WalkerTalkie

God is Good---ALL the time

2011-12-30T19:45:00.001-08:00

January seems to invoke a time of reflection looking back, and
anticipation looking ahead. There is great benefit in both! Looking
back shows us the faithfulness of God, His perfect direction, His
unerring love. Looking ahead hopefully drives us to our knees seeking
His wisdom, and ongoing direction, as well as cause us to plan and be
good stewards of the resources made available to us.

Looking Back

Jan 1, 2011--We rang in the New Year with a release from the hospital
after my latest miscarriage. Not how we would have chosen to bring in
that New Year, but God has a plan, and we find our rest and peace in that.

Feb, 2011--The IT department that Chris works in had meetings with other
mission and IT organizations, hosted at SIL, to share ideas. Jael turns 10.

March, 2011--Angie was excepted into Liberty University's Online
Master's Program for Education/Special Education. Her first class
starts in May. Titus turns 3.

April, 2011--Jael follows Christ in obedience, and is baptized!

May, 2011--End of the school year! Jael moves on to fourth grade, and
Baruch into FIRST grade!!

June, 2011--One family from ICT returns home to Australia having
completed their associate term. This brings the department from an
almost ideal 5 (6 is ideal), down to 4. Chris and Angie also celebrate
15 years of marriage!!!

July, 2011--Much needed family vacation to Lae for 2 weeks! On the
heels of that, Angie and Jael take a trip to Madang on a kind of
"Passport to Purity" trip. Jael is growing up so fast! NTM hosts an IT
convention here.

August, 2011--A new school year begins. Chris and Angie are offered and
accept a new part-time ministry overseeing the Ministry Library (a
resource center of helps for translation and church-planters) and the
citizen Guest House. 10 YEARS of service in PNG!

September, 2011--Grandparents make a surprise visit just in time for the
first school break! And, we all get to go to the Madang Conference.
Baruch turns 7.

October, 2011--We receive approval to be a Prometrics Testing Center.
Chris worked hard to make this happen, and now we can test for a myriad
of different certifications. We are hoping that this will become yet
another tool in reaching out to the community, and helping our own
missionaries receive and maintain professional certifications that allow
them to remain here in country working their ministries effectively and
efficiently.

November, 2011--Another member of the IT department returns home,
bringing the staff from 4 to 3 (that's 50% of the ideal). This
individual will return for a few months after the new year, but then
return home as he waits to see what the Lord would have him do. No
other IT personnel are currently on the horizon for another 18 to 24 months.

December, 2011--Angie and another fellow missionary lady start training
to become Test Center Administrators for the new Prometrics Testing
center that NTM now has on center here.

A Look Ahead

In many ways, 2012 should look much like 2011. It is likely that our
ministries will not change greatly, though we continue to move ahead.
This summer (May), Angie would like to take another trip to the
Philippines to continue her training in educational therapy. This will
be vital in continuing to help meet Jael's educational needs in the
years ahead! Please be praying that the Lord would raise up the needed
funds for such a trip again. Angie continues to work towards her
Master's degree, one class at a time. Chris is also looking to add some
IT certifications this coming year that will allow him to help fill in
the gaps the limited number of personnel leaves.

We covet your prayers in the area of parenting. It is amazing how kids
can have the same two parents and be so uniquely and vastly different!
Each one requires a unique approach, and we look to the Lord for wisdom.
A new dimension is added as our eldest approaches the teen years.
Technically, we still have a few years, but practically, we feel like we
may already be starting them.

We also covet your prayers for wisdom in stewardship. There is SO much
good we wish to do, but are more and more limited by resources. We know
we are not unique in this challenge, and that many at home also face
this dilemma. This also seems to be the pattern, as we come to the end
of a term on the field, that our finances seem to be more and more
tight. The Lord is faithful, and his family generous. Our needs
continue to be met, and our faith is renewed each time they are. Our
plans, however, is where we need the most wisdom. We wish to be
faithful and wise with the resources we have, but also trust the Lord
for the big things that are beyond our control.

The big picture of our family returning to a tribal ministry has not
changed, but the details on the timing are slowly becoming clearer. It
is now fairly obvious that we will remain in our current ministries here
until our next furlough the summer of 2013. Again, Jael's education is
the primary concern right now. We continue to see good progress, but
it's becoming more and more clear that this is a huge and very involved
process and she is going to require more time. At this point, the time
here before we go home, and the time that we are home, we feel will have
us in a more likely place to resume a tribal ministry somewhere upon our
return to PNG in the summer 2014.

Your prayers are priceless! Thank you for blessing us through your prayers!
Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

The Gospel And A Game

2011-10-24T21:27:00.001-07:00

What will be in your bilum?

A few weeks ago, Chris had an extraordinary opportunity to play a cultural game while accompanying our local
Church - (Bena Bridge) on an outreach at the invitation from a village a 2hr hike from Okapa in the highlands of PNG. The game involved filling string bags (called bilum bags) with various surprise times of value such as food, money, matches, soap, knives etc. Then during the game, individuals are paired up and each pair of friends are introduced with singing and dancing. Then an exchange of bilums takes place which then gives way to more celebrating. By the end of the ceremony, Chris had two live chickens and 4 large bags of garden produce and a hand-carved bamboo fork. Along with this game, Chris and Pastor Joel Kemaya were invited to speak to the crowds. This provided a wonderful opportunity to announce an upcoming outreach that Bena Bridge church would be starting in the area by sending teachers in a few months time. Once the teachers begin, they plan to teach scripture Chronologically for the first time in the Okapa area!

Welcome Ol Bubu (Grandparents) & Uncle Herman!

Returning home from school for the last day of the first school term, Baruch and Jael got a shocking surprise. Waiting for them in the living room was Grandpa & Grandma Tuinstra along with dear friends Tim & Laurel Marsh. The kids were surprised to say the least! Now on their 3rd trip to Papua New Guinea, our family enjoyed nearly three weeks with them including traveling to the Madang conference together. Missionary Tim Marsh has worked with children for over 30 years and came armed with his puppets and illustrative aids. While with us, one of the highlights of their visit was to introduce Tim to Bena Bridge church who had invited all the children of the community to come and be entertained as well as hear God's word. Men, women and children in the audience, all of whom had never seen such antics, had tear filled eyes as they laughed so hard. With Chris translating, in addition to puppets, Tim used a saxophone as an illustration, sharing that just as a saxaphone player needs instruction to be able to play well, so too, people need instruction from God's Word. The meeting ended in hilarity with Pastor Joel Kemaya getting an unexpected kiss from "Uncle Herman (one of Tim's michevious puppets) as well as an invitation for the community to inquire more about God's message by approaching anyone of the members of Bena Bridge church.

"So glad you could come!"

It's a yearly tradition, every year all NTM missionaries who are part of the Madang region attend a conference to reconnect, pray for one another, share & report future plans as well as have some fun. This year due to finances as a family, we weren't sure we were going to be able to attend. However thanks to some designated gifts, the Lord provided the opportunity for which we are very grateful. Our spirits were recharged and once again challenged to return to a tribal, church-planting ministry. And what a fun blessing to share this experience with grandparents, and watch our favorite group of MKs be blessed by "Uncle" Tim Marsh and his ministry! It's always nice to be refreshed and re-challenged.

Master Angie

Speaking of challenge...Angie has jumped into her studies towards her Master's degree once again (after taking time off for her parent's visit and other stuff). To refresh any memories: Angie has received the first level of training as an educational therapist through NILD. This training has been priceless in equipping her to meet Jael's special educational needs! We see wonderful evidence that the therapy is working, and believe it would be best to continue receiving this training. Specifically this is important because we still believe the Lord will eventually be leading us back into another church-planting ministry. We believe that it is vital that Angie is equipped to meet Jael's ongoing needs (and any other of our kids who may need intervention in their education). NILD is a wonderful organization whose program is so beautifully meeting our needs. Yet, it's a very academic organization, and in order for Angie to receive any further training through them, she needs to have an accredited degree. To make a long story short, the Lord opened the door for her to pursue her Masters degree through Liberty University's Online University. As a result of actively pursuing a Masters degree in special education, she is now eligible to further her training with NILD. She is also gaining the added benefit of broadening her understanding in this world of education, which is only going to aid her as she seeks to oversee our kids' education.

Pictures:
1. "Uncle" Tim and Uncle Herman with Chris at the Bena Bridge meeting.
2. A small glimpse of the crowd that had packed into the church (and out the door) in order to see them!

Thank you so much for your support!
Because of Him,
Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

--  --  As Unto Him (Col 3:17)  Chris Walker - NTM PNG ICT Helpdesk ict@ntm.org.pg (675)531-4560 (Telikom) (675)7178-7115 (Digicel)

The Gospel And A Game

2011-10-24T21:25:00.001-07:00

What will be in your bilum?

Welcome Ol Bubu (Grandparents) & Uncle Herman!

"So glad you could come!"

Master Angie

--  --  As Unto Him (Col 3:17)  Chris Walker - NTM PNG ICT Helpdesk ict@ntm.org.pg (675)531-4560 (Telikom) (675)7178-7115 (Digicel)

Re: Opportunities abound!

2011-08-02T01:03:00.001-07:00

New Opportunities
    We have been presented with an exciting opportunity in ministry with overseeing what we call the "Concom" building. "Concom" stands for Consultant Committee. This building houses a library of various helps for our church planting missionaries. With helps on everything from Bible translation, Bible lesson development, and even culture and language learning that folks can check out and borrow, it is a vital resource to our church planting teams. It also provides a quiet place for missionaries to perform translation and Bible lesson checks with consultants and their language helpers.
    Which brings us to the other side of this opportunity (and building). The other side of this library is a national guest house. A place for nationals to stay when they come out to help check for comprehension during these translation and lesson checks. We have used these facilities many times during our time in Mibu, and we are excited to be able to be a blessing to those who would use it now.
    We especially ask for wisdom in this ministry, as it's one that has kind of slipped through the cracks this last year, with no one really overseeing it. As we look to spruce up, clean up, pick up, and perhaps even update a bit, we seek to be good stewards of what limited resources are available.

Techie Opportunities
    This last week, Chris and the ICT department had the opportunity to organize and host a tech conference here at Lapilo. Present were representatives from about half a dozen different missions as well as the department of NICTA from Port Moresby to answer government regulatory questions. Ideas were discussed on how to better cooperate between missions, sharing information, cross-training and improve overall Information services to our missionaries. It was well attended...33 in all! Angie had the opportunity to cook for the lot of them. 6 large pizzas, breadsticks and a huge salad didn't last long!

Past Opportunities
    Our last update shared how Chris was about to participate in a leadership conference for some national pastors and church leaders. Over the course of 4 days and 5 speaking opportunities, Chris had the privilege of teaching on church history. It was a whirlwind tour through time starting in the book of Acts all the way to present time. The participants of the conference thoroughly enjoyed the history lesson as many of them for the first time heard how the gospel spread throughout the world and on to Papua New Guinea. For the first time, they saw where they fit into the grand sheme of God's design for all to know His truth.

Family News
    Our last update also shared how Angie was preparing to take the first of many grad courses to work towards her Masters in Education. She took her first class over the summer break, and did quite well! Her final grade of 97% has given her confidence that this is a course that she can finish (as time and resources allow). She has scheduled to start her next class for later this fall and allow herself time to help the kids settle into their new school year as well as polish off a number of projects that have accumulated over the summer!
    The kids start school tomorrow. Hard to believe the summer is already over for us here, but tomorrow Jael starts the 4th grade, and Baruch the 1st grade. They are pretty excited, and so is their mom, to see all that they will be learning in this coming year! Pray that they will both be open to new things, and good recipients of the teaching they will receive.
    Our family also had the opportunity to take a vacation together this summer. We spent 2 weeks in the city of Lae, at our guest house there. It was a wonderful time away with the family, and we came back much refreshed and ready for another stretch of service!

Thank you so much for your faithful prayers. We couldn't be here and do what we're doing without them!
Because of Him,
Chris and Angie Walker

Re: Opportunities abound!

2011-08-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

New Opportunities
    We have been presented with an exciting opportunity in ministry with overseeing what we call the "Concom" building. "Concom" stands for Consultant Committee. This building houses a library of various helps for our church planting missionaries. With helps on everything from Bible translation, Bible lesson development, and even culture and language learning that folks can check out and borrow, it is a vital resource to our church planting teams. It also provides a quiet place for missionaries to perform translation and Bible lesson checks with consultants and their language helpers.
    Which brings us to the other side of this opportunity (and building). The other side of this library is a national guest house. A place for nationals to stay when they come out to help check for comprehension during these translation and lesson checks. We have used these facilities many times during our time in Mibu, and we are excited to be able to be a blessing to those who would use it now.
    We especially ask for wisdom in this ministry, as it's one that has kind of slipped through the cracks this last year, with no one really overseeing it. As we look to spruce up, clean up, pick up, and perhaps even update a bit, we seek to be good stewards of what limited resources are available.

Techie Opportunities
    This last week, Chris and the ICT department had the opportunity to organize and host a tech conference here at Lapilo. Present were representatives from about half a dozen different missions as well as the department of NICTA from Port Moresby to answer government regulatory questions. Ideas were discussed on how to better cooperate between missions, sharing information, cross-training and improve overall Information services to our missionaries. It was well attended...33 in all! Angie had the opportunity to cook for the lot of them. 6 large pizzas, breadsticks and a huge salad didn't last long!

