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As for Me and for My House, We Will Serve the Lord

11/29/2010

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October 29.  Praise the Lord for .7 inch rain last night. 

            Manila was ready for school at 7:30 this morning.  So we got an early start.  Finished up the story of God’s calling of Moses.  Then he colored a picture by number — Moses and the snake that appeared when the Lord told him to throw his rod on the ground. 

            In Owena class, I had him use letter tiles to spell the words that were called.  He was very slow, but got them all right.

            I was thankful to be able to get almost everything ready for Monday’s school classes so can be free to do other things this weekend. 

          “16But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.  17Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.”  Psalm 59:16,17

October 30.  Worked until almost 10:00 at the computer last night.  Then washed up and went to bed.  It was about 10:30 when we got to bed.  Another .1” rain last night.  Have been hearing some sprinkles on the roof this evening. 

            Was so thankful to be able to do laundry this morning.  It took a while longer as there was a week’s worth of laundry to do.  Didn’t get to do the bed sheet this week, but did wash the pillow cases.  Also won’t get to have our Saturday night bath this week.  Boo hoo!

            Bensamin came by during laundry time to get his mobile that he had sent to be charged yesterday.  Daddy talked to him for a while.

            Worked on preparing greens while the clothes were washing, and finished preparing them and then put them on to cook after hanging out the clothes.  It got quite hot outside while I was hanging clothes.  Took a long time to hang up a week’s worth of clothes.  Managed to squeeze them all onto the clotheslines.  Had to go in and get some more clothespins. 

            After getting the greens on to cook, I had a snack.  Then Daddy and I talked about what we should say to people who may come with a decision to do right and seek to see a solid Bible-based church established here.  Then I went and fixed a stew for dinner and got that on to cook. 

            After dinner, I went out and took clothes down while Lew went and carried more water.  We are so thankful that the Lord is providing water for us. 

            Had a good long nap.  It was so hot when we lay down that it took a while to get to sleep.  After nap, we read the Bible and prayed.  Had a little snack.  Tried to walk around the schoolroom, but my legs were really tired after being on my feet most of the morning.  Came back and sat down for a bit.  It was still too hot to work in the kitchen or clean the bathroom.  Decided to go ahead and play the keyboard.  After that, I started making cookies for Daddy, and a few for Bosip and the other guy that carried water the other day.  Wanted to make myself some crackers, too, but never got to those.  I was too tired by the time the cookies were ready, and it was already time to fix supper too. 

            After supper, Erisa came by to visit a while.  After Erisa left, I did the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen.  Never did get the bathroom cleaned.

            Am very tired this evening so maybe will go to bed early tonight.

          “To those who seek Him He is kind; but to those who find Him, beyond expression is He dear!”—Morning and Evening

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          “Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.”  Psalm 60:4

October 31.  No measurable rain last night.  After fixing breakfast, eating, reading Bible, and walking and praying, I worked on October’s progress report until time to talk with Christy and Connie.  I realized last night that I hadn’t even started the progress report for October.  Am glad I have a journal to look back at and refresh my memory. 

            It was a blessing to talk with Christy and Connie.  We are so grateful for their prayers.  After that I made the bed and then got ready for lotu.  It was a somewhat hard morning.  Daddy finished up the teaching on Independent Baptist.  After the second lotu, he left the people with the challenge — do you really want to be Independent Baptist?  Do you really want to be obedient to God’s Word?  If so, please go home and think it over and pray about it.  Then come to us individually and let us know if you really desire to follow the Lord. 

            We came home and had dinner.  It was already 2:00.  Had our nap.  After nap, I did more walking, praying, and school planning (in my head).  Then I played the keyboard for a little while, while waiting for water to get hot to wash my hair.  During that time, Devit came to let us know that he and his family had already decided that they want to follow God’s Word, no matter what others do.  He said people stayed at church and talked for about an hour after we came home.      

              I got my hair washed.  Made some crackers.  Made some lemon pudding for supper, but put too much lemon in it so it was a bit hard to eat.  We had just sat down for supper when Maraqorena came.  He wanted kerosene, but also said that he wants to follow God’s way and be a true Independent Baptist.  We have noticed that he is alert and listens during the meetings, and answers correctly questions Daddy asks.  We were very pleased that he came. 

            He left, and Luke came.  Praise the Lord!  Lately I have noticed that he has really been taking hold of the things Daddy has been teaching on Wednesday mornings, and has been getting up afterward and repeating in tokples the things that Daddy has been preaching.  Daddy has just been preaching in Pidgin on Wednesdays, as there are usually almost all Pidgin speakers there.  If there are those who don’t know Pidgin, an individual interprets for them by their side.  We are so thankful that the Lord has helped us to be patient with Luke and continue to pray for him and seek to help him get going in the right direction. 

            After supper, Matyu came.  Praise the Lord for bringing Matyu around.  He wants to follow the Lord and serve the Lord.  He has also seen God’s hand in his own life and his family’s, protecting and preserving and preparing them for the Lord’s work.  Daddy made sure these men realize that they may face persecution from those who don’t want to do right.  He asked each one if they are ready to stand up and do right anyway. 

            Jevin has just come as well.  Thank you, Lord. 

            How thankful we are that God is answering prayer and giving us some men who want to be obedient to God’s word! 

          “Follow Jesus into the wilderness: bear the cross with Him when the heat of persecution grows hot. He owned thee, O my soul, in thy poverty and shame—never be so treacherous as to be ashamed of Him. O for more shame at the thought of being ashamed of my best Beloved! Jesus, my soul cleaveth to Thee.”—Morning and Evening

          “2From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  3For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.”  Psalm 61:2,3

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Water Barrel and Water Carrier

11/29/2010

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October 26.  No rain again.  Not quite as cold this morning, but did not get quite as hot today too.

            After nap this afternoon, I worked on correcting a sermon for one of our friends while Daddy was still sleeping.  After that, I cleaned the chalkboard, swept down spider webs and swept the floor.  (I had killed two good-sized spiders this morning when Manila and I were having class.  They were right over his head.  So I figured I had better do something about the spider webs that were being spun in the schoolroom.)  Then I put work for tomorrow on the chalkboard. 

            Around 4:00, Daddy and I took a walk to the other side of the village to see Epekio’s mother and also to see Daniel.  Epekio’s mother does not look very good.  Daddy read John 3:1-18 to Epekio’s mother and prayed with and for her.  Epekio said that the other night her mother had prayed and told God she was a sinner and asked him to make her clean with His blood. 

            Got back to the house around 5:15 and started fixing supper.  Had only eaten a few bites when there was a knock on the door.  Erisapet’s mother came with greens and pumpkin so spent a few minutes with her.  Then Sakias came to get Maggi (noodles) and lollies.  He got the rest of the lollies — there were only eight left.  Finally was able to finish eating supper.  It was after six when we finished eating.  Then I got stuff put away, did dishes and cleaned up the kitchen, washed up the greens Erisapet’s mother brought and got them ready to cook, along with the ones Frina had brought yesterday. 

            There hasn’t been any water late afternoon and all evening.  Daddy went and checked the taps, but all were off.  Only a trickle coming at the main tap.  Not even a trickle here.  Jevin came by later, and he went and checked too.  Then he and Daddy went together.  Jevin filled up a couple buckets for us from the trickle.  Someone said that there was a landslide into the dam at the source and that is why the water has been stopped.  Wonder why they didn’t do something about it when they saw it.

