We recently had the opportunity to be a part of our Vacation Bible School here in Ukarumpa. It typically happens annually when we have the right people here to make it happen. I’ve posted about it in past years when Nori and I volunteered together. I drove again this year to pick up pastors, teachers, and, of course, kids across the valley that lived out a little farther than most. Really though, my part was very small compared to the many other adults and students that contributed countless hours to make this happen, including Banner and Millie. They were there everyday for training, prep, music, skits, sports, snacks, and loving on all these kids that God led to our doorstep at the Teen Center.
Praise the Lord! Here is the report from the week:
"Thank you, community, for your support of last week’s Holide Baibel Skul through practical and spiritual helps. On Thursday and Friday we averaged about 500 students (the whole VBS ran Tues-Friday). We had around 90 helpers / leaders each day, ALL of whom were a joy to work with. Wow – thank you, each one, who contributed through your presence and hard work! Over 1600 slices of banana bread were consumed during the week. The Gospel was taught again and again throughout the week along with the importance of a changed, repentant lifestyle post-salvation. About 80 children were counseled for salvation and given a Bible of their own. Only 3 minor security incidents were reported (theft of personal belongings, children being mean to each other). We’re very grateful for our three effective “bouncers.” A pastor from Kainantu was one of the trained teachers. It was his first time to do children’s ministry. He asked us to please let him know when the next event happened as he wanted to be involved. We encourage you to ask someone who was involved in VBS to share their favorite story or memory from the week. May God be glorified continuously from the work that was begun or strengthened last week."
Here are some real needs lately that we would be so thankful if you prayed for:
Pray for all the kids that made decisions for the Lord during VBS. They are all entering into a variety of village, church, and family settings with their new faith in Christ.
We have a serious need for teachers at our international school. Are you a teacher? Do you know a teacher? Interested in seeing Papua New Guinea??? All grades (K-12) are helpful, short (5-6 months) or long term. Teachers are super critical roles here that allow Bible translators with families to be here and do their work. The future is looking bleak in this area, but we believe that God can do it anyway!
We have had something of a fuel crisis in PNG lately. It’s complicated, so I won’t elaborate, but you can google it. So far, the tangible impact has been related to jet fuel, so there is essentially rationing going on for flights. Everything in PNG is quite difficult to get to if you can’t fly, so this is significantly impacting our work on a national level. We expect to see difficult situations with diesel and petrol soon too, whether that means no supply or limited and expensive, we’re not sure yet.
Please keep praying for our growing kids. They are all at various crossroads where they are weighing out the truths of the Lord for themselves. Please pray for their growth in wisdom and discernment and openness to the Lord. Please also pray for their protection from the schemes of the deceiver. May the Lord bless your families and keep you close.
Much love and thanks from all the Craigs,
John
