – another bandit ploy and another unique PNG experience.
As we left the rascal territory and descended from the highlands, we entered a region of sharp switchbacks, washed-out roads and deep ditches. At one point, as we slowly crossed a section of washed-out road, the bus swayed far to the right, then far to the left, as if it might roll on its side. Once we cleared the mountain pass, it was easy driving – especially for those of us resting in the back.
After a short flight to Port Moresby and a four hour layover, we made our nearly four hour flight to Sydney, Australia, where we had dinner and a short bus tour by Mario (a friend of Tony) and his wife Caroline. Our travels have been good and God continues to bless us with the fellowship of his people. We continue our return trip tomorrow morning: on to Auckland, NZ.
As we left the rascal territory and descended from the highlands, we entered a region of sharp switchbacks, washed-out roads and deep ditches. At one point, as we slowly crossed a section of washed-out road, the bus swayed far to the right, then far to the left, as if it might roll on its side. Once we cleared the mountain pass, it was easy driving – especially for those of us resting in the back.
After a short flight to Port Moresby and a four hour layover, we made our nearly four hour flight to Sydney, Australia, where we had dinner and a short bus tour by Mario (a friend of Tony) and his wife Caroline. Our travels have been good and God continues to bless us with the fellowship of his people. We continue our return trip tomorrow morning: on to Auckland, NZ.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Parting is Sweet Sorrow
Our work in Ukarumpa is nearly complete. We have had many goodbyes with the people of Ba’e village, and that has been very hard. And also many missionary friends – new and old – at SIL. We have come to love them.
It’s evening and we have all gone to our own houses to pack. We will make the three-hour drive through the mountains from Ukarumpa to Lae during the wee hours of the morning – from about 2am to 5am Friday morning (noon to 3pm on Thursday in Rochester). The village pastor and his wife, Ham and Weti, will accompany us to see us off at the airport in the morning. Bruce will drive the bus again and Paula, Peter and Anna will be with us, too.
When we drove to Ukarumpa on our arrival, the views were spectacular. This time, it will be dark, and we’ll be passing through the territory of a man named Patrick. He is what is called a “rascal” – a gang leader to us. He and his gang have recently been blocking roads through the mountains to rob travelers, and the police have been unable to stop him. We ask your prayers for safe passage, not only through the mountains of PNG, but on our long journey home.
We are scheduled to arrive in Rochester at about 9:30 Sunday morning. We look forward to seeing many of you soon.
We still have much to report, and we’ll be updating the blog further, including – as much as possible – updates on our travel. God has given us blessing after blessing on this trip, and I expect there is more to come.
Stay tuned.
It’s evening and we have all gone to our own houses to pack. We will make the three-hour drive through the mountains from Ukarumpa to Lae during the wee hours of the morning – from about 2am to 5am Friday morning (noon to 3pm on Thursday in Rochester). The village pastor and his wife, Ham and Weti, will accompany us to see us off at the airport in the morning. Bruce will drive the bus again and Paula, Peter and Anna will be with us, too.
When we drove to Ukarumpa on our arrival, the views were spectacular. This time, it will be dark, and we’ll be passing through the territory of a man named Patrick. He is what is called a “rascal” – a gang leader to us. He and his gang have recently been blocking roads through the mountains to rob travelers, and the police have been unable to stop him. We ask your prayers for safe passage, not only through the mountains of PNG, but on our long journey home.
We are scheduled to arrive in Rochester at about 9:30 Sunday morning. We look forward to seeing many of you soon.
We still have much to report, and we’ll be updating the blog further, including – as much as possible – updates on our travel. God has given us blessing after blessing on this trip, and I expect there is more to come.
Stay tuned.
Bugs?
We begin today our final full day in
Building on a Sure Foundation
(Wednesday, September 22) The rains continued yesterday, but the men forged ahead with their work on the addition, undaunted by the mud and chill. Most of the work could be done inside now: David, Jonathan and Scott led the effort on the floors; Tony and Bruce focused on the ceilings; Gary worked on door frames and general oversight; and our Aussie friend, Matt, focused on wiring. Will we finish before we leave? That looks doubtful now, but we’ll be very far along, and the McFarlands express there “amamas” – joy, or happiness – over what is being accomplished. In the words of the psalmist: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1a) The work of the Lord has been very evident on this trip.
Our ministry teams returned to the village yesterday. It was our third visit for ministry, in addition to Sunday’s time of worship. Ingrid and Donna met with the women and they continued their talks. Last time the focus was on the importance of knowing and following God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), with both Ingrid and Donna sharing. This time the theme was Forgiving One Another. “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you,” (Colossians 3:13) was her key verse. There had already been clear of evidence of a healing of the rift that had divided some of them, but the good news of Jesus was working even deeper.
Aaron, Becky, Marylou, Mark, John, Nick and Tim met with the children and the men (including teenagers). At our second meeting we continued our teaching on courage; Becky told the story of David’s courage in standing for righteousness by facing Goliath so that “the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.” (1 Samuel 17:46) In doing so, he, like Esther, became a national hero. At our third meeting the focus was on Jesus – the greatest hero of all. Though he knew obeying the Father’s will would lead to his own suffering and death, “he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51) He courageously “demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) And because he lives now, we too, can live.
New life through Jesus was Aaron’s story. He took the men aside and shared the story of God’s dramatic work in his life – an amazing story of redemption and renewal, and a story you will want to hear.
At the end of this time of ministry, men and women had declared their new desire to follow Jesus. What powerful work the Lord has been doing. And the bonds of friendship that have developed between our ministry team and the people of Ba’e are special indeed. We all know we now have new family members – brothers and sisters in Christ – on the other side of the world. “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”
P.S. Aaron will be telling his story at Journey Christian Church’s Men’s Retreat (Friday & Saturday, October 2 & 3; contact Journey if you would like information on the retreat.)