            It was going on 7:30 by the time I started work on the computer.  But there wasn’t a whole lot to do for tomorrow so I was thankful for that.  That is how we had time to go for a visit this afternoon.  It was good to get out and visit with someone.  There are others that we need to see as well, other sheep who have gone astray.

                “8Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?  9When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.  10In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.  11In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.  12Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.  13For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?”  Psalm 56:8-13

October 27.  We hadn’t been in bed long last night, when we heard the squeal of the rat.  He was stuck in the trap already — good and stuck. 

            Daddy completed the teaching this morning on “Knowing the Will of God,” finishing the applications from the story of Abraham’s servant. 

            Couldn’t do laundry today, as there was still no water.  Jevin and Nuanda and George went up early (before lotu) to the water source to see if they could find the problem.  They thought they found out what was wrong and got it fixed, but there was still no water, except for a trickle throughout the day — enough to fill up some buckets again.  Bosip and another guy and Janet and Lucy went up later.  They worked most of the day, digging up pipes between the airstrip and the water source, but couldn’t find the problem.  Bosip and the other guy filled up some buckets for us at the village tap, until the tap ran dry.  There hasn’t been any water since. 

            Neomi’s mother came with kaukau when I was in school with Manila.  She came again at supper time, and I sat with her a little while and read to her from the gospel of John. 

          “1To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.  2I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.  3He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.”  Psalm 57:1-3

October 28.  Praise the Lord for a good night’s rest after a difficult day yesterday.  There was still no water today, and it looks like there will not be any for a while.  Tomas worked on the lines a bit today, bleeding the air out.  However, it appears that the problem is at the source — due to the long dry spell, the water level has gone below the level of the beginning of the pipeline so is not getting into the pipes.  The last time we had rain was last Saturday.  Then this afternoon, the Lord sent clouds.  We emptied one of our 55-gallon drums and put it out under the downpipe at the corner of the house.  We asked the Lord for rain.  It wasn’t long before the rain was pouring down upon the roof.  The drum filled up and over-flowed.  Jevin came by just when Daddy was going out to dip water from the drum and carry buckets of water into the house.  Jevin took over and brought full buckets of water to the door.  Daddy dumped them into the bathtub and also filled up all the buckets in the house.  The rain kept refilling the drum so it is full too.  We thanked the Lord for showing His love and bringing us rain at this needy time.

           Manila was ready for school long before 7:30 this morning, but I wasn’t.  But we did get started at 7:30, a little earlier than we had been lately, and Daddy and Max started Bible school at 7:30 also.  We finished school a little before 12:00. 

            Had leftover spaghetti for dinner.  Then nap.  After nap, I worked a bit on checking Luke, until Daddy got up.  Then we had our Bible reading and prayer time before going out to the other room and opening the door.  There have been a lot of interruptions lately so that seemed like the best time.  After that, we had snack.  Then I walked around the school room and prayed, as I didn’t get to do that this morning.  Then Daddy and I went for a little walk to see if we could find out what the story was on the water.  We went up to Janet’s house, and then Nuanda came by, coming down from the pig mumu at Opo’s house.  He took some tools and said he would go up once more and see if anything could be done about the water.  It was after that that I emptied the drum and Daddy put it out before the rains came.  Not long afterward, Nuanda came back down and said he didn’t see any way to get the water level up to the top of the pipes.  We will just need lots of rain to bring up the water level. 

           Worked on school materials for a while before supper.  After supper and dishes, there was time to play the keyboard before getting into the computer and getting more school materials ready.  I needed that time at the keyboard and was thankful for it.  I’m so thankful for the comfort and encouragement and challenge of so many of the hymns.

          “The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.”  Psalm 118:14

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Birthday Cake and Bible School

11/29/2010

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October 24.  A dry season day today.  Mostly blue sky.  Wind in the afternoon.  No rain last night.   

            After breakfast and quiet time this morning, I made some icing for Kathryn’s cake — cooked sugar icing.  Then worked on some things in the computer before lotu.  Daddy covered the “A” and “P” of BAPTIS today and started on the “T.”  Will finish the “T” next week.  Not very many people at all in lotu.  A lot of them were probably sleeping after the couple nights of crying for Uvexudya.  And some of the ones who were in lotu had a hard time keeping awake. 

            After nap this afternoon, I went out in the sunshine for a little while.  After that, I did my walking around the schoolroom.  Then worked on some school material for this coming week.  Talked with Erisa a while.  Gave a little toy to Benet, and some trousers, and gave a skirt and some soap to Erisa., and some soap for her father.  When she left, it was 5:30 already.  So we decided to take the cake up to Kathryn before supper so we wouldn’t have to go out when it was dark.  Only Janet’s mother was there so we left the cake with her.  Lucy’s mother was there too.  Said she was sick today.  Lucy had brought home some mushrooms, and her mother ate them and got sick. 

           It was close to 6:00 before we finally ate supper.  Then I did dishes, and afterward played the keyboard a while before working at the computer.

          “I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good.”  Psalm 54:6

October 25.  No rain last night.  Very cold this morning.  54º when we got up.  It didn’t take long for things to warm up though.  It was 58º in the schoolroom at 7:30 and 80º at 11:00. 

            Max had his third test today in Bible school and got 90.  So he is doing well.  Devit came after that, and Daddy had him do his homework.  Luke didn’t show up until 11:00, but he had already done his homework.  They came today because Devit has gone now to carry coffee again.  Luke came late because he spent the night up in the bush standing guard.  The people got word last night that the neighboring village that had been causing trouble was coming around so they set up guards.  That’s what the hollering was about that I heard shortly after we had gone to bed.  Daddy was already asleep and did not hear it. 

            Frina and Bethany came early this morning and worked in the pineapple garden.

           Kelly worked on the water pipes today.  We hadn’t been getting much water the past few days.  He fixed the pipe in the center of the village so it won’t leak so much.  Then he found a break up the hill where he had fixed the pipe before.  Now he has gone to town for meetings of some kind.

            Timothy came by this evening and wanted to know if he could help in the school during his school break.  He just got home from school this past weekend and hadn’t heard that there is only one student.  He goes back in January for grade 12 and then wants to go on to teacher’s college.  Said that he was saved in 2004 while living with Dave Crowe.  He lived with the Crowes for four years and went to school in Okapa. 

            This afternoon and evening were extra busy trying to get things ready for school tomorrow.  Wasn’t able to get a new memory verse ready on the weekend like I usually do as I didn’t have one available yet, so worked on that today.  It takes a while to make the visual and find a tune that will fit the verse.  Obet came by this afternoon and helped me straighten out a couple things in the verse.  Then Erik and Wan were here early this evening and rechecked things for me and made a couple more changes.  Then there was all the other stuff to get ready for the other classes — new flash cards for the /mp/ cluster in Owena class, worksheets to print for math class and work to put on the chalkboard, and worksheets to prepare for English class for teaching the word “triangle.”

          "For the truths sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever." 2John 1:2

                “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”  Psalm 55:22

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Saying "Fare-well" to a Loved One

11/29/2010

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October 22.  .1” rain yesterday.  Woke up to a nice sunny morning.  Early this morning, Daddy saw some of Nuanda’s family coming up from Wanyapeq.  When I went back in the bedroom for quiet time, I could hear crying down that way.  We wondered if Uvexudya had passed away.  She had — about 10:00 last night, right after the generator went off, Janet said.  So there was no school today.  There was Bible school, however.  Both Luke and Devit were here.  

