Since John and I have started telling people about this new call God has for us, people have been asking us a lot of questions. Some of the most challenging revolve around the word "WHY?"
WHY move your family to the other side of the world?
WHY are you leaving a job you love, and a community of people who love you?
WHY are you taking your kids to live in a jungle surrounded by people who look, act, and talk differently then you do?
WHY....
Our dear friends, the Kejrs, are in the same spot we are. They too are about to move their young family of five to the other side of the world. One of their recent responses to the "Why" question was so beautifully stated, I wanted to share it with you:
"In fact, what we're doing really doesn't make sense unless you believe that Jesus deserves the worship of every people, every tribe, and every language in the entire world. Frankly the cost is too high if we do it for any other reason. The cost is high for our parents, siblings, extended family, and friends who love us dearly and will miss seeing us on a regular basis. The cost is high for our kids as they grow up dealing with so many transitions. The cost is high for those of you who are sacrificially giving to our ministry. The list could go on...but you get the point.
So we keep asking ourselves...Is it worth it? YES, because the cost was very high for our Savior Jesus Christ and the cost is high for those who die apart from knowing Him."
So this is WHY we are going, because how could we not? In PNG alone there are more than 840 languages spoken, and over 400 of those are still waiting to hear God speak their own language! We want to be a part of making that number zero. Zero people groups without God in their mother tongue. The possibility of that happening in our children's lifetime is real! I urge you, if you haven't already, to join the team. Partner with this mission financially and through prayer, make us your feet to bring the Good News to those still waiting in PNG.
On June 8th something amazing happened! The Arop-Lokep people, a tribe in Papua New Guinea, dedicated their New Testament. After many many years of hard work their translation is complete! Here is a short video of the celebration. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!