Doug and Lyn (Qld) in PNG (Salamo)

Doug and Lyn (Qld) have been serving with the United Church in PNG in the Papuan Islands region since 2004, setting up a company to provide a service to the island communities, to provide some training in practical skills and generate some income for the Lord's work. The company involves 16 different sections and 30 or more employees.
Lyn writes:
To those 'angels' who are contributing to Shem and Ham's Lactogen - a huge 'kagutoki sinabwana' [thank you] from the twins, and thanks from us too. We have been looking after the boys at present as the grandma had to return to the village to attend to the garden, because her husband is blind and what he can do is limited. Not sure how long we will have them, but let me assure you - it makes life interesting! They are beautiful and thriving, and we have introduced pawpaw, sweet potato and pumpkin to their diet. We've re-discovered that we can survive on less than 8 hours sleep - even at our age.

At the commencement of the holidays, one of the little local boats [M.V. Kaihea]capsized not long after leaving Salamo [at night!] to go to Alotau with 100 plus of our High School students on board going home for the holidays. Fortunately everyone was able to swim ashore and although 3 of the children were injured, the injuries were not serious. The boat was grossly overloaded - should only take about 50 passengers at the most, and of course had no life-saving equipment. Some days later one of the HS teachers commented on how encouraged he had been to hear that while the students were in the water swimming, some of them got together and prayed for themselves and the safety of their friends.

Friends made available 'The Price Tag of Sex' DVD for teachers at Wesley HS. They have been incorporating it into their classes. STD's and AIDS are a serious concern here and the church is addressing it seriously in an attempt to educate people and challenge them to live their lives according to God's way - the way of life - not death.

Our apologies for commenting on the weather - especially those who are suffering drought, but for most of this year we have been deluged from heaven with meters of rain! Haven't measured it, but surely we must have had our annual 3 meters by now. While this may sound wonderful, although we still enjoy the sound of rain on the roof at night, there are problems involved with squishing around on muddy tracks and back yards - not to mention the mildewed clothing, linen, videos, shoes and practically anything you can mention - even cooking utensils not constantly used! Today is sunny and everyone has mats and clothes outside soaking up the welcome rays.

Our Mini Library continues to be very popular with teachers and staff visiting and borrowing books several days a week. The people here are starved for reading material and even read the newspaper wrappings that sometimes come on grocery orders - that is before the smokers in the community use it to roll their tobacco in!

A comment regarding the shipment of Bibles - they were readily received. Probably the Good News version is the easiest for them to understand. They all want an English translation as well one in their own language. The sale of the clothing, remnants and wool has purchased a sewing machine for the nursing school. This was an item that the Principal said was needed so that the new students can sew their own uniforms.

In our work, there are times when we feel like giving up in frustration, and there are times when we are encouraged beyond all of our expectations. Life is certainly an interesting journey. We hope you are enjoying yours. If not - try risking something for Jesus.

(for information about People in Mission, contact Kathy Periera, People in Mission Coordinator, Ph 02 8267 4230, kathyp@nat.uca.org.au)