WalkerTalkie

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

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

[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

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Attachment(s) from Chris & Angie Walker

2 of 2 Photo(s)

Hanging out.JPG

Easter Service in Mibu.JPG

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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.

Business address:
Chris & Angie Walker
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

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

For information about how to partner with us Please visit the partnership page at our website:
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Tuesday, April 7, 2009

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

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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Monday, March 30, 2009

[What's What With the Walkers] Responding Creatively

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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Friday, March 6, 2009

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

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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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

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

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

Saturday, January 17, 2009

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

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!"

Welcome Home 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.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

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

...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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WalkerTalkie

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

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

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

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

Monday, March 30, 2009

[What's What With the Walkers] Responding Creatively

The Challenge

Responding… for now

Depending

Friday, March 6, 2009

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

Adjustments

Reunions

Mibu Update

Future Plans

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

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

Welcome, but don't get too comfortable!

1st Grade Again!!

Medical Evacuation!!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

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

Highlights of an eventful Trip!

"Not the Real Papua New Guinea!"

Thursday, January 1, 2009

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

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