           After breakfast, I did my walking around the school room.  While Daddy was teaching Bible school, I found the Pidgin translation of Luke and got it put into a file to print out for checking.  After Bible school, Daddy and I went up to the radio to say “Hi” to Carol.  Stopped along the way to say “hi” to Daniel who was tying up sugar cane for Kelly.  After radio, we stood outside and talked for a while to Janet. 

            It was very hot out there in the sun so we were glad to get back to the house.  It was about 10:30 when we got back.  Had a snack.  Then worked on the old Luke file, getting the English in beside the Pidgin.  Had planned to make a casserole for dinner, but lost track of time.  It was ten to twelve when Daddy hollered out the time.  So I just made a skillet casserole with the rest of the rice, some squash, and some cheese.  It was much too hot to turn on the oven anyway.  Was already about 87º out when we were eating.  It was hard to relax at first at nap time, it was so hot.  Daddy said it was 90º outside when he got up from nap.  When I got up, it had clouded over, and the temperature had already dropped about 10 degrees. 


           We had hoped to go down to see Maraqorena (Uvexudya’s husband) this afternoon, but Daddy didn’t want to go out since he has gotten a cold, and the weather had turned cold and rainy looking.  So we planned to go down in the morning.  This afternoon, Daddy got out the suitcase for me with some other dresses that I had put away.  I sorted through those and discovered that a number of them are too short.  So I set those aside to give away.  The others I set out to try on later, which I did after I worked on the computer a while, putting the rest of the English in the Luke file.  After trying things on, it was time to start baking.  Made lemon sugar cookies for Daddy, except they aren’t very lemony.  There were three lemons left, but they were rather dried up, and only yielded a couple tablespoons of lemon juice at the most.  Oh, well.  Also made granola, and got things in to bake while we had supper.  Then it was time to do dishes and clean up the kitchen.

            It got really dark and rainy while we were eating, and Jevin was already over at the generator shed so Daddy had him start the generator early — about 5:30.  Then Jevin came to the house and stayed a while until the rain slowed down.  Then, while I was still doing dishes, Maraqorena came in to get some kerosene so we had the opportunity to express our sorrow for the loss of his wife.  Daddy also read some verses from I Thessalonians chapter 4 and prayed with him before he left.  And we gave him a bag of rice too.

            After he left, I finished the dishes.  Then played the keyboard a while.  Then printed out a couple copies of Pidgin Luke for us to proofread and revise.  Even with no school, it has been a very busy day.

          "I will love them freely." Hosea 14:4

                “1...Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually….  8But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.  9I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.”  Psalm 52:1,8,9 


October 23.  .7” rain last night.  Frina and Bethany came this morning and cleaned up the yard and the flower garden.  They said they will come again Monday and clean the pineapple garden and transplant pineapple shoots. 

            George came and chopped firewood.

           Daddy was back from lotu about 7:45 this morning so we got an early start on laundry.  Later in the morning, we went down to pay our respects to Erisa and Ivoodano.  They buried Uvexudya’s body today in the garden down below the village.  After we got back, I got lamb stew ready and on to cook for dinner.  After that I worked on the computer a while before dinner. 

            This afternoon after nap, I corrected a sermon for a friend.  Had a snack.  Washed my hair.  Cleaned the bathroom.  It was somewhat frustrating trying to get those things done as there was no water most of the time.  Sat and relaxed at the keyboard before getting supper.  After supper, I made a birthday cake for Kathryn, Kelly and Janet’s little girl.  She will be two years old tomorrow (I think it’s tomorrow).  Then I did dishes. 

          “1Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.  2His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.”  Psalm 112:1,2

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Flowers are Blooming Again

11/29/2010

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October 19.  Almost .2” rain last night.  No rain today.  A very lovely day.  Enjoyed getting out for a little walk this afternoon.  Sat out in the sunshine for about 15 minutes too.   

            LOTS of Owenians carried coffee to Aivonti today, on beyond Irakia.  There is a man there who buys it.  Hardly any men left around the village.

               "God, my Maker, who giveth songs in the night." Job 35:10  Any man can sing in the day. When the cup is full, man draws inspiration from it. When wealth rolls in abundance around him, any man can praise the God who gives a plenteous harvest or sends home a loaded argosy. It is easy enough for an Aeolian harp to whisper music when the winds blow—the difficulty is for music to swell forth when no wind is stirring. It is easy to sing when we can read the notes by daylight; but he is skilful who sings when there is not a ray of light to read by—who sings from his heart. No man can make a song in the night of himself; he may attempt it, but he will find that a song in the night must be divinely inspired. Let all things go well, I can weave songs, fashioning them wherever I go out of the flowers that grow upon my path; but put me in a desert, where no green thing grows, and wherewith shall I frame a hymn of praise to God? How shall a mortal man make a crown for the Lord where no jewels are? Let but this voice be clear, and this body full of health, and I can sing God's praise: silence my tongue, lay me upon the bed of languishing, and how shall I then chant God's high praises, unless He Himself give me the song? No, it is not in man's power to sing when all is adverse, unless an altar-coal shall touch his lip. It was a divine song, which Habakkuk sang, when in the night he said, "Although the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Then, since our Maker gives songs in the night, let us wait upon Him for the music. O Thou chief musician, let us not remain songless because affliction is upon us, but tune Thou our lips to the melody of thanksgiving.  —Morning and Evening                        

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               “6They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; 7None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: 8(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) 9That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.”  Psalm 49:6-9

October 20.  Less than .1” rain last night.  Praise the Lord for a beautiful morning!  We were up early.  Prepared rice for dinner and set it on the wood stove to cook.  Cut up a pumpkin for dinner too, and set it on the gas stove to cook later.  Started the laundry at 6:30.  Had everything hung out before 8:00.  Managed to have breakfast in between loads of washing and also quiet time.  More quiet time afterward and finished sewing up a dress I had to take in.  Now I need to lengthen it a bit.  Then went walking around the schoolroom and had more time to pray there.  Then I glued paste-overs in Manila’s math book.

            A little before 9:00, we went up for lotu.  Opo and Luke were sitting outside talking.  Jevin came along in a bit so we started with five.  Luke led the singing.  Then Daddy continued teaching from Genesis 24, showing how Abraham sought God’s will in finding a wife for Isaac.  After a while, there were a few more men and some women who came — about 19 all together.  Daddy said that George was there and paid very close attention to what was being preached.  That was a surprise and a big blessing.  Oh, that he might be saved!

            After a short break, it was time for school.  After finishing John chapter 3 in Owena, going over the Bible verse for the week, and talking about what was preached in church, we had math and English classes today.

            After nap, I cut up a popo.  Fixed a bowl of fruit for snack.  Then went and sat out in the sun to eat it.  After that, Daddy and I started out for a little walk, with a stop at the church house to put away a couple things that belonged there.  It was too hot to keep walking so I chalked in the notes Daddy had on the chalkboard so they are darker and easier to read from the back of the room.

            Then we came back to the house, and I put material on the chalkboard for school tomorrow and worked on a Bible test for Friday, until time to get supper.

            After supper, I did dishes and played the keyboard before making sure all the lesson material is ready for tomorrow.

          “1A Psalm of Asaph. The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.  2Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined….  14Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:  15And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me….  23Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God.”  Psalm 50:1,2, 14,15, 23

October 21.  No rain last night, but very cool, cloudy and rainy this morning.  It was quite chilly in the schoolroom.  Daddy kept the fire going in the house all morning.  It was nice to come home to a warm house.  He also put the dinner on the wood stove to warm up.  That was a blessing too, as we could eat as soon as I came back from school.

