July 24. Thank you, Lord, for a more restful sleep last night. And thank you for the sunshine this morning. Study in Exodus was such a blessing and challenge. How our hearts ache for these men who have made profession of salvation, but are so flippant about sin as if God just puffs at it like they do, and as if they can just say “sorry” to God and “shake His hand” and everything will be okay. Lord, please give us more faithful men. Wan is back working again this morning, trying to finish the project he started yesterday, extending the shelves in the storage closet. By the end of his work for today, there is still quite a bit left to do. It was refreshing to spend about a half hour outside in the sunshine, getting a little exercise walking around and snapping off weed flowers, but leaving the leaves for ground cover. Afterward, I set up a file with a table of eight blocks and printed two pages of Bible verses in Pidgin (four different verses) so we can give out one with each phone that comes and goes for charging. Cut up the pages and set a verse card with each phone. Then it was time for dinner. But first I washed, peeled, cut up, and cooked a couple kaukau (sweet potato) so Wan could have something to eat before he left. Then I heated my bowl of soup and was thankful for renewed strength for the body. The afternoon and evening computer time was given to working on the school Bible lessons and then on Christian Family lessons which Dallas needs. Lord, that we might follow the example of our Saviour who exclaimed, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” (John 17:4) Help us, Lord, to glorify Thee on the earth, and to finish the work which Thou gavest us to do. July 25. After preparing and eating breakfast, having quiet time, and folding and putting away Friday’s laundry, Daddy and I went out around the yard for some fresh air and sunshine. Then I came back in and was greatly challenged through my Bible study in a portion of Exodus chapter 40. Spent most of my computer time today working on the family notes for Dallas. Also made another page of Bible verses to give out when we return phones. This evening, I very much enjoyed our time of sharing the Word together, singing a couple songs about God’s love and “The Old Rugged Cross,” and praying. “19) Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! 20) Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.” (Psalm 31:19-20) “Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.” (Psalm 140:13) We have been given precious and sure promises of God’s presence in Matthew 28:20 and in Hebrews 13:5. And we have this hope of someday being in his presence forever — ”Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.” (Jude 1:24)
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July 21. A lovely, bright full moon around 2:00 a.m. Mostly clear when we got up this morning. Then fog arose and the skies turned cloudy; but soon the clouds rolled away, blue sky appeared, and the sun shone through. First thing I did after breakfast and quiet time was collate the Romans outline booklets I had printed last night. Then I did a little walking before sitting down at the computer. Bonita didn’t come and practice today because she went to the bride-buying event at Saivu’s house. Daniel was buying his wife today. We understand that a lot of notes were sent on bamboo to Barnabas and family in Marivo. His daughter, Aromata, is Daniel’s wife. I worked for a while on getting Pidgin Acts set up in the computer file. Then Daddy and I went for a nice stroll up the airstrip and back. They were having a little market over where Opo and family live, and quite a few people were around. When we came back, I worked more on Acts until dinner time., and again this afternoon and evening. Praise the Lord that I now have 21 chapters done — seven to go. Taqita and Elise came a while ago to get batteries for their flashlights so they can go meet Dallas and Mike up in the bush. The two men are in the dark there in the bush. They are returning from a week or so spent at a church in the Kainantu area where they were helping teach music. One of the pastors who was here for the ladies’ meetings invited them to come. We had heard that Dallas went, but his is the first time we heard that Mike went with him. We found out earlier today that Nehemiah (Mike) was not with Dallas, but he is in Goroka, going with pastors around to different churches and preaching. We heard that he also preached at the Goroka market. July 22. Had a little pain in my left side when I went to bed, but didn’t think much about it. Then about 3:00 a.m., the pain had become sharp and stabbing, especially when I lay on my back. So I rolled onto my right side and went back to sleep for a little while; but after a while, I got too uncomfortable on my side. Tried rolling back onto my back again, but the pain was too severe. Back to my side, but was not comfortable so was not sleeping. Finally got up a little before 6:00. It was still dark out. Daddy heard me getting up so he got up too. I feel much better up although a deep breath increases the pain. Judy came early this morning for computer lesson — about 7:45. While she was practicing typing, I read a chapter in Exodus. Judy filled up the washing machine before she left, and then Daddy and I went for a very short walk. I didn’t feel strong enough to walk up the airstrip, but enjoyed the walk to and across and back home. Was just happy to get out in the sunshine and fresh air a while. After we got back, I went to work on