Past Opportunities
    Our last update shared how Chris was about to participate in a leadership conference for some national pastors and church leaders. Over the course of 4 days and 5 speaking opportunities, Chris had the privilege of teaching on church history. It was a whirlwind tour through time starting in the book of Acts all the way to present time. The participants of the conference thoroughly enjoyed the history lesson as many of them for the first time heard how the gospel spread throughout the world and on to Papua New Guinea. For the first time, they saw where they fit into the grand sheme of God's design for all to know His truth.

Family News
    Our last update also shared how Angie was preparing to take the first of many grad courses to work towards her Masters in Education. She took her first class over the summer break, and did quite well! Her final grade of 97% has given her confidence that this is a course that she can finish (as time and resources allow). She has scheduled to start her next class for later this fall and allow herself time to help the kids settle into their new school year as well as polish off a number of projects that have accumulated over the summer!
    The kids start school tomorrow. Hard to believe the summer is already over for us here, but tomorrow Jael starts the 4th grade, and Baruch the 1st grade. They are pretty excited, and so is their mom, to see all that they will be learning in this coming year! Pray that they will both be open to new things, and good recipients of the teaching they will receive.
    Our family also had the opportunity to take a vacation together this summer. We spent 2 weeks in the city of Lae, at our guest house there. It was a wonderful time away with the family, and we came back much refreshed and ready for another stretch of service!

Thank you so much for your faithful prayers. We couldn't be here and do what we're doing without them!
Because of Him,
Chris and Angie Walker

Growth and Ongoing Plans!

2011-05-09T20:52:00.001-07:00

Baptism
Last week, we had the proud opportunity as parents, to see our
first-born follow our Lord in believer's baptism! Chris did the honors
before dozens of missionary families here on center, as well as a dozen
or so national by-standers who were at the river. As they were standing
in the water, Chris asked Jael questions about why she was there. It
was sweet music to hear her answer clearly that she was there "because I
believe Jesus died for my sins, and I want everyone here to know that I
believe that, and I want to obey him." Is there anything sweeter than
watching your child's faith become their personal own? Pray for her as
she continues to grow in that faith. Pray for wisdom for us as we
continue to train and direct not only her young life, but the lives of
her brothers as well.

Container
On a fun note, we had Christmas in MAY!!! Some items that we had
purchased last summer and fall, as well as the Christmas presents that
grandparents and aunts and uncles had sent, that were shipped by
container, FINALLY arrived here, safe and sound! It's a small thing, in
the grand scheme of things, but it was a blessing none the less, and it
was exciting to unpack our crate, and be able to put those things to use
at last. Included in this crate were an assortment of power tools (that
Chris has already put to good use), a kitchen table (which replaces a
rather rickety one we had been borrowing), various other equipment along
with goodies from the family.

Upcoming Leadership Conference
At the end of the month, Chris has been asked to teach at another
leadership conference. National church leaders from around the region
will be meeting, and as one of the teachers, Chris will be teaching on
"Principles of Church Growth". Pray for him as he prepares. He really
enjoys this unique opportunity for ministry that has come his way, and
the people seem to enjoy hearing from him.

Summer Changes
Summer break is just around the corner. Hard to believe! Baruch
will be finished with Kindergarten, and ready to enter 1st grade. Jael
will finish with 3rd and be preparing for 4th. Titus will just enjoy
having his siblings around to play with all day again! The ICT
department where Chris works will be saying good bye to a key member and
his family, as they finish their associate term here and go home to
Australia. A new family will be joining the team at the end of the
summer (Lord willing) or early fall. And Angie will be IN school (her
first online course starts a week from Monday). Changes in routine are
at times refreshing, but always somewhat stressful. We're looking
forward to things slowing down a bit during the summer months, and doing
some things together as a family.

Thank you for standing with us,
Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

Wrapping up, starting out, and other happenings

2011-03-08T14:55:00.000-08:00

Bible Study

Chris and Aaron have finished what we would call Phase 1 teaching with the national store workers!! Phase 1 goes chronologically from Creation to the Cross, systematically laying a foundation of who God is, His attributes, who man is, his problem of sin, and God's faithfulness in his promise to send a Deliverer. It was a bit of a mixed group to start with...some were quite familiar with this teaching, some had heard bits and pieces out of context, and some hadn't heard any of it at all. Going through these lessons again, we are reminded of how important it is to understand the culture we are communicating to as we saw some struggle with concepts that were different than ones that the people in Mibu struggled with. Some of the struggles were similar in many regards. Nevertheless, through patience, and effective communication, but especially through the grace of God, at the end of the lessons, Chris feels that everyone who participated has a good, clear understanding of what the message of the gospel is. Ongoing time with them, and maintaining the relationship that has been established will be how we see if they are personally choosing to put their trust IN that message. While the teaching time is officially over, the time for discipleship has only begun. Please be praying for those who attended this Bible study, that this message will continue to come through their mind, and that they will think and meditate on it, and ultimately place their trust in the finished work that the Deliverer did for them on the cross.

Effective Communication

This last weekend, Chris had the privilege of sharing at a leadership workshop for national Christian leaders. Specifically, he was asked to share about effective means of communication. These Christian leaders want to be effective in their sharing of the message of the gospel as they go out on outreaches and take the opportunities that come their way in every day life. Over 3 different sessions, Chris shared on the effectiveness of humor, illustrations, and non-verbal communication (like posture, fidgeting, turning your back to the crowd, and projecting your voice). It was very special when Sunday morning, a young man who has been learning to preach, and is quite knowledgeable in scripture), shared a VERY appropriate illustration at the beginning of his message. Something he's never done before, and it was rewarding to see how well the congregation received and understood his illustration, and how it tied in with his passage of scripture (and will help them remember the points of his message).

Ongoing Education

While Jael is back in school almost full-time (Angie keeps her home for an hour in the morning to continue hitting the areas of spelling and reading with extra intensity), mom is looking at going back to school as well. With as much as she has enjoyed learning about and working with Jael and her learning needs, Angie is thinking it might be worth looking into getting her degree accredited (through transferring credits and completing a degree program at an accredited institution) so that she can continue her training with NILD as well as open doors to work with other people's children, should that opportunity present itself. We're not sure where this will lead. But, we've learned more and more about the number of MK's here who also have learning difficulties and are toughing it out with their moms in the tribe. We're hoping the tools that we have already gained, and hope to gain in the future will be beneficial not only to our own family, but also to other families. So, please be praying for wisdom and direction as Angie scopes things out and as we work to determine if this is something to pursue now, later, or maybe even not at all.

Birthdays, Birthdays!

    A few weeks ago, Jael celebrated her 10th birthday!! Yes, we are now in the double digits! As sobering as it is for us as parents to realize that she is more than half-way through her time with us here at home, we are thrilled with the young woman we see trying to emerge! God has special plans for her, and it is such a joy to catch these glimpses of who she is becoming.
    In a couple weeks, our youngest will celebrate his 3rd birthday! Titus is a joy, and keeps us all laughing and on our toes! Hard to believe our baby is turning 3. We love seeing how at home he is with our national friends, whether we're at church, or visiting in their homes. We smile every time we hear him greeting the many nationals that pass by our house each day with an "apinun".
    A few days after Titus, Chris will also celebrate a birthday! The Lord has blessed our family with wonderful people, and with good health!

Thank you for your love and prayers!
Because of HIM,
Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

Picture: Our three kiddos!

Blessed be the Name of the Lord--proposed update

2011-01-16T04:23:00.000-08:00

Unexpected

We brought in the New Year in a way we did not anticipate, nor would have chosen. Just before Thanksgiving, we learned that Angie was expecting. An exciting prospect to be sure! However, with her history of miscarriages, we decided to wait to share our wonderful news. Then, the week of Christmas, she started to spot, and a week later, she miscarried. To add to the drama, she also started to hemorrhage again, and we ended up needing another medivac to get her to Australia where she could get the appropriate health care. You might remember that we went through something similar back in 2006. This time, we left the kids here in PNG under the care of some dear and trusted family friends. When we got to Australia, we quickly learned how rough of shape Angie was in. During the course of her two night stay in the hospital, she received 4 units of blood, and a D&C. Everything went as well as it could have, and she felt MUCH more like herself when she was released on New Years Day. We were able to spend the next couple of days resting, and enjoying the pleasures of a first world country again (shopping malls, movie rentals, and eateries).

While it is not something we would have chosen for ourselves, we trust in our ever sovereign and loving God. We praise Him for his mercy in allowing us to get to care in time. We praise him for the healing that has and continues to take place both physically and emotionally. We are thankful for the system of support from friends here at Lapilo as we left our kids here and traveled to another country. In many ways, I do think that it has put this coming year into perspective for us. While we have plans for our family and our ministry, we are reminded all over again that HIS plans for us may be different! While we continue to plan and prepare for whatever this year may hold for us, it's a timely reminder to always hold those plans loosely so that we might be able to receive what is God's BEST for us.

Twists and Turns

Speaking of plans...
As you know, Jael had her annual evaluation and testing during our Christmas break. The other night we met with those that did the testing to discuss the results. The results were mixed, as we had expected, but not with the results we had wished. The GOOD news is that she has essentially caught up to her current grade in math! She's made up about a grade and a half in math since she was last tested!! She also moved ahead in some writing skills (in her ability to put on paper what she wants to), although her lack of spelling skills does hinder her. Perhaps most importantly though, her reading skills are still in critical need of improvement. Even with Angie's specialize training and pushing her in all the right areas, her brain just hasn't responded as we had hoped (though it obviously responded in other areas). We have discussed different options as to how to focus and redouble our efforts to bring these areas the improvement they need. While we have discussed specifics too, we are waiting to see how some of these pan out, as they involve a myriad of different people to make it work. However, we do know that these continued needs of hers will keep us here at Lapilo for the foreseeable future. So, our plans to move to Madang this summer have been put on hold. For how long, we don't know. However, we are preparing our family, and planning on the likelihood of remaining where we are for the remainder of this term. Our desire remains strong to return to a tribal ministry somewhere, but God has us here for such a time as this. Who can know or understand all he has in store for us? We trust and believe that He has only our good in mind, and that He will be faithful to guide our steps as we continue to move forward.

Something Good

Chris's Bible study with the national workers is rapidly coming to an end! This last week they covered the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Within this next month they will be presenting the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Please be praying as we are approaching this critical point in the lessons. Pray that their hearts and understanding will be opened and that they realize this is not just another story, but provision from almighty God for forgiveness of sins, and blessed communion with him!

Also, this week Chris has started training the first national to work in ICT!! This process will take a while, but we are excited to see nationals incorporated into the department. Expats come and go, but the nationals live here! By getting them involved, we help to ensure consistency in a department where people come and go all the time.

Blessed Be

Often in the last couple of weeks, as we have gone through our latest trial with the miscarriage, and with our latest change in plans, my mind has gone back again and again to the story of Job. In particular to his defense against the pressure of his friends, and even his wife to just go ahead and curse God and die!! His response? "Shall we take good from the Lord and not trials?" (Ok, that's MY paraphrase.) We have been blessed with SO much! We have NO doubt that we are loved by our Creator God. Having such an assurance of His love makes taking the trials that DO come our way so much easier to accept. NOT easy, but easier. I shudder to think of where we would be without such assurance or such love. Indeed, our hearts resound with Job's..."Blessed be the Name of the Lord".

One expression of His love for us is all of you! God has put you all in our lives to partner with us in the plans God has for our family and our ministry here in PNG. You have been a never-ending blessing to us! As the Lord leads and directs us through a whole new set of twists and turns that will comprise this year of 2011, THANK YOU for your partnership of prayers and love.

In His hand,
Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

Pictures:
Baruch's new smile! He's losing teeth, our big boy! Love his gape toothed smile!
Jael's schoolroom has been our kitchen table these last few months. I've so enjoyed our time together!
Titus continues to grow too...one of his favorite pass-times now is to climb the small orange tree in our back yard. He can get himself 3-4 feet off the ground!

That which is perfect is come!

2010-12-05T04:54:00.003-08:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and Christmas is rapidly approaching! Living half way around the world hasn't removed us from the hustle and bustle of Christmas! This coming week we have a couple all afternoon rehearsals for the elementary school Christmas Concert that Angie will be playing for, with the performance on Friday night. Saturday is the computer department's Christmas party, and next week is the last of school before Christmas is finally HERE!!! Our family LOVES this time of year as we remember the birth of a tiny baby boy who's life was destined to change the course of history around the world! Our Christmas decorations still feel out of place without the snow to go with it in the background, but the white lights on the tree, and the Christmas music playing from our iPod helps. Just tonight, the kids broke out in "Jingle Bells" around the dinner table, and we had a riot as Titus tried to sing along as well ("Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle bells...HEY...jingle bells....).

Chris's Bible study continues to move ahead. They have moved from the Old Testament, past the Christmas story, and are now teaching in the life of Christ, just recently on the story of Nicodemus. While some of the participants seem to be truly soaking in the truths they are hearing, we remain uncertain of where others are at. A few weeks ago there was meeting RIGHT across the street from us where a self-proclaimed "prophet" came to speak. As the day approached and preparations were made, there was a LOT of curiosity and speculation as to what this man might have to say. The day before the meeting, my work girl (who has also been attending this Bible study) asked for time off the next day so she could attend. She said she just wanted to see what it was all about. While I feared for what she might hear, I couldn't tell her "no". So I gave her the time off. That afternoon was Chris's Bible study, and when she came back from that, she was VERY passionate about what the Lord had taught her. I'm not even sure what the lesson was on that day, but she came back proclaiming that she was no longer interested in attending this meeting across the street. She said, "the time for the prophets is finished! There was a time for them and God used them greatly, but NOW we have ALL of the Bible...ALL of God's word to us. A man who calls himself a prophet from God is lying...the time for that is past". I was moved to tears to hear her profess all of this. She ended up caving to social pressure to attend the following morning though, but sat off to the side and just listened and observed. It was gratifying to hear that some others from the Chris's Bible study were also there, and along with others who know the truth of God's word they were listening closely and holding everything that was said up against scripture...not taking for granted what the man said was truth, but comparing to their source of truth to determine it accordingly!