            All the people came back from Aivonti this morning with money from their coffee sales and goods they had bought at the market over there. 

            I was thankful that the sun came out this afternoon.  Went out and trimmed more of the flower bushes.  Brought in some pink flowers and some purple flowers to put on the table.  It is refreshing to see the flowers blooming again now that the rains have come. 

          “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”  Psalm 51:17

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Rain and Rainbow

11/28/2010

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October 16.  .2 inches rain last night.  Rained again this afternoon.  Looks like rainy season is here.  A beautiful rainbow late this afternoon.  I wanted to get a picture, but couldn’t get it in view without going out in the rain.  We thank the Lord for answered prayer.  Our greatest desire, however, is for answered prayer in regards to the spiritual needs of the Owena people.

            Even though there wasn’t much sunshine today, most of the clothes were dry by noon — before the rains came.  We are thankful for that. 

            It was a somewhat frustrating day.  About half the day, we had no water.  I had to wait until late afternoon and early evening to do any cleaning because there was no water.  I had to wait again in the middle of cleaning the bathroom because Wan came to replace the bamboo drain pipe that runs from under the house to the ditch out back.  Had to keep the water off in the bathroom until he finished that.  Finally finished cleaning the bathroom, including washing the floor.  Then sat down a few minutes before getting supper.

            Tomas and family brought firewood today.  They got more than two dozen lollies for themselves and the kids who helped them carry the firewood. 

            Praise the Lord that Devit arrived safely back in Owena early this evening.  Silvia went and met him on the mountain across the river and walked home with him.  (He wasn’t able to come in on the plane because they had dangerous cargo and could not carry passengers with it.)

            This morning, I made a casserole for dinner, using the leftover chicken and noodles and adding cheese and cracker crumbs.  Also made banana bread with the over-ripe bananas. 

            Throughout the day, I worked on school lessons for this coming week.  Spent some time finding a song for the new Bible verse.  I’m thankful for the Lord’s help in finding just the right music for each Bible verse.

            After supper, I did dishes.  Then swept and washed the kitchen floor.  I was glad to sit down most of the rest of the evening.  Didn’t get to do any walking today.  Will definitely have to fit that in tomorrow.  Rebeka said she is having joint pains too.  Showed me her right knee — it was very swollen.

          “1To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.  4There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.  5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.”  Psalm 46:1-5

October 17.  .4” rain again.  And rained again this evening.

            It was somewhat of a frustrating morning again.  From around 6:30 this morning until we went to lotu, there was no water again.  I makes it so hard to get things done.  After getting breakfast, I was trying to get carrots and potatoes, onions and garlic ready to go in our stew for dinner today.  I was feeling a bit down too, and lonely this morning.  I am so thankful for the Lord’s longsuffering with His children.  I wish I were more like Paul and could find it easier to rejoice in all circumstances. 

            It was an encouragement to talk with Christy and Connie today, even though there wasn’t a whole lot of news to pass amongst us.  It was still a blessing to hear their voices. 

            Daddy started the messages today on “What Is Independent Baptist?”  The folks from Marimari Baptist Church came too.  I was glad to see Matyu there.  Even Graham and Ephraim were there for part of the meeting.  Hadn’t seen them in church for a while.  In the first meeting, Daddy went over briefly each point in the acrostic — BAPTIS.  In the second meeting, he covered the B — Baibel.

            After the second meeting, Epekio came by to show me her crocheting and ask for help.  I think I still didn’t tell her quite right.  I haven’t done that kind of afghan for a while so couldn’t remember exactly how it goes.  Kristina and children came by for a while too.  Daniela wanted to come see toqo (grandma).  She had to make sure her bigger brother (a couple years older than she) shook my hand too. She is a character, and a sweetheart too. 

            After they left, I had dinner.  Daddy had already started eating when they came.  Then we had nap.  After nap, I washed my hair, cut up the other popo, had snack, and cut Daddy’s hair.  Then I got material written on the chalkboard for school tomorrow before getting supper.  After dishes, there was time to play keyboard.  Then worked on school lessons in the computer.

          "And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul." 1Samuel 27:1  The thought of David's heart at this time was a false thought, because he certainly had no ground for thinking that God's anointing him by Samuel was intended to be left as an empty unmeaning act. On no one occasion had the Lord deserted His servant; he had been placed in perilous positions very often, but not one instance had occurred in which divine interposition had not delivered him. The trials to which he had been exposed had been varied; they had not assumed one form only, but many—yet in every case He who sent the trial had also graciously ordained a way of escape. David could not put his finger upon any entry in his diary, and say of it, "Here is evidence that the Lord will forsake me," for the entire tenor of his past life proved the very reverse. He should have argued from what God had done for him, that God would be his defender still. But is it not just in the same way that we doubt God's help? Is it not mistrust without a cause? Have we ever had the shadow of a reason to doubt our Father's goodness? Have not His lovingkindnesses been marvellous? Has He once failed to justify our trust? Ah, no! our God has not left us at any time. We have had dark nights, but the star of love has shone forth amid the blackness; we have been in stern conflicts, but over our head He has held aloft the shield of our defence. We have gone through many trials, but never to our detriment, always to our advantage; and the conclusion from our past experience is, that He who has been with us in six troubles, will not forsake us in the seventh. What we have known of our faithful God, proves that He will keep us to the end. Let us not, then, reason contrary to evidence. How can we ever be so ungenerous as to doubt our God? Lord, throw down the Jezebel of our unbelief, and let the dogs devour it.  —Morning and Evening

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                “1To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.  2For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.  3He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.  4He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.  5God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.  6Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.  7For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.  8God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.  9The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.”  Psalm 47

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   October 18.  1/4” rain last night.  Daddy did first and second year Bible school back-to-back today as Devit wants to go to Okapa tomorrow to carry coffee.  Said he has enough coffee to go the next four weeks.  So they plan to have both first and second year classes on Monday for the next four weeks.  He will get back by Thursday so will be here for Friday’s class.  The Lord is blessing these people with a continuous coffee crop this year.  We have never seen it like this.  The coffee just keeps bearing and bearing.  Oh, that the people would bless the Lord with their abundance!

            Mostly it was a pretty quiet day.  School went well.  Manila is learning many new things.

          “9We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.  10According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness….  14For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.”  Psalm 48:9,10,14

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Praise the Lord for that too

11/28/2010

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October 14.  Drizzle early this morning, and rain this afternoon.  Turned very damp and chilly this evening so Daddy got a fire going.  Praise the Lord for more rain! 

            Max didn’t show up for Bible school today, but Manila did come to school.  Frina and Rebecca came and weeded the pineapple garden.  And George came and cut firewood.  I didn’t get to go out in the sunshine this afternoon since there wasn’t any.  But I did get to walk around the schoolroom and get a bit of exercise. 

