Another Milestone

by | Jan 30, 2023 | Family Updates

As the years roll on we time and again see the Lord’s faithfulness. As you see from the pictures, Daniel had a birthday. And no, he is not turning 1. We just didn’t want to put 17 candles in the cheesecake. When we celebrate these days we can reflect on God’s goodness to our family while also praying earnestly for our boys to learn to practically follow Jesus each and every day.

I have also been thinking of our new missionary orientation classes in a similar way. Every time the Lord brings new missionaries here to PNG to serve there are a whole new set of possibilities for ministry. The challenge can be to get them settled and further equipped to serve in this unique location. This isn’t always easy but we do find satisfaction in walking with these families on this journey.

It has been quite a while since I have been in Malaumanda. That is not usually the norm but my schedule since last summer hasn’t allowed for any time in there. In February I have a 1-week trip back home to spend some time with the church and church leaders. I’m assuming that I’ll have some work to do on the house and the old office, discussions with and concerning one of the leaders, and hopefully the opportunity to do some teaching. Please be praying for me as I prepare for this trip. Some of the preparation is in the form of lessons and supplies but the main preparation needs to be spiritual as I never know what sort of situation I will find myself in when I arrive.

Thanks for standing with us in prayer. We trust that you all are finding the strength and courage to follow the Lord during these last days before He comes to take us home.

In Him,

Eric and Judith, Stephen, Daniel and Timothy

The latest orientation class is in the early stages of learning the trade language and culture here in PNG. We have 3 families who are being taught primarily by two PNG men, Aute and Freddy.
I did a Pidgin evaluation for Jessica as she and her husband Luke are heading into a Sepik tribe for what we call bush orientation. Lord willing they will be located in a tribal location of their own before too long.
On Daniel’s birthday, Timothy gave Daniel a hug or possibly a loving headlock; depending on your perspective. They really do love each other.

Prayer & Praise

  • Praise that we have the health and strength to serve here in PNG.
  • Pray for Eric as he is in the midst of his current orientation class. Pray that this class will continue to go smoothly as he has been working solo for most of this class.
  • Pray for Eric as he is in the midst of a busy season. He has multiple speaking responsibilities that he needs to prepare for in addition to Orientation.
  • Pray for the boys in school. Some classes are going well though Daniel could use your prayer for his Algebra 2 class.
  • Praise that Judith and I get to meet with a group of missionaries each week for a growth group. Pray for me as I prepare for our study through 2 Corinthians. Excellent book but very challenging.
  • Pray for me as I have a week-long trip to Malaumanda in February. I am trying to put together a teaching course in the midst of my orientation responsibilities.
  • Pray for some movement concerning the printing of the Malaumanda New Testament. It has been rather frustrating to wait this long.
  • Pray for Judith as she helps out in the school and helps out in orientation.
  • Pray for Stephen as he is into his Spring semester at Moody Aviation. Praise that he is doing well. Pray for him to be able to find a job. He has an application with one place but is waiting to hear back.