Manam

We wanted to give an update on our ministry here in PNG. Recently we have been talking about the possibility of reopening a work on Manam island. This last week we had 3 men from Manam come to our center to meet with 3 bible teachers from the Itutang church. The purpose of the meeting was to begin discipling the guys who are currently leading the Manam church. They are needing help and have asked that we do something right away. We feel that we can assist this small church now by providing some good Bible teaching from other mature PNG believers. Christine and I are praying that we can become more and more involved with the Manam church and eventually move into full time ministry amongst this small group of believers. Other religious groups have been influencing the believers and they are struggling to stay true to God's word. They really need some in depth teaching on the function of the church and the life of the believer. This first meeting was to begin teaching on Acts and we just assisted/facilitated the time by providing the place for them to meet and helping make sure they had food and other necessities. It was so encouraging to be able to help out these 2 groups of believers and see our resources used in a more direct way in seeing mature churches established. We want to thank all of you who have sacrificed your time to pray for us and your finances to help support us and we know the Manam church will thank you some day as they grow and mature in the Lord and begin reaching out to others around them who have not heard the Good news.

Here is a picture of the guys who came. From left to right they are; Anton, Markus, Kletus, Jems, Leo, Jems #2  and me (I didn't come, I was already here).

We are excited to be a part of what God is doing here in PNG, especially as we come alongside the local church and assist them. To think that we are assisting a tribal church in reaching out to others and that they are helping us to be better prepared for discipling is amazing and really stirs our hearts. Please continue to pray for us, for the Itutang church that is reaching out to these guys and especially for the Manam church that is crying out for help.