| Thanks for your continued prayers as our time in the States comes to a close. With only 2 weeks left until we leave, we have seen the Lord meet our every need! We are humbled when we think of all that has been given to us over the year and we know that it ultimately points to our great and loving God. All that’s left is packing and cleaning and those bittersweet goodbyes! We were recently updated by our co-workers on the theft situation in Tobo. Here are some of their comments: We know of at least 2 young guys who were likely involved in the break-in and theft. Two young men from the village a mere 15 minutes’ hike down the mountainside from us were caught trying to plant evidence at the house of our village’s health worker. The community leaders, in spite of spending a day questioning the 2 suspects and finding discrepancies in their stories, felt that they needed more outside help in settling the situation. So, with our agreement, they asked the policemen from the nearest town in our area to fly in and continue the investigation process. We also enlisted the help of mission leadership, who were a big encouragement and gave some good talks to the community, reminding them of their need to take care of their missionaries and get this settled quickly. After a couple of days, the policemen had worked up a full report, including statements from witnesses. It seemed that, although more than just these 2 were involved, the case against the 2 was fairly straightforward. Of course, when village culture is involved, nothing is that simple. So after some discussion (i.e., some people looking for soothsayers to help in accusing who “really dun it”, blame-shifting, hours of meetings and not a little tension), the solution we all agreed upon with ritual handshakes and the whole nine yards, was a down-payment from the community with the promise that the rest be paid back in order to compensate us for the stolen and ruined items—though it must be said that according to proper Tobo culture, all that money (and likely more) will end up being spent to help out all the community leaders as well as to “amamas” (show our appreciation) to the community itself with a pig feast. We thank God that the situation, which could have gotten very complicated (yes, you can read between lines, too), is on the right path toward resolution, with both the justice system of PNG and the justice system of the Tobo people (not the same thing by any means), and also overall community relationships satisfied for the time being. As for our small band of brothers and sisters here, they have been a real encouragement to us! They have been faithful to remind us of the truths they’ve learned over the past few years here…truths like the following: “Even this trial is a blessing from God, because He is using it to strengthen our insides.” And “Remember, God will never leave us, even in bad times like these. And not one thing can separate us or cut us off from the love of God on the road of Yesu (Jesus)!” We were encouraged by the response of our co-workers and the Tobo church in this situation and we know that the Lord will bring good from it. As many of you go through your own trials, we pray that the words above will be an encouragement to you as well. We will continue to keep you updated as we travel back home and resume our ministry among the Tobo people! Your hands & feet tapping in anticipation, Jason & Nisae Williamson Kadynn, Judah & Eden Check out videos at www.handsandfeet.net Give at www.ntm.org/give |