getting Pidgin Acts set up. In the middle of that, I started feeling dizzy so stopped and went for a rest. Felt a little better after that and had about twenty minutes more to work on it before dinner. Continued working on it this afternoon and finished it right after supper. Praise the Lord, Acts is done now. This evening, I wrote a couple short e-mails and transferred and edited the photos I had taken of the painting on the tall cupboard. July 23. Sunny came early and did laundry. Then she helped me make soup. She cut up the pumpkin and onions; and I cut up the mushrooms, and added lentils, butter, salt, and other seasonings. After that she swept the floors. Wan came too and worked on various jobs — fixed the back gate which had gotten loose so it didn’t stay latched; wiped up water which had leaked and run down the pipes under the sink; started making an extension for the shelves in the storage room. All that kept me busy running back and forth answering questions and giving advice. I was thankful to have had quiet time before the busy time and even a little time to sit down at the computer and read a chapter in Exodus. Just before dinner, I blended up the soup. It was the perfect meal for a cool day. This afternoon, and a little bit this evening, I did more revising of Bible lessons for school. And this evening, I also printed the second booklet of the Romans outlines (chapters 9-16) to be given to the three men. We serve the same God today that the children of Israel served. We too, as God’s children, are promised wisdom if we but ask. And He promises to give it liberally and not upbraid or scold us for asking. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5) July 19. Slept in a few minutes late this morning. Seems like the morning goes by too quickly when I get up late. I answered the door once while Daddy was eating. Then I made my morning drinks and read a couple chapters of Pidgin Revelation. Made some popo syrup to go with my pancakes as I had finished up the last of my syrup yesterday. Mata came with bananas while I was eating breakfast. Praise the Lord for more bananas. Judy came to practice computer. While she was doing that, I had time for prayer and making the bed. Following computer practice, Judy filled up the washing machine so it is ready for her to wash clothes tomorrow morning. The plane came, and Daddy went up to the airstrip to talk to the pilot. After Judy left, I started a little Bible study in Exodus. In the middle of that, I answered the door once and took a couple phones to charge and taped up a letter for Wenke to send out on the plane to his son. Before I finished, there was another knock. It was Antopa’s wife. I hadn’t seen her for ages, and we were happy to see each other. She wondered about buying thread and cooking oil. I told her she couldn’t buy it, but I would give her some. She was very grateful. Also gave her a needle, an empty bottle for water, and, most important of all, a tract. She said that Antopa is very weak. He cannot walk, just crawls. He can’t eat much. I explained to her how important it is for them to know Jesus Christ and the true way to heaven, and that I don’t want them to die without knowing Christ. She said she would have Black (their daughter) read the tract to them. While I was saying good-bye to her, someone came in with a box and set it on the floor. (Daddys said later that it was Evelin.) After Antopa’s wife left, I turned around to go back into the house, and there was Glenys. She had off-loaded some more roofing iron and loaded up the plane with coffee, but the weather was bad in Aiyura, so Daddy invited her down to the house. She came for about a half hour to give time for the weather to clear up in Aiyura. Enjoyed our little visit with her. Then we had fun opening the box from C&C. Praise the Lord for ink for the ink tank printer! Also for dates, figs, and prunes, decaf coffee, organic jasmine green tea, toothpaste, Plackers flossers, dental floss, chewy ginger candy, mail, a flash drive with sermons, and a few other things. There were walnuts, too, which I was excited about. I had really been hungry for nuts; but, sad to say, they were rancid. And not only that, about a third of them were rotten, black rotten. Boo, hoo! Guess I’ll still be hungry for nuts. It took two and a half months for the package to arrive. Praise the Lord for the safe arrival of this package. We continue to pray for the others to arrive soon and safely. Finally, I went back to finishing my Bible study and then wrote in my journal. By then it was dinner time. This afternoon, I put away things that had come in the box, got another computer lesson written, and transferred to my computer the Pidgin I Corinthians outline that Daddy had done. Praise the Lord, Daddy was able to get the e-mails sent this afternoon. This evening, I got a couple more chapters of Acts set up in the computer file and am nearly one-third done with Acts. July 20. A very cool, drizzly day. A good day for an all-day fire in the wood stove. Judy came early and did the laundry. Then she had her computer lesson. Not long after she left, we went out and brought the clothes in. A handful of things were dry in spite of the drizzle, but most things were still pretty wet so we hung them in the house. About the same time, it also dawned on me that I had never eaten breakfast. By the time I got the clothes hung up and warmed up a couple muffins, it was already 11:00. A very late breakfast indeed. And before too long, it would be dinner time. Worked quite a