Monday, October 11, 2010

Homeward Bound!

Saying Goodbye to Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea and the people we love there
Our time in Ukarumpa held speaking at the English "lotu" service... a number of small group gatherings... Martha cooking up a storm for meal guests, plus eating out heaps of times... like almost every meal this week (when they know you are leaving it is catch up time)... a number of interactive encounters with some hurting warriors... listening to powerful stories of God at work in tough places in PNG... lots of laughs and some tears. But that is life on the field! We are so privileged to be part of it in our small way. Words of appreciation come our way from grateful hearts over here for our supporters who made it possible for us to be here.
Soon we will be over the Pacific headed for LAX, immigration inspection, passport stamping, luggage shifting, and a tall glass of good old US iced tea from the food court.  We have already begun the  journey home. We have left Ukarumpa, and are now in Port Moresby til early Wednesday morning, leave at 6:30 AM. Lord willing, we arrive in B'ham Wednesday, Oct.13 at 5 PM after 30 hours of travel. Port Moresby (PNG) to Brisbane to LA to Dallas, then B'ham.

It has been a wonderful three months on this side of the world. We leave very loved, enriched, praising our Lord for the privilege of "Serving the Servants of Christ Around the World."


In His grip assuredly!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Sunday Sermon ~ "The Prodigals"

Ukarumpa congregation getting settled down to hear Mickey preach this sermon
Biblically knowledgeable people too often are the hardest on other people...like the Pharisees and teachers of the law in Jesus' day. Luke 15 records Jesus taking them head on. Sinners and tax collectors (sorry about that IRS) flocked to Him. Jesus not only welcomed them, He ATE with them. It drove the religous crowd bonkers.

Jesus, pouring salt on their self-righteous wounds, tells three parables about something lost: the lost sheep the shepherd searched for and found....obviously a reference the the Lord Jesus who came to seek and save the lost; the lost coin, found by the woman after sweeping the house, bringing in a light and searching for it. To me this speaks of the Holy Spirit who sweeps away our darkness with the light of truth, the searcher of hearts.

And then the parable of the prodigal son. It is really the tale of two sons: the Rebellious Prodigal who left home after prematurely obtaining his share of his father's estate, and the Resident Prodigal who never left home but whose heart was far from his father. Most inheritances require the death of the estate owner before the estate is divided among the heirs. The Rebellious Prodigal had his own agenda, was willing to diminish his father to satisfy himself, wanted to put distance between himself and his father (the greener pastures syndrome), threw his money away on living it up until it was all gone, and wound up strarving in a pig pen. But he came to his senses, acknowledged his stupidity (he knew father's hired men had more to eat than he did), returned to his father and home, humbled himself and found open arms and an open heart from the father he had so wronged.

But not so the Resident Prodigal...his older brother. Fuming over the celebration his father threw because this lost son was now home, this son would not join in the celebration, declared his self righteousness in that for all those years he had "SLAVED" (see text NIV) for his father, and had NEVER disobeyed him (questionable). He would not even refer to the returned prodigal as his brother, but threw his disdain for his brother in the face of his father calling him, "This son of yours". And then surfaced the smoldering, resentful spirit... "You never once gave me even a goat to celebrate with my friends." His judgmental  spirit surfaced when he accused, without evidence, his brother of wasting his father's money on  prostitutes. While the father pled with him and reminded that ALL he possessed was available to this Resident Prodigal, this young man had a miserable concept of grace. He never heard the heart of his loving father.

To the listening, biblically knowledgeable Scribes and Pharisees, this was a slap in the face they never felt, just as there is no record of the Resident Prodigal having a change of heart as did the Rebellious prodigal.

But this parable's central figure is the Prodigal Father. He did not do fathering as most of us would. Open armed and open hearted to a Rebellious Prodigal; open armed and open hearted to a Resident Prodigal.....he never gave up on either of them.  So neither has God our Father given up on us...whether Rebellious or Resident.  "I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore with loving kindness have a drawn you." Signed - God our Heavenly Father. (Jer. 31:3)

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Arrived in Ukarumpa


We're are off and running here in Ukarumpa at the Wycliffe station. We enjoyed an incredible HIgh School Marching (inside) band concert tonight.
These are pictures of leaving CLTC, the Kodial coming for us, and the crowd seeing us off.


Martha boarding for an aerial adventure to Ukarumpa
Mickey the co-pilot!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

"Tenk yu tru"

"Meri" bloused Martha... standard wear for PNG ladies... a gift from the care group we mentored. A humbling honor to have them throw you a "mumu" (feast and party) from their minimal possessions. Lots of love flowed. We're gonna miss them... most assuredly.

Martha in her native attire. PNG perfection!

Had the joy of giving Bibles in the trade language of PNG to wives of some of the students. There message to you who made it possible went something like this. "Tenk yu tru long kisim long buk bibul."

Note the smiles.
PNGers, most who have little, show appreciation life few we know. These ladies brought Martha the "bilim" bag she holds to honor her for the 30 blankets we/you provided their village. A fancy bilim, like this one, is worth at least a months wages. Plus they brought us five pineapples out of their gardens. Moving.

