Are we there yet???
What a year this has been! First and foremost, we want to thank you all for your continued support through this year of unusual events. God has continues to bless us and meet our needs.
I think one of the top rules for a missionary is “be flexible”. Well, this year of logistical limbo has put our flexibility to the test in a number of ways but we’ve seen God’s hand in it all! As we have not made it back to Papua New Guinea in June or August, as we’d hoped, we projected our next attempt for the end of this month. That too has changed. For multiple reasons, it has become evident that we need to wait to try and get back to PNG until the end of the current school year. The kid’s school needs and travel logistics are certainly a part of the equation; however, more importantly, God has provided the opportunity and means for us to tend to some personal needs in our family in order to make sure we are all in a healthy place to return to PNG whenever that door does open up for us. In a sense, we need to pause to secure our own oxygen mask before assisting others.
Our hearts’ desire is to be PNG continuing on in the North Wahgi church-planting ministry and our commitment has not changed in that area. I, Levi, will continue to work on projects that directly benefit our church plant—but for the short-term I’ll be doing this from here in the US. This is not a change in ministry, but a short-term change in ministry location. We are thankful for your continued support which enables me to continue being in full-time ministry without having to seek out and balance outside employment with this ministry role.
Bloom where you’re planted…
This fall Robyn started substitute teaching at the Christian school where our kids attend. This has been a blessing and a confidence booster for her to be able to teach various age levels of students. Through this time, God has provided some awesome opportunities for Robyn to share the Gospel with some of her young students and to be an encouragement to the other staff at the school.
Back in Wahgi land…
Some of you may recall us asking for continued prayer for one of our Bible teachers, Stephen, and an ongoing land court issue. This case has been dragged out for the last few years. The latest word on this is that the verdict of the case has been made, but it has not yet been revealed. Stephen has been told to come pick up the official ruling papers, but each time he goes to do this, the necessary people aren’t there. Please continue to pray for peace and patience for him and his family.
This week there will be a 3-day youth conference held in our village in which youth from 7 other NTM-planted churches in the neighboring province will attend. This will be our church’s first time hosting this event. Please pray for safety for all who travel for the event. Pray that our believers will work in unity with one another as they host the conference. And finally, pray that God will be glorified in all that goes on during the conference.
Thank you again for your love, encouragement, and support.
Levi, Robyn, Michael, Daniel, Matthew, and Krystiana Lenz