There has also been a big movement lately among the national churches to promote the "Planim Post" teaching. This is the Pigin version of the chronological teaching that we use in the tribes. It starts in Genesis and builds a foundation of WHO God is and who man is, covering promises and the characteristics of God and main themes from the Old Testament and moving into the New Testament to show how these are all fulfilled in Christ. National churches are taking it upon themselves to break out of their geographical circles and go into neighboring areas to promote this teaching. As a result, many new areas are requesting these national churches to send teachers to present the whole of the teaching to them. God is doing a mighty work, and it is most thrilling to us to see Him using now third and fourth generations of national believers to do it! Much work remains to be done though, in the isolated areas where the folks don't speak as much Pigin, or it's much harder for outsiders to get to, be they nationals or expats. There is the ever present need of MORE LABORERS for the harvest!

And it's not just tribal missionaries that are needed either! While Chris and the other IT guys in the computer department scramble to continue to serve as efficiently as possible the hundreds of missionaries and departments here on the field, we have also been informed of the URGENT need for more teachers at our MK school. Particularly in the High School, teachers are needed for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year, as many teachers are going on furlough. With the end of the year looming, and the start of a new year upon us, perhaps the Lord might lay it upon your heart to consider serving for a year or two in some support ministry overseas. Teachers and computer nerds aren't the only things needed! Business administrators, accountants, maintenance, engineers, nurses...the list goes on and on. The need is great, and God uses people like you and me to fill those needs and further His Kingdom here on earth. (Go to http://www.ntm.org/go/go_results.php?country=Papua+New+Guinea to see a complete list of career needs in PNG.)

We ask you to pray for Jael as she will be evaluated Dec. 20-21. Pray that she will be alert and that she will be able to recall the things she knows.

We pray you have a wonderful CHRISTmas Holiday, as we remember the reason we have to be joyful...God became man, and dwelt among us. We beheld His glory...full of grace and truth!

Because of Him,
Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

That which is perfect is come!

2010-12-05T04:54:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and Christmas is rapidly approaching!
Living half way around the world hasn't removed us from the hustle and
bustle of Christmas! This coming week we have a couple all afternoon
rehearsals for the elementary school Christmas Concert that Angie will
be playing for, with the performance on Friday night. Saturday is the
computer department's Christmas party, and next week is the last of
school before Christmas is finally HERE!!! Our family LOVES this time
of year as we remember the birth of a tiny baby boy who's life was
destined to change the course of history around the world! Our
Christmas decorations still feel out of place without the snow to go
with it in the background, but the white lights on the tree, and the
Christmas music playing from our iPod helps. Just tonight, the kids
broke out in "Jingle Bells" around the dinner table, and we had a riot
as Titus tried to sing along as well ("Jingle bells, jingle bells,
jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle bells...HEY...jingle bells....).

Chris's Bible study continues to move ahead. They have moved from the
Old Testament, past the Christmas story, and are now teaching in the
life of Christ, just recently on the story of Nicodemus. While some of
the participants seem to be truly soaking in the truths they are
hearing, we remain uncertain of where others are at. A few weeks ago
there was meeting RIGHT across the street from us where a
self-proclaimed "prophet" came to speak. As the day approached and
preparations were made, there was a LOT of curiosity and speculation as
to what this man might have to say. The day before the meeting, my work
girl (who has also been attending this Bible study) asked for time off
the next day so she could attend. She said she just wanted to see what
it was all about. While I feared for what she might hear, I couldn't
tell her "no". So I gave her the time off. That afternoon was Chris's
Bible study, and when she came back from that, she was VERY passionate
about what the Lord had taught her. I'm not even sure what the lesson
was on that day, but she came back proclaiming that she was no longer
interested in attending this meeting across the street. She said, "the
time for the prophets is finished! There was a time for them and God
used them greatly, but NOW we have ALL of the Bible...ALL of God's word
to us. A man who calls himself a prophet from God is lying...the time
for that is past". I was moved to tears to hear her profess all of
this. She ended up caving to social pressure to attend the following
morning though, but sat off to the side and just listened and observed.
It was gratifying to hear that some others from the Chris's Bible study
were also there, and along with others who know the truth of God's word
they were listening closely and holding everything that was said up
against scripture...not taking for granted what the man said was truth,
but comparing to their source of truth to determine it accordingly!

There has also been a big movement lately among the national churches to
promote the "Planim Post" teaching. This is the Pigin version of the
chronological teaching that we use in the tribes. It starts in Genesis
and builds a foundation of WHO God is and who man is, covering promises
and the characteristics of God and main themes from the Old Testament
and moving into the New Testament to show how these are all fulfilled in
Christ. National churches are taking it upon themselves to break out of
their geographical circles and go into neighboring areas to promote this
teaching. As a result, many new areas are requesting these national
churches to send teachers to present the whole of the teaching to
them. God is doing a mighty work, and it is most thrilling to us to
see Him using now third and fourth generations of national believers to
do it! Much work remains to be done though, in the isolated areas where
the folks don't speak as much Pigin, or it's much harder for outsiders
to get to, be they nationals or expats. There is the ever present need
of MORE LABORERS for the harvest!

And it's not just tribal missionaries that are needed either! While
Chris and the other IT guys in the computer department scramble to
continue to serve as efficiently as possible the hundreds of
missionaries and departments here on the field, we have also been
informed of the URGENT need for more teachers at our MK school.
Particularly in the High School, teachers are needed for the upcoming
2011-2012 school year, as many teachers are going on furlough. With the
end of the year looming, and the start of a new year upon us, perhaps
the Lord might lay it upon your heart to consider serving for a year or
two in some support ministry overseas. Teachers and computer nerds
aren't the only things needed! Business administrators, accountants,
maintenance, engineers, nurses...the list goes on and on. The need is
great, and God uses people like you and me to fill those needs and
further His Kingdom here on earth. (Go to
http://www.ntm.org/go/go_results.php?country=Papua+New+Guinea to see a
complete list of career needs in PNG.)

We ask you to pray for Jael as she will be evaluated Dec. 20-21. Pray
that she will be alert and that she will be able to recall the things
she knows.

We pray you have a wonderful CHRISTmas Holiday, as we remember the
reason we have to be joyful...God became man, and dwelt among us. We
beheld His glory...full of grace and truth!

Because of Him,
Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

PGA in PNG!?!?

2010-10-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

A Time of Refreshment

Our annual, regional conference has just finished! What a wonderful time of reconnecting, refocusing and re-energizing. For 5 days we got to reconnect with our friends and co-workers here in the Madang region. Old friendships rekindled and deepened and new ones started. A team from Scotland came to minister to us and our children. As in years past, this year's conference seemed to provide just exactly what was needed!
Conference is over, but we are still in Madang, enjoying our first break, or vacation, in over a year together as a family! For two weeks we'll be hanging out, swimming, shopping, snorkeling, fishing, playing games, and relaxing together! Already it's been great to just sit around the dinner table and ask the kids what they want to do that day, and then just be able to pick-up and go do it! A very sweet time indeed!

Direction Granted

    We praise the Lord and thank you for all your prayers on our behalf. We met with our regional leadership Wednesday afternoon, and it seems like we can now see the next step in our ministry here, although the timing remains a little bit fuzzy.
    As people and finances remain to be the two most precious commodities in mission work, the field of PNG has developed a system of assessments in looking at potential tribal works for missionaries to move into. What is known as PGA (People Group Assessment--sorry, NOT the Professions Golfers Association) involves gathering lots of data and statistics on different tribal groups in any given region and around the country! Information like population, location, and language vitality are important as well as whether or not any previous organizations have done any work with a given group of people when it comes to strategizing and prioritizing personnel, and looking to allocate church-planting missionaries into new people groups. The Madang region has asked Chris to set up, and fill in, a database for information on any of the 180+ people groups that are in the Madang region alone. Then, based on the information there, we can better determine as a region and a field, which areas we'd like to further investigate and eventually place missionary teams!
    We are excited as this ministry seems to be a good fit for Chris's skills and interests. It will also put us in a position to build relationships and get to know any potential partners. Once we have partners, we would be free to pursue allocating into a tribal location, but in the mean time, Chris would be able to assist the Madang region in this vital way.
    As we said, timing remains a bit fuzzy. Provided Jael's school evaluation goes well at Christmas time, we could be moving to Madang to start this new ministry as soon as early spring, although summer-time seems more likely. The determining factor will be housing. We are FULL here in Madang (a wonderful problem), and our move here will depend on when housing may open up, as well as the completion of the Bible study that Chris is leading up at Lapilo (which could run into late Jan. or early Feb.).

Prayer Points

Although we see the next step...please don't stop praying for us and our future ministry. This ministry will hopefully just be a stepping-stone towards getting us into another tribal church planting ministry. Please continue to pray for clear direction and wisdom. Please pray for Jael's evaluation coming up, that it would be and accurate reflection of where she is. And please be praying for our future partners...whoever they may be!

Rejoicing in Him,
Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

Dead fingers & Dried up bones

2010-09-06T04:58:00.001-07:00

Truth Impacting Some

First a bit of reflecting on the most recent Bible Study meeting Chris and fellow missionary Aaron DeRidder have had with the national workers as they've been teaching through Creation to Christ in Pigin. They have started teaching on the 10 Commandments, a crucial point of understanding in the study. One of the guys, Remal, upon hearing the commandment "thou shalt have no other gods before me", pondered outloud, "that's just like us! When we cut our fingers off, or keep some part of an ancestor when they die, and then talk to it and pray to it as if they can help us with something...that's just like worshipping them instead of God". How true he is! Another fellow attending the Bible study immediately piped up, "yeah, but Rimal's from the Yagaria tribe! They do that kind of thing there! WE don't do that!". This particular gentleman has made claims to being a Christian, and yet, at a mumu (a food festival of sorts) was overheard by a fellow missionary leading the others in a prayer TO the mumu (to the food) itself! We praise the LORD for the insight He has given to some (like Remal), and yet are saddened to see the hardness of hearts of some others. We are saddened, but do not dispair! Our Lord is powerful, and His Word is sharp and is able to penetrate the hardest of hearts! Please pray with us for these dear souls! Pray that as we continue to teach through the 10 Commandments that they will come to understand that the true purpose of them...to show us our sinful and hopeless state...NOT a means to becoming acceptable to God.

Great Opportunities to Share Truth

    I (Angie) have had the opportunity to develop a neat friendship with a local lady named Trixie. We have shared a neat relationship of give and take and helping each other out with different projects. In and effort to keep this neat friendship going, I've asked her to teach me how to make bilums (the string bags that EVERY PNG lady knows how to make). She has claimed to be a Christian, and I'd been praying for an opportunity to find out just where she is (seeing as we've had so many experiences of some claiming to be Christians, but are so confused spiritually). One evening, she was at our house, and we were working on making bilums, and after conversation seemed to die down, Chris suggested that we put on a documentary DVD. We've enjoyed doing this kind of things with nationals in the past, allowing them to see other parts of the world (or even outer space in some cases) that they would otherwise not get to see, and help to broaden their world view. The one we put in happened to be on archeology, and in this particular episode, the archeological team "happened" to dig up an ancient cemetery. As they were brushing off the bones they had found, and discussing what they could tell about the lives of the people from those bones, Trixie got very tense, and her hands stopped moving as she sat there completely horrified by what she was seeing!! We really had not anticipated this kind of response at all!!! In our other conversations about faith and such, we had no reason to believe that she wasn't a Christian, as she had claimed. But, as we noticed her reaction, and asked her what she was thinking, she said that she was scared for them (the archeologists) because of the spirits of the dead people. We stopped the DVD, and turned to her and asked her what the Bible had to say about a person's spirit. "Where does a person's spirit go when they die?" She answered, "to heaven or to hell". "Right, so why do we need to be afraid of dead people's spirits?"
    The PNG culture that Trixie has grown up in is wrought with beliefs and teachings about dead people's spirits. There is much belief that these spirits hang around indefinitely, and can be manipulated into helping them gain specific knowledge, manipulate nature, or even other people. Trixie went home so upset by what she had seen that she could not fall asleep, but instead stayed up working until after midnight, at which point she collapsed out of pure exhaustion.
    She came back to see me the next day and shared all that with me. She commented about how WE (the missionaries) were not afraid, and that we knew why we didn't need to be afraid. She knows that Chris has been teaching this Bible study in Pigin, and as this came up in our conversation, I realized that we may not be here long enough to share this same study with her all the way through. Then it occurred to us: THIS is exactly why we have worked on developing relationships with the local churches that we have. One of the local churches uses this same Bible study on a regular basis. I mentioned this to Trixie and asked her if she would like to attend this church with us. She was VERY excited to!!
    Unfortunately, the day that she was supposed to come with us, she came up sick! I've not seen much of her at all these last 2 weeks since then. Please pray that I can get in touch with her again, and that she would still be interested in attending this church where we believe she can get good Biblical teaching that will clear up any confusion she might have. Also pray that I might have an opportunity to talk with her about the state of her eternal soul...if she is confused in other areas, it is vital that she is clear in that!

