Greetings from a very wet and sloppy PNG!!!
While we were “raining” in the New Year, we trust that all of you have had a wonderful time of reflection over the ways that God has provided and directed you this last year. While this past year has had some radical changes for us, we rest completely in the knowledge that God is in control of our lives, and that He is leading us where we will be most effective in furthering His kingdom here on earth. While our path took a sharp turn away from Mibu and all the wonderful things that continue to go on there, we have seen God remain faithful and true, and have seen our family and personal walks grow so much stronger through it all. We have also seen the addition of Baruch into the family of God! Precious times.
As many people do upon the start of a new year, we look back on the last year and all that has happened, and also forward at the things we see coming our way! We are SO excited about what the Lord seems to be bringing our way for the year 2010. Let me share a few with you!
A National Bible Study!
We have mentioned this before, but it looks like it will soon be under way! Back in July, some friends from another work in Madang came out and shared with the national workers on center here about how the gospel is effecting eternal change in the lives of tribal folks among the people they work with. Nearly every worker attended this meeting, and afterwards, some workers from our center store approached their manager (another missionary friend) and commented how they have worked here for many years, and have still not heard this message that was referred to in the meeting (the message of salvation). This manager then approached Chris to see if he would be interested in leading a Bible study with the store workers…bringing them from Creation to Christ. OF COURSE he was interested! It is always a privilege to share the gospel. However, just as we would take the time to develop relationships and learn the local culture in a tribal setting, so Chris needed to do that with the folks here. With a keen advantage in already knowing and understanding Pigin (which most folks speak around here more than their tribal languages), he is now ready to start! He’s hoping to start before the end of the month! We’ll keep you posted!
School for Angie
As in…Angie going to school! In order to gain the tools she needs to help Jael with her learning needs (and in an effort to resume homeschooling), Angie will be taking a course this spring. It is a post-graduate level course that she has qualified for. We are hoping that she will be able to take the course in
This course could be key to whatever future ministries might be open to us. We have enrolled Jael in a program here at the school that will meet her learning needs with ongoing intervention (the same program that Angie will get training in). This program requires a three year commitment, and by Angie getting this training, we significantly increase the odds of us being able to take schooling with us and look at perhaps another tribal ministry!! We will take this step-by-step, with the training first, and then homeschooling next school year (complete with this intervention program for Jael), while living here on center where educational help is readily available. From there, we are looking forward to seeing what doors the Lord might open for us!
As you can see, we have some exciting things down the road for our family! A ministry with national folks now, and the opportunity for more down the road! We want to thank each one of you for all the many prayers you have offered on our behalf this last year. Our experience has proven that we have an excellent support team behind us, and we look forward to all that the Lord will use us for in 2010!
Serving with you,
Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker
