We are getting to the point where we feel comfortable in all situations here in PNG; we are able to go around town, meet new people and converse with them. Transitioning from English to Tok Pisin, from a western Christian mindset to a roman catholicized animistic eastern worldview is getting to be quite seamless for us, and it is very encouraging. It is always nice to get the compliment “your Tok Pisin sounds good” from the nationals or veteran missionaries.
Our Work Crew
Seth has also had some interesting things happen to him. He got a flu that lasted for 4 days that had many similar symptoms to malaria (but wasn’t), he got his first infection (which spread into 3 open sores, sorry we wont share the pictures :)) and is finishing up a 10 day treatment of antibiotics. Nicole has a skin fungus and is on the rebound taking medicine. This all happened in the midst of several busy weeks, we had many hats like; demoing a house, then transitioning to other maintenance projects, and then the next week we had someone come from the main office to train us to learn how to use “pronto”, which is a computer system we use for the store and supply buying.
Medical Supplies For Tribes
We have focused on the store (supplies the base and tribal missionaries), solely for over 10 hours a day this past week, cleaning, logging things into the computer, counting inventory, organizing, and learning how to use the computer system effectively. The store has been doing really well the past two month since we started managing; it has been encouraging to help out with this specific ministry that blesses missionaries in the bush and in town. With the rodent problem, PNG weather, and other mishaps, it was hard to get the store to a clean and working order but now, we think it will run smoothly and be even more of a blessing to all those on the base and the tribal missionaries. Seth is always running to town trying to get all the supplies tribal missionaries ask for, we want the people in the bush to know we are here to support and encourage them as they are on the front lines.
Nicole Working on Inventory
We are getting opportunities to disciple people both in English and in Tok Pisin, both nationals and other expats as they transition. Please pray we are faithful to these relationships and sharing the Gospel when God gives us the opportunity, but this too is His will, or as we would say in Tok Pisin “sapos Bikpela i laik” (If the Lord’s wills). We also get many opportunities to exercise hospitality, with the many tribal missionaries coming and going, we make sure we keep their bellies full with good food and that they feel loved and encouraged, which can be a full-time job sometimes, but we love it.
We moved again…we had slept in over 100 beds on deputation. Now we have been to 3 of the 4 bases here in PNG, we have slept in 3 houses already here in Wewak, plus B.M. on our bush orientation. We moved this week and then we move again (hopefully for the last time till we build our tribal house, Lord willing) next week. Speaking of that, please pray for us; we are currently talking it over with a family whether or not it is of the Lord’s will that we would partner with them. The past two weeks we have spent a ton of time talking with this couple and discussing many aspects of tribal church planting and even asking the hard questions. We really like them and saw eye-to-eye on big and little issues, but it’s not a decision to make lightly, we are praying and fasting over this, please pray with us that God gives us wisdom and clear direction with this HUGE decision. If this really is what the Lord has for us, that would get us one step closer to the tribe.
We leave you with this picture and hopeful encouragement; here are 11 New Testament’s in languages in this region that HAVE NEVER had an opportunity to read God’s Word for themselves until recently, 9 of them have been completed since 2011. All of that was done by God’s will and faithfulness to His work, while using missionaries in the bush who are supported by co-workers in town, who are all supported by faithful supporters and churches like you! Thank you for doing your part of God’s Great Commission.
Recently Finished Tribal NT
Your feet to the unreached of PNG, Seth and Nicole Stokes.
Stoking The Fires 