Schooling Update

Well, a month and a half into homeschooling plus Discovery, and all is going well! I have had the blessing of another Discovery therapist who has sat in on a couple of our sessions now and made some extremely helpful suggestions! We praise the LORD for her insight, experience and help. We continue to feel good about how things are progressing. Jael is due for a re-evaluation this winter during Christmas break (Dec. or Jan.), and we will have more concrete answers as to where she is and just how she is doing then. In the mean time, all indications are good, and we are enjoying our time learning together.

Help in ICT

Thank you for praying! Chris has a new co-worker in ICT. Norber Huebner and his wife Michaela arrived from Germany just over a week ago! Already he has been a huge blessing in helping to lighten the work load there. MORE co-workers are needed in the department, so please keep praying!

Waiting Patterns

We know we have asked prayer for this before, but we ask yet again for you to pray with us about the future ministry of our family. As time moves on, we are rapidly approaching the time that may well give us at least some of the answers that we seek. As that time approaches, and as we start to make decisions that will effect our future, we ask for wisdom and continued clear direction!
In a couple weeks, we will travel down to Madang for the Madang Regional Conference. After that, we will have a long over-due break with our family (it's been almost 15 months since we've had a break together as a family away from our support center where we live and work). We anticipate that we may start to get some direction during that time, and again this winter, with some possible decisions to be made then or shortly after the first of the year. It's a time of great anticipation, as we've seen this coming, and have looked forward to it as well. But as with any change that comes, there is both excitement and some fear. Yet, we know that as we strive to keep our eyes on Him, and our ears tuned to His Word, He will be faithful to lead us right.

I know this email has gone on a bit. Some exciting things happening here, and we are so privileged to get to be here with a front-row seat! Serving here on your behalf, it is our joy to share these stories with you! Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement.

Here because of HIM,
Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

Tears to Progress, Sharing Christ from the Old Testament, and To the Rescue?

2010-07-23T07:09:00.001-07:00

From Tears to Progress
As our family looks towards returning to a full-time
church-planting ministry, as you may know, homeschooling remains a key
component. We now have three weeks of Discovery session (educational
therapy) under our belts and we are very happy to report that as a
result of your prayers and God's faithfulness, we have a decent start!
Our first session was wrought with many, MANY tears! A disappointing
start, but not completely unexpected. Even so, I was encouraged that my
training had equipped me to keep things moving, and we DID manage to get
a couple things accomplished in the midst of those tears. After that
first session, Jael and I had a heart-to-heart chat, and our next
session, just two days later, was a COMPLETE turn around of the one
before. We even almost had fun!! Since then, our sessions have gone
very well. We still have a ways to go before we are accomplishing all
that we need to in each session, but progress remains good and steady,
and I remain optimistic and encouraged.
We start full on homeschooling on Monday! Lessons have been
planned, materials organized and ready to go for weeks now! Pray that
we can have a high level of interest and enthusiasm!

Sharing Christ From the Old Testament
The Bible study with the national store workers is moving right
along. This last week they covered the story of Abraham and Isaac. We
hear repeated comments of sincere gratitude at the opportunity they have
to hear this message. In the coming weeks we will be wrapping up the
book of Genesis and move into teaching on the Law. The purpose of the
Law, as we know it, is not just a list of rules to make us good, but a
standard by which we see how utterly condemned we are as sinners before
a righteous and holy God. Please, please pray that this is not just a
message presenting interesting information, but one that will be heart
piercing, convicting and life changing.

To The Rescue?
Working in the computer department, supporting hundreds of
missionaries all over Papua New Guinea, Chris and his co-workers seldom
lack for diversity in their everyday tasks. Sometimes it's repairing
computers, sometimes it's debugging email programs, brainstorming on
internet solutions, researching technology. Most of this happens right
in the computer department and it's immediate surrounding areas.
However, this coming week Chris has the more rare opportunity to travel
to a tribal location to try and do an on site job. Pray for him. With
travel being expensive, and not knowing exactly what to encounter, he
would appreciate some extra wisdom in knowing what tools and equipment
to bring with him.

Thank you so much for continuing to stand with us,
Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

Home again!

2010-06-08T06:35:00.001-07:00

Home Again Home Again
Thank you so much for all your prayers concerning my trip to Manila
and my course there. Things went very well with everything from the
flights to the course itself. While it was intense...lots of
information in a short period of time...I found it not only intriguing,
but also very enjoyable! I enjoyed the information as well my
instructors and fellow classmates! I also enjoyed the food and
accommodations, and the shopping!!! Modern malls and the chance to shop
for things that I can't find here! Yeah, it was all pretty memorable!!
Most importantly though, it accomplished what we needed it to do.
I now feel equipped, and even excited, to start working with Jael doing
educational therapy. After taking a few weeks to get organized and to
plan, I hope to start doing educational therapy with her by the end of
the month, and to start school with her a couple weeks later. The rest
of our books are enroute, so you can be praying that they arrive soon!
Thank you for praying for Chris and the kids while I was gone. He
did very well, looking after three kids...2 of them all day long...and
working from home as well! All with just the smallest of hiccups! He
had plenty of help from different folks around the center here too. He
did so well, in fact, that some things I'm thinking of turning over to
him on a permanent basis!! Like being official costume developer for
the skate nights they have on center here. Jael's pineapple costume won
rave reviews, and there was no question that Baruch was a carrot!! Far
better than mom ever came up with!!
Even with how well everything went, it was VERY nice to come home
to my wonderful family again. School has finished up here, and we are
on summer break, enjoying doing some fun things during the day in
between cleaning and getting organized for doing school at home again
this coming year!

Times of Trial
With all the answered prayers concerning me getting this training
and for our family while we were apart, and for how we've been able to
move ahead in the direction we feel the Lord leading us, it would be
very easy for one to think that everything is just hunky dory with life
going all our way! While that is true on one level, it's also true that
our family is feeling the attacks of our enemy. Our enemy is a cunning
one, knowing just where our weak spots are...every chink in our armor.
Sometimes his attacks are downright scary, and sometimes they're just
stressful. We have, over the course of time, realized that as God's
plan is moving forward, that Satan increases his attacks. This
certainly seems true right now.
We know from scripture that we can be thankful for trials because
they are allowed by our loving Father in heaven, and that they are used
to perfect our faith, and throw our dependence on Him all over again.
We were reminded of that again last night during our family devotions.
We read from I Peter 1: 6-8 where it talks about the testing of our
faith. We talked a bit about how gold is refined through fire, and how
our faith is tested and refined the same way. We also went on to read
how our faith is so much more precious than mere gold! It was just the
perspective that our whole family needed as we face the days and weeks
ahead. We wouldn't ask for such trials (who would), but we know that as
we keep our eyes and lives focused on God that we will not be led astray
from HIS will for our lives. Please pray for us in these days and weeks
to come, that we can maintain that focus, and that our faith, through
testing, will be found genuine and shining bright!

A CAR!!
One final note and prayer request...some weeks ago, after much
prayer and consideration, our family purchased a used car from Japan.
Some funds were made available for us to do so, and after some research
online, we found something that we hope will meet both our current and
future needs! While our current needs may be considered minimum, a
vehicle will make many things much easier. Everything from added
safety, ease and convenience for our entire family as we go visiting
local churches most weekends with Chris, to the benefit of knowing that
if we want to run into town for the day, or take a trip to Madang for a
break, that we can with fewer logistics! Our future needs though, as we
consider the possibility of a future road allocation, also weighed in
heavily in our final decision.
Our new-to-us Nisaan Rasheen is due into the country on Monday!
So, Chris will be making a "quick" trip to the coast to get it, and to
take care of all the necessary paperwork to get it road legal. He will
take a PMV down on Sunday, and then hopefully be back by Wednesday.
Pray with us that everything goes smoothly there, with the paperwork,
and with the trip, as travel in PNG is unpredictable at best!

Thank you for your ongoing prayers on our behalf!
Expecting great things!
Angie (for Chris, Jael, Baruch and Titus too)

2010-05-10T23:36:00.000-07:00

Chris Plays Mr. Mom

Starting Saturday morning, Chris will be filling the roll of dad AND mom. Saturday I leave for the Discovery training in Manila, Philippines for 2 weeks. During that time, Chris will be working out of the home, taking care of 2 active boys all day long, providing meals, running a household….send a few extra prayers up for him during this time, I know he’ll appreciate them! J

We also want to thank ALL of you for your prayers concerning this trip. The Lord has heard, and provided abundantly and timely. Everything has fallen so nicely into place. Besides the stress of our family being apart for the next couple weeks, these last weeks of preparing have been relatively stress-free! Another answer to prayer is that I will be joined by another NTM missionary in Port Moresby who is also going over to take this training…so I will not be traveling alone. WE are reminded again and again of the greatness of our God. Through folks like you, God has again answered prayers. We are so blessed to have such a team behind us.

Pigin Bible Study

Chris, and co-worker Aaron DeRidder are a couple weeks into the Pigin Bible study with our national store workers. They are teaching the Bible chronologically, just as we did in Mibu. This week they are covering creation, and next week will be getting into the fall of man. Some of these folks have been exposed to Bible stories, but there is no context or continuity for them, while for others this is the first time they've ever been presented with any teaching on God's power as displayed in creation let along the lengths to which our creator has gone to redeem us. Pray with us that as this foundation is laid, that the Holy Spirit will be able to impact their lives with truth and that their lives will be forever changed as a result. We’ll keep you posted as the class progresses.

The Next Step

As this next step of Discovery training is on our doorstep, we are already looking ahead to the next thing, as it comes immediately on it’s heels. Homeschooling! Materials have all been ordered now (another answered prayer), and now we ask you to pray that these materials will make their way here quickly and safely, so that I can have time to prepare and plan before starting school. Our plan right now is to take the month of June to enjoy being a family again (after being apart for a couple weeks) and get organized and jazzed up for starting school in July. Please pray for all of us as we prepare our hearts, minds and resources for this undertaking.

Laborers Needed

You know, not much has changed in 2000 years. The Lord told his disciples to look on the fields…they were ready for harvest then, and the laborers were few. There is MUCH work to be done here in PNG. Many people groups have yet to hear, and without people to come and tell them, how can they hear? While there is a great need for church planters, there is also great need for support workers. ICT (the computer department where Chris works) is going to be feeling this keenly in the weeks to come, as over half of the department leaves! For a few weeks, it will be Chris and one other guy managing the tech support of over 300 families and dozens of departments field wide. They will be joined by the end of summer by another returning guy, which will help the work load tremendously. It takes all kinds of people with all manners of gifts and abilities to see church-planting become a reality. As we prepare ourselves and our family for what we believe is coming (another church plant down the road), we ask you to please pray for more laborers. Both church-planters, and support workers (even nerdy computer geeks) so that we can see His Kingdom advanced here on this earth.

Because of HIM,

Angie (who happens to be married to one awesome compute geek) on behalf of all the Walkers

2010-05-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

Chris Plays Mr. Mom

Pigin Bible Study

The Next Step

Laborers Needed

Because of HIM,

Angie (who happens to be married to one awesome compute geek) on behalf of all the Walkers

2010-05-10T23:16:00.000-07:00

Chris Plays Mr. Mom

Pigin Bible Study

The Next Step

Laborers Needed

Because of HIM,

Angie (who happens to be married to one awesome compute geek) on behalf of all the Walkers

2010-05-10T23:11:00.000-07:00

Chris Plays Mr. Mom

Pigin Bible Study

The Next Step

Laborers Needed

Because of HIM,

Angie (who happens to be married to one awesome compute geek) on behalf of all the Walkers

Direction.. Getting from here to there.

2010-03-09T01:47:00.001-08:00

We’d like to take a few minutes and share where we feel the Lord may be leading us in the coming months ahead. We know that we’ve alluded to plans, but have been hesitant to share them since they are so very fluid. However, the more we think and pray about these thoughts and plans, the more we realize that these plans are so HUGE…so beyond us and our abilities…that we covet your prayers over the specifics as we continue to look to the Lord for direction and wisdom.

Basically, we feel the Lord leading us to another tribal work…somewhere in the Madang region of North-central Papua New Guinea. There are a couple of possibilities that we have been asked to consider that have us excited…one possibly would involve joining a work NTM began a work among the people of Manam island. Currently there are no missionaries there to continue establishing the baby church. Another possibility would be participate in on-going NTM surveys of the Madang region to determine other viable locations for future church-planting ministry, particularly some dear co-workers have suggested the Bel language group as a possibility worth exploring. These possibilities have begun to capture more and more of our thoughts and imagination! Nevertheless, before we even get to the point of moving yet again, we have a number of things that do need to happen that we would especially ask for your prayer about. We will list them in the order in which we see that they need to happen, though the actual dates for most of them are somewhat fluid:

1. NILD training for Angie in Manila, Philippines….This May 17-28. This step is vital because it will give us the necessary tools to meet Jael’s special learning needs as we seek to take schooling WITH us to another location (a tribe somewhere). This date is NOT fluid! J Angie has almost completed the pre-course assignments, however we are still waiting on a few things. Please pray for a speedy acceptance letter (3^rd world countries are SO notorious for anything BUT speedy correspondence…but we are hesitant to purchase airline tickets before we have confirmation, and yet waiting too long may jeopardize seat availability as we fly from one 3^rd world country to another). Please also pray for the remaining finances needed for the course. Currently we have about $1000 of the needed $2500. Nine weeks left and counting!

2. Obtaining homeschooling supplies….by July of this year. This date can be somewhat fluid, however we would hate to start any later than that. Starting earlier would be preferable. After some careful research into curriculums, and collaboration with others…different curriculum has been chosen that we are confident will meet our needs in schooling Jael. Some of this has already been ordered. About $200 worth of material remains to be ordered. Pray with us that we will be able to order this material in a timely fashion so that we can have it here on the field in order to start by our projected July date. Pray also for wisdom for Angie as she prepares for this undertaking yet again. She’s very excited about the things she has learned with her year and a half off of homeschooling, and continues to seek wisdom and direction as she prepares to integrate different programs and execute the tools she has been honing.

3. Remainder of our stuff out of Mibu…summer to fall of 2010. As we look towards a second tribal allocation, it would be very nice to have the remainder of our things out of Mibu. This includes not only the remainder of our household goods (many of which are still in transit in Saidor), but also our electrical equipment, appliances, and the building supplies of our house itself!

4. Moving to Madang…Januaryish 2011. Provided that we can illustrate that Jael’s schooling needs are being met after 6 months or so of homeschooling, we feel the move back to Madang may be a good one as we look at doing some survey work, and preparing for moving bush again.

5. Purchase of vehicle and/or boat….spring 2011. The works that we have in mind are assessable by road or water. Depending on where we end up, sometimes there are public transportation options, however for our safety it is obvious we’ll need a more reliable mean of transportation.

6. Funds for surveys….Jan. to spring 2011. This will be essential to us assessing the needs of different possible tribal works. Even after a tribe may be decided on, further surveys will be needed for us to determine a strategic placement within the tribe.

7. Logistics and purchase of house building supplies….spring to summer 2011. As the work is beginning to wrap up in Mibu, one daunting task is the deconstruction of our house in Mibu. This will help considerably in providing building materials for building again elsewhere, however the very remoteness of most tribal areas in PNG including Mibu so difficult.

8. Allocation…possibly, summer to fall 2011. Once we know where we’re going, and how we’re going to get there…then will come the monumental task of moving our family and supplies to start our new ministry. Beginning the process of learning yet another language, culture and establishing relationships that will be vital for effective communication of the gospel and establishing of a New Testament church.

This is a tentative timeline with projected needs. The Lord has shown us time and time again that He is not limited to this, but this is what the Lord has laid on our hearts in the past 6 months or so. It’s a lot! But again, the Lord has shown us tremendous things this last year. So much can happen over the course of a year…or even 6 months…that no amount of obstacles can hinder. If any of you have any questions about any of this, please feel free to ask!

IN THE MEAN TIME….

And on another subject, Chris was recently encouraged by NTM leadership to join a local pastor, Joel Kamaya on an evangelistic outreach to share the gospel among the Kanite people. Chris, as an observer, hopes to witness the teaching of Pastor Kamaya and other Bible teachers from the Bena Bridge church among these people. From what Chris has seen so far, speaking, preaching & teaching primarily in Melanesian Pidgin, Pastor Kamaya has demonstrated an amazing command of cultural understanding to help illustrate Biblical principles. Tentatively one of these outreach trips will be taking place next month. Please be in prayer for the Bena Bridge church, the Bible teachers and particularly the Kanite people, that they would be a prepared & fertile soil to understand and believe God’s talk from members of their own tribe.

With great anticipation,

Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

Fabulous February!

2010-03-09T01:46:00.001-08:00

Creature Comforts

It’s a small thing, but it’s amazing how the little things can make a house a home. Over the past 6 months or so, our stuff has been slowly making its way out of Mibu. A couple weeks ago, we hired a truck to go to Madang and bring up the stuff that had been collecting there. Among the things that came were our couch (oh, so comfy), some book shelves (needed badly to help keep our books from molding further), material for curtains (that actually matches our décor) and more toys for the kids. To be surrounded by our own things again, after about 3 years, just feels so good! Not everything has made its way out yet, and we’d ask you to just pray about that. Some things are still sitting in the trade store in Saidor, and it seems to be left to the whim of the store workers there as to when it gets put on the boat. It’s starting to feel like it’s been a long time since everything has been together, and I think we’d just like to have it all here.

Birthday Girl!

Jael has just celebrated her 9^th birthday! It’s crazy how fast time flies with your kids! It has occurred to us that we are half-way through our time of having Jael in our home. While it is a sobering thought, we are also so very proud of the young lady she is becoming! She is one who has shown perseverance over and over again in her schooling. She demonstrates a deepening compassion for those who are lost and hurting around her, and her desire to help increases with each passing year. She is such a wonderful gift to our family, and a vital part of our ministry!

Training Needs

It is almost official…Angie is heading to the Philippines for her Discovery training course to be well-equipped to work with Jael’s special learning needs. It’s almost official since we are still waiting to hear back on her application (but from what we’ve heard, this is totally to be expected). Airline tickets are booked (though not yet paid for) and accommodations for her are lined up in Manila (at two different mission’s guest houses). Things seem to be falling into place very nicely. Except perhaps the finances. We’d also ask you to pray about those. We figure the cost of the trip to be about $2500 for everything, and we currently have about $800 saved up to put towards it. Angie is scheduled to fly May 15, and her classes start on the 17^th. Pray also as she continues to prepare for this course…that she’d be able to retain all the information she is reading, and be able to apply it appropriately.

Mibu Update

The things that we continue to hear coming out of Mibu are very encouraging. I’d like to include a story from the Tartaglias about a tragedy that happened to some friends some weeks back that shows just how much our brothers and sisters there are growing.

“After the church service, when many of the people had dispersed, Parenoowe grabbed my skirt as I walked by pulling me down on the rough bench next to her. Her face was drawn and tight, eyes still shining with tears carefully held in check. She leaned her face very close to mine, and with great emotion asked if we could talk about her daughter. It has been less than three weeks since her 9 year old, Joonoomeng, had run down ahead of her friends to the river, and whose body been found days later washed up on the shore a few miles down the steep river ravine. Parenoowe 's searing pain showed in her eyes, her voice, and the tight grip she held on my hand. Her questions are the same that anyone would wrestle with... "Why did this happen? Did I do something wrong that God allowed this? Where is she now? Will I see her again?"

“I wish I had something to say to Parenoowe that didn't sound trite. "My friend, God is not angry with you, He is not punishing you. You know this, don't you. He loves you and He loves your children. We all die.

We do not know when—today, tomorrow, when we are young or when we are very old. Only God knows all of this. We cannot know. But we do know that we can trust God with this. We will have to leave it with Him." I paused, thinking.

"What does Weng tell you?" I whispered, her face still very close to mine.

Parenoowe 's oldest, married son, Weng, has carried the family through this time. He has been a Bible teacher and helped teach through the Bible to other villages, and has a very evident love for the Lord and His Word."Yes, this is what Weng tells me," she quietly answered.

“Even while they were still searching for little Joonoomeng's body, our family had hiked over to their village to see what we could do, and be there with them as they waited for news. In the past, we would have been needed at the forefront, reassuring and reminding everyone of God's love for His children. Instead, when what we found were other brothers and sisters in Christ ministering to the family, and to Joonoomeng's mother in particular.

And when Weng's faith was brought to the test, his little sister missing and feared dead, his faith was steady and shone through brightly.”

A New Year in store

2010-01-12T14:01:00.001-08:00

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 Manila since it will be much, MUCH cheaper to do so there. However, we are still waiting to hear if they will be offering this course there this year. If not, the next alternative is California (which holds its own appeal, but at more than double the expense). We’d like to ask prayer for her as she prepares not only for this course, but for the added expense this course will incur (around $2,000-$5,000, depending on where it will be available).

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

Where We've Been and Where We're Going....

2009-10-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

Being a Pal in Pal

Back in June, Chris was invited to help some friends build their house in the Pal (pronounced Paul) tribe. This trip took place mid-September. Chris, and a handful of other guys, went in for 10 days, and following a work team ahead of them, were able to see both houses for the new team enclosed, plumbed and wired! While it was very exciting to be back in the bush helping our friends so they can start their tribal ministry, he was reminded just what “roughing” it means! Conditions were hard, sleeping in the midst of the construction site, they collected rain water for showers, when there was rain, otherwise the closest water source was about a mile away! When they returned, they all looked lean, tired and sore! But what a privilege to help in that way!

Madang Conference

I and the kids ended up meeting Chris in Madang after his work trip. We hung out there for a couple days before attending the Madang Region Annual Conference. Conference is the highlight of the year, as we get to see so many friends all at one time! It was so exciting to hear what was happening in each of the tribal works. Many had very exciting reports of rapid and consistant church growth and maturity. Some had reports of persecution of believers with some standing strong and some slipping and falling down. Some shared honestly about how difficult it is with just a small handful of people who are faithful, much persecution, and even since their return back into the tribe, slimmer numbers yet. BUT GOD is working mightily all over our region, and each of the works gave clear testimony of seeing His hand at work. Isn’t it great that we can see the effects of Him working, even if we don’t know what the end result will be? GREAT time of fellowship…so glad we went!

Looking Ahead

As the school year continues, we continue to see progress with Jael. We had a bit of a set back at the beginning of the year perhaps due to her transition into the combined 2nd-3^rd grade. We’ve worked at making more adjustments, both at school and at home, and are confident that we’ll be seeing her progress well again with the start of this next school term. In looking ahead, we have a couple matters of prayer we’d like you to pray with us about. The first and foremost is for wisdom. The special education program available at the school here (Discovery), offers a training course. It’s a post-graduate class offered yes, in the states, but also in the Philippines. It has been suggested that it would be beneficial for me to take this course, if I can. It’s two weeks in length, and sometime this spring. Needless to say, this will be an added expense, which is the second thing we would ask you to pray with us in. Amazingly enough, it seems that I would qualify for taking this course, which will allow me to better meet the needs of our daughter wherever the Lord brings us next. We are yet unsure how everything will play out…she will be re-evaluated sometime in the coming months, and that will give us a clearer picture of where she’s at, and how to plan from there. We find ourselves thankful to be in such a place right now where help is available not only for her, but also for me, as I seek to be as well equipped as I can as we continuing in growing and training (and Lord willing eventually resume homeschooling) this wonderful gift we call Jael. Some time this month, Chris is possibly looking at a trip to the capital city of Port Moresby in order to gain certification in some technical services to strengthen our work permit renewal application

In AWE of HIM,

Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

Will someone tell us too?

2009-07-23T02:11:00.000-07:00

Come and See

Two weeks ago fellow NTM Madang region missionaries Daniel and Elizabeth Moore came out of their tribal location to share what God has done through the preaching of the Gospel. After sharing in English, he sent out an invitation to all of our Papua New Guinea citizen workers on our support center here to hear the same report in Melanesian Pidgin. Many of these workers have been working for New Tribes Mission aiding our missionaries by preparing supplies and processing paperwork for decades, however very rarely have they had a chance to hear of the end results of their labor. Needless to say, nearly all of our 99 national workers attended, and they marveled at the change God was able to bring to the lives of two remote villages in their county. All the more impressive to them was how that prior to the teaching, both of these villages were steeped in animistic practices, completely ignorant of God and his plan of salvation, and yet through the teaching of the Cross from Genesis to Acts, the newfound freedom and joy these folks found, not always expressible by words was clearly displayed by the pictures Daniel showed.

We want that too!

The next day, several of the workers who work in our store here, approached the store manager. “We have worked here all these years, and still, we have not heard this message for ourselves.” The point was more than clear. Our friend, the store manager, looked into things a little more, and did some more talking to his employees. They all seemed genuinely interested, and even willing to flex their break times a couple days a week to accommodate a class time without taking more time away from their homes and families.

Here I am

The store manager, who also happens to be our next-door-neighbor here, then approached Chris, to see if he would be interested in helping to teach this small group of 9 men and women or so, suggesting that Chris’s church-planting experience in Mibu would be a real asset to the teaching. After some discussion with leadership we’ve accepted this challenge and we all met together this week with the store workers, to start asking some questions designed to prepare them for what’s coming….TRUTH! Truth that they are asking for, having heard of the difference it’s made in the lives of others!!!

We praise the Lord that He has opened up this kind of opportunity for us while we’re here. Our daughter, Jael, is very keen on many things, and has been asking about the national folks that work here on the center and whether they know about Jesus! What an opportunity to model for her, taking every opportunity that comes our way. Pray for these dear workers. They have seen many missionaries come and go over the years. They have been faithful in their jobs and in serving us. How thrilling to now be able to introduce them to the Savior. Pray for open hearts and minds. Though they live so close to town, and have worked here for years…we get the impression that there is still much confusion when it comes to things of the Lord.

For such a time as this,

Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

PS. Picture is of a recent bake sale Jael participated in…she’s raising money for a pet tree kangaroo! The perks of being an MK!

[What's What With the Walkers] Waiting and Resting

2009-06-22T21:36:00.001-07:00

Restful time in Madang

Last week we spent a much needed time of fellowship and rest with fellow co-workers in Madang. Madang is a small town on the northern end of Papua New Guinea on a small peninsula which has a bay on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. During this time of rest, in between swimming trips to the ocean and shopping, our family unexpectedly played host to four Mibu men as they prepared to take part in our upcoming translation check. So that first weekend we had a small Mibu church service in the guest-house living room. For months Chris had been hoping to introduce the Mibus to the book of Proverbs, what precious opportunity and fellowship.

