Reasons to Celebrate
It’s been an incredible five months since our last update — here’s a quick recap of what God has been doing!
September Literacy consultants joined us in Kuyu to help create the very first reading and writing materials in the Kuyu language. The community jumped in with enthusiasm—breaking words into syllables, writing short stories, and drawing pictures to match. They got a front-row seat to the whole process before classes even started. We’re deeply grateful for the consultants’ two-week investment, the support team printing charts and booklets back at base, and every hand that made this possible.
October A faithful supporting church from the States sent a group of nine to lead an annual conference for missionaries in our region. It was a refreshing time of fellowship and renewal. Afterward, they visited Kuyu for a few nights, met the people they’ve prayed for years, and spent a day helping build the new literacy house. The rest of the month was spent developing literacy materials and translating short books into Kuyu.
November Michael, Jacob, and Jonathan finalized the literacy and materials and prepared them for print. Meanwhile, our coworkers hosted a build team to add a small apartment under their house—preparing to welcome a recent college graduate who will serve their family for several months (more on that below!).
December We traveled to Madang, Papua New Guinea for a translation workshop with three Kuyu helpers and other missionaries from other remote locations. Together we learned how to translate Scripture into indigenous languages. For our Kuyu friends, it was full of firsts: helicopter rides, indoor plumbing, showers, ocean swimming, and countless modern conveniences.
January We launched the first literacy class! Twelve students from different ages, clans, and genders—have been faithfully attending 3 hours a day, Monday through Friday, learning to read and write their own language. It’s a completely new kind of work for them (their heads feel “full” and hands “heavy”!), and it’s been a joy to step into the teacher role and mirror the patience they’ve shown us while teaching us their culture.
February Michael’s parents made their first visit to this side of the world! After a short time in Kuyu, we enjoyed a refreshing week together in Australia—making memories in a “first-world” setting. Breaks are sweet, but we’re always thankful the Lord readies our hearts to return. We love this work, and there’s still so much ahead.
Looking Forward We’re deep in literacy now—the first class graduates mid-May. After that, post-literacy materials will help them grow from graduates to readers. Our long-term goal is to train Kuyu teachers so this work becomes fully theirs.
At the same time, our team is steadily translating portions of Scripture, aiming to begin chronological Bible teaching (creation to eternity) in the village by late 2026. It’s humbling to realize the Kuyu have lived in spiritual darkness for thousands of years—and soon they will hear the good news of Jesus for the first time.
A Unique Opportunity Do you (or someone you know) have a heart for children and a desire to serve in missions? Our coworkers, the DeValves, are looking for someone to come alongside their family this fall and help care for their sweet 4-year-old daughter, Phoebe, who has special needs. We’ve seen how big a blessing this kind of help is and we’d love to connect you with them if you’re interested.
Ways to Pray
Team unity — The enemy does not want the Gospel to reach Kuyu. Pray God protects us from division and keeps us loving one another as we press forward. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against… the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” — Ephesians 6:12
Hearts prepared — Pray God continues softening Kuyu hearts in these final months before the Gospel is presented. Some are already questioning ancestral ways and animistic beliefs, and years of living out the Gospel among them have built anticipation. May many be ready to receive the truth.
Thank you for standing with us—we’re so thankful for your prayers and partnership!
