Papua New Guinea
Patrick has been back in PNG for a three weeks now. One day this past week he entered his Bible Interpretation class and they (politely) asked him to remove his shoes. It is the rainy season and they don’t want anyone (including their teacher!) to track mud into their new classroom.
PRAY: For good connection and communication as Patrick teaches Bible Interpretation and Romans for these 8 weeks. Pray the students will gain understanding of both subjects and that their lives will be impacted by the truths they are learning.
Clarkston
English classes are continuing down in Clarkston and we are thankful that the number of ESOL students is increasing.
PRAY: Students will see Jesus in all of us who are working with them and that we will have opportunities to share the gospel in sensitive and appropriate ways.
Clarkston’s 3 year program (that met only on Saturdays) “Bible Training for Christian Leaders” had its first graduating class. 
PRAISE: For the students who put forth the time and effort in these classes for the last 3 years in order to be better equipped for ministry. Joanne, the American, has been involved in refugee ministry. Mounira is a nurse from Sudan and plans to be involved in medical mission trips to Sudan. The four men are in leadership roles in their Burmese churches.
Big Plans
The North American Mission Board is committed to reaching out to the thousands of refugees in Clarkston. They are replacing old buildings with a new complex that will include a refugee sewing society classroom and store, classrooms for ESL, after school programs, a health clinic, a counseling center, a program to help refugees start businesses, and housing for mission teams. Below is a “before” picture and we’ll post an “after” picture when the complex is completed.
The Big 30!
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 30 years since we went on our first “date” – a tractor ride along with 15 other people – in Papua New Guinea. We are so thankful the Lord took both of us halfway around the world to meet each other and the He has grown us ever closer during our 30 year journey together.
Family News
Probably our most surprising news (even to ourselves) is that we have a new family member, Daniel, from Korea. He is living with us this semester and attending a nearby Christian school.
PRAY: Daniel will see, hear, and understand the life changing message of Jesus while he is here. Also, pray for good communication and understanding.
Mark and Julie, Dylan, and Luke – We all traveled to Ohio (to the house of the famous “Aunt Irene” 🙂 for Thanksgiving. It was nice to be able to spend some relaxed time together.
Kristin – “I am coming up on the year and a half mark of living in DC! I spent my first year living right outside DC in Arlington, VA, but in September of 2018 I moved into DC and am living in Capitol Hill in the District. Life in the city has been wonderful – I live within walking distance of most of my friends, and am also very close to local coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. I am learning how to live in the cold, and we’ve already had more snow this year than I have experienced in my whole life! Work with the church keeps me busy, and one of my favorite things is exploring more of the city and finding new places.”
Benjamin – has made a lot of progress towards a Business degree (concentration in finance) at the University of North Georgia. However, due to various circumstances he withdrew from classes this semester. He keeps busy buying and selling on Amazon and has even applied for and received a small business license.
PRAY: Benjamin is struggling with medical issues as well as the stresses of school. Pray he will trust the Lord and follow His leading concerning work and school and life.
Karis – settled in well in her first semester at Toccoa Falls College, celebrated her 19th birthday over the Christmas break, and is now back for the second semester. She is particularly enjoying her work study job with the Athletic Department.
PRAY: that we and our children would be …”rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all God’s people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God. ” (Eph. 3) Pray we will live in light of eternity.
Thank you for all your love, prayers, and support.
pnghalls 