Twenty-five thousand miles, driving through 24 states and sleeping in 33 different beds, our recent furlough was a whirlwind of activity.

To say it was busy is an understatement. And yet it was refreshing to reconnect with so many good friends. From casual visits at local churches to connecting with friends and donors at the Michigan camp meeting to personal, one-on-one visits in people’s homes, we were overwhelmed with kind words of encouragement, love, appreciation and support. There were many heart-to-heart conversations and even a few tears as we shared freely with those we love most about both the challenges and joys of mission life. 

The excitement of furlough is now over, and we are back in Papua New Guinea, excited to see what the Lord will do. However, returning this time feels different. Not only does PNG seem more like home, but our teammates, the Ericksons, will be leaving the Gogodala project after 17 years of faithful service to serve as field directors. Their mentorship has blessed us in many ways, teaching us how to live in PNG. I don’t know what we would have done without these vital lessons from veteran missionaries. 

As we assume project responsibilities, nervous excitement brings hopeful anticipation for the next chapter of our lives with the Gogodala. In the next few years, we are prayerfully wanting to build a team of church-planting disciple-makers. We are asking God for wisdom to lead us and to pour out His Spirit on us and the Gogodala. There are many interested people up and down the Aramia River, and the only way to reach them all is by building a team of committed workers willing to live sacrificial lives of service for Jesus. Thank you for your prayers.

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