3 Month Countdown
Connecticut + Dallas
We’ve had the unique privilege of getting to see our coworkers multiple times over the past few months. First, we visited Jacob and Katie in Connecticut. Aside from the East Coast being absolutely beautiful, we were so privileged to be able to meet their team of supporters, visit their home church, and spend time with their families who have welcomed us with such warm hospitality. This task of tribal church planting is extensive and a heavy commitment, so we are grateful for the shared experiences we are able to have together as a team on this side of the ocean.
Second, I (Morgan) was able to attend a conference, IF: LEAD, in Dallas this past weekend with our coworker, Katie and another dear friend, Chelsey. The conference was focused around discipleship and equipping women in leadership roles to make disciples in the context the Lord has called them to. Those two days were arguably some of the most refreshing times I have had, and I feel so grateful to have had this chance to be encouraged, poured into, and sit under the wisdom of some incredible women.
Green Light!
We have officially received the green light from our organization to purchase plane tickets! …once our visas get approved. We have submitted our work permit applications to the PNG government, and once approved, we will be mailing our passports to the PNG embassy in hopes of receiving our entry permits. We are so grateful for the team of support missionaries that make it possible for us to get overseas. From the stateside staff at headquarters to the government representatives in PNG, we value your role and passion to see churches planted in unreached people groups.
Next Step: Orientation in PNG
We land in PNG on January 17th! So what happens then?
We will live in the coastal town of Madang for 6 months as we adjust to the culture and learn the trade language. Additionally, we will be receiving more training on field subjects specific to Papua New Guinea from veteran missionaries that have already completed church plants.
After the 6 months of orientation, we will either 1) begin surveys and housebuilding in the tribe, or 2) temporarily serve in a support role as we continue forming our church planting team. We are committed to the long-game in this ministry and don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to grow and learn before jumping into a church plant.
91% Support
We have 3 months left in the states to reach our goal of 100%! We are so grateful for the team of faithful men and women that have committed to supporting us financially; we know that your contributions are a sacrifice of time, money, and resources. Thank you for working day in and day out to allow us to work overseas in this context. May the Lord richly bless you for your generosity.
If you would like more information on how you can help us reach our goal , click here to access our giving page or shoot us an email!
How are we doing?
Oh man. This question can get a lot of different answers, depending on the day. Overall, we are feeling encouraged and expectant. The Lord has been so faithful to provide exactly what we need in this season - from physical needs to emotional and spiritual needs that we didn’t know we had. It’s been 5 years of training, anticipation, and preparation to get to PNG, so we are excited to finally get our feet on the ground!
Our time at home has consisted of a lot of paperwork, meetings, and planning, but we have also enjoyed some time to rest as a family. As we anticipate the upcoming transition, the hardest part of what the Lord has called us to has been and will always be leaving family. When we are met face to face with different layers of loss, it doesn’t always feel worth it, but at the end of the day, we know He is worthy of our lives, and that this matters for eternity.
How you can help
So many of you have been so sweet and intentional with asking how you can practically help us during this weird, transitory time. First and foremost, we covet your prayers! We are reminded on a daily basis of just how dependent we are upon the Lord and how unqualified we are for this task without the Holy Spirit.
Secondly, we made an Amazon wishlist - Woohoo! While we are slowly getting rid of nearly all our possessions, we are also getting an idea of what sorts of things we will need on the field. While some of the items on the list we will take over initially in January, most of them will be shipped in a container later once we move into our tribal home. Feel free to check it out and let us know if you have any questions!
Prayer Requests
Logistics as we begin to pack and make travel arrangements. We will officially arrive in PNG on January 17th, 2020. We will hope to spend a few days in Australia to adjust Nash to a new time zone before flying up to Papua New Guinea.
Upcoming transition for our family. We are selling everything we have, moving halfway around the world, and leaving family and friends behind. To say this will be our biggest transition ever would be an understatement.
Rest as a family before the holidays.
We will be looking to rent out our condo while we live in PNG, so please pray for wisdom as we finalize these logistics before we leave!