bit today on setting up Pidgin Acts and am thankful to have finished through chapter 13. In the afternoon, I had to wash my hair and make tortillas. Also took down, folded, and put away all the laundry. But still had some time to work on Acts. This evening, I printed out three copies of the first booklet (chapters 1-8) of the Romans outline and text in Pidgin. Those are for Amos, Mike, and Dallas. July 16. A cool but sunny morning. Sunny came and did laundry and swept the floors. Judy came and practiced computer keyboard and did much better this morning. Judy practiced about 1 1/2 hours and then went home. Sunny practiced music keyboard a bit when her work was done. After she left, Daddy and I were grateful for an exercise, sunshine, and fresh air break as we took a little walk to the airstrip, across the airstrip, down part way, and then back home. After our return, I worked on computer lessons and finished the next two lessons before nap. Daddy worked on sending e-mails again; and, praise the Lord, the three e-mails that were in the computer finally went out. This afternoon, with the Lord’s help, I got the monthly update written, and proofread three times, twice by myself and once by Daddy. This evening I got the acknowledgments ready with an e-mail to send to C&C. Also started getting journal notes ready. July 17. Cool with a light overcast this morning. We tried off and on for about a half hour to call C&C, but could not get a connection. So then I took time for a short Bible study, started preparations for our dinner, and then we went outside for some sunshine and fresh air. It was already 11:00 and still cool outside. Finished preparing dinner after that. After dinner, I finished getting journal notes ready to send to C&C. Was grateful for a sound, restful sleep at nap time. It was still cool when we went for our nap; but by the time I got up, the weather had turned quite warm. The first thing I did when I got up was make popo crisp for Daddy as he was waiting for his afternoon snack. Then I cut up another popo that was ripe (although a good portion of it had large hard spots that had to be discarded). While I was eating my snack, I got journal notes and updates onto a flash drive, and transferred them to Daddy’s computer for him to try to send. No success today. Not only that, the computer wouldn’t even recognize the modem today. While Daddy was spending his time trying to get the e-mails to work, I turned on Judy’s computer and deleted almost all my files, including pictures. Then I decided to paint until supper time. Painted a little more after supper until the dish water was hot and then again after washing dishes. Nearly finished the woody parts of the tree, but I got too tired to finish. Had been painting for an hour or so since finishing dishes and was getting tired. So put things away for the evening. Wrote in my journal. Washed up, brushed teeth, and did some walking to try to keep the legs mobile. July 18. A very cool morning again. We tried to go outside before the GBC folks came for lotu, but the wind was very chilly. It stayed cool up until noon or after, like yesterday. Then there was more sunshine and the air was much warmer. Praise the Lord, today we were able to get a call through to Christy and Connie. It was so good to hear their voices and to be able to talk with them. We enjoyed a little less than an hour together. Then Daddy had just K3.50 left on his phone. After that I painted since it was too chilly to be outside. I was glad to get the last of the painting done on the tall cupboard and thankful for the Lord’s help in that project. I still plan to make a fence to keep the pig in. 😊 Took care of cleaning up and putting away all the painting supplies. My next non-computer project will be sewing. There is a lot of that that needs to be done. Had a few minutes left to start a Bible study. Then it was dinner time; but after dinner and before nap, I was able to finish the Bible study. We were awakened early from nap by the sound of men’s voices talking out by the back of the house. Daddy got up and looked out the window. I asked, Are they bringing back the generator?” (LIBC had borrowed the generator to use during the special meetings.) Yes, that’s what they were doing. Daddy got up hurriedly and went out to unlock the shed for them and help them get the generator put back right. I got up less hurriedly, but knew there would be no getting back to sleep. We had napped for a half hour. While Daddy was out helping the men, I got out some wire and the sticks I had picked out for making the little fence to put in front of the pig pen on the tall cupboard. I trimmed a few of the sticks that were too long and made notches in all the sticks to hold the wire. Once I had the fence together, I found some nail tacks and nailed the fence in place. Now that project is complete. Afterward, I printed the next two computer lessons so they are ready whenever Judy is ready. This evening, I worked on setting up Acts in the print file and finished through chapter 7. We also listened to a sermon by Dr. Childs entitled “Knowing God,” a very challenging and needful message. Then we sang a few hymns together and prayed. July 14. The night was clear, and the stars twinkled very brightly in the sky at 5:00 this morning. The sun came up at its normal time, and the day started out bright and cheery. I gathered up the trash early, took it out, and burned it before the winds came up. It wasn’t long, however, before storm clouds began to build up rather than the dry season winds we’ve been experiencing. Shortly after coming back inside, I found some wonderful treasures as I studied a few verses in Exodus. This afternoon, I transferred to the computer the pictures Dallas had taken during the ladies’ meetings. Tried editing them, and was maybe half done when the program locked up on me. There are 95 pictures, and I guess it couldn’t handle that amount of work. So I went and painted the tree leaves on the tall cupboard. When I finished that, it was supper time. This evening, I was finally able to finish editing the pictures. “9) Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10) There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11) For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways…. 14) Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15) He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16) With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:9-16) July 15. Judy came for her second computer lesson this morning, and the last part of the lesson was the beginning of learning to type. She had a lot harder time than I expected she would. Her fingers were much too heavy on the keys, and the keys are very sensitive. After her lesson, I finished folding and putting away Tuesday’s laundry and did a short Bible study in Exodus. Judy filled the washing machine and then went home, and Daddy and I went out for a short stretch in the sunshine and fresh air. Used the leftover potatoes and made potato-tuna patties for our dinner. After nap, I washed my hair, cut up a popo, and brightened up the tree leaves on the painting. Now, I believe, I am ready to pant the woody parts of the tree, and the painting should be done. Since I had a short nap, there was still plenty of time left to the afternoon. I cut up a ripe popo, put most of it away in the fridge, and ate the rest. Then I made a few corrections in Pidgin Acts before starting to set that up in the print file. Worked on that a bit more this evening. July 12. Did not get much sleep last night. It was 11:00 before we got to bed. About 2:30, I woke up with severe acid reflux. On top of that, a mosquito kept buzzing across my face. I think it must have bitten me on the eyelid, as my eyelid itched for a good while. Finally fell back into a fitful sleep sometime in the early morning. Was awake a little after 6:00, however, still feeling quite uncomfortable from the acid reflux. The three men came around 7:30 yesterday evening, and we talked together until almost 10:00 before having prayer. It was a heart-breaking discussion and it was difficult to make proper decisions. In the night watches, the Lord showed both Daddy and me a proper Biblical way for the men to make and carry out their decisions. This morning, I felt very tired and light-headed. I was thankful that Judy was here. She came to fill up the washing machine; and at the same time, Daina came with a large bunch of greens. Judy very willingly agreed to prepare the greens for me. A little later, Amos came by at Daddy’s request, and Daddy shared with him what the Lord had showed us. Amos shared that the Lord had brought to his attention the story of Joshua and Caleb and how they stood alone among the other ten spies and the children of Israel and were not afraid to face the enemy. They knew that God was with them and would surely keep His promises. He also told us that one of the visiting pastors had invited him to come and speak at a new church in Goroka area that does not yet have a pastor. After that, and this evening, I turned on the Lenovo and looked over the Libre Office and found that it is set up quite differently from Microsoft Office so needed to make some revisions in the computer lessons. Then, after proofreading and making corrections, I printed out the first four pages for teacher and for student. “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” (Psalm 5:3) “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.” (Psalm 143:8) July 13. This morning, Judy came to do laundry. Then she had her first computer lesson. It was somewhat lengthy, but was actually just a brief introduction to the computer and how it works. While she was here, Elise came to bring Dallas’s report card. She said that Dallas and Nehemiah are on their way to town (somewhere outside of Kainantu). They too had been asked by a pastor to come to his church. He would like Dallas to teach music to the youth and Nehemiah to teach them other things. Praise the Lord for opening up opportunities for these mission graduates to get some experience. After Judy left, I went outside for a few minutes to try to get some sunshine, but a cold wind came up, and it looks like it may rain. Came back inside and did a little Bible study in Exodus and wrote a bit in my journal. Then I took the last three very ripe bananas and made some muffins so I will have something healthy for snacks. This afternoon, I finished up the next computer lesson — teachers copy plus student’s copy. Now it is ready for printing. Also sliced more rolls into bread thickness pieces. Each roll is so big, it makes four to five somewhat thick slices, and plenty large enough for sandwiches. This evening, I painted and finished all the grass on the mountainside. Do you wonder what it is like to fly in and out of Owena? In this video a missionary pilot lands in Owena. The landing part starts right around 10:30. There is some drone footage and also some video shot on the ground. Also, there is the exciting take-off. Hope you enjoy! And here is a blessing for today.
