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.

Thursday, October 09, 2014

{Metzger Ministry Update} October 2014 | "Please pray: Heart Attack!"

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Dear Loved Ones,

It is with very sad hearts that we write to you tonight. By the time you read this or shortly after, Johanna will be on her way back to Colombia to be with her family. On Monday morning (Colombia time) Johanna’s father, Miguel, dropped her mom off at a hair salon and started to feel chest pains so decided to drive himself to the nearest hospital. He was immediately admitted and has been in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) since. He has been very tired and sedated as the doctors said that he not only suffered one massive heart attack but two! They were quite amazed that he survived. The doctors performed a cardiac catheterization and determined that there are three blocked arteries and they will most likely need to perform open heart surgery. His body and heart are still very weak so the doctors and Johanna’s family have asked her to come “home.”

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(Johanna’s father, Miguel, with Matthias his youngest grandson – Jan 2014)

Please pray with us:

  • for Johanna’s travels; it will take her nearly 48 hours to arrive in Bogota after she leaves Ukarumpa.
  • for wisdom for the doctors to know the best way to proceed and success in any procedure, if that is God’s will.
  • that God will be glorified!
  • for Johanna’s plans to return to us here in Papua New Guinea; we haven’t even thought that far ahead!

Praise God with us:

  • for the miracle of Johanna’s dad being able to get himself to the hospital.
  • that we were able to secure travel for Johanna all the way back to Colombia just a day in advance.
  • that Johanna’s dad has regained some of his strength.

Trusting in Christ,

Kurt (for Johanna, Kassia, Lukas and Matthias)