It seems that everything is going well on the other side of the world where my husband is currently spending his days and nights. After a very long travel schedule, he and the others on the team arrived safely in Goroka, a city which is located at about 5,000 feet above sea level in the Eastern Highlands of Papua, New Guinea, where the To Every Tribe mission station is being built. The wonders of modern technology have enabled us to speak almost every day, and from what I can tell Jeremy is very much enjoying his time with the Sissons. The first couple of days were spent gathering supplies, helping with some general automobile maintenance and repair, hiking up the river, having church, getting to know some of the local pastors, going for a motorcycle ride through the mountains, eating authentic PNG food, and experiencing his first earthquake.
He has also been able to have lots of conversations about various church planting methodologies (church planting is a much more complex subject than most of us realize), while learning about the many unreached tribes in the area. Jeremy taught a Bible exposition session to the pastors today, which, with the language barrier, was quite a challenge. The training will continue for the rest of the week, with each of the team members teaching at least one session, as well as preaching a demonstration sermon for the pastors.
Next week, the team will separate, each with a different pastor from a different village. Jeremy will be spending the week with Pastor Albert and his family; he’ll be living in their house, eating their food, and working right alongside them during the day. This will be an excellent opportunity for Jeremy to experience real life in a village setting, and to advance the relationship between the Americans and the local people.
Following the week in the village, Jeremy and the rest of the team will spend the last of their time assisting with the current building project, which is a missionary house. Then he’ll say goodbye to his friends, the Sissons, and begin the long trip back home. The plan is for them to return on March ninth.
Back here in Texas, things are going well. We are so thankful for friends who shower us with love and encouragement. I am continually blessed and amazed by the people the Lord has placed in our path to lift us up when we are feeling the stress of this season of life in which God has placed us, this in-between time in which we are looking forward to the future, yet awaiting His direction.
Please continue to pray for the remainder of the trip. Pray that everyone remains healthy and safe, and that the travel back home goes smoothly. Also, please pray for my children, as they are really starting to miss their daddy. I miss him a bit, too…
7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light. Psalm 36:7-9
Sanders Party of Five 