It is almost 7:45 a.m., time for me to pound on the empty propane tank hanging on a post at the top of May River hill. When my students hear the ring of this “bell,” they know it is time to come to Tok Pisin literacy class. As I walk down the hill to the school with our dog at my heels, I see my students starting to canoe over from across the river.

The students are divided into three groups. One beginner phonics group studies with me from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. while David teaches another phonics class. Then I join David, and together we teach an intermediate reading class.

In my early morning class, I have mothers with babies and toddlers. They sit on the dirt floor. Often the mothers nurse a baby cradled in one arm while they try to control a toddler with the other. During class babies cry, and toddlers fight and run away from their mothers. I often wonder how my students are able to pay attention and learn anything in class, but they do. As I teach, I pray silently that the Lord will give them the ability to learn despite all the distractions. For myself I pray for patience and wisdom. As the weeks go by, they are learning how to put two- and three-letter sounds together. When I see them succeeding I get excited, and I encourage them that, with God’s help, they will eventually be able to read the Bible.

When I came to May River last year, the women of the village avoided me. They were afraid I would speak to them in English, and they would not understand me. At that time I did not know Tok Pisin at all, and I felt quite isolated. Now, by the grace of the Lord, I know enough Tok Pisin to teach literacy classes. My students are becoming my friends. Now when they see me in the village, they come and talk with me. Please pray that I will be able to develop these friendships further.

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