"...in all my remembrance of you..."

Some songs are dangerous to listen to while you're living far away from your extended family and friends.  They should almost be illegal.  I was listening to one such song just the other day, and thinking of "home".  It was "Faith My Eyes" by Caedmon's Call.
   I know we probably won't be returning to the U.S. soon; there is still work to be done here, and I'm glad and honoured to be a part of doing it.  I couldn't imagine doing something other than what God has given us to do here.  And yet, I think of home.  There are things I miss; specifically people I miss.  I think about my family: nieces I've never met, our kids growing up far from their family, other friends growing and having life experiences without us, and it's hard.  We know this is where God wants us to be, no question.  But sometimes I feel lonely.
   However, God has given us many friends and family here too.  We have been able to build strong friendships which will hopefully last the rest of our lives.  When we return to the States, I know we will be eager to come "home" to Australia and we'll be thinking of our "family" here.  We have been adopted into the kinship system, so I have more sons and uncles and aunties and grandmas than I know what to do with!
   Two specific men have been a special blessing to me: my indigenous brother, and my indigenous father.  Both of them are learning to follow the Lord and obey His Word, and they have been an encouragement to me.  My "dedi"(father in Kriol) lives in another community about 3 1/2 hours from Barunga, but he and my mami have come to many of the workshops we have done in the last 2 years.  He's a calm man with a gentle spirit.  Before he became a believer, he was one of the "serrimonimen" (traditional ceremony leaders) for his people.  After coming to the Lord, he decided it wasn't right for him to continue with the ceremony he led, so he stopped.  This was not looked on favourably in the community, but he stood firm in his faith.  He is a man I respect and look up to.
   My indigenous brother is another man I respect.  He is a new believer, and has shown true interest and desire to grow in his faith.  He left a life of alcohol after his Christian grandmother passed away.  He came to our house and asked to pray to dedicate his life to Christ, like his grandmother had trusted Christ.  He has continued to prove his conversion through constant attendance at church(even though he is the only man other than myself) and Baibul study.  Many times he has come to our house to pray and have Baibul study.  He is currently spending time living near my indigenous father, to grow in his faith and remove himself from tempting situations.
   I was especially encouraged when he made the decision to go and stay with my dedi, because then he has an indigenous man who lives here to help disciple him and grow him in the Lord. :)

So, though I feel homesick and think of all the family and friends we're missing back home, I am also blessed with this new family God has given us here.  Each of you are also part of our family, if you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord.  Until we see you all again,

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.  For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.  For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart..."
Philippians 1:3-7a

My Favourite Part. :)

As with every job anyone has, there are things I love doing, and other things that "aren't my favourite". Well, the last few weeks have been filled with several opportunities to do exactly what I really like doing. :)
  It has been rather busy, but also enjoyable.  My favourite part of ministry here in Australia is having opportunities to sit down with people and read/study God's Word, and learning to speak Kriol.  One morning after the Barunga Music and Culture Festival, we were visited by Ivan, my indigenous brother, and he asked us to pray with him.  After praying together, he stayed for another 3 hours to do "Bible reading".  PRAISE GOD!  Please keep him in your prayers.  He has been a huge encouragement to me, and I have seen that he is genuine in his faith.  He has been faithfully attending the Kriol Baibul Study, and has expressed an interest in becoming a pastor to his people.  If we can help to train him up and grow in his relationship with Dedi God and Baba Jisas (Father God and brother Jesus), YAY!  As I have spent more time with him, it has been a blessing to get to know him a bit more, and walk this road with him!  Thank you all so much for your prayers for him, our family, and for the men and women of Barunga and the surrounding communities.
  We are currently hosting TWO Jamaicans now.  They are both sleeping in the downstairs flat.  Kris-Ann has been with us for 2 weeks now, and Monique just came home with us yesterday.  They are both here to learn Kriol, and help people to study God's Word as well as find out how they can best use their gifts in this ministry.  Please pray for their adjustment to this culture and environment.  Pray we can be a blessing and help them in this part of their journey.
  We just returned from an indigenous leadership camp, training the church leaders and others in preparation for Yangbala Kemp (Youth Camp) coming in July!  It went well, and it was a blessing to spend time with my indigenous father.  He is a strong Christian man with a heart to share Christ with his family and community.  When Cameron saw him, he said, "Is he my grandpa?"  I told him yes, of course, so every time Cameron saw this old man, he would yell out, "HI GRANDPA!"  It was a blessing to me and to my "dedi" too.  Kids are a blessing.

  Thank you all so much for your prayers and support of our family and this ministry.  You are a blessing to us;  it's a pleasure and joy to serve with you!

                 In Christ, Jared

PS Here's some pics of life. :)

Bethany lost her 1st tooth! :) She's currently working on losing her 2nd!

This was a picture I liked of Cheri teaching a lesson at the discipleship course in Beswick.  The women enjoyed using the puppets, too!

This was the "pup tent" at one house in Beswick during the discipleship course.(SMBG)  Cameron and Bethany both loved holding the puppies.

On June 12th, Cheri and I celebrated our 8th Anniversary with a 12km hike through Nitmiluk National Park, and then dinner out.  I'm looking forward to spending another 88 with my Cheri Dear! :)

Picture update from the Mullets

Much has happened in the last couple of weeks, and I figured a good way to share was with some fun pictures! :)  I hope you enjoy them all.  Thank you so much for all your prayers and support of our family as we serve here in Australia.  It is a blessing to be a part of this ministry. :)

On June 12th, Cheri and I will be married for 8 years!  :)  Time flies when you're having fun.  Lord willing, we'll be allowed another 88!

Our "baby" is officially 4 years old!  Man, they really grow up fast.  :)  Cam's favourite gift was his skateboard, and Lightning McQueen helmet.  He likes to wear his helmet any time he can, including at the dinner table and to bed.

We just completed a short discipleship course in Beswick, 30 minutes drive from Barunga.  This is the Bible overview lesson.  Ivan and I are organising the books of the Bible on the poster board.  I really enjoy helping people become more familiar with their Bibles, and helping them to see the value of God's Word!  

Kris-Ann is one of 2 new team members of ours!!  She's been staying with us for the last couple of weeks, and is adjusting well to life in Australia, and in Barunga. :)  

    Thank you so much for all your prayers for our family, and for this work God has blessed us with.  You are a blessing to us.  Keep praying!  :)  God bless!