                "I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." Philippians 3:8  Spiritual knowledge of Christ will be a personal knowledge. I cannot know Jesus through another person's acquaintance with Him. No, I must know Him myself; I must know Him on my own account. It will be an intelligent knowledge—I must know Him, not as the visionary dreams of Him, but as the Word reveals Him. I must know His natures, divine and human. I must know His offices—His attributes—His works—His shame—His glory. I must meditate upon Him until I "comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge." It will be an affectionate knowledge of Him; indeed, if I know Him at all, I must love Him. An ounce of heart knowledge is worth a ton of head learning. Our knowledge of Him will be a satisfying knowledge. When I know my Saviour, my mind will be full to the brim—I shall feel that I have that which my spirit panted after. "This is that bread whereof if a man eat he shall never hunger." At the same time it will be an exciting knowledge; the more I know of my Beloved, the more I shall want to know. The higher I climb the loftier will be the summits which invite my eager footsteps. I shall want the more as I get the more. Like the miser's treasure, my gold will make me covet more. To conclude; this knowledge of Christ Jesus will be a most happy one; in fact, so elevating, that sometimes it will completely bear me up above all trials, and doubts, and sorrows; and it will, while I enjoy it, make me something more than "Man that is born of woman, who is of few days, and full of trouble"; for it will fling about me the immortality of the everliving Saviour, and gird me with the golden girdle of His eternal joy. Come, my soul, sit at Jesus's feet and learn of Him all this day.  —Morning and Evening

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                “20If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; 21Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.”  Psalm 44:20,21

 October 15.  Another .4 inches rain last night, praise the Lord. 

            School went well, too, praise the Lord.

            The plane came around noon and brought our little LP.  We are thankful for that too.

            Epekio came this afternoon for me to help her learn something new in crocheting.  Well, after she had done a couple rows, I realized I hadn’t given her proper instructions.  So she had to take it all out and start again.  Enjoyed visiting with her though and singing together as we worked. 

            Wan came and replaced the downpipe.  Sakias came with more firewood, and his family came to get some things with their money.  Monika had some money from bananas she brought last week.  They got lots of lollies (candies) for their kids.

            Played the keyboard a while after doing dishes this evening.  Then worked on lessons for this coming week.  Have lots to do yet.

                "But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck." Exodus 34:20  Every firstborn creature must be the Lord's, but since the ass was unclean, it could not be presented in sacrifice. What then? Should it be allowed to go free from the universal law? By no means. God admits of no exceptions. The ass is His due, but He will not accept it; He will not abate the claim, but yet He cannot be pleased with the victim. No way of escape remained but redemption—the creature must be saved by the substitution of a lamb in its place; or if not redeemed, it must die. My soul, here is a lesson for thee. That unclean animal is thyself; thou art justly the property of the Lord who made thee and preserves thee, but thou art so sinful that God will not, cannot, accept thee; and it has come to this, the Lamb of God must stand in thy stead, or thou must die eternally. Let all the world know of thy gratitude to that spotless Lamb who has already bled for thee, and so redeemed thee from the fatal curse of the law. Must it not sometimes have been a question with the Israelite which should die, the ass or the lamb? Would not the good man pause to estimate and compare? Assuredly there was no comparison between the value of the soul of man and the life of the Lord Jesus, and yet the Lamb dies, and man the ass is spared. My soul, admire the boundless love of God to thee and others of the human race. Worms are bought with the blood of the Son of the Highest! Dust and ashes redeemed with a price far above silver and gold! What a doom had been mine had not plenteous redemption been found! The breaking of the neck of the ass was but a momentary penalty, but who shall measure the wrath to come to which no limit can be imagined? Inestimably dear is the glorious Lamb who has redeemed us from such a doom.  —Morning and Evening

                “1O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.  2Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.  3Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.”  Psalm 105:1-3

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Trouble

11/28/2010

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October 11.  It was a short night.  Took me a long time to get to sleep, but didn’t sleep very soundly.  Heard Andreas up three times.  Was hoping he wasn’t sick or something.  Got up twice myself.  Heard Daddy up some time or other.  Noticed when it was starting to get light outside.  It was a very dark, cloudy night before that.  Heard rain during the night, and was thankful to the Lord for the welcome sound of rain.  The first measureable rain in over a month—.1 inch.

            Andreas wanted to leave around 5:00, but we still didn’t know who was going to go with him.  Daddy and I got up around 5:15.  Didn’t hear Andreas moving around, but heard him up after we got up.  He had cereal and his morning coffee, and was ready to go.  Around 6:00, people started coming around.  They were concerned about just Andreas and one other person going.  They were afraid people would think Andreas was a tourist and would try to rob him.  They kept saying that many people will be going tomorrow to sell coffee, and Andreas should wait and go with a large group.  But Andreas needs to get back, if he can, as he has other work projects coming up with CRMF.  Daddy sent Jevin to call for Devit to see what he thought.  While we were waiting, I asked Andreas if he would like some pancakes and eggs too to supplement his breakfast.  Of course he would.  He’s a hearty eater.  Started warming up pancakes and getting ready to cook eggs.  Then Devit arrived. 

            Devit said that, since Silvia has relatives in and around the area, he often comes and goes freely on his own.  He would take Andreas and even go on to Goroka with him.  He was all ready to go.  Andreas did not get to eat his second breakfast.  It was about 6:30 when Andreas and Devit left here.  They made really good time to start with.  Daddy watched their progress with binoculars.  Around 4:00 this afternoon, Devit called and said they were not too far from Irakia.  They slowed down considerably going down the mountains, as Andreas started having knee pains.  I know what that’s like.  That’s a PNG affliction, must be.  Andreas will need a good night’s sleep and strength for tomorrow to get to the road and get a vehicle to Goroka.  We are thankful that the Lord gave us an overcast day and a bit cooler weather than we have had.  That was an answer to prayer so it would not be scorching hot for Andreas’ hike up the mountains.

            After they left, Daddy and I had breakfast.  Then someone brought greens so I got those all washed so they could be cooked for lunch.  Had some quiet time, and got things ready for school.  At recess time, I got the greens cut up and put in the pressure cooker with salt and vinegar.  I measured water to add also, but discovered later that I had never added the water.  I asked Daddy to start the greens cooking around 12:00 if I were not back yet from school.  He did.  When I came in, I could smell the greens cooking.  They smelled a little bit burnt, but not too bad.  I wondered why they smelled burnt.  I was sure I had put plenty of water in.  As I was getting the leftover fish patties out to warm up for dinner, however, I noticed the water sitting there on the counter in the measuring cup.  Oops!  Is that why the greens smelled burnt?  After I got the fish patties started warming up, I turned off the pressure cooker, let the pressure down, then added the water to the greens.  They didn’t look too bad.  I guess there was enough water in the greens themselves to keep them from burning.

            Even Max was here bright and early this morning — before 7:00.  But Daddy had him wait until 7:30.  Max is going to be going to Okapa with the rest of the group so will not be here for Bible school on Thursday.  So there will be no Bible school this week since Devit is gone.  In this case, we count Devit’s absence as part of his ministry.  Luke came by this afternoon to get a clearer understanding of his homework which is due tomorrow.  However, he will have another week to finish as Daddy will just wait until next week and start Bible school again when Devit gets back. 

            I started school a bit later as it was quite a busy morning.  It was around 7:45, I think, when Manila and I started school.  School went well today, and I was thankful for the Lord’s help.  The only thing I had forgotten to do was get out visuals for the Bible lesson.  We sang “Noah I Bilip,” reviewed Genesis 39:3, and started learning Proverbs 21:1 before continuing on with the story of Joseph.  In Owena class, we read from the Owena translation of the Gospel of John, did some review, then spent some time on the /nt/ consonant cluster.  Reviewed some spelling words starting with /n/ and /t/, and then some with the /nt/ cluster.  Then he copied four new spelling words with the /nt/ cluster so he can memorize those.  Last of all, we started reading the first primer ANÍNÉ.  Read the first six pages, and then had recess.

