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.

Monday, January 25, 2016

{Metzger Ministry Update} January 2016 | "9 years"

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. – Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

Dear friends and family,

This January (2016) is a big month for our family. It has been 9 years since we arrived in Papua New Guinea (PNG)! We thank God for His faithfulness and care over our family. We also thank YOU for being a vital part of what God is doing in our ministry and our lives.  Your prayers, encouragement, and support are what carry us through each day!

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(from top: Our family in 2006; Our family now)

Kurt continues to enjoy working at the Communications and Technical Services Department. On January 27th (tomorrow), he will travel to Alotau (in the Milne Bae Province). He has been setting up a more user friendly network that will work better for all the activity that happens at the Alotau Regional Centre. Many SIL translators and other members visit this Centre as they pass through on their way to and from villages. Please pray for Kurt and our family as he will be gone for one week.

Also this January, Kassia and I (Johanna) had the joy of participating in the Tok Pisin Holiday Bible School (Vacation Bible School). We led a group of students age 4 to 6 as they memorized verses and participated in activities and games. About 500 children from all over the Aiyura Valley attended the five day event. The theme of the week was the “The Names of God”. Bible lessons each day highlighted a different aspect of the verses. Many of the children memorized the entire Scripture section. Besides the Bible lesson, the program included times of enthusiastic singing, and the children were fascinated by the puppet and drama teams. Over seventy children talked to teachers specifically about salvation or their spiritual growth.

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(Tok Pisin Holiday Bible School)

Blessings,

Johanna (and for Kurt, Kassia, Lukas and Matthias)