Our ministry teams returned to the village yesterday. It was our third visit for ministry, in addition to Sunday’s time of worship. Ingrid and Donna met with the women and they continued their talks. Last time the focus was on the importance of knowing and following God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), with both Ingrid and Donna sharing. This time the theme was Forgiving One Another. “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you,” (Colossians 3:13) was her key verse. There had already been clear of evidence of a healing of the rift that had divided some of them, but the good news of Jesus was working even deeper.Aaron, Becky, Marylou, Mark, John, Nick and Tim met with the children and the men (including teenagers). At our second meeting we continued our teaching on courage; Becky told the story of David’s courage in standing for righteousness by facing Goliath so that “the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.” (1 Samuel 17:46) In doing so, he, like Esther, became a national hero. At our third meeting the focus was on Jesus – the greatest hero of all. Though he knew obeying the Father’s will would lead to his own suffering and death, “he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51) He courageously “demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) And because he lives now, we too, can live.
New life through Jesus was Aaron’s story. He took the men aside and shared the story of God’s dramatic work in his life – an amazing story of redemption and renewal, and a story you will want to hear.
At the end of this time of ministry, men and women had declared their new desire to follow Jesus. What powerful work the Lord has been doing. And the bonds of friendship that have developed between our ministry team and the people of Ba’e are special indeed. We all know we now have new family members – brothers and sisters in Christ – on the other side of the world. “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”
P.S. Aaron will be telling his story at Journey Christian Church’s Men’s Retreat (Friday & Saturday, October 2 & 3; contact Journey if you would like information on the retreat.)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A Note on Communications Home
The internet has certainly made the world seem a lot smaller. We e-mail people literally on the other side of the world and link to web-sites that are located, not on earth, but in cyberspace. Of course, there is an earthly connection, and connections are the key. Many of us have been trying to communicate with you via e-mails, Skype and web-blogs, but it isn’t always easy, and we aren’t always successful. Power is inconsistent and internet access in Ukarumpa has limited band-width. Surfing the net has been painfully slow for us, if we can access it at all. Most of our communication has been via the McFarland’s computer, as our own access has run into difficulties.
Nevertheless, the main point here is to let you know that your family members and friends have been trying. If you haven’t heard from us directly, we are all doing well. We’re all certainly working hard and we’re tired by the end of the day, but we’re also enjoying this unique opportunity to serve our Lord and live out our faith.
We’re also thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers. Our hearts especially go out to one of our church families, who lost a loved-one this week: May the God of all comfort be your peace and your strength.
Nevertheless, the main point here is to let you know that your family members and friends have been trying. If you haven’t heard from us directly, we are all doing well. We’re all certainly working hard and we’re tired by the end of the day, but we’re also enjoying this unique opportunity to serve our Lord and live out our faith.
We’re also thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers. Our hearts especially go out to one of our church families, who lost a loved-one this week: May the God of all comfort be your peace and your strength.
We’re Building in the Rain
We’ve made a lot of progress on the house addition the last two work days (Saturday and Monday) despite several interruptions yesterday by heavy downpours. Most of our time here has been dry, but not the last two days. But now, most of our work will be inside the house. The metal roof is in place, though not securely attached, and most of the sides are up (we enclosed it entirely last night as the interior of the house would have been exposed).
The flooring is going in on top of the joists, one piece of hard wood at a time. Meanwhile, the ceiling noggins are almost in place, to be followed by the Masonite ceiling boards. Bruce’s office room walls and ceiling all went up yesterday. It’s coming together quickly, but we’re also running short on time here. We’re praying for efficiency in our work – and good weather for the remainder of it.
The flooring is going in on top of the joists, one piece of hard wood at a time. Meanwhile, the ceiling noggins are almost in place, to be followed by the Masonite ceiling boards. Bruce’s office room walls and ceiling all went up yesterday. It’s coming together quickly, but we’re also running short on time here. We’re praying for efficiency in our work – and good weather for the remainder of it.
A Tale of Two “Cities”
The SIL missionary complex is a large neighborhood surrounded by a number of small, native villages – but separated from them by gates and guards. The villages have extremely little material wealth. Their homes, I’ve mentioned earlier, are made of grass and bamboo with almost nothing inside, and the surrounding land is mostly used for growing the food they live on. Their food is generally plentiful, but they have limited means of preserving it to last through years with poor crops.
The missionaries, by contrast, generally live in small, but nice homes with many – not all – modern conveniences. Most have one floor, but a few have two or walkout basements in this mountainous area. Inside, the floors are hardwood, with paneled walls that are sometimes covered with woven bamboo for decoration. Outside, the homes have spacious, well manicured lawns with gardens full of bright colored flowers, poinsettia trees and banana patches. There is often a compost pit hidden in these gardens. Since there are no garbage disposals, all biodegradable waste – fruit and vegetable peels, food scraps, egg shells, etc. -- are stored in a tightly closed plastic bucket to contain the powerful smell until they are brought to the pit. That’s not a pleasant job; by the time you’re done you might need some sawdust, too.
At night, the homes are well lit by security lights, and the unpaved, rocky streets are patrolled by PNG nationals. Andrew often greets me with a bright smile and a handshake, day or night, as he slowly makes his rounds. Safety is a high priority here. For all the idyllic notions of this being a tropical paradise, it is more of a paradise lost. And just like the one in Milton’s story, it is a paradise in need of re-creation by the Spirit of God.
In many respects, the problems we have in the cities of America are problems here, too. Drugs. Crime. Rape. Gangs (of a sort). These are all present here – even to the extent that missionaries typically keep their doors locked during the evening hours to prevent home invasions even while they’re awake.
All of this points to Paul’s assertion that “there is no one righteous, not even one.” (Romans 3:10) This tendency to sin is built into our nature. But even the most hardened of sinners have a hope beyond themselves in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. I have seen proof of it numerous times during this trip, where a life turned over to Christ is miraculously changed and habits of death are replaced with life. “Therefore,” as Paul also says, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The missionaries, by contrast, generally live in small, but nice homes with many – not all – modern conveniences. Most have one floor, but a few have two or walkout basements in this mountainous area. Inside, the floors are hardwood, with paneled walls that are sometimes covered with woven bamboo for decoration. Outside, the homes have spacious, well manicured lawns with gardens full of bright colored flowers, poinsettia trees and banana patches. There is often a compost pit hidden in these gardens. Since there are no garbage disposals, all biodegradable waste – fruit and vegetable peels, food scraps, egg shells, etc. -- are stored in a tightly closed plastic bucket to contain the powerful smell until they are brought to the pit. That’s not a pleasant job; by the time you’re done you might need some sawdust, too.