A very sacrificial and meaningful gift to Martha.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Loose interpretation...

It is Wednesday afternoon here. We are winding down. Mom's been reading a paper for a Senior who wants it to be correct English. They can express themselves in ways you're not sure you understand!

Our Pastoral Theology Class

Sunday, September 5, 2010

What a glorious day!

Today many of the ex-pat missionaries in the region gathered at Kudjib Nazarene Hospital, about 30 minutes from here... and amazingly, mostly good road...for their monthly ex-patriot pot-luck lunch and fellowship. They have an English lotu service afterward. I got to speak... a brief devotional type message. MAF people, New Tribes, CLTC faculty and others attend. What a haven in such a needy place. Choice saints all.

The service this morning defies telling in terms of the worship. Just wish all of you could have been with us. As I sat through it, the impact of sharing communion with those dear brothers and sisters, when such a chasm of culture and advantage exists, and the profound love they have for God and how freely they express it....left me humbled. We have experienced amazing, uncomplicated love in these folks. We are blessed.

Sharing the Lord's Table with PNG brothers on the other side of the world.
So moved by their quiet singing "O The Blood of Jesus."

































































Sunday, August 29, 2010

Fierce warriors!





We were treated to a four hour cultural thanksgiving out-door service, singing, dancing...  all the women missionaries joined in.

Martha's Virginia Reel!

Then a "mumu" feast was given in our honor by the Solomon Island group, complete with dancing and singing for us. They have the moves, the harmony.... smooth! A magnificent day.


Solomon Island group.... the "mumu" throwers!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Life as we know it now...

Friday morning here. Just finished the second class, and am not in the classroom again until Wednesday. I don't teach on Monday, and Tuesday is a half day of prayer. But I have 28 papers to grade... 2000 words each. So appreciate the break so those papers get graded. We're crossing the PNG culture in my classes... not pulling any punches!

Martha finished her editing and reading.... but not the endless cooking! Tonight we are having four single staff ladies to dinner for BBQ chicken. Yesterday our cell group came to the house. Mom did her cinnamon rolls.... they devoured them. They call us "Momma" and "Poppa" now. Might bring a couple of them home with us.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Another blanket brigade...

From teaching to preaching; Martha reading the upcoming graduates theses to endless cooking; meeting with our cell group to helping a student form a Missions Policy for 400 Baptist churches; sitting on our porch watching the sun set and listening to the sounds of PNG songster birds to listening to the hearts of these committed to Jesus, loveable people; our time here is rich. Obvious connections exist between us and these folks. Martha adopted the singles girls, found most were sleeping in their clothes for lack of covers, so we did another blanket brigade. Their gratitude is almost embarrassing.  We are acutely aware we are blessed people. Thank you for praying. Rain has fallen. Our visas were extended so we will leave here Sept. 14 for Ukarumpa, the Wycliffe Center, for one month.


Delivering blankets to a burned out village. Michael is a newly
redeemed "raskol" (PNG thug) on fire for his Lord.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Martha's Mission!

We decided that one of the most needed ministries here is getting blankets to the families of Bung, the burned out village, where the people have lost everything. Then we found that many of the students here at CLTC sleep without blankets, and at this mountain elevation, it gets cold at night. Finding blankets to purchase and delivering them has become a joyful part of our work here, and our supporters are in it with us!

Blanketing with love!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

You can't manufacture this kind of connection!

Martha had five single girls at the house tonight to show them
how to bake a pineapple upside down cake.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Visa extensions came through!

Ever the student, assistant professor and CEO of Hospitality

Delivering blankets to a burned out village. Michael is a newly
redeemed "raskol" (PNG thug) on fire for his Lord.

Good News!

Our visa extensions came through! So on to Ukarumpa Sept 14th.
Off to Sigri bush village church today. Women sit on one side.,..on the dirt floor, men on slat narrow benches on the other. But fellowship in Jesus is felt and sensed though language is not understood. Remarkable!
Mickey preaching last Sunday
 

Monday, August 9, 2010

Into week three



Classes are intensifying as we learn to read the students and catch the unique dynamics of serving in PNG where cultural norms dictate…even in the church.
The Bung village violence we spoke of ended when Bung villagers rounded up a large sum of money, a small herd of pigs, and handed that over to the other village. A Bel-Kol ceremony concludes the affair, when all the elders and fighting men of both villages gather in a circle, take the chest of a freshly cooked-in-the-ground (mumu) pig, each one takes a bite as it is passed round the circle then they all open a canned coke (old times…broke sugar cane) and down it in one big guzzle. And it’s all over. So Bung can rest…at least for a while.
Martha the cook is busy. Lots of company and people in for meals. Three temporary Aussie workers Wed night, a house full of students Friday night for dinner. But we love those gatherings. 
Mick preaches at the campus church Sunday. Luke 15, the Prodigal son. They love stories. Going to preach it like a story.
A little rain has shown up. Lots of dark clouds in the late afternoon,  but nothing of relief. Some on campus a hauling water.  We’re blessed with a tank still half full.
Your prayers, notes on email, and support is our stay. Thank you all. Pray for rain!
Singing with the village church choir!
Students enjoying Martha's hospitality
Martha with Trumpet flowers

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Jolt!

