This trip has been one of the most memorable trips we have taken thus far, not only do we get to help a missionary and their work, but day in and day out we get to be a blessing to our family. One of the hardest things for missionaries is not being able to see family, we love our parents deeply… but leaving our nieces and nephews was one of the hardest things. Not knowing when we would get to see them next, how much time would pass and how much we would miss in their developmental years. We are thankful for video calls, and we are grateful God allowed us to see them, because after this time we are not sure when the “next time” will be. With our ever-transient lives every moment cannot be taken for granted. In 2013, Seth had Christmas with both siblings for the first time since 2002! That’s right, just 3 kids and because of furloughs and missions it took over 11 years for everyone to be together, who knows when God will allow the next opportunity.
Walking up the Airstrip
Working with our Nephew
We have been able to help out a lot around the house; Nicole has done a lot of cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the kids… even making special meals like homemade ravioli that take quite some time, which normally would be too long to make with the ever busy schedule in the bush. Seth has continued doing several jobs around the house, painting, sanding, staining, repairing, building, chasing pigs, cutting the airstrip with a hand mower (15% grade incline), teaching Bible and PE class, and much more… even running to the top of the hill to check on the water tanks because something clogged up the water. The houses are fed by fresh springs that fill up tanks, which when full, provide pressurized water. These tanks are several 100’s of meters up hill, pigs, animals and nationals sometimes bump into the hoses or tanks causing malfunctions that need to be fixed from time to time, no matter when that time comes.
Helping with Medical
Waiting for a baby to be born!
The addition to the porch
One of Nicole’s favorite experiences thus far has been hiking to a couple different ladies huts at night with the other missionary ladies. Many ladies are currently pregnant and Nicole got to be with several of the ladies right before and right after their pregnancy. This time was also very sobering as she got to see some animism first hand, one lady was having complications and so they literally laid a baby pig over her, said an incantation, and then they sacrificed the baby pig… this reminds us that though they smile and are friendly, they are still lost and need a Risen Savior. Please pray for the DEM team as they are learning language and culture so that one-day they can speak to the people and give them the Word of Life and Truth.
Thank you for your faithfulness to our ministry, your feet to the unreached,
Seth and Nicole Stokes
Stoking The Fires 