At night, the homes are well lit by security lights, and the unpaved, rocky streets are patrolled by PNG nationals. Andrew often greets me with a bright smile and a handshake, day or night, as he slowly makes his rounds. Safety is a high priority here. For all the idyllic notions of this being a tropical paradise, it is more of a paradise lost. And just like the one in Milton’s story, it is a paradise in need of re-creation by the Spirit of God.
In many respects, the problems we have in the cities of America are problems here, too. Drugs. Crime. Rape. Gangs (of a sort). These are all present here – even to the extent that missionaries typically keep their doors locked during the evening hours to prevent home invasions even while they’re awake.
All of this points to Paul’s assertion that “there is no one righteous, not even one.” (Romans 3:10) This tendency to sin is built into our nature. But even the most hardened of sinners have a hope beyond themselves in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. I have seen proof of it numerous times during this trip, where a life turned over to Christ is miraculously changed and habits of death are replaced with life. “Therefore,” as Paul also says, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Praise Him Yu Jesus
Today (Sunday), the whole PNG mission team went over to the village to worship at Ba’e Church. About a quarter of the team had not been there yet, but we were all ready for a new experience.
As usual, we were greeted graciously by the people of Ba’e as we gathered in the old church. There were seven or eight rows of pews on each side of the little church, with the aisle running down between them. The pews were simple and made of rough hewn wood, but worn smooth by years of worship. At the end of the church was the pulpit. Pastor Hamm led the congregation from in front of the pulpit, standing on the stony, dirt floor.
He spoke in Tok Pisin, which we were able to decipher partly from context and partly from the words themselves. His worship team, various members of his family and the congregation, led us in songs of praise to God with the theme of unity in Jesus scattered throughout the service. Though most of us had already met many of them, our team was invited to come to the front of the church, introduce ourselves and share whatever God might have given us to share. No worries about the time!
Later, Tony was invited to give the message, which was based on Matthew 18:21-35 – a message on forgiveness. It was a simple, but challenging reminder of the basic gospel message: none of us is without fault; we are all sinners. And because of this, Jesus gave himself on the cross, taking on our sins and dieing in our place so that, through faith in his saving work – and not by anything that we could ever do ourselves (Ephesians 2:8-9) – we would be forgiven. Therefore, since God forgives us so graciously through faith in Jesus Christ, shouldn’t we who are Christians graciously forgive others as well? It was an appropriate message for this little congregation that had recently experienced division; it was likely an important message for the rest of us to hear as well.
It was, throughout, an emotional service. Our team gathered a second time to present Bibles in Tok Pisin to a number of people who didn’t already have God’s word in their own language. Among those gladly receiving this “tok bilong Papa God” were Gana and Pi’i, two men whose bigheartedness had already been made evident to me.
After the service, we celebrated with a mu-mu, a special meal of chicken, kau-kau, pit-pit, potatos and leafy greens – all cooked in an underground “oven.” What a shower of blessings it was, even with the rain that would soon pour down on us. And it was a special day of worship and fellowship among men, women and children who were different in skin color, wealth, education, technology and geography, yet united as brothers and sisters through a common faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Being a Servant
While the men work on the house, the women have been working very hard at keeping all eighteen of us fed and doing our laundry. The food preparation is meticulous. Produce is bought at the market and cleaned, carefully in bleach water to kill any germs that could occupy bathrooms for days. So far so good even with the leafy vegetables. Paula provides the guidance in this while Marylou, Ingrid, Donna and Becky work side-by-side. Sometimes Aretme, a hired local, helps out.
Laundry is also a challenge – especially with this large group. Clothes need washing daily for the men working on the building project; and the kids…. Enough said. Washing is fairly easy; drying is the harder part. To be strategic, wash gets on one day and hung out to dry early in the morning. The heavy dews and frequent misty rains can undo a day’s work. So the ladies have been quite busy. They are truly examples of Paul’s encouragement to all Christians to “serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” (Ephesians 6:7)
We had another example of service last night. The Schwager’s hosted us for dessert in a kind of “progressive” dinner. At their house, another missionary, who first came to PNG with his wife in 1964 shared some of his life story. We sat, even the children, in rapt attention. The story of Bob and Shirley Literal is an inspiring one of faith and marriage. It is a story of trusting God as he led them to a remote people to translate the good news of Jesus over the course of 35 years. They went out to the mission field as newlyweds with this word of encouragement from Shirley: “God will bless us with many trials and difficulties.” When Shirley died with Alzheimer’s disease some 40 years later, Bob could say that those last years of caring for her were the best years of his life.
Praise God for such faith and commitment!
P.S. Happy anniversary to Scott and Joanne who are serving together half a world apart.
Laundry is also a challenge – especially with this large group. Clothes need washing daily for the men working on the building project; and the kids…. Enough said. Washing is fairly easy; drying is the harder part. To be strategic, wash gets on one day and hung out to dry early in the morning. The heavy dews and frequent misty rains can undo a day’s work. So the ladies have been quite busy. They are truly examples of Paul’s encouragement to all Christians to “serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” (Ephesians 6:7)
We had another example of service last night. The Schwager’s hosted us for dessert in a kind of “progressive” dinner. At their house, another missionary, who first came to PNG with his wife in 1964 shared some of his life story. We sat, even the children, in rapt attention. The story of Bob and Shirley Literal is an inspiring one of faith and marriage. It is a story of trusting God as he led them to a remote people to translate the good news of Jesus over the course of 35 years. They went out to the mission field as newlyweds with this word of encouragement from Shirley: “God will bless us with many trials and difficulties.” When Shirley died with Alzheimer’s disease some 40 years later, Bob could say that those last years of caring for her were the best years of his life.
Praise God for such faith and commitment!
P.S. Happy anniversary to Scott and Joanne who are serving together half a world apart.
Friday, September 18, 2009
The Village People
As work on the McFarlands’ addition continues, some of us make the short trek across the knee-deep Ba’e River to visit the native New Guineans on the other side. The river is neither muddy, nor clear, and probably part of the sewage system. It has a steady, but mild current, making it fun for children to splash in its cold water further downstream.
From the moment we cross the river, we are greeted by the village people – and what friendly people they are. In pairs and in groups they meet us, expecting our arrival and are eager to see us.