Today is Dad's birthday! He is 75 years old. Thank the Lord for His gift of life for all these years for our dad. Yesterday morning we got an email from Mom and Dad. They had to fly out to town a day early because Mom was experiencing health problems. She explained them as follows:
"We were scheduled to come out to town today, but actually came out yesterday morning. About a week ago or less, I started having waves of weakness with shakiness and light-headedness. It was hard to sleep at night as it seemed like I was not getting enough air, and I kept trying to prop myself up a bit more and a bit more. Was also having some pain in my left arm." She was able to get an appointment at the New Tribes Mission (Ethnos 360) clinic. The diagnosis ended up being atrial fibrillation. The good news is that there was no sign of heart attack or congestive heart failure. They did start her on a couple medications. We thank the Lord for helping them get out to town early, get an appointment, get a diagnosis, and finding out that there is no heart attack, etc. However, they have to stay in the town of Goroka for two to three months to make sure everything is stable. Please pray that they will be able to find a place to stay that is a little more long term than where they are now. Thank you so much! July 9. Was up at 5:30 this morning, and the sky was full of brightly shining stars. Sadly, SIL was not able to come back today to get the visitors who had come for the meetings. MAF is making shuttles to and from Owena with coffee, but it is a government charter so they are not allowed to take any passengers without permission from the governor. Sunny came at 7:00 this morning and did the laundry, swept the floors, then practiced music, and answered the door. I made a new journal book as my current one is nearly full. Then spent a little time studying and meditating on a verse in Exodus. Went outside for just a few minutes of sunshine. Then made name labels for the envelopes that have the mission students certificates. This afternoon, I started working on an e-mail to Christy and Connie, and washed my hair. This evening, I started doing more painting on the tall cupboard, but then our seven former mission students came to give us a report of how things went at the ladies' meetings. Most things seemed to go okay. We talked about the church history teaching as only Mike was here when we talked about it before. The ladies felt that their sessions went well. Before the seven former mission students left, we gave them back their completed certificates which have been nicely laminated. The three men want to come back another night, they said, as they have some other things to talk about which will probably take up a significant amount of time. “If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.” (Exodus 33:15b) Thank you, Lord, that you don’t send us without going with us. You don’t give us a task to do without going before us. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) “….and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20b) “….for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5b) July 10. Praise the Lord for Sunny coming early this morning to answer the door. While she was here, we had her grind some rice so I can use it for rice cereal. At the same time, a young man named Joshua from a new work in Sinasina came to visit us for a while. He is single, has been trained for the ministry, and is helping in a new church, which they call Faith Baptist Fellowship. The person who started the work is a Sinasina man. Joshua seems like a very nice young man — needs a godly wife to help him in the ministry. After he left, Sunny practiced keyboard and I filled in the rest of last night’s journal notes. Then Daddy and I went out for a little stretch around the yard in the sunshine and fresh air. I didn't really have the strength to go walking anywhere today. Had a hard time in the middle of the night with my nose continually filling up and making it hard for me to breathe. Actually, before I went to bed, I was feeling somewhat weak, and have felt rather weak throughout the day. After our stretch outside, I worked on painting the cupboard. After nap, I cut up a popo, but there are two more ripe ones that need to be cut up so guess I’ll make Daddy some more popo crisp. Wrote a bit in journal. Started Bible study in Exodus. Cut Daddy’s hair. Then we had supper; and after supper, I finished the Exodus study. “And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.” (Exodus 33:14) July 11, 2021. It was a somewhat busy day, but not rushed. Pancakes to fix for breakfast. A meal to make for dinner — carrots, mashed potatoes/yams/kaukau, and chicken with gravy. In the afternoon, I cut up two popos that were in need of attention. Made popo crisp for Daddy, more popo syrup for myself, and left some popo to eat raw. Now it is evening. Three men are here to talk. “3) But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” (II Corinthians 4:3-7) |
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