            After recess, we did a lot of review in math before doing today’s lesson.  Then introduced the use of the ruler, and the nine add family.  In English class, we talked about the new month, October.  Then reviewed all the word cards, and started learning the word “circle.”  The rest of the class time was spent doing worksheets with circles and finding circles around the room. 

            After lunch and nap, I went for a little walk outside to get some fresh air.  Washed my hair.  Took a nine minute walk around the schoolroom — my legs didn’t quite make ten minutes today.  Worked on school lessons.  Then Epekio and Lilian came by.  Epekio brought some nice greens.  Thank you, Lord.  Lilian picked out yarn for her mother.  Gave Epekio some of the yarn Christy and Connie had sent so she can work on baby blankets with that.  We all talked a while.  After they left, I worked more on school lessons.  Then we had supper.  After supper, I made granola and did dishes.  Then finished up lesson preparations, printed out Matyu 11-13 for Devit and Erik to work on, and printed out Acts lessons for second year Bible school students. 

                "Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens." Lamentations 3:41  The act of prayer teaches us our unworthiness, which is a very salutary lesson for such proud beings as we are. If God gave us favours without constraining us to pray for them we should never know how poor we are, but a true prayer is an inventory of wants, a catalogue of necessities, a revelation of hidden poverty. While it is an application to divine wealth, it is a confession of human emptiness. The most healthy state of a Christian is to be always empty in self and constantly depending upon the Lord for supplies; to be always poor in self and rich in Jesus; weak as water personally, but mighty through God to do great exploits; and hence the use of prayer, because, while it adores God, it lays the creature where it should be, in the very dust. Prayer is in itself, apart from the answer which it brings, a great benefit to the Christian. As the runner gains strength for the race by daily exercise, so for the great race of life we acquire energy by the hallowed labour of prayer. Prayer plumes the wings of God's young eaglets, that they may learn to mount above the clouds. Prayer girds the loins of God's warriors, and sends them forth to combat with their sinews braced and their muscles firm. An earnest pleader cometh out of his closet, even as the sun ariseth from the chambers of the east, rejoicing like a strong man to run his race. Prayer is that uplifted hand of Moses which routs the Amalekites more than the sword of Joshua; it is the arrow shot from the chamber of the prophet foreboding defeat to the Syrians. Prayer girds human weakness with divine strength, turns human folly into heavenly wisdom, and gives to troubled mortals the peace of God. We know not what prayer cannot do! We thank thee, great God, for the mercy-seat, a choice proof of thy marvellous lovingkindness. Help us to use it aright throughout this day!  —Morning and Evening 

October 12.  Woke up about 3:00 this morning to the sound of rain, real rain.  Went around to make sure it wasn’t leaking in anywhere.  Had to put a basin on top of the washing machine to catch what was leaking in there.  Saw a few wet spots on the insulation paper in the office and living room, but didn’t see any water dripping.  Wondered what things were like in the schoolroom, but didn’t go out there.  Daddy went out to check after we got up this morning, and there was quite a huge puddle of water in the insulation paper just in front of the cupboards.  He got out the wash tub and pushed the water into it.  Praise the Lord for 2.25 inches rain last night! 

            Devit called Jevin this morning before 6:30, and he and Andreas were already on the trail.  They walked all day again to get to the car road.  Couldn’t get in touch with them this afternoon.  Maybe Devit’s battery needs charging.  And then, of all things, MAF came in to pick up Andreas.  Said they tried to call yesterday morning and this morning.  But either time was too late.  Andreas was already on his way.  I feel sorry for poor Andreas.  His muscles were pretty sore.  He is used to bike-riding, but not mountain climbing. 

            School went okay today.  Manila seemed tired. 

            Daddy was quite concerned about his blood pressure this afternoon.  It read very high.  But he didn’t have any symptoms.  Something didn’t seem right.  He called Dr. Morton, and Dr. Morton agreed.  He would have had some symptoms.  The problem was probably with the blood pressure monitor.  After that, Daddy changed the batteries and it read more accurately. 

          “1To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.  2My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?”  Psalm 42:1,2

October 13.  No rain last night.  Cloudy and humid this morning.  Sunny and blue skies part of the afternoon.  Then black clouds and a rainbow at supper time.  Thank the Lord for His goodness and watch care over us today.

            Started laundry at 6:30 this morning.  Had Jevin start the generator right after he rang the first bell.  Before the 6:30 bell, Devit had already called Jevin and told him that they were ready to get a PMV and be on their way to Goroka.  Devit’s phone did need charging yesterday (as we thought), but they slept somewhere last night where he could charge it.  Daddy tried later in the day to get in touch with them to see if they had arrived safely in Goroka, but there was no answer.  At supper time, the phone rang, and it was Devit.  Devit and Andreas said they had made it safely to Goroka and were thankful for God’s help and protection.  Andreas said he is going to send Devit back on the airplane. 

            It was already warm early this morning.  Didn’t even wear a sweater when I hung out the clothes at 7:30.  Laundry was all done and hung out before 8:00.  It was a blessing to have some time to clean, and to work on some lessons before lotu.  I even had time for a walk around the schoolroom with my prayer book in hand.  A little before 9:00, we went on up to lotu.  There were half a dozen men already waiting outside the church building.  We went in, and Daddy had Luke start the singing.  In a little while, a few women came, and later more men and women.  Daddy read through the story of Abraham’s servant seeking a wife for Isaac, Genesis chapter 24.  He read the whole chapter with just a few comments — 67 verses.  That took up the whole preaching time, but he will do the exposition next week.  Actually he had a hard time getting through the last few verses, as we started hearing hollering around the village.  People started getting restless.  Was there some kind of trouble?  Daddy called Luke up for a short prayer time, but there was more hollering and people started leaving.  So he just had Luke close in prayer.

            A neighboring village had come with their bows and arrows, and apparently with some shotguns too.  Someone in that village had died, and they were blaming a couple of men in Owena for the death.  They said they were coming to fight, not to talk.  The Owena men all got their weapons and went out to protect themselves and their families.  They set watches around the village so the men from the other village wouldn’t come around and into the village some other way.  Many went up the hill and tried to talk to the men.  But they weren’t accomplishing anything.  Finally one of the Owena men fired a shot with his shotgun.  The men from the other village started running away.  The Owena men chased them as far as the old Waisara, and shot arrows at them.  They shot back.  Two from the other village got wounded.  So Owena men are standing guard around the village tonight in case of payback.  I was just thinking yesterday that perhaps things would be quiet here for a while.  I couldn’t think of anything else that could possibly happen.  Daddy told me I shouldn’t think. Of course, we know that God is in control of our lives, no matter what. 

            We did not have school today.  It would have been too hard for Manila to concentrate.  So I used the time to work on some other computer projects and do more cleaning.

            After nap and snack, I went out to get some sunshine.  Took a pair of scissors and trimmed some of the dead branches off the flower bushes.  Trimmed down some of the greenery out back too that was growing above the top of the fence.  Then I worked at the computer some more until supper time.  Made up some monologues for Manila to memorize in English class.  He needs more practice with speaking.  He is very quiet. 

            There weren’t many dishes tonight so had time to play the keyboard again before getting work done on the computer.  The songs tonight were all centered on Christ’s return.  That was a blessing.