There are mothers with little ones trailing behind or sleeping, lengthwise, in bilum bags slung around their shoulders or foreheads. They are usually barefoot and the dark skin of their feet and legs looks almost chalky, especially the children, being closer to the dusty ground. Their well worn clothing is very Western (except for their mariblauses) – not only in style, but also in content: many children wear shirts with American or European team logos; there are one or two Spiderman shirts; there is even an old woman wearing a Bob Marley shirt – obviously hand-me-downs from visitors past and present.
Most of the women wear long mariblauses over their long skirts, though western pants beneath the mariblauses are beginning to creep into the culture.
Pastor Hamm greets us at the riverside and he leads us in our growing parade across the fallen tree-bridge, up the steep hillside to the village area. We pass a small group of huts with grass roofs and thatched walls, and continue on a straight, carefully dug out path between two parcels of farmland. We are told that rice was planted on one of them.
As we approach our destination, we are greeted by a larger throng – mostly women, children and old men – holding a homemade sign: “Welcome to Ba’e Church.” They line our path and greet us, one by one. ”Name bilong yu?” they ask after introducing themselves. Even our “pikininni”, John, Nick and Tim, are asked. They all shake our hands and many hugs are exchanged. This could have been a twenty minute walk, if not for their warm greetings. These are prolonged, joyously, by their reunions with Ingrid, Tony and Donna, who were here on earlier visits.
Having reached the church, we settle in for a time of ministry. Ingrid and Donna gather in the old church with the women of the village and some of the older boys and men. Ingrid shares her testimony of God’s rescues – including from her abandonment as a baby and her adoption, especially by God her Father through her faith in Jesus Christ.
Next door in the shade of the new church (still being built), Becky, Marylou, John, Nick and Tim minister to the children through songs of faith and God’s love. Then a time of teaching. Our theme for the children is courage, and Marylou begins by telling the story of the Jewish heroine Esther, who rescues her people from an early holocaust by putting her life on the line to save them: “If I die, I die,” she reasons. Her story is a foreshadowing of the ultimate rescue (for those who believe) by Jesus, who gave his life as a ransom for many.
A time of celebration follows an exchange of gifts to the children – theirs and ours. The old man, Obo gives bows and arrows to our boys and Pi'i gives us a carved pig decoration. He recently received Jesus as his savior.
After returning to the missionary center, the day is well spent, but it is capped by the social event of the season. Bruce conducts the middle and high school marching bands in a concert for the center. Peter takes part on French horn. It was an excellent performance and a perfect way to end the day.
From the moment we cross the river, we are greeted by the village people – and what friendly people they are. In pairs and in groups they meet us, expecting our arrival and are eager to see us.
There are mothers with little ones trailing behind or sleeping, lengthwise, in bilum bags slung around their shoulders or foreheads. They are usually barefoot and the dark skin of their feet and legs looks almost chalky, especially the children, being closer to the dusty ground. Their well worn clothing is very Western (except for their mariblauses) – not only in style, but also in content: many children wear shirts with American or European team logos; there are one or two Spiderman shirts; there is even an old woman wearing a Bob Marley shirt – obviously hand-me-downs from visitors past and present.
Most of the women wear long mariblauses over their long skirts, though western pants beneath the mariblauses are beginning to creep into the culture.
Pastor Hamm greets us at the riverside and he leads us in our growing parade across the fallen tree-bridge, up the steep hillside to the village area. We pass a small group of huts with grass roofs and thatched walls, and continue on a straight, carefully dug out path between two parcels of farmland. We are told that rice was planted on one of them.
As we approach our destination, we are greeted by a larger throng – mostly women, children and old men – holding a homemade sign: “Welcome to Ba’e Church.” They line our path and greet us, one by one. ”Name bilong yu?” they ask after introducing themselves. Even our “pikininni”, John, Nick and Tim, are asked. They all shake our hands and many hugs are exchanged. This could have been a twenty minute walk, if not for their warm greetings. These are prolonged, joyously, by their reunions with Ingrid, Tony and Donna, who were here on earlier visits.
Having reached the church, we settle in for a time of ministry. Ingrid and Donna gather in the old church with the women of the village and some of the older boys and men. Ingrid shares her testimony of God’s rescues – including from her abandonment as a baby and her adoption, especially by God her Father through her faith in Jesus Christ.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – Ephesians 2: 8-9
Next door in the shade of the new church (still being built), Becky, Marylou, John, Nick and Tim minister to the children through songs of faith and God’s love. Then a time of teaching. Our theme for the children is courage, and Marylou begins by telling the story of the Jewish heroine Esther, who rescues her people from an early holocaust by putting her life on the line to save them: “If I die, I die,” she reasons. Her story is a foreshadowing of the ultimate rescue (for those who believe) by Jesus, who gave his life as a ransom for many.
A time of celebration follows an exchange of gifts to the children – theirs and ours. The old man, Obo gives bows and arrows to our boys and Pi'i gives us a carved pig decoration. He recently received Jesus as his savior.
After returning to the missionary center, the day is well spent, but it is capped by the social event of the season. Bruce conducts the middle and high school marching bands in a concert for the center. Peter takes part on French horn. It was an excellent performance and a perfect way to end the day.
A Good Day's Work
(Thursday, 9/16) Yesterday was our first full day in Ukarumpa. It’s hard to believe because it seems like we left home so long ago. It was also a busy day that varied for all of us.
We all gather together for morning devotions. We’ll work through the letter of James while we’re here. Scott led us through the first eighteen verses. Being strengthened in faith by our trials was a major theme.
Before that Marylou and Ingrid joined Paula on her morning walk today and finished up at the marketplace to get fresh fruit and vegetables for our lunch and evening meals. After devotions, Donna and Becky joined them for the meal preparation and other chores. All of the ladies were blessed by a visit from Wetti, pastor Hamm’s wife. She brought them Mariblouses – traditional blouses worn by the women to ensure modest covering. We had kau kau soup for dinner – basically a vegetable soup with kau kau (a form of sweet potato) as the main attraction. Donna also finally met Marlene Schutter, the music director from the International School.
Meanwhile the men got working on the McFarland’s room additions. Scott and Tony completed the floor joists (already underway). Jonathan, Aaron and Mark variously removed windows from the former outside wall, built some solid sawhorses, etc. David worked largely on the inside. Gary worked on the plans and laid out the first wall. We raised that near then end of the day; it was a moment of great excitement. Pastor Hamm paid us a visit, too and also lent a hand.
