Lourens Laureti and his Mengen Bible translation team have been learning how principles to help them translate God’s Word into the Mengen language.

They are learning about source language and receptor language as well as learning to be sure that the progression in text should show cohesion which provides unity.

While they are learning all sorts of needed information and techniques about translation, what excites the  Bible teachers is that they have translated verses in Ruth and Luke for the first time in Mengen history.

“We actually had our helpers getting all emotional and overwhelmed by the fact that they have helped us translate verses in Ruth and Luke,” wrote Lourens. “And that for the rest of the ages these words will be making a difference in people’s lives.”

Pray for Lourens and his team as they continue to learn translation principles and begin translating God’s Word into the Mengen language.

The Siar church is turning a corner and beginning a new phase of growth.

Missionaries Chris Lujan and Lane Sanford will begin teaching from the book of Acts. This will be the first time the church gets a glimpse of what God did in the early days after Christ ascended to Heaven.

This will provide the framework for understanding the letters to believers from God.

“We are really excited about this opportunity and are praying that the believers here will come and want to grow in Christ,” wrote Chris.

One of the things that the missionaries are learning is that only God can grow His church.

“Of course that does not take us off the hook of teaching the Gospel and discipling men, women and children in grace,” Chris wrote. “However faith, spiritual growth, a desire to learn from the Lord, and obedience cannot be forced upon someone, it takes the will of man to submit itself to those things. God is the One who convicts, leads, teaches, illuminates, strengthens the inner man, that's His work.”

Pray for Chris and Lane as they teach, disciple and shepherd these new Christians. Pray for the Siar church as they learn and grow.   

Gabriel sat transfixed as missionary Andrew Wilson read the last two Firm Foundation Bible lessons so they could check them for accuracy and make sure the North Wahgi people would clearly understand the message.

When Andrew finished reading, Gabriel sat quietly and thought about how the sky went dark when Jesus died because all the sin of the world was placed upon Him. Gabriel clearly stated that he knew his sin was placed upon Jesus too. He said that he understood that all of his good works could not save him, but Jesus alone paid for his sins.

Later that day Gabriel returned and told Andrew, “I cannot cut myself open to show you how happy I am.” He rejoiced that Jesus took his place just as the ram took Isaac’s place on the alter.

The rest of the North Waghis are listening to the lessons being taught and the excitement is building as they come to the end of the story.

“Following Friday’s lesson three younger men gathered to talk more about what they are hearing. One of them, the recent widower who lost his wife during the first week of the Bible teaching, said, ‘This talk is not like any other I have ever heard. It is so strong that I feel it cutting into me, deep.’ Andrew replied by sharing with him that this is true because it is God’s talk and God’s talk has the power to give life. The three men just shook their heads as they are seemingly beginning to understand the importance of what they are hearing and Lord willing, beginning to understand,” wrote missionary Mike Mikolavich.

The North Wahgi people have a number of cultural beliefs that stand in the way of their accepting the free gift of the Savior. Next week the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus will be presented and the people will be faced with a critical, life-changing decision. Pray that they, like Gabriel, will understand what Jesus has done for them and will accept the free gift of salvation.

Missionaries Matt and Christine Hamb are seeking God’s direction in where He would have them serve.

“Last year was filled with all kinds of new adventures providing many opportunities for God to teach us about trusting Him,” wrote Matt. “This year we believe we will see our trustworthy God continuing to challenge us and bring many opportunities for us to be a part of the work He is doing as He builds His church in Papua New Guinea.”

Matt will be traveling to a remote area to meet with some tribal people and try to determine if NTM can move to the area. Matt and another missionary, Tony Sutton, will travel a three or four days hike into the interior and talk with village leaders. Pray that they will receive an invitation for a NTM missionary to come live there and teach God’s Word.

Matt is praying that the Manam Bible teachers will be ready to teach lessons on the book of Acts. Matt and Christine plan to be more actively involved in helping with the teaching. The couple is hoping for an invitation to come and disciple the fledgling Manam church. 

Currently the Manam church leaders come out to the missionary center so that Matt and others can help disciple and prepare them for their leadership responsibilities.

In April Matt and Christine will travel to a Bible teacher and church leader conference.

“This is an opportunity for these men to come together in a tribal location and discuss issues they are struggling with in church leadership: applying biblical truths to their lives, teaching and training others with the task of taking the Gospel of grace to others.” Matt wrote.

There will be many tribal churches represented from several areas within Papua New Guinea and they will be able to encourage and help one another.

Pray for this upcoming conference and for Matt and Christine as they try to be a source of encouragement and help to the church leaders and Bible teachers.