A Quick Update

There have been so many things on my mind lately.  There are many different transitions we'll be taking in a short time, and I'm excited to see what God is going to do in this next part of our ministry here.

Currently, we are hosting a couple from the States as they do recording for an audio Kriol Baibul.  We have been blessed to record with 2 different folks here in Barunga and have finished recording the book of Titus (Taidus).  It went well.  Jim and Mary Alice have put in a lot of work to make the project go well.  We have appreciated their flexibility (when world views collide) and their kindness.  They have been very hard at work recording, and when they aren't recording, they are editing like mad!  :)  May God bless them for their dedication.

We are also looking ahead to moving our family to Katherine in December.  We are planning on moving before the new school year so our kids can start at a school in Katherine.  There are many reasons for this transition: Alice and Bethany being the only "English as a first language" speakers in their class in Barunga, a slower pace--which is necessary with an ESL program but not too helpful for our girls; a lower view of education we've noticed in the community,  there are consistently children wandering during school hours because they simply didn't want to come to school.  We would really appreciate your prayers as we take this next step.

We have been looking at housing in Katherine and the cost to rent in Katherine is approximately 4 times the amount we are currently paying in Barunga.  In order to meet this cost, I have been working with an autistic boy over at the school every day, and have committed to helping him through December.  Trenton is 5 years old and his grandma is one of the church leaders in Barunga.  It has been a very challenging job, and Trenton has tested me many times.  However, this has also been an opportunity to get to know the kids in the community, and to build relationships with the teachers as well.  I'm thankful for the opportunity to serve and share Christ through my life.

We have been attending a small church plant in Katherine for several months on and off (depending on what's happening in Barunga) and are looking forward to further involvement with that group of people.  We are excited to see what God is going to do through this new church.  We have several ideas for indigenous ministry through this church, but ultimately God will direct our path.

Thank you all so much for your constant prayers and support of our family throughout our time here in Australia.  You are each a blessing to us, and we praise the Lord for each of you on our team.  If you have any questions about what's next with us, or any other questions, please ask.  God bless, yumob!!