Bora, Daniel and Casona, local hired hands, occasionally assisted us while also building a rock retainer wall.
For all of us, it was a good day of hard work. Tomorrow, we’ll have our first trip to the native village.
We all gather together for morning devotions. We’ll work through the letter of James while we’re here. Scott led us through the first eighteen verses. Being strengthened in faith by our trials was a major theme.
Before that Marylou and Ingrid joined Paula on her morning walk today and finished up at the marketplace to get fresh fruit and vegetables for our lunch and evening meals. After devotions, Donna and Becky joined them for the meal preparation and other chores. All of the ladies were blessed by a visit from Wetti, pastor Hamm’s wife. She brought them Mariblouses – traditional blouses worn by the women to ensure modest covering. We had kau kau soup for dinner – basically a vegetable soup with kau kau (a form of sweet potato) as the main attraction. Donna also finally met Marlene Schutter, the music director from the International School.
Meanwhile the men got working on the McFarland’s room additions. Scott and Tony completed the floor joists (already underway). Jonathan, Aaron and Mark variously removed windows from the former outside wall, built some solid sawhorses, etc. David worked largely on the inside. Gary worked on the plans and laid out the first wall. We raised that near then end of the day; it was a moment of great excitement. Pastor Hamm paid us a visit, too and also lent a hand.
Bora, Daniel and Casona, local hired hands, occasionally assisted us while also building a rock retainer wall.
For all of us, it was a good day of hard work. Tomorrow, we’ll have our first trip to the native village.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Sweet Fellowship!
(Wed. morning, 9/16) Ukarumpa at last! We got here yesterday afternoon.
The plane ride to Lae felt like the Jack Rabbit roller coaster at Sea Breeze, but at the end, waving to us from the other side of the security fence were the McFarlands and the Schwagers (another missionary family from home). What a joy to see them for all fourteen of us! The luggage took too long to collect – even a couple of minutes was too long; we wanted to embrace our friends.
After a few heartwarming moments of greeting and prayer of thanks in this small, dingy, third world airport (for the nation’s second largest city), we loaded our bags onto an old bus that could seat about 18 people and off we went. We travelled quickly and in bright daylight to avoid the hassle of roadside robbers who occasionally wait along our route.
The road from Lae to Ukarumpa runs through the Markum (sp?) Valley and looked, at times, like pictures I’ve seen of the Serengeti Planes – broad, flat, dry and grassy, but bordered on the sides by distant, rugged, grassy mountains. There were brush fires burning frequently (apparently intentionally lit for amusement), that charred large stretches of the valley and mountainsides.
Villages of native huts with thatched walls and grass roofs were scattered frequently along the way. There were also coconut groves with cocoa plants growing in their shade – the essential ingredients for a Mounds candy bar, someone noted.
We sped through the valley as fast as Bruce could take us. Then, after an hour or two, began our ascent to the highlands of Ukarumpa. It was spectacular scenery as we climbed on switchbacks that dropped precipitously. We slowed to a crawl at times where the road had washed away. After about three hours, we reached Ukarumpa, passing through another marketplace where nationals sold bright colored cultural goods (clothing, etc.) a fruits and vegetables. It had every appearance of an impoverished, but happy people.
Finally, we arrived at the SIL (Summer Institute of Linguistics) missionary center where the McFarlands gave us “the right hand of fellowship.” We unloaded the bus and the adults began preparing for our first meal together; the children (Peter & Anna McFarland and John, Nick & Tim) immediately set to playing together, picking up their old friendship. We all, young and older, had a wonderful time of fellowship.
Today, we go to work. More on that later.
The plane ride to Lae felt like the Jack Rabbit roller coaster at Sea Breeze, but at the end, waving to us from the other side of the security fence were the McFarlands and the Schwagers (another missionary family from home). What a joy to see them for all fourteen of us! The luggage took too long to collect – even a couple of minutes was too long; we wanted to embrace our friends.
After a few heartwarming moments of greeting and prayer of thanks in this small, dingy, third world airport (for the nation’s second largest city), we loaded our bags onto an old bus that could seat about 18 people and off we went. We travelled quickly and in bright daylight to avoid the hassle of roadside robbers who occasionally wait along our route.
The road from Lae to Ukarumpa runs through the Markum (sp?) Valley and looked, at times, like pictures I’ve seen of the Serengeti Planes – broad, flat, dry and grassy, but bordered on the sides by distant, rugged, grassy mountains. There were brush fires burning frequently (apparently intentionally lit for amusement), that charred large stretches of the valley and mountainsides.
Villages of native huts with thatched walls and grass roofs were scattered frequently along the way. There were also coconut groves with cocoa plants growing in their shade – the essential ingredients for a Mounds candy bar, someone noted.
We sped through the valley as fast as Bruce could take us. Then, after an hour or two, began our ascent to the highlands of Ukarumpa. It was spectacular scenery as we climbed on switchbacks that dropped precipitously. We slowed to a crawl at times where the road had washed away. After about three hours, we reached Ukarumpa, passing through another marketplace where nationals sold bright colored cultural goods (clothing, etc.) a fruits and vegetables. It had every appearance of an impoverished, but happy people.
Finally, we arrived at the SIL (Summer Institute of Linguistics) missionary center where the McFarlands gave us “the right hand of fellowship.” We unloaded the bus and the adults began preparing for our first meal together; the children (Peter & Anna McFarland and John, Nick & Tim) immediately set to playing together, picking up their old friendship. We all, young and older, had a wonderful time of fellowship.
Today, we go to work. More on that later.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Port Moresby
Port Moresby is the capital city of PNG. It has an international airport about the size of that of a very small American town. As we drive from the airport to our lodging for the night, we get a sense of the city. It is not wealthy; not as densely packed as I expected; lush with trees – and barriers and graffiti.
The smell of campfires flows throughout the city. It is dark now and people sell food and other goods along the roadside, lit up at night by long fluorescent lights standing upright. The mission home, our overnight house in Port Moresby, is fenced with barbed wire and posted with a guard. This is the capital city.
