Love Extravagantly!

Having recently celebrated our ten year wedding anniversary (blog + pics coming soon), I was inspired to reflect on the ways that God has enabled us as a couple to minister together. It is quite humbling to think about ourselves as we were when we were newly married. I realize how far God has brought us…both in our relationship…and in our growing passion for seeing His Kingdom here on earth through intentional love and service for others. Over time, God has given us a shared vision for discipleship and community, and I feel so blessed that we have been able to serve in this capacity…even here in PNG!

I was under the false assumption that our time here in Kudjip would mainly consist of serving our two very separate, and very different roles on the mission station: Teddy working at the hospital and me teaching the missionary kids. To my delight, we have had more opportunities to minister together as a couple here than ever before! Below are some examples of what we have done.

Speaking & Worship!

In our time here in PNG, we have had numerous opportunities to minister in a church-gathering setting. Teddy has mastered the art of preaching in Pidgin, and does very well communicating spiritual concepts in a very literal language. Typically, when he is sharing a message, I will play/sing a worship song that accompanies the message. 

Ministering at a mid-week service at the Hospital Chapel


       

Speaking at a bush church 

Pastor Melix and his congregation

Big Brother & Big Sister!

Since January, we have been hosting a group of local nursing students in our home as a part of the Big Brother/Big Sister program.  There are about 10 students in our group, 3 guys and 7 gals. The students come from all different regions of PNG and have various faith backgrounds. We recently had them over for a pizza & movie night…we watched “The Princess Bride”…they LOVED it!! : )

Getting ready to chow down on some pizza...
Watching the Princess Bride!

Me and some of my gals on a hike!

Hosting!

Those of you that know us well understand how passionate we are about the Lord using our home/hospitality. We believe that our home (wherever it is) belongs to God and is His to use. We have practiced this same principle here in PNG, and so besides hosting nursing students twice a month, and having various volunteers to dinner, we also have been hosting a weekly Bible study. We are currently finishing up the book of Philippians and plan to start another Epistle after that.

 Sunday afternoon Bible Study Crew...I had to stand on the kitchen counter to fit everyone in!  :)

Food Delivery!

Recently, there was a shortage of food at a local orphanage near Kudjip. Within 24 hours, the missionaries pulled together 800Kina and supplies. Teddy and I, along with Carolyn (a short term volunteer) and Dr. Jim, had the privilege of buying the groceries and supplies and delivering them to the orphanage. Sister Ruth and her husband Steven run the orphanage and currently house 47 children who are all infected with HIV. Several gathered to help us unload the supplies, and Teddy led us in a prayer for Ruth, Steven, their ministry, and the children. It was amazing to meet these two selfless warriors for the Kingdom.

Shopping for supplies!

Delivering & unloading...

Sister Ruth & Steven with some of the orphans they care for...

“Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with Him and learn a life of love. 

Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us. Love like that.”

 - Ephesians 5:1-2 (The Message)

I end this blog post with a challenge for our readers:

  Love extravagantly…not cautiously.

Do something intentionally and purposefully for the benefit of someone else today… Invite someone into your home…prepare a meal…make someone who is new in a situation feel comfortable and included…see a need and don’t just think “someone should do something about that”… Do Something About It…“Learn a life of Love!"