                "Love is strong as death." Song 8:6  Whose love can this be which is as mighty as the conqueror of monarchs, the destroyer of the human race? Would it not sound like satire if it were applied to my poor, weak, and scarcely living love to Jesus my Lord? I do love Him, and perhaps by His grace, I could even die for Him, but as for my love in itself, it can scarcely endure a scoffing jest, much less a cruel death. Surely it is my Beloved's love which is here spoken of—the love of Jesus, the matchless lover of souls. His love was indeed stronger than the most terrible death, for it endured the trial of the cross triumphantly. It was a lingering death, but love survived the torment; a shameful death, but love despised the shame; a penal death, but love bore our iniquities; a forsaken, lonely death, from which the eternal Father hid His face, but love endured the curse, and gloried over all. Never such love, never such death. It was a desperate duel, but love bore the palm. What then, my heart? Hast thou no emotions excited within thee at the contemplation of such heavenly affection? Yes, my Lord, I long, I pant to feel Thy love flaming like a furnace within me. Come Thou Thyself and excite the ardour of my spirit.

"For every drop of crimson blood
Thus shed to make me live,
O wherefore, wherefore have not I
A thousand lives to give?"

Why should I despair of loving Jesus with a love as strong as death? He deserves it: I desire it. The martyrs felt such love, and they were but flesh and blood, then why not I? They mourned their weakness, and yet out of weakness were made strong. Grace gave them all their unflinching constancy—there is the same grace for me. Jesus, lover of my soul, shed abroad such love, even Thy love in my heart, this evening.  —Morning and Evening

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                “3O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.  4Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.”  Psalm 43:3,4

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Andreas and the Generator

11/28/2010

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Andreas
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                Hello, I hope you all had a chance to read through the posts about Dad and Mom's most recent time in town (November 18th - the 25th).  This post will begin the journal notes from the end of their last trip to town and will start on the 8th of October. 

October 8.  The Lord gave us a good rain last night in Goroka.  The power was off for part of the night.  Whenever I woke up and heard the rain, I told the Lord thank you. 

            It has been a long day.  Very warm.  Very busy. Got up a few minutes earlier than usual so we could finish packing.  Before we even got to eat breakfast, Pastor Endru was outside and ready to go.  Daddy told him to wait a while.  After Daddy finished eating, he went down and brought Pastor Endru up to the flat.  Gave him a cup of coffee.

            After we finished eating, packing, and cleaning up dishes, etc., Daddy called the hangar.  They said we didn’t need to be there before 9:00.  We left the house some time after 8:00 (can’t remember exactly what time it was) and took Pastor Endru to the store to pick up the lamb flaps.  He had 15 cartons of meat.  Took everything over to the hangar and got it all weighed up.  They said the plane wouldn’t be back until 10:00 so we had plenty of time to run to the hardware store and pick up some PVC pipe.  Daddy wants to put an extra shut off valve outside so we can keep the water running out there instead of in the bathtub all the time.

            We left Goroka somewhere around 10:30.  It was a cloudy day, and it seemed like we hit lots of “potholes up” there in the clouds.  There were eight passengers on the twin otter and lots of cargo for Owena.  We were thankful for a safe trip.  Everything is still very dry here.  No measureable rain.  Said they had a few drops this morning.  And there were some drops this afternoon. 

            We got a little bit of unpacking done and then had tuna sandwiches and apple pieces for lunch.  As soon as lunch was over, Daddy and Andreas went right to work on the generator.  Just as Andreas thought, the problem was in one of the houses — Kelly’s.  They had to take out two lights.  By 5:00, they had the generator up and running.  Praise the Lord!  What a blessing!  We are glad we brought the meat and bread in.  

            After the men left to go work, I did more unpacking and putting away; cooked up some meat and veggies for a stew for supper; cleaned the bedroom where Andreas will be sleeping, and made the bed. 

            Daddy and Andreas came back for a break.  After they went back to work, I took a nap.  It was already 2:30 by then.  Slept about a half hour.  After that I worked on unpacking again until supper time.  Also got the bathroom swept and cleaned up a bit. 

            People came and went most of the afternoon and evening.  

            Andreas worked on a couple other projects for us too.  He put together Daddy’s new office chair.  Tried to fix Ben’s phone charger — we heard it snap while it was charging — but couldn’t fix it.  Fixed Tomas’s solar panel.  Looked at the Dell computer, but said we need to have the windows software and other stuff to work on it.  Said we’ll have to send it out to the CRMF shop.

          “They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.”  Psalm 37:19

October 9.  A very warm night.  Still warm when we got up this morning, and didn’t take long for the day to get hot.  The lotu bell was rung at 6:00, a half hour earlier than usual.  I guess people wanted to get going with preparations for their parties today.  Jevin came by before 7:00 to see if Devit should start.  Said he was already at the haus lotu.  Daddy had them go ahead; then he and Andreas went up as soon as they finished breakfast.  They were home before 8:00, and we started laundry.  What a blessing it was to be able to use the washing machine again! 

            After laundry, I did more unpacking, got the bed made, worked on school stuff, did a little cleaning, cleaned up the schoolroom a bit.  Late morning, Andreas went with Nathaniel and Manila over to Marivo for the big party over there.  Marivo is hoping to bring peace to everyone regarding Simon’s death and encourage them to leave vengeance in God’s hands.  Kelly and Janet also had a big party going today to repay those who helped pay the bride price for Janet. 

            Made fish patties for lunch for Daddy and me.  Couldn’t sleep very well at nap time.  Was just too hot.  Daddy took a long nap.  About 3:00, Tania and Lilian came to help me translate some material to use with Manila in school. 

            Andreas came back around 5:00.  We had egg salad sandwiches for supper.  This evening, he tried to fix Jevin’s radio, but couldn’t fix it.  He was really tired from the long walk in the hot sun today.

          “5Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy….  9Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.”  Psalm 99:5,9

October 10.   10/10/10.  Was this the perfect day?  Well, not exactly.  The perfect day is coming, the day we see Christ and go with Him to glory.  Then all will be perfect.  However, we do thank the Lord for His goodness today.  The preaching was a blessing.  Daddy finished up Romans chapter 3 in the first meeting.  Tomas interpreted today.  A number of people responded to the invitation.  God is good.  Then Daddy talked about what belief is in the second meeting, from James 2.  And Andreas added an illustration to that, using a small wooden shoe he had brought with him.  He told how, in the eyes of the creator of the shoe, the shoe had been made perfect, but it was not yet fit for the child to wear.  It had to mature and be completely dry before it could be worn without making the feet sore.  The children, of course, were very excited about the wooden shoe and had to have a “hands on” time at the end of the meeting.  We had the two meetings back to back, with a 15 minute break between.  There are more people who come to the second meeting when there is not such a long break in between.

            Had a late dinner — leftover stew and biscuits.  Then Opo came with his keyboard for Andreas to look at.  Apparently the wires had been connected wrong (factory error) so the amplifier blew and that’s why there was no sound.  So there was no way Andreas could fix it.  While he was working on that, Daddy and I took a nap.  Most of this afternoon and evening has been spent making sure everything is ready to start back to school tomorrow.

            Andreas is hoping to leave early in the morning (around 5:00), but nobody has come around to see about going with him.  Daddy has just gone out to see if he can find someone.

          “1To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.  2He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.  3And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD….  5Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered….  16Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.  17But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.”  Psalm 40:1-3,5,16,17

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Getting Ready to Go Back to Owena

11/27/2010

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One rainy night in Goroka

November 23.  No rain again. 

        Went out around 8:00 this morning to the second hand store.  Found a sweater for Monika to use for yarn.  Found a few little baby things.  Also a pretty dress for a young girl for only 80 toea.

