For Lisa Kappeler, translating the Bible for the Uriai tribe in Papua New Guinea has become a trying task, but she still looks toward God for support.
Her need for a translation co-worker was adding more and more stress to her life, but God has proven to Lisa that His way is not always our way.
"Logically, my plans and agenda seemed normal and not too lofty -- asking for a translation helper so I could do what I'm supposed to be doing -- didn't seem like too much to ask," Lisa wrote. "The problem, however, was … my agenda. I'm learning again that I need to face each day with open hands -- accepting what He has for me in any given day, rather than holding on so tightly to the things I want to get accomplished in that day."
Lisa's struggle with not having the help she needed caused her to try to take control of the situation and as a result, frustration set in.
"Is it too much to ask to get some translation work done? to have a helper available at least a few days in any given week?" Lisa wrote. "It is, if it's out of a need for me to be in control of the situation. I didn't sit down one day and decide to take control, but I had done just that. And there's only one Sovereign God -- and it sure isn't me."
God's helping hand, however, is still evident to Lisa as she sees the differences in the village regardless of her agendas. With visits from missionaries, Lisa was able to finish work on the solar panels on her roof.
There is much excitement amongst the teammates over newcomers Matt and Rachel Clayton who will be spending their bush orientation in the village. They will spend six weeks in the tribe gaining first-hand experience as they get close to finishing their trade language study.
Lisa is also looking forward to the final language evaluation for fellow missionary, Elias Struik. Once the evaluation is over, the literacy primer preparation can begin.
"I'm excited to think about where we are -- so close to teaching literacy and then teaching!" Lisa wrote. "So we've got some busy days ahead of us -- and in the midst of all that, Lord-willing, I'll continue to press on in translation."
Lisa is in need of prayer for a translation co-worker to be provided for her and asks for prayer for Elias and M'liss Spero as they prepare for their next language evaluation.
Also pray that Lisa does not give in to frustration and that she continues to depend on the Lord's guidance and timing for everything.
_img.jpg)
_img.jpg)