We awoke this morning to the sounds of roosters crowing very early (maybe 3 am). Soon, they are joined by a chorus of birds singing, filling the air with the music of God’s creation – the exotic and the familiar (occasional cars are also speeding by). It’s the capital city.
As the sky brightens, we see the lush, green foliage. Palm-like plants and trees abound, some with bright orange flowers. It is warm and humid and tropical here near the equator. One by one we rise. The beds and showers felt great after two days of traveling (with more to come today).
We gather haphazardly in the kitchen and help ourselves to the toasts and cereals. A jar of vitamin-enriched yeast spread is on the table. It’s labeled “Vegemite.” I remember it from the ‘80s Men at Work song (“We Come from the Land Down Under”), so I try it on a dry biscuit. The others laugh at me as I try hard to swallow it. It is undoubtedly the worst taste I have ever experienced.
The best part of the morning was meeting a missionary couple who have lived the last 23 years in a seacoast village accessible only by boat and fifteen hours away from the nearest town. A few months ago, they completed their translation of the New Testament for this isolated people. Katherine shares her joy with us and reads a familiar passage to my children, who are listening to her story. The words flow melodiously off her lips. How beautiful they sound. When we hear the translation to English, they are even more beautiful: “God loved his earthly people so much that he gave his only son, so that whoever believes in him will not die forever.” And so the gospel is spread.
The smell of campfires flows throughout the city. It is dark now and people sell food and other goods along the roadside, lit up at night by long fluorescent lights standing upright. The mission home, our overnight house in Port Moresby, is fenced with barbed wire and posted with a guard. This is the capital city.
We awoke this morning to the sounds of roosters crowing very early (maybe 3 am). Soon, they are joined by a chorus of birds singing, filling the air with the music of God’s creation – the exotic and the familiar (occasional cars are also speeding by). It’s the capital city.
As the sky brightens, we see the lush, green foliage. Palm-like plants and trees abound, some with bright orange flowers. It is warm and humid and tropical here near the equator. One by one we rise. The beds and showers felt great after two days of traveling (with more to come today).
We gather haphazardly in the kitchen and help ourselves to the toasts and cereals. A jar of vitamin-enriched yeast spread is on the table. It’s labeled “Vegemite.” I remember it from the ‘80s Men at Work song (“We Come from the Land Down Under”), so I try it on a dry biscuit. The others laugh at me as I try hard to swallow it. It is undoubtedly the worst taste I have ever experienced.
The best part of the morning was meeting a missionary couple who have lived the last 23 years in a seacoast village accessible only by boat and fifteen hours away from the nearest town. A few months ago, they completed their translation of the New Testament for this isolated people. Katherine shares her joy with us and reads a familiar passage to my children, who are listening to her story. The words flow melodiously off her lips. How beautiful they sound. When we hear the translation to English, they are even more beautiful: “God loved his earthly people so much that he gave his only son, so that whoever believes in him will not die forever.” And so the gospel is spread.
Greetings from Papua New Guinea!
We landed in PNG about 7:40 last night – just a little farther to go to Ukarumpa.
We spent this afternoon in
Bruce McFarland had arranged for us to be picked up at the airport, which is exactly what happened. We packed our 19 backpacks and suitcases into a mini van and then all 14 of us climbed in. It was a tight fit, but worth it for the short ride to the mission guest house we stayed at overnight. We were exhausted from travel, but no worse for wear. After a short time of prayer and thanksgiving together, we all went to sleep.
Today we go back to the airport for a short flight to Lae where we expect to be greeted by Bruce. Then a 2 ½ to 3 hour drive to Ukarumpa (in a much larger bus!). More to come shortly....
Monday, September 14, 2009
G'Day Mates!
We've arrived in Brisbane, Australia. Everyone is feeling fine after long hours of travel and waiting in airports. One bag of supplies for the McFarlands has been separated from us. We hope to receive that in Port Morsby tonight or tomorrow before we leave for Ukurumpa. Customs also took away the dried fruit we were carrying. : )
We don't know if we'll have internet access from Port Morsby. If not we'll touch base tomorrow.
For now, we are excited about heading on to Papua New Guinea to see the McFarlands and serve the Lord.
We don't know if we'll have internet access from Port Morsby. If not we'll touch base tomorrow.
For now, we are excited about heading on to Papua New Guinea to see the McFarlands and serve the Lord.
New Zealand!
We're getting closer. A long flight over the Pacific throughout the night. Wonderful service from the folks on Air New Zealand. Papua New Guinea is closer and prettier than ever (to paraphrase Dorothy). Traveling completely in darkness reminds me of Paul's exhortation:
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless
and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and
twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to
the word of life -- Philippians 2:14-16
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Are We There Yet?
Not yet. We're in Philedelphia (the City of Brotherly Love) awaiting our flight to Los Angeles (the City of Angels). Those names reflect a certain character of our nation's history.
Nick asked, "How much longer?" while we were checking our bags in Rochester. I am reminded that patience is in Paul's list of virtues.
Nick asked, "How much longer?" while we were checking our bags in Rochester. I am reminded that patience is in Paul's list of virtues.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Our PNG Team
This is our team. We were formally commissioned by Journey Christian Church yesterday for our mission to PNG. We are, from left to right (back row): David, Aaron, Gary, Tony & Scott; (middle row) Jonathan, Mark, Marylou, Ingrid & Donna; (front row) Nick, Tim, John & Becky.
We are businessmen, homemakers, students, church elders, engineers, servants, physicians.... We're people from a variety of backgrounds with at least two things in common: we're sinners who've been forgiven, and we're on a journey together to serve the Savior we love.
We are businessmen, homemakers, students, church elders, engineers, servants, physicians.... We're people from a variety of backgrounds with at least two things in common: we're sinners who've been forgiven, and we're on a journey together to serve the Savior we love.
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ...." -- Romans 5:1
A Call to Serve
Stories from the Team (this post was originally sent out as an e-mail: "A Message from Marylou and Mark", by Marylou.)
We're heading "down under" this September on a missions trip to visit friends of ours from church, Bruce and Paula McFarland. They are missionaries in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and have been serving there since the 1990's. The two youngest of their six children, Peter and Anna, are still there with them. The main purpose of their missionary group is to translate the Bible into the native languages of the people. There are over 800 languages in PNG! The McFarlands are not translators themselves; they teach at the school for missionary children. They are also very active in their church in one of the villages teaching Sunday school, leading Bible studies and ministering to the native people.