We had a good shaking today around 4 PM.  First a tremor, then a minute later a solid shaking where we felt the house vibrate. Don't know if there were any major quakes in this neck of the woods, but we had our rattling.
Walking to work!

Friday, July 23, 2010

Up and Running!

One week of work is under our belt. The trip over was tiring but uneventful...which makes it a good trip. The only glitch was our hotel reservation our first night here... even with a confirmation... did not work. Spent the night in a mission lodge... and did we ever sleep after 32 hours of sleepless travel.
Classes are encouraging. Students seem to be connecting with me. Martha and I are both mentoring a small group of students while here... we love that. Already had our  first dinner guests, so Martha's hosting talents are underway.  She is also helping in the Library... quite a facility for such a remote place.
You may have heard of the ruckus in a village nearby where we went last Sunday. It has died down for now. We live on the Center and such activities haven't affected us....thankfully.
Thanks for praying. We count on it. This pic is Martha talking to the Pastoral Students. She was a star.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Safe and sound!

Thanks for all the concern.  But we are OK and safe. Keep praying for resolution of the issues. The national pastor of the church we attended Sunday (pictured below) is in the village where the tensions exist. Pray for the physical and spiritual protection of Pastor Michael, his family and the Christians there. 
 
Taught my first classes today. Martha came with me to meet the students, and was the star!
 
 

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Early our Monday morning..full day ahead. Teaching tomorrow. Mom still stacking Z's
 

First day in PNG - Going to Church

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

PNG RETURN & PEOPLE MATTER


Looking ahead to a three month return to Papua New Guinea in July, our days in the meantime are full of people… and they are what matter. From long distance counseling - even overseas via email - to coffee dialogues, to hour long phone calls, to a number of enjoyable visitors in our home, our lives are full of people. God could not have given us our hearts desires more than that. Struggles and challenges abound in the Body of Christ, even in His Servants. By the grace of God, we want to be there for those wounded warriors and hidden heroes.

Sharing in two missions conferences and a number of preaching engagements over these past weeks kept us busy as well…time well spent with some wonderful folks.

We’ve even gotten in a bit of landscaping and yard work. Good for the soul.

Our gratitude to God for all of you, your prayers, support, and concern. Medically, all systems are go. Thank you, Lord.

Getting Ready to Head Out Again!


Thursday, June 17, 2010

What's Happening Now...

FAREWELL FELLOWSHIP

WHEN? Sunday night, July 11, 2010 @ 6:00 p.m.
WHERE? Our house: 71 Auburn Road, Pelham, AL 35124
WHAT? Pot Luck... always good!
Along with meaningful fellowship and time to commit ourselves, with you as our partners, to the Lord as we go. We would love to have you all.

RETURNING TO PNG FOR 3 MONTHS....
TRIP NO. ELEVEN!!

Tickets purchased - $6900 Round trip (the Lord willing) for two!

Preparation for classes to be taught is well on the way. Double-checking passports, medicines, limiting the clothes to be taken, packing to begin shortly. House matters, mail, bills to pay while absent - covered. July 14th we begin the 36 hour journey to the other side of the world. All this because some beloved brothers and sisters of another culture, another race, in another land asked us to come over and help them. We are privileged to answer that call.

Mick will lead two classes at the Christian Leaders Training College while Martha interacts with the women, hosts many meal gatherings, and simply graces the place. In Sept. we are scheduled to move to the Wycliffe Center at Ukarumpa to serve as a pastoral couple for those 700 missionaries for a month. Our ticketed return date is Oct. 13th.

This is our ELEVENTH trip to PNG! Those folks hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you all who pray, who support us financially, and who in a true sense are serving our Lord with us in that place because of your partnership.





THESE WEEKS...

Since our last letter home has been full of people. We love it. Mick preached most of March, all of April, some in May, and all of June. Squeezed in between were two trips to Dallas, two to Tenn. one to GA and MS. Before we leave in July there's a two-family 4th of July reunion - the Park and Nelson clans - at Camp Ponderosa and a wedding in Cleveland, TN July 10th. But such is the good stuff of life God pours out on us. Our passion... people.

{A DESIRE} The students, their families and resident faculty of CLT (Mick is designated: Permanent Adjunct Professor) live meagerly, working to pay their way, eating mostly vegetables grown there. We've long wished we could throw a barbecue for the campus. It would cost approximately $1000 to feed the 400 folks. Pork, their favorite meat, is available. If anyone shares our BBQ bent to honor these sacrificing servants, let us know. They would be so grateful and so would we. Their sacrifice is one of the heart tugs we wrestle with.

THE DUNNS: Joe and Joannie left June 16th for Kazakhstan. Pray especially for Joe and his pain problem and for their work with teen orphans there. They are choice servants of our Lord.