Our family has been in the highlands of Papua, New Guinea for a week, and we’re all doing very well so far. The trip here was long, but fortunately the three flights were uneventful. We were thrilled to see the Sissons waiting for us at the Goroka airport, and also thrilled to sleep in a real bed after so many hours of travel. We all adjusted well to the time difference after a couple of days, and can now at least stay awake past dinner.
I cannot say enough about the hospitality the Sissons have shown us since we’ve been with them in Goroka. Our meals have been fabulous, conversations have been fun and stimulating, and our kids have very much enjoyed playing with Haley, Graham, and Nate. The area where the Sisson family lives is beautiful, with lush gardens surrounding every house, and mountains visible in the distance in every direction. Although our family has traveled and seen many places over the years, I believe that Goroka is the most beautiful place we’ve seen yet.
We attended the Grass Roots Games in town last week, and watched the nationals compete in rugby, basketball, volleyball, and boxing. Afterward we attended a baptism service at another village, which was a wonderful opportunity for us to see the vibrant, growing church here in the country. The church members prepared a mumu, which is a cooking method in which heated stones are used to steam a large meal for many people. Several foods were prepared, including various meats, kaukau (local sweet potato), and kumu (greens). It was fun for us to see this local tradition, and we were excited that we were invited to be a part of it.
Jeremy, Alex, Sam, and a few nationals will be going on a long, difficult journey to Samiri next week. The purpose of this trip is to scout unreached people groups in the area, with the hopes that one day there will be a To Every Tribe church planting team living among them. Please pray for the guys as they spend the rest of this week preparing for the hike into the bush. Also pray for Kelley and me, as we will stay back at the house with the children while the guys are gone.
We pray that you are all doing well, and we can’t wait to see some of you when we get back to the States in a few weeks.
For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6
Sanders Party of Five 
Emnau, hailans kain mumu emi numbawan tru! Mi beten olsem Bikpela bai helpim man bilong yu taim emi go na lukim ol lain husait ino save long Jisas. Tenk yu long wok yu mekim long PNG bilong litimupim Papa God!
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