Change in Direction

Also during our time in Madang we were able to discuss with leadership various disagreements that have come to light within the Mibu team. Despite hopes to resolve these disagreements, it has now become evident to both the team and field leadership that the Lord is directing our team in different directions. Out of respect to all involved, we will simply say that these disagreements are a matter of strong personal convictions and ministry philosophy which currently appear to be irreconcilable. As difficult as this change is, we take comfort in Paul’s example with Barnabas…two missionaries who also had severe disagreements and went their separate ways. Two missionaries who as a result, saw ministry multiplied and blessed as a result of parted ways. We take particular comfort in the fact that years later, Paul and Barnabas (and John Mark) were able to come together in fruitful ministry again, and be a blessing to each other while doing so.

Next Assignment?

So, what does this mean for us? How we wish we had a complete answer. Here is what we know. The Lord has already made it abundantly clear to us that He would have us continue here where we are and continue to get Jael the help she needs with school. Chris will continue at the Computer Department, where the guys there have made it clear that he is a very welcomed addition. Jael will be re-evaluated sometime this coming school year. It is everybody’s hope that the rate of progress she has shown already will continue, and that come the end of next year, she will be caught up with her classmates, and we might have the green light to resume homeschooling. At that point, we will see what options are available for us. Our utmost desire is to be used of God in furthering his kingdom here in Papua New Guinea, and in the Madang province even. The opportunities to serve are endless!! When the time comes, we will work together in fellowship with our leadership here on the field, and our supporting churches and individuals in seeing what the Lord might have for us next. Continuing in the computer department, serving all our church planting teams field-wide? Serving in some support role in Madang? A new church plant somewhere in Madang or PNG? Helping an older work finish their task? God knows, and He will continue to direct our paths as He so faithfully has. (If you have any questions, please by all means feel free to correspond with us. Also our Madang Regional leadership have stated that they are happy to discuss any questions you may have as well. Please contact joseph_colyn@ntm.org)

In the mean time, we covet your prayers for our hearts as we seek closure for the work in Mibu, and that our hearts would be open to whatever the Lord has for us in the coming months and years ahead. Also, PLEASE continue to pray for the church in Mibu, for their growing and maturing faith, and the witness they are to the areas around Mibu. Thank you so much for your faithful prayers and support. This is not at all what we had envisioned as we were returning to PNG, but we see the hand of God in the entire thing, and we will not question His means or timing.

Here because of HIM,

Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

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Chris and Angie Walker
Sent out by Calvary Church of Wayland Mi, to serve with
New Tribes Mission
planting churches among the Mibu People of
Papua New Guinea.

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New Tribes Mission
1000 East 1st st.
Sanford, FL 32771

Home Address:
Chris & Angie Walker
1134 - 122nd Ave
Martin, Mi 49070

Field Address:
Chris & Angie Walker
New Tribes Mission
Private Mail Bag
Madang MP 511
Papua New Guinea

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Important Family Dates.
Titus 03/21/08, Baruch 09/08/04 Jael 02/24/01 Walker Anniversary 06/21/96 Chris 03/25/76 Angie 08/12/77

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[What's What With the Walkers] Another Mibu saint goes home [1 Attachment]

2009-05-07T22:23:00.001-07:00

[Attachment(s) from Chris & Angie Walker included below]

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What a week. This last weekend, we heard news from our co-workers in Mibu that Yoonare was very sick and had a bowel obstruction. After a coordinated effort, she was medivaced to the hospital in Madang on Monday. Initial prognosis was not good. Almost from the beginning, the doctors believed she had cancer, though to what extent was not sure. They ran a battery of tests, and although they were still waiting for the official results, again, initial look confirmed cancer. The doctor sat down with Ketang (a Bible teacher in Mibu) and Yoonare on Wednesday or Thursday and shared the difficult news that this sickness that she had was not something she was going to get better from. A good friend, and other co-worker was able to act in our stead and be there for Ketang and Yoonare…making daily visits to the hospital, seeing that they had everything they needed, praying together with them, and just being a hand to hold and a shoulder to lean on. He relayed to us that after hearing this news, Ketang said that he was ok with that. That “we belong to God, and when He says it’s someone’s time to go, it’s time”. Then, this morning, I got a call from our friend’s wife, saying that he had just called to say that she was gone.

Just a little bit about Yoonare. She and Ketang have been actively involved with the church planting ministry from day one of our arrival in Mibu. Both of them were vital in helping our team learn the Mibu language, and helping to understand their culture. They often went out of their way to help with various projects, and were very patient and gracious with us in our learning progress. When it came time to present the gospel, they both paid attention with rapt interest. They both fell in love with God, and later, His Son, Jesus Christ. They were among the first to make professions of faith, and actively retaught the lessons they had learned in their home to their children. They were both quick to internalize the gospel, and let it change the way they saw the world around them. They were a great team together in a culture where affection and true camaraderie with your spouse is not always present. They were not perfect, but they were growing.

Needless to say, Yoonare is going to be sorely missed. By her husband, her children and grand children, her friends, the church in Mibu, and us. I’ve attached a picture that depicts how I will always remember her…with her radiant smile. Pray for her family, as they grieve their loss, and figure out how to go on without her. Praise the Lord with all of us, that her suffering is over forever, and has been welcomed home by her Creator!

The Walkers

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[What's What With the Walkers] Clearer Direction [2 Attachments]

2009-04-29T05:04:00.000-07:00

[Attachment(s) from Chris & Angie Walker included below]

Greetings!

Thank you so much for your prayers on our behalf these last couple months. We have much to share, and all are a result of your prayers.

Trip to Mibu—Recap

Chris and Ron’s trip to Mibu was everything we hoped it would be. They made the initial 12 hour hike with no mishap, and their little entourage grew as they got closer to Mibu. Once in Mibu, Chris had a wonderful time reconnecting with the church in Mibu, friends and co-workers. It was neat to hear how the believers desire to see us back, and yet how they were coming to understand that it’s not us, but God building his church there. It was also wonderful to get to worship and celebrate Easter with the Mibu believers, and observe as the Mibu Bible teachers conducted the service.

Half and Half—A Foot in Two Worlds

While in Mibu, Chris also had the opportunity to discuss with Geoff some of those elusive “details” that we had mentioned in an earlier update. Because of Jael’s needs with learning and having to be close to the school and the help available here, we have been praying and seeking direction for a way that would allow us to be here in close enough proximity to the school, and still somehow fulfill the commitment we have to the church in Mibu. After much prayer, consideration, talking with leadership and co-workers, and saying no to some other very exciting opportunities, we have devised a plan that we believe will serve both needs. While Chris continues to help out at the Computer Department, they have been more than generous in agreeing to allow Chris the time to return to Mibu with the family during the school breaks, as well as additional time after the family returns to the center for Jael to go to school. Essentially, looking at the number of work days…Chris’s time will be split in half between the computer department, and ministry in Mibu! It is a plan that will involve a lot of travel, planning, expense, and some separation over the coming year. But, we are excited to be able to spend as much time in Mibu as we can.

Jael continues to make great progress in school. We are quite hopeful that at the end of next year, we will be more suitably equipped to move our family back into Mibu and resume home schooling. Having said that and knowing that there are no guarantees, we will continue to do what is necessary to see that she gets the help she needs.

Thank you again so much for your prayers.

Attached are some pictures of the trip to Mibu.

Because of HIM,

Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus

__._,_.___

Attachment(s) from Chris & Angie Walker

2 of 2 Photo(s)

Hanging out.JPG

Easter Service in Mibu.JPG

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[What's What With the Walkers] A visit to Mibu

2009-04-07T17:17:00.001-07:00

Dawn Departure

Not so bright and early Thursday morning, Chris will catch a ride with some of our most esteemed NTM pilots, and fly to the airstrip in Nankina. From there, he and our friend, Ron Green, will hike about 5 miles (as the crow flies) down one ridge, up another, down that side, and up again to arrive at our place in Mibu about 12 hours from when they land (yes, 12 hours to hike 5 miles)!

Hiking Buddy

Ron Green and his family are here in Papua New Guinea as associate missionaries for the next couple years. He works in the finance office, helping to keep the nightmare of figures and logistics of working with several different currencies afloat! They arrived in country about the same time we did a few months ago, though they also served here a couple years ago. He and his wife Rebekah have three children, Mullen, Clara (Jael’s age) and Lindsey (Baruch’s age). They live just across our back yard from us, and besides providing our kids with endless playmates, they have also proven to become dear friends. Ron mentioned at one point that he liked the idea of him hiking in to Mibu sometime with Chris, and we, ever willing to help others get the bush experience of their lives, took him up on that offer!

Encouraging Hearts

The purpose of the visit? Well, in one sense, just to visit! To appear in the flesh to the Mibu people after being away for 2 years and communicate to them our intention of one day returning. To encourage the church, who are dear friends. And to see and hear for ourselves how our friends are doing!! Chris will have the much needed opportunity to brainstorm with Geoff about details and ideas for the coming year and what our role might be in the ongoing ministry there. It will also give Chris a chance to see our house and how it’s fared in our long absence. We will have the chance to encourage our co-workers as well, Geoff and Shannon Husa, who have been in Mibu on their own for almost a year! And to be there over the Easter holiday will be so special!

Pray

The visit will be, and feel, very short. But it will be the first of what we hope will be many visits to come! Pray for Chris and Ron as they hike. Pray for safety and health. Pray that the visit will be one of tremendous encouragement for all involved! Pray that Geoff and Chris might have a good dialogue concerning next year. And pray for the Green and Walker families as they are gone. OH, how this family wishes they could go as well…but it is not yet time for us—soon!!

We look forward to sharing more details!!

Because of HIM,

Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

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[What's What With the Walkers] Responding Creatively

2009-03-30T01:12:00.000-07:00

The Challenge

There have been some changes in our plans, and I guess we had hoped to have more of the details in place before we sent out an update. However, the details are going to take some time in coming, and we want to keep you informed in the mean time.

It has been determined that Jael’s learning needs are greater than what we can provide for her in the bush at this time. So, we have decided to make it possible for Jael to continue in the school here, where she can get the needed specialized one-on-one training that she needs. As you might guess…this means some changes for us.

Our original plan was to move back into Mibu this summer. However, in providing what is needed for our daughter that would not be possible. Here is where we wish we had more details to share with you. J

Responding… for now

We are in the midst of communicating with our team, and with others here about a possible ministry that would allow for us to remain here where Jael can get the help she needs, but would also allow for us (primarily Chris) to continue our ministry in Mibu as well. This plan could potentially involve a LOT of traveling, some separation, and needs a HUGE amount of wisdom, planning, creativity and prayer. As we work out the details please pray with us! While the decision to keep Jael enrolled at the Christian School here in Goroka was clear, it was still difficult to make. Nevertheless, we are at peace, knowing that as we are seeing to the needs of our children first, everything else will fall into place.

Depending

Although we haven’t shared many details (alas, those elusive details), we would ask you to pray specifically for these things:

That we would be sensitive to the Lord’s direction
That we would find a way to resume a ministry in Mibu, if that’s what the Lord has in store
That Jael will make significant progress during this next year in school
That our hearts would know peace
That we will be a blessing wherever we find ourselves

Thank you so much for standing with us during this time. We will keep you posted, and will fill in those details as they become known to us!

Here because of HIM,

Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch, and Titus Walker

__._,_.___

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[What's What With the Walkers] 4 years later, and still stories of change!!!

2009-03-06T17:23:00.000-08:00

Adjustments

We appreciate your prayers for Jael as she has adjusted to school here. Although there are days where it’s a real emotional struggle, overall it’s been a very good move! The progress we are seeing is very encouraging. She is reading more and more on her own, and either accomplishing or coming close to accomplishing many of the goals she has set for herself (like reading her Bible…at least parts of it). The struggles that she has had have provided perfect opportunities for us to talk with her about God’s will and plan for her life…both in the future, and for the here and now. There are so many stories I could share that mark clear progress, but I would go on and on, so I’ll spare you! If you want more details…feel free to write and ask!!

Reunions

When we first arrived back to PNG, we shared how we had the opportunity to see our partners, the Husas! Joey (as representative of our other partners) recently was in PNG, making a brief visit to encourage the Mibu church. This last weekend, Chris traveled to Madang in order to visit with Joey on his way out of Mibu going back to the states. The reunion was one of encouragement and excitement! Although the meeting was very short, the fellowship was sweet and very worth the effort made for Chris to get to Madang!! Now, more than ever, we are looking forward to the day when our team is reunited all together in Mibu, serving together in ministry.

Mibu Update

We have received encouraging updates from both Geoff and Joey recently. This first story, from Geoff, involves Tom, who was a former leader in the old ways for the Mibu people. Tom attended teaching faithfully when we presented the gospel, and accepted it readily! However, later he realized that this acceptance had caused his power to drop significantly. Over the last several months, things have kind of come to a head with Tom and Geoff over spiritual issues. It had become very obvious that Tom was struggling and wavering in his faith…if he indeed had faith! He became more and more outspoken, and attempted to cause division (and indeed, he is of such a personality, that people DID follow his flawed way of thinking). The church, however, saw what was happening…that he was struggling with the message of the true gospel, and the old ways. After repeated attempts to help him, they decided to exclude him for a time. Recently, we received an email from Geoff saying that Tom seems to have had a change of heart!! He has been heard telling leaders in the church that he was wrong (even in front of some of his followers). He admitted that he had been angry and was speaking out as he was because of his anger, and that it had been very wrong of him to do that. He went on to explain that of all the different kinds of beliefs that he’s seen (the old ways in Mibu, and other “churches” he’s heard about), the message that is being taught now in Mibu seems to be the only one that truly follows God’s Word!, and that he does NOT desire to go back to the old ways. These statements, as well as his actions towards some that he had confronted in conflict in the past, seem to indicate a true change of heart, and proof of the Spirit’s working in his life. Praise God with us, and pray that he would continue to listen to the voice of God as he travels further down this road of faith.

