Not coming back...Yet

We arrived in Papua New Guinea exactly 6 weeks ago today, and we moved quickly to make the most of every day. For as short a time as we would be spending here, we wanted every moment to count. We expected to depart this weekend, on April 19th ...then COVID happened...

Countries closed their borders. Airlines grounded their international flights. Fear gripped the world. Over the last month we have watched the ebb and flow of emergency preparedness here in PNG, with variable levels of lockdown both nationwide and in our Jiwaka Province. As the rest of the world has wrestled to constrain the poison, we have steadily made preparations and prayed our efforts might remain unnecessary.

This week a few more COVID cases have emerged in various areas around the country - which is more likely a representation of testing availability rather than actual case numbers. We still do not suspect the pandemic has reached our Western Highlands, but as we have extremely limited testing, we won’t really know until viral spread is demonstrated by a higher volume of suspect patients being screened in our COVID tent.

PNG is known as “the land of the unexpected”, and we are embracing the uncertainty these times have presented to us. Our inability to remain in control drives us to trusting God’s perfect planning and timing - which admittedly feels awkward, but overwhelms any doubt or fear with a tremendous peace. We are no longer returning home this weekend, but are currently projected to double down on our time here, returning in early June.

Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, 

whose confidence is in Him. 

They will be like a tree planted by the water 

that sends out its roots by the stream. 

It does not fear when heat comes; 

its leaves are always green. 

It has no worries in a year of drought 

and never fails to bear fruit.

JEREMIAH 17:7-8

Please continue to pray for us:

• That the Lord’s peace and the fulfillment of answering His call here would overwhelm any fear or frustration. 
• That I would have supernatural wisdom in caring for the needs of my patients.
• That we might discern the needs of fellow missionaries and Station staff, and know best how to serve them.
• That Rachel and I would be wise and loving towards Pennie and Solomon.
• That we would continue to be protected from any illness or harm.
• Thank you!!!