CALLED to Papua New Guinea

I’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Molnga .  At 23 years old, she has a beautiful smile, a heart filled with the joy of the Lord, and a belly filled with her second child. I first met Rhonda about two weeks ago, presenting with concern for a lung infection diagnosed in Lae. She had been on antibiotics, but still spoke of some chest discomfort. Her Skelbuk (medical record book) said they’d done an x-ray in Lae showing Pneumonia in her left lung, but she didn’t have this X-ray with her. Listening to her lungs, there were diminished breath sounds on the left, but she otherwise looked great. I decided to Ultrasound her belly and check to see the baby was OK.  When she took off her shoes to sit on the Ultrasound bed, I noted Rhonda’s Left big toe was missing, but didn’t think much of it – so many people here are missing fingers and toes because of prior infections or self-amputation (many here will cut off a digit to demonstrate their grief for another’s death…the last thing the...

Hello All! I’m glad you are joining me today for some high-quality Ted&Rach updates, and I pray that through the following stories, God draws you closer. As I’ve thought how to start this Post, a quick temperature check of “how I’m feeling” has revealed some level of urgency surging beneath the surface of all my thoughts. While I have been busy falling in love with Papua New Guinea, it seems that time is marching on, drawing us every day closer to leaving this missions sanctuary. I realize the extra energy and joy I’ve been experiencing may be in part reflecting my desire to pack in as much ministry, relationship, and adventure as possible before our early August departure. There is no anxiety hiding amid the urgency – I am in fact totally at peace, and quite happy to embrace the next season of our lives with the same high spirits. I’ve just got a looming feeling that part of me will be staying behind here, always calling me back. With this in mind, I’m grateful to trust a...