This next story is one that Joey shared with Chris while in Madang. While in Mibu, Joey spent time with many different believers, including one named Bapake. Bapake has been involved in the outreach to Titarapok…one of the newest outreaches in progress, and the 4^th generational outreach from the Mibu church (Mibu to Tariknan to Yongem to Titarapok). While discussing the outreach there, and no doubt with the incident with Tom in mind, Joey asked Bapake if he was noticing similar tendencies out in his area….if people were struggling with accepting the gospel, or if they too wanted to return to the old ways after hearing and seeming to accept the gospel. I like Bapake’s response:

“Are you kidding?!? Why would we want to do that? Before this message came to Mibu, we didn’t know what the end of the story was…that God had sent his son Jesus to pay for our sins. When this message first came to Mibu, word spread all up and down these valleys…those of us that had heard it, we couldn’t contain it! Once word got out that God has made a way for us…all these old ways became useless, and people just left them. Everyone knows that God’s way is better…why would we want to go back?” Again, the power of the message made crystal clear. It would seem that this message is famous! That people, maybe before they even hear all the details or have a full understanding, are already leaving the old ways in anticipation of this new way! We will never tire of the thrill we get when we hear again of the evidence of the power of God and His word!!

Future Plans

Our plan is still to return to Mibu sometime this summer. We are in the preliminary stages of team meetings to happen sometime in June, and after that, depending on a couple different things, we will be returning to our home in Mibu! Pray with us as we continue to plan towards that end. There are many logistics and much communication that needs to happen before that time. We continue to see God’s hand in this, which leaves us assured that things will fall into place, especially as we bathe it all in prayer!

Thank you,

Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

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Update 01-28-2009, Part of the Lapilo Team

2009-01-28T03:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome, but don't get too comfortable!

We have had a very warm reception to the support base here in Goroka. Chris has plugged right into the Computer Service Department, and already Russ Nelson who'd recently been the only full-time computer services tech is feeling a sense of relief! The kids are all making friends, and it hasn't taken long for us to find a rhythm to life that seems to work for us here. We even received a warm welcome from our partners, Joey and Brooke Tartaglia, who are still in the states! However, their welcome came with plea that the Computer Service Department understands that, "they know that [we're] returning to Mibu real soon"! :) We do indeed count it a privilege to help out on the support side of things for this short season, but it remains our goal as much as we believe it is still God's calling for us to return to Mibu after this time here.

1st Grade Again!!

For any of you who have ever had to repeat a grade, or had kids who've had to do so, you can appreciate our request for prayer here. We had Jael screened last week for the possibility of a learning disability. Reading has always been a struggle for her, and it hasn't gotten easier over time, as we had expected and hoped it would. After discussing different options with some of the great educators here on the center, we have decided to go ahead and enroll Jael in the MK school here...in the 1st grade. We met yesterday with the 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Morton, and fell in love! We are confident that she and Jael will be a good match, and that she will be able to help us help Jael crack this code of the written word. We feel very good about our decision to enroll Jael.

If only Jael felt the same way. When we told her about our decision last week, she seemed fine. Although we kept an eye and ear open to any problems, none became evident until about a half hour before our meeting. At that point, she was in tears about going back into 1st grade. She'd already made some friends in the 2nd grade class when she visited there last week, and was concerned about what they would say or think when they saw that she was back in the 1st grade class. And then she didn't want to leave the house because of her tears. Poor girl. Daddy came to the rescue though, and talked with her (he also had to repeat 1st grade) and when the time came, she was able to meet her teacher with almost a smile on her face, and was laughing with her before the afternoon was out! We haven't had much opportunity to discuss this change in plans with her further, but we would ask that you pray for her as her first day in 1st grade (again) approaches...that she will be able to enjoy it as much as we know she could. Once she gets involved in the classroom, we are very confident that she will love her class, and the kids in it.

Medical Evacuation!!

Not for us, but for our other partners! Geoff Husa was experiencing difficulty breathing and it was deemed medically necessary to evacuate them. Once they arrived in Goroka, the symptoms were quickly explained and brought under control and they found themselves unexpectedly here when we arrived! Although we wouldn't have wished for them to come out of Mibu for medical reasons, what a joy it was, getting to see them and spend some time with them and their girls! As they've now returned to Mibu, we ask that you continue to pray for them and the ongoing work there...they are in Mibu on their own right now, and it can add to the stress and feeling of isolation.

Thank you to all of you for your prayers during this time of transition and adjustments. Only they can explain the rapidness with which we have found our feet again. In so many ways, we do feel like we are at home again!

Because of HIM,

Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

"Not the Real Papua New Guinea!!" 01-16-09 Updated

2009-01-17T13:07:00.001-08:00

Highlights of an eventful Trip!

Paying Twice of what we planned to pay for check-in luggage
Running to catch our flight while the intercom reminds us "Final boarding for San Francisco"

Going from the Domestic to International terminal Chris, Jael and Titus were unable to return to Angie and Baruch for security reasons. Almost 2 hours later, the family is reunited!
After a while we realized we'd dropped the receipts we'd received in Chicago for our check-in-luggage, we had to spend 3 1/2 hours between airlines to reproduce the receipts before we could be issued our boarding passes for the flight to Hong Kong.
Finally before left San Francisco, we were informed our flight to Hong Kong was going to be delayed 2-3 hours because the plane was not available due to a baby being born, causing the previous flight to be diverted. Turning our 13 hour layover in San Francisco in to nearly 16 hours.
During the flight we requested bulk-head seating, this came at the cost of keeping our family together. Angie sat near the front of the plane with Titus, while Chris, Jael & Baruch were nearly in the back.
Arriving 3 hours behind schedule in Hong Kong, we missed our flight to Papua New Guinea.
The airline then paid for accommodations at a 4-Star Hotel attached to the airport, we were tired and thankful for the opportunity to sleep.
We enjoyed a wonderful English/Chinese breakfast buffet
Chris, Jael and Baruch went swimming in the pool
Taking advantage of our unexpected layover, our family took a train from the airport to the downtown island of Hong-Kong, very impressive.
After eating lunch at Burger King, the airline flew us to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in order to connect us to Papua New Guinea.
Some confusion with our baggage delayed the issuing of our boarding passes for several hours.
After arriving in Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, we found one of our foot locker trunks hadn't made it, after filing a report, we were brought quickly through customs and enroute to Goroka.
Arriving in Goroka, one of our carry-on bags had been moved and was no-where on the plane to be found, with a laptop inside, we reported the bag stolen.
Arriving at New Tribes Mission headquarters in PNG we were pleased to be greeted by so many co-workers, some of whom had displayed a huge "Welcome Home" sign on our porch.
Chris was given a tour of the new computer service department, many have stated how thankful they are to have his help over the coming months.
After unpacking and setting up our temporary home, we received a call from the airline, saying our missing back-pack had been found and that we could expect it on the next flight from Port Moresby.

Each one of these bullet points could probably be stretched out into their own stories, however we don't want to abuse the privilege of your time.

"Not the Real Papua New Guinea!"

Throughout our long 3-4 day journey from the USA to PNG, starting in Chicago, Baruch would continually ask, "Is this Papua New Guinea?" and we would patiently respond, "No this is..." This was repeated at each and every destination. Finally when we arrived in Port Moresby, learning that we were finally landing in PNG, he was so giggly and excited to finally be arriving at this elusive place we'd been talking about for so long....one might have thought that he'd just received a puppy!! Mistaking so many places for that mystical place called Papua New Guinea, you would have thought he had no memories of PNG from his early life here. However, upon looking around Goroka, he then exclaimed, "Where's the real Papua New Guinea!!" He was of coarse referring to the place of his memories, memories of our Mibu friends, co-workers, free-roaming chickens and village dogs and our house on the cliff of a mountain. We reminded him of our commitment to stay in Lapilo and he was relieved to hear that it wouldn't be very long before we were indeed going to go to "the real Papua New Guinea." The feeling was mutual.

Thank you so much for your prayers...even though the trip was so very long, we felt your prayers carrying us along.

Joyfully settling in,

Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

P.S. Feel free to give as call our Skype # is 269-793-9160 or our PNG number is 011-675-731-4402.

[What's What With the Walkers] Ready or not...

2009-01-01T18:02:00.001-08:00

...HERE WE COME!!

Just 9 days now till we leave all the snow and cold of Michigan for the milder climates of Papua New Guinea. Our days lately have been a whirlwind of family parties, getting together with friends, and packing. We have one last trip to make to northern Wisconsin this coming weekend, and then not quite a week left of finishing up packing and cleaning. Sunday, Jan. 11 we plan to have one last time of worship with our sending church before we pile in the van to head to Chicago to catch our flight out at 8:30 that night. We arrive at our destination on Wed., Jan. 14 around 10:30 in the morning (provided all goes well). No matter how you do the math (we do lose a day in going), it's a long trip! We covet your prayers as we now make this trip with three kids in tow!

Our Support Is At 90%

We received a phone call this evening from some friends, informing us that their family has decided to join our team of financial supporters! Their commitment places us at the 90% thresh mark! We are so excited with all the Lord is doing through people like you. Our faith has grown in many ways this last year, and now that extra 10% to make it 100 seems like nothing! Our God is a big God, and His will WILL be accomplished. And floundering economies, changing administrations, and unseen futures cannot hold Him back! Jehovah Jirah!!

Until We Meet Again

The relationships that have been nurtured during our time in the states, some old and some new, will go with us to our "other home" across the sea. Thank you for those of you who have taken the time to befriend us, care for our children, love us, cry with us, hug us, mentor us, be honest with us, laugh with us, and pray with us. We are stronger because of what God has done in us through you. We excitedly, and with great expectations, look forward to not only 2009, but the years to come beyond that as well. Thanks again!

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Extra Projects!

2008-12-18T15:03:00.000-08:00

Picture Scanning, HTML..., what's next?

While our first choice would have been to return to PNG back in November. Nonetheless the Lord has allowed a number of neat opportunities as we have waited for all the necessary red-tape to clear. Currently Chris has recently finished a family scanning project that has allowed him to scan in family pictures some dating back to the 1800's. Now as we prepare for our return to PNG on January 11th, Chris has been studying HTML, it's not directly tied to our ministry in Mibu, but it's an interest of Chris's and it allows us to continue to develop our ministry webpage!

Spagetti

In the mean-time we've seen the focus of our ministry over the last couple of months move towards spending a lot of time with individuals and families, inviting many over for California spagetti! Interested? Ever have CA spagetti? Even if you're curious, give us a call or send us an email!

Roller-Skating!

Stay tuned for pictures. As the snow piles up outside, and we dream the milder climate in PNG, our family has discovered we especially enjoy roller-skating!

[What's What With the Walkers] It's Here!!

2008-12-13T11:08:00.001-08:00

That's right...the long awaited for visa for Titus was wired to the PNG Embassy Friday morning!! And some people say prayer doesn't change things...they don't know our God!! Thank you to all of you who were praying for his visa. It may not have been there for Monday when we wanted, but God's timing is perfect, and He's never late!

So, what's next? We are researching plane tickets right now, and waiting to hear back from a couple travel agents to see if they can beat the prices we found online for ourselves. From the research we've done though, it doesn't appear that the holiday rush (and prices) drops until Jan. 11, so it looks like we'll be around here for a couple more weeks. But who can complain about another Christmas with the family? :) We will let everyone know of our official plans once the tickets have been purchased.

There are times in our lives where we can look back and clearly see the hand of God leading us. Our time home has been, beyond a doubt, one of those times for us. Looking back, everything...all the many details, relationships, and opportunities has had a divine purpose. We stand amazed in the details that we can see, and think in wonder about the details that we can't yet see. God is good, and now, more than ever, we feel the extreme privilege that is ours in being your hands and feet in Papua New Guinea, and most particularly in Mibu. We are SO excited to see what God has in store for us in the months and years to come. Thank you ever so much for standing with us...encouraging us and loving and praying for us. You truly are the backbone of our ministry.

And if anyone is wondering what the kids think of this....I was doing school with Jael when we got the phone call. She figured out what was happening (my huge smile and high squeaky "really?" may have given her some indication), and before I could get off the phone, she was running up and down the hallway here in excitement! We are so blessed with children who are as excited about returning to our ministry as we are!

Enjoy the holidays!! Christ came for a reason, and that reason is worth celebrating!!

Love to all,

Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

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[What's What With the Walkers] You guys are still here?

2008-12-05T13:45:00.003-08:00

Yes!! Alas, we are still here. As the snow dumps down on our heads, we can't help but dream of the warmer, milder climates of Papua New Guinea. Our last update shared how we were waiting for Titus Visa, and that we would let everyone know as soon as anything came through. 3 weeks later....still nothing new to report. And this is exactly why we are writing again. WE NEED YOUR PRAYERS! The contentment we felt so keenly a month ago is being challenged with the passing weeks. We know that God works through prayer....we have seen it too many times to even question that. We are humbling asking all of you to PLEASE make Titus Visa a MATTER OF PRAYER this weekend. It would be so wonderful if when we call the embassy again on Monday that it would be there. I know we are facing a weekend, but PNG is one day ahead of us...their Monday is our Sunday night, so there is one working day for us to work with!!

Thank you for all your ongoing love and support.

