Change of Seasons (Laura)

Seasons…it should be getting cold, maybe even flurrying outside my window. I should be getting out our warm coats, scarves, hats, and gloves, but instead it’s getting hotter and I’m helping Grayson put on his swimming suit to go run in the hose.  I’m putting sunblock on the kids and smelling freshly cut grass instead of the crisp air of the coming winter. As dry season turns to rainy season here in Papua New Guinea, I’m missing the colors of my favorite time of year. But instead of seeing the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn, the colors of purple trees full of blooming new flowers, bright yellow bananas hanging from our porch and brown grass turning a vibrant green, pull at my senses.

Not getting to see the four seasons change and enjoy the approaching holiday season with my family back home is one of the sacrifices I’ve made to be here. I’ve been missing my friends and family and comfort zone. But, the Lord is teaching me that by giving up some things, He blesses me in ways I never knew possible.

I know that this is a “season” of my life that will soon change…a season of busyness with my own young children, teaching school in a new place and culture, never feeling caught up with what needs to be done; of trying to build new relationships while maintaining ones from afar. To many eyes, it seems foolish and against all common sense to leave my home and family, but something worth doing is often hard to do. I know that the work we are here to support is worthwhile – especially when I see the faces of people here receiving the Word of God in their own language.  

Right now, about 316 translators are actively working on projects in 190 different languages in Papua New Guinea, and we have celebrated the completion of New Testaments and other books of the Bible every year! The photos below say it all…even though it’s not always easy, I’m so thankful to be able to be a part of the task of bringing literacy and God’s love to the people of Papua New Guinea.

The following photos were taken this past year during the Maia, Awa, and Marik language groups' Bible dedications and distributions:

This man is listening to an audio Bible...technology is making it easier to give people the chance to hear God's Word in their own language without having to know how to read!

 "After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb."

Revelation 7:9