RETURN TO PNG - REPORTS FROM THE PASTORS AND MISSION WORKS - THE BATTLE FOR SOULS SCHOOL MINISTRIES CONCLUDED FOR THE 2011 SCHOOL YEAR; A NEW PREACHER ORDAINED 10 YEARS OF RADIO MINISTRY! PRAYER NEEDS: ON-GOING MINISTRIES FINANCES HEALTH & ENDURANCE GREATER HARVEST

WORTH THE STRUGGLE... Returning to our home and ministries after 6 months in the US, we found some things haven’t changed - some things have gotten worse - roads especially; thankfully, some blessings were reported to us.
   In our family devotions, we have been reading “This Day in Baptist History.” We have all profited from this as we have reviewed many hardships that Baptists have faced over the centuries since Christ established His church. We have read about some very zealous and hardy missionaries and have been challenged to “endure hardness as good soldiers.” We often focus on the things we do not have in PNG and the high prices of things that are here; the heat that makes all the water pour out one’s body through the pores of the skin; the struggle to stay healthy; the dust and dirt and disarray of things; and the poor work ethic that prevails; and the things that constantly break down and the replacement parts that can’t be found, etc... but I was blessed the other day to hear one of the grandchildren say, “There ARE worse places in the world than PNG! We could be in one of them!” We have resolved to Thank God for all His blessings on us!
   After our return in September, we began to find our place again in the high school ministries, the Christian school ministries, Bible college, preaching...and in fixing things! We met with the area pastors and were blessed by the report of souls saved in the various ministries. We have recently held “Christian Education Emphasis” days in each of the churches where we have Christian schools. Kokopo Bible Baptist Church recently celebrated 10 years of radio ministry and 10 years of Christian school ministry. Joyce planned and helped execute their year-end programs which were well attended. The Christian schools face many financial challenges, but they press on. We made a boat trip to New Ireland and greatly enjoyed the year-end program at our newest school, as well as spiritual maturing in individual’s lives and the church as a whole.
   We participated in the graduation ceremony at the Kokopo Secondary School, a government school where we teach “Life Principles” courses. Afterward, the principal told Joyce that our program seems to make a definite difference in their school. They tried cutting the number of our classes, but soon became aware of their value and returned to the original schedule. He said the students themselves as well as many staff at the school said they need our classes. At their final session of the year, one of the assistant principals said that our courses seem to provide a “backbone” for their school and sets KOSEC apart from other schools. We are aware that the Word of God makes a difference! At two other schools we have Bro. Graham N’Drou and wife, Hilda, teaching the program, and they have reported the same results. Fifty souls were recently saved in one school! Speaking of Bro. Graham, he was a toddler when we first ministered to him. On November 19th, he was ordained into the ministry of the Gospel. He is greatly used of God to reach souls and disciple new Christians. We were blessed by how many people gave testimony at his ordination as to how he had impacted their lives! He gained a lot of empathy from the ordination council when he flat-dab passed out during his interrogation! It was extremely hot and he must have tensed his legs. He recovered quickly and went on to answer all the questions.
   We are making a special separate appeal for help to repay the two business families who paid for our daughter-in-law, Darla’s, med-evac a year ago. They are asking for repayment. Other medical bills are paid, but this presses on us as well as Rick and Darla. Thank you for ALL your prayers and special gifts as well as monthly support!
   We approach the Christmas season and the new year with a sense of awe for all God has done for us. In many cases He has used you to bless us, and we pray every day that God’s blessings are rich upon you!

We so appreciate you all for your prayers and concern for our
ministry here in Papua New Guinea.
We pray and hope that you have a blessed Christmas!

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