Well, the time is FINALLY here! We received our visas on Wednesday, we filled out a bunch of paperwork and tied up various loose ends with our board Thursday, come Friday morning we were given the official green light to buy our plane tickets. So the tickets and visas are in our hands! DONE.
We will still have to to finish a few loose ends like banking, visiting family, and pack just a little more, but for the most part, we are done! We leave Pittsburgh, PA very early Sunday morning (in 8 days). We fly to Washington, DC and then catch a connecting flight starting at noon to head to our home in PNG. Yes, our home. We have a place already for us, we have our crate packed up and ready to move, and we will be taking what we need with us until our crate arrives, leaving no real attachments in the USA (possession-wise).
Yes, we have basically packed for moving overseas in about a week, it has felt a little rushed but this is the path in which God is taking us on. For all of those who are wondering, “how long it will take to get there”; we leave our house at 2 am Sunday morning, and arrive in the city of our destination at 10:25 am Wednesday morning. Yes, Sunday to Wednesday. We go ahead in time 15 hours, we have a 19-hour layover in Singapore, and we spend over a day in the air, actually close to 40 hours.
Tomorrow will be our last American church service for years (Lord willing); we will enjoy that time “one last time”. We are trying to finish any and all “things” we need to do by Wednesday, so we can have some “down time” for the last 3 days, before we start our world tour and get thrown into language and culture study. We basically start right up the day we get there/the next day 🙂
Thank you for all of your prayers with support, visas, paperwork, and our traveling. Thank you for everything! Your prayers made all of this possible.
We have been reading many autobiographies from Adoniram Judson, Hudson Taylor, and John G. Patton. These men are heroes of our faith. Judson suffered a lot for Christ, and we have not yet had that privilege, but we might in the not too distant future. We desire to have our faith in God and resolve in His will so that when we do face trials and suffering, we can say this,
“If I had not felt certain that every additional trial was ordered by infinite love and mercy, I could not have survived…”and then as Judson was getting older and young missionaries were coming to the field, he gave them this encouraging statement,
“bear in mind, that a large proportion of those who come out on a mission to the East die within five years (in modern days case, leave the field and go back home) after leaving their native land. Walk softly, therefore; death is narrowly watching your steps”. And one Theologian added, “The question is not whether we will die, but whether we will die in a way that bears much fruit”. John 12:24
~Your feet to the unreached people in Papua New Guinea,
Seth & Nicole Stokes
Stoking The Fires 
Yay!! So happy & excited for you guys. We’ll miss you. Praying always!
Wow! So encouraged by your love for our Lord and your desire to do His will.
You are a blessing!
Praise the Lord! Actually, the layover in Singapore sounds interesting 🙂 We will be praying for everything. It is an exciting time 🙂 In Christ’s Love, The Smiths Sent from Kathy’s iPad
>
Happy that it is all pointing in the direction you have prepared and worked hard to reach. Continuing to pray for you in each and every step. It will be exciting to hear of your PNG experiences. You will be sorely missed!
CONGRATULATIONS & PRAISE THE LORD!!!
I am very proud of yu both. God be with you as you start your Mission and Ministry in His Calling. God’s continuous blessings.
With His Love,
Louis
Dear Seth & Nicole, Love these updates! The photo you included in your post of Seth’s ordination is so powerful. I love reading all the details because it will help direct my prayers. I will be thinking and praying for you as you “chill” before you leave, as you travel, and upon your arrival. These times of transition are so full of anticipation, excitement, exhaustion, and occasionally boredom.
What airline are you flying and what will you do in the Singapore Airport for 19 hours? I would greatly appreciate it if you can let me know.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24-26
May your work bear much fruit. Love in the Lord, Marla & Kim
>
We are so very happy and rejoicing with you. We will be praying for you. Love you.
So glad that all has worked out according to God’s plan for you both. Pray you do get those few days of relaxation before you leave to you go to your new home. Pray your trip is uneventful and safe. Love you both – In Christ 🙂 Mr and Mrs Barnes
So exciting,! Praying for you each day!
Hi Guys,
We are rejoicing with you!! We will be praying for you as you have your final days. We know the feeling of mixed emotions. How we need Him! As He has been faithful in the past, and at the present hour, so He will be in the future. You are walking forward to where He already is.
Keep us in your email loop. We want to track with you every step of the way!
In the Bonds of His Love,
George and Harriett
PS. Enjoy Singapore 🙂
So excited and happy for you! Have been and will continue praying for you daily. Hope you will still be
Able to keep us updated so we know how to pray. Sadly, we probably won’t make too many comments
Because we are lacking in that department, but you will be constantly in our prayers
Jack and Lillian M.
We the time has come for the greatest adventure of youR lives. We are praying hard for you both. That angels shall surround you both every day. We shall miss you both very much. I (Uncle John)always enjoyed seeing you both ever time you all came by. Sorry we could not see you before you left. Auto Di and Uncle John
Wow! Just WOW!! It’s really time! God is so good!!! I don’t even know what to say, but know that you are in our prayers *all the time*! I hope we can at least give you one more hug before you go!
So proud of you guys! ! God speed on your long journey. We had a similar long flight here to the Philippines. We will practically be neighbors :). This mission that God has put you on is worth every penny, every struggle, and every heartbreak because Christ will draw you closer. There will be high times and low times, but all in all, it’s an awesome journey! Just keep “looking unto Jesus” and He will fulfill His mission through you. You can’t do it.. but he can and will as you stay broken and willing. So happy for you to be getting to your field. Would love to visit you guys sometime there… or have you visit us here. Praying for your safe travel and great first months on the field!
Calvin and Mindy Houser
May God the protector of your soul be with you on your journey. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Leona & John Seazholtz
Since your visit to Rosedale Baptist, I have prayed daily for you and followed your emails to me. You have my admiration, respect and love as you depart to spread God’s word. I will continue to pray for your safety, mercy and grace. Love, Ms. Pat Wolfe
Wow guys, what a tremendous answer to so many prayers that has gotten you to this point! We are so excited for you and will be praying and looking forward to hearing about your new home! God bless you both!! Pam and Patrick