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, December 15, 2009

Metzger December 2009 Update

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." - Matthew 9:37-38 NIV
Dear Loves Ones,
First of all, thank you for your prayers for Kurt’s knee surgery. The procedure went really well and Kurt has only had minor pain that can be controlled with medicine. Yesterday we went in for a check up with the doctor, and he said Kurt’s knee is fine and he will see us again in a week and recommended that Kurt start physical therapy soon.  He will not be able to play sports again for about 6 to 8 months.
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(Luke likes to ride in the car seat!)
We also wanted to let you know that we have enjoyed our first month on our home assignment. Our time in Colombia has been blessed beyond measure. We have one supporting church here that we have visited almost every Sunday since we arrived, and they have been very welcoming and loving towards our family. We spoke during two of their Sunday services and were also able to share in two of their Bible study groups. We are excited to get to know the members of the church better so that we when we leave we can remember each other in prayer. We also feel privileged to be able, to talk about the work of Bible translation in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
We have really enjoyed our time with family here. The kids are having fun with their cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. We are making special memories that will last a lifetime!
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(Top to bottom: Kassia with her Aunt Adriana – Johanna with her sisters and mom)
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support during the year 2009. Many people received the New Testament in their heart language this year in PNG for the very first time. What a privilege for us to be able to see the results of many years of work by many translators, support personnel, and partners in home countries. Some of the New Testament dedications in PNG this year included the Iyo, Gapapaiwa, and Minaveha. There are about 820 languages spoken in Papua New Guinea but still more than 290 living languages do not have one word of the Bible and no project in progress. Please pray with us that the Lord of the harvest will bring workers to complete the task.
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(Top to bottom: Iyo New Testament Dedication – Gapapaiwa New Testament Dedication)
We are thrilled to play some small part in getting God’s Word into the hands of some of the “tribes and tongues” we read about in Revelation. Thank you for the important part you play in our team!

Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
In His hands, Johanna (for Kurt, Kassia, and Luke)