Several weeks ago, we sat in youth bung (meeting). It was a drizzly Friday night; a dimly lit tin building held 30 or more youth with their Bibles and flashlights. All listened with great attention to a vivid, true account a soldier's bravery and endurance in World War II. This was the last time for now that John Allen would speak to the youth; little did I know at the time how the Lord would use this month to challenge my own heart about fighting in battle for the cause of Christ. Misek lie asleep in my lap with his mama nearby listening to Paul's challenging Timothy to prepare and be ready to be used, sharp and willing, that we may run well the race set before us. Now at the close of the month Pastor Ben reverberated this theme with the tonight's last youth bung for 2018.
Be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. …Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus, … his aim is to please Him who has enlisted hm. … that {others} also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory… 2 Timothy 2:1-4
Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; He is my steadfast love and my fortress; my stronghold and my deliverer… Ps 144:1-2
There were times when the days seemed too difficult. Times when it seemed the battle cry was too costly a sacrifice. Times when we grieved the loss of friends and leaders who were moved to another front for a new assignment. Times when we saw others under attack. Times when we were physically and spiritually weary.
There were times when it seemed more desirable to retreat. When it seemed like it would have been easier to stay in a comfortable castle and pretend a war was not going on. When it seemed ignoring the fight, or entertaining ourselves was more appealing that answering the King's call.
Yet, even as I write tonight the clouds of recent rain have parted, and a host of stars shine bright. How important it is to remember for Whom we fight- the Creator of the Universe! We do not busy ourselves for the sake of recognition or feeling productive, for trophies of war, or men's praise. We are in every way inadequate. The Sovereign over heaven and earth, all life and death, has already won the victory. He is our hope and salvation. Two particular times this month were great times of reflection at all that Christ has done and His faithfulness - communion and Christmas. His banner over us is love!
Communion was a sweet time of fellowship with the church as we studied the purpose and meaning for several weeks beforehand. Pastor Ben and John led as the believers reflected on the depth of Christ's love in yielding to the Father's will in becoming sin for us. With this lingering on our minds, we celebrated His coming to be born! This is fulfillment of His promise in sending a Savior - what generations upon generations had greatly awaited. For the first time, we went caroling for Christmas as a church (hiking for over 3 hours to visit houses nearby), which was such a blessing and joy to celebrate together. The choir has grown and enjoyed learning new Christmas songs this year that we could sing and share! We were able to visit one family in particular for whom we have been praying - Angela and Hans. These are some of the times that have bonded the troops and strengthened our hearts.
In the clinic, we have rejoiced over Metajel who has recovered from TB meningitis after being admitted for two weeks; Leton, whose hand was severely cut and now healing; Mildon, who graduated from the Severe Acute Malnutrition program after gaining five pounds; Martin and Petrus, who are both improving on TB treatment, two sets of twins born this month each weighing only two pounds, Linda's baby who is no longer losing weight; April, who was able to be medically evacuated during her episode of anaphylaxis; Endori's baby, who is improving with treatment after his swollen lymph node; and Elisabeth's baby, whose severe abscess is healing. Several days in the clinic we have had nearly 100 patients. We are grateful this month to be able to start helping several children who are severely acutely malnourished. We pray the Lord may use this as an outlet for the gospel to reach families as they come frequently to get checkups. Even on Christmas Eve, yet another couple brought their child who was too weak to stand or walk. This story is becoming all too familiar, as are others who remain on our hearts.
We are so grateful for the Lord's timing in bringing Sarah back this month from furlough. She will be administrating clinic as well as working on the Bible translation project in several aspects. Her encouragement and fellowship has been a blessing, and the team is stronger for her coming. The Lord knows all our needs, and we are so grateful for the reinforcements He has sent. Another reinforcement was in the form of a lab team to strengthen our treatment and diagnosing of tuberculosis. They taught our staff, and specifically Ellie, about microscopy and simple diagnostics we can do here in the bush. Since their coming, over 25 more TB patients and their families are getting the help they need. Since this is Christmas holiday from school and our summer here, we have also enjoyed the energy and life the high schoolers have brought to the youth and church. Five of our youth have been away in boarding schools; Braxton has just finished grade 11 and is here now pouring into others with leading music and challenging us in the Word.
How grateful we are for how John and Lena's leadership and continued guidance. They will remain in Ukarumpa, PNG and continue work on the translation project while coordinating all supplies for the clinic and Kunai. Their example of following the Lord here and in transition has been a blessing. For every time there is a purpose. May we redeem the time, and be ready when the time is come for us likewise. Preparing for battle does not look like washing clothes while simultaneously boiling water and trying to spend time in the Word with a distracted heart that wants to be productive. I speak for myself - maybe from experience. :) Instead let us saturate ourselves, abide in Him, and study to show ourselves approved. (2 Timothy 2:15, Ephesians 6:10-17) Take courage! Do not give up; whichever front in which the Lord has placed you - be strong. (1 Chronicles 28:9-10)
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confessions in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12
This song has become special to my own heart recently,
Soldia bilong Krias, kirap! (Soldiers of Christ, arise!)
Wokabout I go, (onward go)
Yu bihainim Jisas, (You must follow Jesus)
No ken malolo (now is not the time for rest)
That according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith… To Him who is able to do far more abundantly that all that we can ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:16, 20
Do not love the world or the things in the world… the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17
When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God is with you… today you are drawing near for battle… let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the LORD your God is He who goes with you to fight for you… and to give you the victory. Deuteronomy 20:1-4
Prayer requests:
· Braxstone - now in search for a new school, as the highschool in Kerema has suddenly closed. He will be applying in other cities to finish Grade 12.
· Literacy classes & English club - start next week
Praises:
· Pastor Ben was able to go to Tiava for Christmas meetings where the Lord brought 6 more to salvation!
· Andrisa, one of our youth girls, who came to accept Christ as her personal Savior last Sunday!