Laura Aijian Revelation 5:9-10 
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Romans 8:15
March has been quite the month! I spent a week at in the Sepik region at a regional conference. I helped out with the children’s program so that the bush missionaries could attend the sessions. I was able to attend part of the conference as well, and it was such a rich experience of fellowship with the missionaries. It reminded me so much of home, picture a more tropical version and then add about 20 degrees plus humidity!
The missionaries were able to find rest and spiritual encouragement through the conference, and I was able to see what God is doing in many different tribes through their sharing and presentations. My heart was further challenged with the call to reach those who haven’t heard with the Gospel. It is challenging work, but the rewards are amazing as well. What an incredible opportunity to worship and learn about God with people who come from so many cultures and walks of life!
After the conference I flew into a tribe where some friends of mine are planting a church with New Tribes. I spent a week helping them out with projects, and seeing their work with the tribe first hand.
I attended the first funeral they have had for a believer. Although it was a sobering time, it was incredible to hear the believers talk about heaven and how they no longer fear the spirits of the dead. I attended a testimony sharing time on Sunday, and shared my testimony as well.
The church is growing and the believers are maturing in their faith as they are challenged with the truth of the Word. When they hear the Scriptures in their heart language, they say, “The truth spears our hearts.”
One day I canoed out into the jungle and then trekked through the bush to gather greens and fish. I went with a couple other girls and three national women. It was a great opportunity to speak more pidgin and learn about their culture. We made fishing poles our of sago palms and used grubs for bait. It was such a fun adventure!
I got back from the Sepik, and a day later I went out to Interface to cook for another conference. We cooked for 130 people 3-meals per day. It was a lot of fun to be back serving and doing hospitality ministry. Similarly, it was a time for the missionaries to be refreshed both physically and spiritually. I enjoyed getting to know more missionaries from the region I live and minister in. I am learning a ton, and God is definitely expanding my understanding of His work in the kingdom. I am continually reminded that contentment can only be found in Christ, and he uses us the most when our hearts are focused on him. Praise the Lord for the work of His Spirit who is the only one that can sustain us!