Here because of HIM,

Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

*******************************************************

Chris & Angie Walker (Home Address)

1134 - 122nd Ave

Martin, MI 49070

www.walkertalkie.com

269-509-7551(Home)

616-217-6595(Cell)

269-793-9160(Skype Phone)

Chris & Angie Walker (Field Address)

New Tribes Mission

Private Mail Bag

Madang, MP 511

Papua New Guinea

Chris & Angie Walker (Business Address)

New Tribes Mission

1000 E First Street

Sanford, FL 32771

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You guys are still here?

2008-12-05T13:45:00.001-08:00

Thank you for all your ongoing love and support.

Here because of HIM,

Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

*******************************************************

Chris & Angie Walker (Home Address)

1134 - 122nd Ave

Martin, MI 49070

www.walkertalkie.com

269-509-7551(Home)

616-217-6595(Cell)

269-793-9160(Skype Phone)

Chris & Angie Walker (Field Address)

New Tribes Mission

Private Mail Bag

Madang, MP 511

Papua New Guinea

Chris & Angie Walker (Business Address)

New Tribes Mission

1000 E First Street

Sanford, FL 32771

[What's What With the Walkers] What's What with Walkers

2008-11-19T18:46:00.001-08:00

Hurry up and Wait!!

As many of you know, we had planned to leave for PNG on Nov. 17...this past Monday. However, we are still waiting on an approval for Titus's visa, so those plans have changed. We were very wisely told, months ago when we submitted our paperwork, to not even purchase our tickets until we had our paperwork in hand. Wise council indeed! So, as we continue to stay in touch with the PNG embassy here in the states, our wonderful mission government representatives in Port Moresby continue to make regular visits to the immigration office to remind them that our son still needs his visa. Besides praying (and asking all of you to pray), that's all we can do right now. Once we have his visa, we can purchase our tickets and be on our way. We're anticipating about a 2 week turn-around from when we get his visa to when we climb on our plane, so things should happen pretty quickly once they start. We will keep you posted as to when we get his visa and what our travel plans will look like, so stay tuned!!

Temporary Change of Ministry

Recently New Tribes Mission asked us to help fill in a critical need at the computer service department for the field of Papua New Guinea, and after diligently praying in fellowship with New Tribes Mission and our sending church of Calvary Church of Wayland we have accepted this direction, seeing the Lord's hand in it. This is temporary assignment is important for several reasons. #1: Our home church has in their missions' bylaws that their missionaries that they send out be at 90% of their recommended support level before returning to the field. (And for good reason...we have learned for ourselves that we don't need that extra stress of finances hanging over us while we face the stress of everyday ministry there.) We are currently at 84% Reasons #2: The IRS...Our status as overseas missionaries gives us certain tax breaks. However, we need to actually LIVE overseas a certain percentage of our time in order to maintain that status. We are already on a special extension to remain state-side to raise more support, and that is rapidly coming to an end. Finally and most importantly there is a dire need of personnel in the Computer Service Department on the field to service the 400-plus families (we have only 1 guy in there right now).

Solution: Our church has agreed to allow us to go back to help out in the Computer Service Department for a short-term basis (up to 6 months) to help out in this critical ministry. Since it is less expensive to live on our support center at Lapilo than it is to live in Mibu, we have the 90% of what we'd need to do that. We trust that our support will continue to rise while we're overseas (a number of churches and individuals have yet to get back to us with what their intentions are, and some have told us that they will do so after the first of the year), and come time for us to return to Mibu, we will have the 90% that we need! Currently, translation continues in Mibu, as Geoff has essentially caught up with Chris in his abilities...and come the time we'd be looking to head back in to Mibu, the Husas will be looking to leave for a furlough a short time later, so there can be a translation hand off. In the mean time, Chris will be a huge asset to the Computer Service Department as he puts his computer skills to use to help the rest of the field.

That pretty much sums up where we're at right now. We welcome any questions you might have about any of this. And we appreciate your support and partnership as we strive to see the church in Mibu grow to maturity. Our hearts remain deeply rooted in Mibu, and we are so looking forward to the day that we can return and resume our ministry there. Sometimes we don't understand all the reasons of why God works and leads the way He does, but it always works out in the end when we heed and obey His calling.

Waiting on His timing,

Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

*******************************************************

Chris & Angie Walker (Home Address)

1134 - 122nd Ave

Martin, MI 49070

www.walkertalkie.com

269-509-7551(Home)

616-217-6595(Cell)

269-793-9160(Skype Phone)

Chris & Angie Walker (Field Address)

New Tribes Mission

Private Mail Bag

Madang, MP 511

Papua New Guinea

Chris & Angie Walker (Business Address)

New Tribes Mission

1000 E First Street

Sanford, FL 32771

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What's What with Walkers

2008-11-16T19:48:00.001-08:00

Hurry up and Wait!!

As many of you know, we had planned to leave for PNG on Nov. 17...tomorrow. However, we are still waiting on an approval for Titus's visa, so those plans have changed. We were very wisely told, months ago when we submitted our paperwork, to not even purchase our tickets until we had our paperwork in hand. Wise council indeed! So, as we continue to stay in touch with the PNG embassy here in the states, our wonderful mission government representatives in Port Moresby continue to make regular visits to the immigration office to remind them that our son still needs his visa. Besides praying (and asking all of you to pray), that's all we can do right now. Once we have his visa, we can purchase our tickets and be on our way. We're anticipating about a 2 week turn-around from when we get his visa to when we climb on our plane, so things should happen pretty quickly once they start. We will keep you posted as to when we get his visa and what our travel plans will look like, so stay tuned!!

Temporary Change of Ministry

Waiting on His timing,

Chris, Angie, Jael, Baruch and Titus Walker

*******************************************************

Chris & Angie Walker (Home Address)

1134 - 122nd Ave

Martin, MI 49070

www.walkertalkie.com

269-509-7551(Home)

616-217-6595(Cell)

269-793-9160(Skype Phone)

Chris & Angie Walker (Field Address)

New Tribes Mission

Private Mail Bag

Madang, MP 511

Papua New Guinea

Chris & Angie Walker (Business Address)

New Tribes Mission

1000 E First Street

Sanford, FL 32771

[What's What With the Walkers] What's What with Walkers 10-25-08

2008-10-26T12:11:00.001-07:00

Thank You LORD!! - (Farewell party summary)

Wow, thank you to so many of you who were able to come and spend some time with us yesterday. It was a beautiful picture seeing so many of our ministry partners meeting one another as we celebrated our soon return to Papua New Guinea! Thank you to our in-laws Jim & Donna Tuinstra and Terry & Jean Smit and others who worked to see the event turn out so well! With the intention of raising money to purchase plane tickets, we saw a total of $4,885.00 raised just yesterday alone. Added to other gifts we've been receiving for months now, we can now say that barring a doubling in ticket prices, our tickets have been paid for!! Now we can begin to chip away at the other ministry expenses involved in our return to ministry in PNG. Additionally several individuals took information on how to partner with us financially. With additional commitments given yesterday we are now calculating our support to be at 78% that brings to within $788.88 of meeting Calvary Church of Wayland's minimum requirement of 90% of our monthly support. (For further details on our support status and out-going needs, click here)

Instant Buddies!

Our partner Geoff Husa has been involved in a translation workshop the last couple of weeks. We were so blessed to hear how his translations helpers (also dear friends of ours, and some of Chris's translation helpers) enjoyed the fellowship of other Christian men. Below is an email excerpt from a letter that Geoff wrote while at a translation workshop along with Sesi & Lucas.

"The first evening we were here, I went down to hang out with Sesi and Lucas and see how they were feeling about things. I got there and Sesi has this huge perma-smile going and starts telling me about how happy he is that all the other nationals at this workshop are believers. He explained how that within an hour or two of everyone being there they'd all shared how they came to know the Lord and even shared some songs that they typically sing in worship to God. I seem to recall him excitedly commenting something to the effect that we're all different but we're all the same. Later, we were all outside sitting around a little fire. The whole conversation was filled with joy and happiness as these guys talked about the different things that they're learning about God and how His truth has been affecting their lives. I listened to this continue on well into the evening, just soaking it in. It was so great to watch and listen to the fellowship of these men! I mean, here are these guys who are separated by many many miles, rivers, mountains, etc. They all speak different languages (yet share a common trade language). They've never met each other in the past and many of them have never even heard of the places that they all came from. Yet as soon as they find out that these total strangers share the commonality of Jesus, they're instant buddies. They took such joy in talking about and discovering how, though their cultures are so different the truth that they're learning to live by is the same. It was just so spontaneous and genuine and I really treasured that moment sitting there listening to and sensing the joy that Sesi and Lucas felt as they met these other brothers in the Lord! It deeply challenged me about the fellowship that I often take for granted in my own life!"

3 Weeks left!

Though we haven't yet purchased our plane tickets, our current plan is to return to PNG the 17th of November. One particular matter of prayer right now is (yes, we've seen this before) we haven't yet received our visa for Titus! The rest of the family has received our approval for our visas, so we now just wait for Titus. Speaking with some friends of our who have fairly recently returned to PNG with their new babies, some have had to delay their return by as much as 2 months!! We pray this isn't the case for us. So while we can't be 100% of our departure date at this point, we are nonethess 100% looking forward to returning ASAP. In the meantime, we are relish every opportunity to spend time with friends and family. If you weren't able to visit us yesterday but would like to make a point of doing so, allow us to extend an open invitation to anyone to give us a call or stop in on us. Our contact information is as follows.

Angie Cell# 269-509-7551

Chris Cell# 616-217-6595

Skype Phone 269-793-9160

Our apartment address is 1029 129th Ave, Wayland MI (NOTE: Please do not send mail to this address!)

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More Sample Text

2008-10-23T10:55:00.001-07:00

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Curabitur arcu lacus, hendrerit non, blandit vel, molestie at, purus. Praesent posuere. Aenean vehicula. Proin enim dolor, eleifend lacinia, venenatis id, sagittis condimentum, metus. Quisque eros. Vestibulum pede nibh, iaculis id, tempus in, hendrerit sit amet, dolor. Cras at felis. Mauris velit nulla, eleifend nec, lacinia ac, imperdiet nec, lorem. Integer ut nisi eu nisi aliquam accumsan. In mattis vehicula libero.

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Curabitur arcu lacus, hendrerit non, blandit vel, molestie at, purus. Praesent posuere. Aenean vehicula. Proin enim dolor, eleifend lacinia, venenatis id, sagittis condimentum, metus. Quisque eros. Vestibulum pede nibh, iaculis id, tempus in, hendrerit sit amet, dolor. Cras at felis. Mauris velit nulla, eleifend nec, lacinia ac, imperdiet nec, lorem. Integer ut nisi eu nisi aliquam accumsan. In mattis vehicula libero.

Sample Day

2008-10-23T10:49:00.001-07:00

Testing takes a long time, especially when I have to figure out what to write for my sample data.

No pics yet

2008-10-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hiya there, just thought I'd throw in a picture while I was at it!!

Yahoo

2008-10-23T01:13:00.001-07:00

Yahoo, yahoo.

We would really like to make this work! And the reality of it is????????????????????

Yup, It's working :) Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!! Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!! Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!! Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!! Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!!

Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!! Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!! Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!! Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!!
Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!!

Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!! Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!! Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!!

Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!! Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!! Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!! Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!! Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!! Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!! Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!! Hurray, Yahooo, Bugaboo!!!

One more test

2008-10-23T00:43:00.001-07:00

It's been really goofy sometimes, but oh well, what does that really matter.

Not bad, not bad at all

2008-10-23T00:38:00.001-07:00

New! feed2post version 2.6 Native component for Joomla 1.5 framework.

Demo site available, check it and use: user: demoadmin pass: demoadmin

Demo for joomla 1.5 component, check it at demo2.elcansoftware.com with the same access credentials as stated above.

Bad Bad Bad Garbage!!!!!!!

2008-10-23T00:37:00.001-07:00

Feed2Post, the ultimate time saving tool. Feed2post allows you to get content in minutes from any RSS/Atom feed and repeat the content gathering with just a few clicks. It will also improve your page SEO as it can filter the content using keywords and negative keywords. Items posted can get advertising inserted automatically, no more editing to get your google ads into each post, just set the advertising field to your ad code...
Fully configurable, each feed can be configured with different parameters (such as section/category, etc).

New! feed2post version 2.6 Native component for Joomla 1.5 framework.

Demo site available, check it and use: user: demoadmin pass: demoadmin

Demo for joomla 1.5 component, check it at demo2.elcansoftware.com with the same access credentials as stated above.

Endless Junk

2008-10-23T00:19:00.001-07:00

Endless Junk.

I have long thought that emails and blogs without content shouldn't be thought of, shouldn't be see, should be left to the forgotten wastes of dead pixels and floppy disks. But alas, they keep showing up in searches, I keep seeing them encroaching into my day.
I am annoyed. But what can be done.

Endless Junk.

Ok, testing 123

2008-09-07T04:45:00.001-07:00

Does posting via email really work? If it does, this should be the only post this blog has right now.

chris

Just bloggin.

2008-09-01T19:20:00.001-07:00

Profane blogging is capable if this post gets posted!!

Yup.

Chris Walker [c_a_walker1@yahoo.com]

2008-09-01T19:18:00.001-07:00

Ok, problem with Yahoo smtp, so lets give this one a
try.

Hello,
Simple blog, main function? Blog by email. Since
WordPress's blog by email function is terrible, I'm
giving this way a try.

chris

Testing

2008-09-01T19:10:00.001-07:00

Does this posting to blog via e-mail work? Let’s give it a try!