Grandma Joyce with her girls, Molly & Julia

Hello from Panama! We’ve had such a special time with our Kuna friends. Once we get back home we’ll tell you all about it. But we wanted to let you know that yes, Baby Julia was born the night before we left for Panama (November 3rd). So we were able to meet our new granddaugher and hold her a few minutes. Mari and David are doing well, adjusting to life with two little ones. Molly enjoys being the big sister and a helper for Mom.

We’ll be in touch soon when we get home and have more time!

Anelio, Silverixia & family

About two years ago a young Kuna couple were sent out by their church to work as missionaries in an unreached village upriver. This was a complete miracle as God opened doors that were previously completely closed to the Gospel.

In these first years of ministry in the village, Anelio & Silverixia have faced opposition and hardship. At first people didn’t want to hear God’s Book. They ridiculed, humiliated, and opposed Anelio & Silverixia in every way. But eventually the children of the village began showing interest in hearing God’s Book and began listening to the chronological Bible lessons. Little by little adults asked for Bible teaching until there were about 80 adults hearing God’s Word and over a hundred children.

Now there is a small group of new believers in the village who are taking stands in obedience to Christ, refusing to participate in the village drinking ceremonies. This puts them under intense pressure from the village and their families. They have to pay monetary fines. They are accused, questioned and threatened. Most of us cannot even imagine the pressure they live with each day. And yet this little group of believers stands tall for Christ, “counting it ALL joy!”

Would you pray for Anelio and Silverixia as they lead this little, hurting flock? Pray that they will have God’s wisdom, peace and strength. We will be meeting together in November for the annual Kuna leadership conference. Pray that they and other Kunas ministering in difficult locations will be encouraged and prepared for their ministries. 

A new, short film portraying the journey that brings a Moi man of Papua New Guinea from a life dictated by fear of the spirits to faith in his Creator. This is what we are about!

When people think of key activities involved in tribal church planting the list often covers things like Bible translation, evangelism, Bible curriculum, discipleship, and leadership development. We would like literacy to be added to the list because…

1.     Of all the possible methods to record the most life-changing Message of all time, God chose the written form to preserve His Word. We believe everyone should have access to His Written Word in their language!

2.     When people can read God’s Word for themselves, they are not dependant on others to hear it. Just think of how many times God has reached down and encouraged you by the exact verse you needed while reading the Word!

3.     The truth of the Word is protected. No matter what teaching comes into the area, people can go back to the Written Word and check it out.

4.     Important truths of the Bible are not forgotten or overlooked. People can remember a lot, but it’s unrealistic to expect that everything will be remembered and passed on to others.

5.     Personal spiritual growth is accelerated. People can study the Bible all through the week and don’t need to wait for the next scheduled public meeting.

6.     Literacy invests in the potential of the Church! Reading and writing skills equip everyone to serve in broader ways. They can work on the Bible translation team, develop Bible studies, share words to songs or prayer requests.

7.     In many locations where there has been little or no interest in Bible teaching, literacy teachers found open doors to provide classes. God has used the relationships built during this to open doors to the Gospel!

8.     Printed materials can go places and reach people in ways that individuals may never be able to. Books have been called the “tireless teachers” and are an amazing tool God has given for the growth and expansion of His Church!

So why are Joyce & I so excited about literacy? Because we believe in the power of God’s written Word to change lives! We are thrilled to be serving in the area of literacy, that God’s Word might be opened to every tongue, tribe and nation!

God’s life-changing Word is impacting lives around the world. But what about those who cannot read It? Literacy ministries equip people to read His Message and then share It with others!

How wise of our God to put His Word – the most important Message for all of mankind  – down in writing!

This has ensured that Its truths would not be changed through time or culture. It guards the Message from error. The Written Word unifies the Church.

And literacy ministries ensure that people are able to read God’s Word as it is translated into their language. Please continue to pray for missionaries around the world as they develop literacy materials, for patience as they teach students and train local literacy teachers. Pray that the students will not just graduate from a program, but that they will have great comprehension as they read and a love of God’s written Word.

Walking the “Baby” down the aisle…where did those years go? Just seems like a few days ago we were praying for you and waiting for you to be born, dreaming of this day and the man that God was preparing for you!

We remember your first day of kindergarten and how frustrated you were when you came home. “It was so boring,” you dramatically told us. “They didn’t even teach me to read and write today.” Always in a hurry to grow up!

And here you stand in white, taking on the joys and responsibilities of a wife. We are so proud of you, Connie. It is a joy to welcome Joey into our family.

There will be adjustments and many things to learn. Marriage will show your true colors more than possibly any other thing in your life. But you have each other and the Lord…and you always have us standing on the side lines cheering for you and encouraging you that it is possible and it is so worth it!

Love,

Dad & Mom

(be sure to click on the photo tab and see all the pictures!)

So often as we travel we have to ask ourselves, “Were we as great a blessing as we were blessed?” This was the case again as we returned from a trip to Mexico!

Our hearts were so encouraged by the quality and commitment of the missionary candidates studying at the training center. The staff ministering there are doing a great job of imparting not just the technical things about mission work, but a real passion and urgency in the ministry.

We enjoyed every minute of our time in Mexico, taking the students through the steps necessary for motivating, producing and teaching literacy in tribal settings. Each one practiced by teaching the class a literacy lesson they developed.

Can you imagine what God will do through this group as they minister in tribal groups throughout Mexico?