As always it was a joy to be back teaching in Papua New Guinea.  I arrived on February 1st, taught for 8 weeks, and  finally left the country on April 1st (3 days after my plane departed) after “wrestling” with a PNG Immigration officer for my passport.  (Note to self:  Don’t give up my passport for visa renewal unless I have 6 months to spare.)

It was encouraging to work with the new national faculty.  Aaron, Alan, and Gordon are all graduates of CLTC’s masters program.  Alan and Gordon were my students years ago and it was exciting to be working as collegues.

Across the valley our friends at the Nazarene Hospital (where Benjamin and Karis were born) are now enjoying 24 hour power with their new hydroelectric plant (funded by AusAid).  In 2013 Jan was helping teach and the kids were attending the hospital’s MK school.  They were able to watch the builders “move the river” so construction on the project could continue.

Thank you all for your prayers and support.  The family continued with work and school while Patrick was away.  More about them in the next blog update.

Praise:

1. Patrick was able to make this trip.
2. For the many adults and young people who responded to the challenge to follow Christ.
3. Patrick received some very helpful feedback on his dissertation proposal from two of his CLTC collegues.
4. Jan was able to able to hold down the fort while Patrick was away.  Wonderful friends and family were a great support.

Prayer Requests:

1. God will continue to keep the door open for Patrick to teach at CLTC and that he will make good progress in his doctoral studies.
2. Continued prayer for Benjamin.  Support and encouragement for him.  That he would find the right balance of work and school.
3. The many who made decisions at the Easter camp will find  mature disciplers who can help them grow in their faith and commitment.  Pray their home churches will rise to the challenge.
4. The new national faculty at CLTC will be effective in their teaching and mentoring.