Thank you again and God Bless You!
Marylou (and Mark, John, Nick & Tim) Buonaugurio
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
July 2009
Dear Family and Friends,We're heading "down under" this September on a missions trip to visit friends of ours from church, Bruce and Paula McFarland. They are missionaries in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and have been serving there since the 1990's. The two youngest of their six children, Peter and Anna, are still there with them. The main purpose of their missionary group is to translate the Bible into the native languages of the people. There are over 800 languages in PNG! The McFarlands are not translators themselves; they teach at the school for missionary children. They are also very active in their church in one of the villages teaching Sunday school, leading Bible studies and ministering to the native people.
The McFarland's home in PNG is very small; Anna's bedroom is also Bruce's office, and they have no storage space. We and nine others from our church (Journey Christian Church) are planning this missions trip to PNG to put an addition on their home. This addition will give Anna her own room, Bruce his office space and much needed storage for their family's belongings.
When the trip was proposed this spring, Mark suggested that we think about going as a family - not for vacation, but for a growth experience we would never forget. I must not have been ready to grow because I said, "No". John was eager and ready (he wants to see his friend, Peter); Nick and Tim agreed with me. I had no idea what my purpose would be in going to this remote part of the world - almost as far away from Rochester, NY as one could get.
My fears were getting the best of me: a 36-hour plane trip, bugs, none of the comforts of home, bugs, crossing a river to get to the villages, and (did I mention?) bugs. Over a couple of months' time, my thoughts began to change. Several Bible passages from my daily readings told me to "fear not" and "trust in the Lord". When this kept happening, I knew the Lord was telling me we should go and He will help me with my fears.
I also discovered my purpose in going when I found out what Paula does on a daily basis and how her work would greatly increase with a team of 14 descending upon them. There would be many meals to cook (without the convenient, pre-washed and bagged items from Wegmans!) and much laundry to do (I'm not sure about washing machines, but all laundry must be hung out to dry - and pray that it doesn't rain). When I heard all of this, I realized God's purpose for me on the trip: go and help Paula. Nick and Tim have come around, too, and we are all very excited (but still nervous) about serving in PNG.
We are also hoping to minister to the kids in the village (e.g. Vacation Bible School). John, Nick and Tim would be able to help with this. While Mark's main focus will be on the construction project, he also hopes to spend time in the village and serve the native people.
We will all be stepping out of our comfort zones and are eager to see how the Lord will use this opportunity to grow us in our faith. If you are so led, please pray for us and the team:
When the trip was proposed this spring, Mark suggested that we think about going as a family - not for vacation, but for a growth experience we would never forget. I must not have been ready to grow because I said, "No". John was eager and ready (he wants to see his friend, Peter); Nick and Tim agreed with me. I had no idea what my purpose would be in going to this remote part of the world - almost as far away from Rochester, NY as one could get.
My fears were getting the best of me: a 36-hour plane trip, bugs, none of the comforts of home, bugs, crossing a river to get to the villages, and (did I mention?) bugs. Over a couple of months' time, my thoughts began to change. Several Bible passages from my daily readings told me to "fear not" and "trust in the Lord". When this kept happening, I knew the Lord was telling me we should go and He will help me with my fears.
I also discovered my purpose in going when I found out what Paula does on a daily basis and how her work would greatly increase with a team of 14 descending upon them. There would be many meals to cook (without the convenient, pre-washed and bagged items from Wegmans!) and much laundry to do (I'm not sure about washing machines, but all laundry must be hung out to dry - and pray that it doesn't rain). When I heard all of this, I realized God's purpose for me on the trip: go and help Paula. Nick and Tim have come around, too, and we are all very excited (but still nervous) about serving in PNG.
We are also hoping to minister to the kids in the village (e.g. Vacation Bible School). John, Nick and Tim would be able to help with this. While Mark's main focus will be on the construction project, he also hopes to spend time in the village and serve the native people.
We will all be stepping out of our comfort zones and are eager to see how the Lord will use this opportunity to grow us in our faith. If you are so led, please pray for us and the team:
- For safe travel and timely connections.
- That we all keep good attitudes during the traveling and serving.
- That we all stay healthy.
- That we have opportunities to serve the native people in the villages.
- That supplies are ready and we are able to complete the building project.
- That we all grow in faith and knowledge; and trust God in all things.
- That John, Nick and Tim will catch up with their school work when we return.
We thank you for your prayers…. If you would like to keep up to date with what is going on with our trip - before, during and after - you may do so by checking our blog at http://journeytopng.blogspot.com.
Thank you again and God Bless You!
Marylou (and Mark, John, Nick & Tim) Buonaugurio
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
-- Isaiah 41:10
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
-- Philippians 4:6-8
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Husat i save long tok Inglis? (Does anyone here speak English?)
Although there are over 800 indigenous languages in
Englis-to-Tok Pisin Translations
Hello = Gude (goo-DAY)
Hello (informal) = Hi. Hai. (HIGH)
How are you? = Yu stap gut? (you stahp goot?)
What is your name? = Husat nem bilong yu? (HOO-zaht naym bee-LONG yoo)
My name is _____. = Nem bilong mi emi _____. (naym bee-LONG mee em ee ______.)
Nice to meet you. = Gutpela long bungim yu. (GOOT-peh-lah long BOONG-im YOO)
Please. = Plis (plees)
Thank you. = Tenkyu (TENK-yoo)
You’re welcome. = Nogat samtin. (NO-gaht sahm-ting)
Yes. = Yes. (YESS)
No. = nogat. (no-GAHT)
Excuse me. = Skius. (skyooz)
I’m (very) sorry. = Mi sori [tumas]
Goodbye = Gutbai (GOOT-bigh)
Goodbye (informal) = Lukim you bihain. (LOO-keem yoo bee-HIGHN)
I can’t speak tok Pisin [well]. = Mi no save[gut] long Tok Pisin. (mee noh SAH-vay long tohk pisin.)
Do you speak English? = Yu save long tok Inglis, a? (Yoo SAH-veh long tohkING-glis?)
Is there someone here who speaks English? = Husat i save long tok Inglis? (hoo-ZAHT ee SAH-veh long tohk ING-glis?)