        After that, we went to the bank to deposit money into the Meridian Life account so they can send Daddy’s supplements.  Then to Remington to pick up the computer and printer.  We will have to install the Microsoft Office and have it activated next time we come out.

        Brought those back to the flat.  Went down to the office and faxed a note and the deposit slip to Meridian Life so they would know the money is in their account.  Then went out again to do some other little shopping.  Most of our shopping is done.  And most of the e-mailing is done too.  So that will give me time to work on a few other things.  Daddy took the new computer down to the office so they could set it up for internet use.  It has a 60 day trial Microsoft office, but needed the internet to get it going.

        Early afternoon, we already had a text message and an e-mail back from Meridian saying that they have sent the supplements on their way.  Praise the Lord!  They are really on the ball.  We are praying that they will be here by Thursday.

        After nap this afternoon, I washed my hair.  Used the Noni soap we got yesterday.  Am hoping it will keep my hair from breaking and thinning out too much.  Wrote a couple e-mails.  Had a pear for snack.  Worked on November progress report.  Had supper.  Played on the new computer.  Did dishes.  Finished the progress report up to present date.

        “1Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.  2Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.  3From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised.  4The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.  5Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, 6Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!”  Psalm 113:1-6

November 24.  No rain yet, but looks like it may rain this evening.  There was thunder and lightning earlier this afternoon.  Power was off for a while this afternoon.

          We went out early this a.m. to New Century before West Goroka was too crowded.  Got mostly bulk items.

          After that, we came back to the house.  Daddy labeled all the bulk items with our name and village name and took them, along with boxes we already had packed, over to the hangar.  He was hoping to find Nuanda (Nuanda said he would be around this morning) to help him with other bulk buying.  Nuanda wasn’t there, but Danny Jack showed up in town.  So he and Daddy did bulk shopping together for our workers and for his own trade store stuff.  That took until noon.  I stayed here and worked at the computer.  Also got a macaroni salad made for lunch using the leftover noodles.  Boiled some eggs to go in it, and added tuna, cucumber, and onion as well.  It tasted really good.  We don’t have salad very often. 

          After lunch, we had a nap.  Then went downstairs to make bookings for our next time in town.  Called Sobega to make arrangements to stay out there for part of the time, since we’ll have a two-week break next time.  Then went shopping uptown.  Got bread and butter to put in the freezer, some onions, a few other little things that we hadn’t gotten yet.  On the way back to the house we saw Nuanda, Ana, and Traipina along the road.  Stopped and talked to them a few minutes.  Nuanda said that Sipora was probably at CRMF waiting to get Solomon’s money.  Solomon is in Lae. 

          When we arrived back at the flat, there was Bryan with a package for Daddy.  Praise the Lord for answered prayer.  Daddy’s supplements had arrived.  The K1000 purchased one month’s supply of crypto and cleanse. 

          Sipora was waiting here too.  Also Dave Crowe was just pulling in.  He will be here a few days for meetings at one of the churches, we think probably Southgate.  He is going to try to come for lunch tomorrow, unless Pastor Kipsi has other plans for him.

          Worked a while this afternoon on some songs to send to Connie. 

          “13Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and, ye that are near, acknowledge my might.  14The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?  15He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; 16He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.  17Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.  18Thine heart shall meditate terror. Where is the scribe? where is the receiver? where is he that counted the towers?  19Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand.  20Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.  21But there the glorious LORD will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.  22For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.  23Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.  24And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.”  Isaiah 33:13-24

November 25.  Thanksgiving Day.  And so should every day be.  It was a blessing to receive a thanksgiving e-mail this morning from Mrs. Leonard, pastor’s wife at Park Avenue Baptist.  That was so thoughtful of her.

          Still no rain.  Things are very dry and dusty this week.

          Awful music the past two nights.  Slept part of Tuesday night in the “office” bedroom, and slept there last night all night.  The loudest music was coming from the double bed bedroom side.  Music started up again early this morning so we got up early.  Needed to get laundry done anyway while Daddy was still here to handle the water buckets.  They don’t have a hose running into the machine.  It has to be filled using buckets.

          Daddy didn’t get to eat breakfast this morning.  He left some time after 8:30 for Lapilo, and didn’t get back until after 12:00 noon.  The doctor gave him a very thorough checkup and told him that, for a man in his 60’s, his general health was at the top.  That was good news.  Doctor did an EKG, pulmonary function test, urinalysis, and drew three vials of blood for other testing.  Some will be sent off to Australia, and some will be tested here.  Dr. Morton will let Daddy know if there is anything serious.  Otherwise Daddy will get the results next time we come to town.    Daddy also had influenza and pneumonia vaccines, and was given oral typhoid vaccine.  Everything together was $268.37. 

          While Daddy was gone, I made some pudding and put it on graham crackers.  Used some of the coconut cream powder in it, and it made it taste really good.  Did a little packing.  Worked on some songs to send to Connie.  Sharon (don’t know her last name) put a picture book and other simple health information on a flash drive for us to take back and translate for the people.

          After lunch, we got the clothes in.  Then went off to finish up last minute shopping — mostly fresh veggies to take home, and a few empty boxes to use to finish packing.  No nap today.  After we got back, we folded the clothes and packed them up.  Most of the packing is done, and we’ll be able to pack a few more things after supper.  The rest will have to wait until morning — last minute things.  Daddy went down and paid the bill. 

          “ 2Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.  3Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger….  6Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee…?  10Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other….  13Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.”  Psalm 85

Well, I’d better get the bathroom sink cleaned, have a snack, and get a shower - last shower until next time we come to town.  If they can get the dam fixed in Owena, maybe we can at least get a bath again now and then.  Please continue to pray for rain so that we will have water. 

Once again, the journal closed with these words:

We love you and miss you very much.

Praying for you,

Dad & Mom

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    Lewis and Judy Young

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    This clock shows the time in Papua New Guinea - 14 hours ahead of Easter Standard Time during Daylight Savings.  And 15 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time the rest of the year.

    Owena Saints to
    Pray For

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    Apekio and Family
        Apekio is full of joy over her salvation.  Her husband, Daniel, was also recently saved.  Praise the Lord!  Please continue to pray for Apekio's children to be saved.
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    Devit and Family
        Devit and Silvia have often ben an encouragement to Dad and Mom.  Thank God for this and pray that they will remain strong in the Lord.
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        Doesn't Erik look very happy about his salvation?
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    Erik and Family
        Please continue to pray for Erik and his family.
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    Matyu A
        Matyu A was recently saved.  Pray that he will grow in the Lord and become a strong servant for Jesus.
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    Matyu Y
        Matyu Y was also recently saved.  Pray that he will grow and be a good testimony for the Lord.
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    Erisa
        Erisa is a young Christian with many questions.  Thank God for her enquiring heart.  And please pray for her to have a clear understanding of spiritual things and a steady growth in the Lord.  Also, please pray for her husband, Anevina, to be right with the Lord and to be a leader in the home.
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    Jevin and Family,
    including
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    their baby, Judy, Mom's namesake.
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    Maura
        This young lady was recently baptized.  Thank the Lord.   Please pray for her continued growth in the Lord.
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    Betty is a new Christian. Please pray for her to grow in the Lord and be strong in Him.

    Please Pray For

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    The spiritual needs of the Owena people.  Many of them still do not know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.
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    There are many children in Owena.  Who will go help reach them for Jesus?  Will you?
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    Kelly and Family
        Kelly is a medical worker in Owena. 


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