Kurt, Johanna, Kassia, Lukas and Matthias

Our family in Papua New Guinea | 2012

Ukarumpa and Aiyura Valley

Ukarumpa is SIL's center of opperations in Papua New Guinea and where we live and work.

Miniafia New Testaments from the dedication in 2010

"God is a Miniafia Man," the loincloth-clad speaker exulted! "Before He was English, and American, and Australian. But today He has become Miniafia!"

Doini Island

Photo by Tim McIntosh (SIL PNG's boat manager in 2008) | Many of the 100's of islands in PNG can only be reached by boat.

Where do you play when you live on an island?

Children from Nubwageta village playing near the shore.

Miniafia New Testament Dedication

New Testament dedications in PNG usually include elaborate processions to welcome the Bibles.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Update on my Mom

Dear Loved Ones,

Thank you so much for your prayers and words of encouragement. The last 11 days have been very emotional, but we as a family have been blessed to have been able to spend some quality time praying, crying, and at times even laughing with mom. Lois Jean Metzger, my mom, my friend, and one of my biggest supporters throughout my life passed away last night and is now in the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. We thank God for the life she devoted to his service and our care, and we rejoice that she is in his presence now.

For those of you who would like to attend, a memorial service will be held at 10AM on Friday September 22 at:

Prestonwood Baptist Church 6801 W. Park Blvd. Plano, TX 75903 972-820-5000 Google Maps Link: Prestonwood Baptist Church

In his hands, Kurt (for Johanna and Kassia too!)

Sunday, September 17, 2006

September 2006 Update

Dear Loved Ones,

In April of this year we wrote letting you know that Kurt’s mom had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Since then, she has gone through chemotherapy and radiation treatments for this cancer. Just last week, we found out that the cancer has metastasized and is very aggressive.

Her left lung collapsed and some cancerous fluid accumulated and was pressing on her heart, which made her struggle to breathe. Last Wednesday, she had surgery to drain the fluid in her lung and around her heart in order to relieve her breathing. The doctors have suggested that no further radical treatment for the cancer take place as it may even shorten her life. However, they said that they would like to lessen mom’s potential discomfort that can come along the way.

Please pray for Kurt’s mom to have comfort, both spiritual and physical, and for her peace. Pray for Kurt’s dad to have strength and grace. Also, pray for comfort for Kurt, his two brothers - Eric and Peter, and for his sister - Miriam.

Before this most recent turn of events Kurt and I had been packing our belongings to take to Papua New Guinea (PNG). A ship will be leaving at the end of September or beginning of October. It will take approximately four to six months for our things to get to PNG. If God allows, we be in PNG in December. A JAARS truck comes in to Dallas this coming Wednesday and will take our boxes to North Carolina where they will be put in a shipping container. Most of the things we will be taking have been packed, although we still have some last minute items that need to be purchased, organized, and boxed. Please pray for us as we try to finish up this task in the midst of what Kurt’s mom is going through.

We truly appreciate your support during this difficult time. Thank you so much for praying!

In His hands,

Johanna (for Kurt and Kassia)