PNG words for the fruits of the Spirit
Love: laikim tru = love or like very much
Joy: amamas = joy or happiness
Peace: bel isi = restful emotions or being in a state of rest or peace
Patience: no belhat kwik = not getting angry quickly
Kindness: helpim ol man = helping others
Goodness: makim gutpela pasin = do good things, or the habit of doing good
Gentleness: I stap isi = being in a state of rest or peace
Faithfulness: wokabaut stret oltaim = walking straight all the time
Self Control: daunim laik bilong olpela bel = down, or suppress the desires of your old self
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Sivini - Part II: Seek Peace and Pursue It
" But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure;
then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."-- James 3:17-18
At Christmastime 2006 in the town of
In early June 2007, after Sivini became a Christian, an Usarufa public motor vehicle ran out of fuel while traveling on the road through Kamano territory. For the Kamano who had lost loved ones in the fight at Christmastime 2006, this was seen as a golden opportunity to get even with the Usarufa for the killing they were responsible for. So a group of Kamano people attacked the Usarufa using bush knives and guns. Of the five young men that were on that public motor vehicle two were able to run away without getting hurt, but the three others were shot. Of those three, two were wounded, but one, a man from the Usarufa
The next day many Usarufa people gathered around their fighting leader, Sivini. They wanted to get the warriors together to go take care of the attackers. Sivini wanted them to stop talking about fighting back. But what could he do now? Everyone was looking to him. What he says goes. He called six men to him and set out to talk with the Kamano leaders. Three of the men were carrying guns.
On the way there he began to feel pain coming to his stomach. These were the same feelings he used to get before a fight. Whenever he got this pain, people always died. So, in front of the men he got on his knees and started to pray, “God you know I am a changed person. You know I am not going to fight but I go for peace now. Please stop this pain so no one will die.” He felt the pain instantly go away.
Then he put some special leaves on the guns. Through this old, cultural custom he was showing the Kamano people that, even though the Usarufa people had guns, they were coming in peace.
Sivini chose to talk with some Kamano Elders at a place called Amboi. Amboi was where, not too long before this, a peace treaty had been signed between the Usarufa and Kamano people.
Sivini told the elders that the people from the
Later, back in the village, the other men told everyone what had happened. People were shocked that Sivini told the Kamano that he had killed some of them and admitted that he was the key person to plan the attacks. His people said, “You shouldn’t have said that; now they will come and kill you.”
Sivini's response will warm your heart. Sivini told them, “It is OK if someone kills me, for I have accepted Jesus now and am ready to die if He wants me to. I have confessed everything to God, so I am not afraid.”
It is known that Sivini plays a big role amongst the Usarufa people. If Sivini says to fight, they all will fight, but if he says not to, they will respect that. Both Kamano and Usarufa people everywhere are asking, “What has made the big change in Sivini's life?”
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Sivini - Part I: Swords into Plowshares
Stories from the McFarlands ( by Bruce, from his 20008 Wycliffe speaking tour.)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation;
the old has gone, the new has come!"
-- 2Corinthians 5:17
One day in mid-2007, Sivini, the feared warlord of the Usarufa people came to Ukarumpa looking for farm equipment. Unbeknownst to him, at the same time there was a Translators Training Course ready to begin at Ukarumpa. The purpose [of the workshop] is to teach … translation teams the skills they need to work independently to translate God’s Word into their own language and also to become translators for other languages in PNG. Men from Sivini’s language group were to be a part of this workshop, but some of them were not able to come. Since they needed more participants from the Usarufa language, and Sivini was there at Ukarumpa, they invited him to join them in the workshop. When Sivini agreed, he had no idea that this was the hand of God working in his life … so that he could hear God’s message of salvation!
The course began and the intense study and translation of God’s Word gave Sivini a new understanding of who God is and taught him that he could have a relationship with Him.
When the students were reading the story in Genesis about Cain killing Abel and Abel’s blood calling out to God from the ground, the words pierced Sivini’s heart. He felt as if the blood of those he had killed was calling out to God from the ground.
You see, Sivini is a leader in his community and the fight commander for the Usarufa people. When someone in his village is attacked by people in a neighboring group, it is his responsibility to lead Usarufa men in seeking revenge. In this way he had killed many people. There were many times when bullets should have caught him, but they did not. For this reason, people from Sivini’s village, both young and old, respect him.
But when the students were translating the story of Cain and Abel, God spoke to Sivini’s heart. He knew he had been wrong and he wanted to be clean from his past. The next Sunday at the Pidgin-language church service in Ukarumpa, Sivini went forward to repent of his past and to ask for prayer. God lifted the burdens he had carried for many years. David Wake, the Summer Institute of Language Advocate for his language group, says even Sivini’s looks have changed since he accepted Jesus because now he no longer carries the weight of the guilt from his past. Who but Jesus could do such a wonderful thing?
Sivini knows he cannot continue as the fight leader in his village. Instead, he wants to spend his time helping the translation team in turning God’s “talk” into the Usarufa language, so that his people can know the Lord, too. He wants them to find peace, freedom and forgiveness from sin – just like he has!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Good Home Cookin'
(From Aretta Loving’s book, Slices of Life: From the Plate of a Bible Translator)
"I particularly enjoyed watching a woman, home early from her taro garden, prepare aboya. Sitting comfortably on the ground, she first peels taro tubers with a homemade knife: a razor-sharp piece of bamboo. Then with a thorny tree root she grates the taro. Water is added and brown hands became snow white as they work the taro-water mixture into a mush. The mush is spread onto a long, flattened bamboo tube, then bedecked with whatever delicacies she has on hand. Smoked rat, smoked frog or large, white witchetty grubs fresh from the foest are favorites. Finally, the woman chews up ginger rot and homemade salt, then spews the mixture onto the spread-out mush. The smashed bamboo is then rolled up and stuck inside a still larger bamboo tube. The long tube is laid over an open fire and gradually rotated and pushed through the fire. To make sure the tube stays on the fire long enough to cook the aboya, but not long enough to burn through the tube, is an art. And Awa women excel at this art!"
In 1959, Mrs. Loving and her husband Ed went to a remote village in PNG to live and work with the Awa people, to learn their language and to translate the Bible into it.
(Note: we won't be eating at that restaurant.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
