{Metzger Ministry Update} September 2015 | "Pray for Rain"

Rejoice in the Lord your God! For the rain he sends demonstrates his faithfulness. Once more the autumn rains will come, as well as the rains of spring. – Joel 2:23 (NLT)

Dear Friends and Family,

Thank you for loving our family and faithfully praying for us and our ministry here in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Kurt traveled to Lae (an important Port in PNG) the last week of August. He installed new networking equipment to improve the Regional Office's connection to the internet and the center managers were very grateful.

There are people from approximately 20 different countries in the Ukarumpa community where we live. We all work together in several capacities. It is important to learn how to understand our own culture and cultural biases so that we can better love others. This week and next, I (Johanna) will have the privilege of taking part in a Cultural Self Discovery Program taught here in Ukarumpa. This is a one-week workshop and I am looking forward to being one of the facilitators for this course.

(Johanna and Kassia)

We were excited this last week to hear from Kurt’s dad about the Bible translation project he has been working on for the past 15 years and would like to share a portion of his update with you!

"Well the day has finally arrived—at least one major mile stone has arrived! I remember way back in 1992 when my family and I were on furlough here in Dallas that I was called to the International Linguistic Center’s Printing Arts Department. I was told that an advanced copy of the Carapana New Testament had just arrived by airmail from Korea, and that I could see it when convenient. Needless to say, I immediately went over to see what it looked like. And I was not disappointed: it was beautiful in every way. Now, less than two weeks ago, I had the same experience! I was called over to the same building to get to see our second translation: The San Andres Islander Creole New Testament (ICE NT), and it is just as beautiful as the Carapana New Testament was in 1992. All glory goes to the Lord Jesus Christ! He is the one that ultimately made it all come together for both translations. And you my dear friends and family added your prayers, financial support, and other acts of encouragement in so many ways to this mix for so many years. Thank you very much!" - Ron Metzger

(from top to bottom: Kurt’s dad showing Johanna’s mom the completed ICE NT; Matthias’ 5^th birthday; Lukas)

Here in PNG we’ve been experiencing one of the most pronounced droughts in recent history. We usually rely only on rain water for drinking but our tanks are now mostly empty. Please pray for rain, and that the people of PNG would continue to have food to eat. Please also pray for wisdom as we consider how best to support those around us whose food sources are starting to dwindle.

(Smoke from grass fires has filled the sky over Ukarumpa recently)

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

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{Metzger Ministry Update} July 2015 | "Faithful"

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. – Psalm 19:1 (NLT)

Dear Loved Ones,

Again and again, thank you for your love and care for our family. Every month we are humbled by your generosity, encouragement, and support. We know that we would not be able to do our work in Papua New Guinea (PNG) if it wasn’t for your faithful partnership with us!

(from top: the kids swimming in Madang; Matthias)

Kurt has been working at the Communications and Technical Services, specifically helping our SIL Regional Centre in Lae. He has been setting up a more user friendly network that will work better for all the activity that happens at the Lae Centre. Many SIL translators and members visit this Centre as they pass through on their way to and from villages.

I (Johanna) am very happy to report that I finished teaching Kindergarten in the middle of June. Thank you so very much for your faithful prayers for God to give me strength and perseverance as I taught last semester! God was faithful in answering each one of them.

(from top: Kassia with a cuscus; Lukas – did he really eat that sea slug!?)

Kassia will be starting 5th grade at the end of July and is very excited that she can also attend beginning band and choir. Lukas will be starting 2nd grade and Matthias will attend pre-school 3 days a week.

Love from cold, sunny, and beautiful Ukarumpa;
Johanna (and for Kurt, Kassia, Lukas, and Matthias)

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{Metzger Ministry Update} May 2015 | "Know God"

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! – Philippians 3:10-11 (NLT)

Dear Friends and Family,

God is faithful and His character never changes. We thank Him for the privilege of being able to serve here in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Thank you for the part you play in our family and ministry here. We could not do this without your prayers, support, and love for us!

  

Along with his everyday tasks of managing the Ukarumpa network operations, Kurt has been working on a new mobile friendly battery powered Wi-Fi distribution hotspot—SaveLongGod (Tok Pisin for Know God). When Papua New Guineans connect their smart devices to it wirelessly, they will be able to download Bibles (in their mother tongue), videos, audio, Apps, and more, all for FREE! We currently have content for more than 250 languages. Kurt’s plan is to use the devices in villages, Christian book stores, Bible schools, Churches, and in our SIL centers here in PNG.

 

(from top: screen shot of Wi-Fi distribution hotspot; Johanna teaching)

Kassia is finishing up 4th grade and we are very grateful to God as He has been faithful in providing teachers for her grade this year. Lukas is finishing 1st grade and Matthias enjoys going 2 mornings a week to pre-school. I (Johanna) am thankful to the Lord for the opportunity He has given me to teach Kindergarten since January, and I will finish teaching in June.

Praises!

• For the joy we have to serve God in Papua New Guinea! Just this last month we celebrated New Testament dedications with the Konai and Kandawo people groups (click the links for pictures)
• For Kurt being able to work on the new Wi-Fi distribution hotspot
• For God’s grace in our lives
• For God’s provision of teachers for Kassia’s grade this year

Please Pray!

• For Kurt and me to grow in our relationship with the Lord
• For wisdom and love as we parent our kids
• For good health for our family
• For Kurt as he works as the Information and Communications Technology services manager. His co-worker has gone on furlough and Kurt is working alone.
• For strength and joy for me as I continue to teach Kindergarten until mid-June

May God be gracious to you and bless you!
Johanna (and for Kurt, Kassia, Lukas, and Matthias)

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{Metzger Ministry Update} March 2015 | "Clarity of Purpose"

For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. – Philippians 1:29 (NLT)

Dear Loved Ones,

What a joy we have in Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith! Again and again, thank you for your love and care for our family. Every month we are humbled by your generosity, encouragement, and support. We know that we would not be able to do our work in Papua New Guinea (PNG) if it wasn’t for your faithful partnership with us! Please let us know how we can pray for YOU.

(The Support Department Managers Conference Kurt participated in)

As the ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) Services Manager, Kurt was involved in a Support Department Managers Conference during the last two weeks of February. The overarching purpose of the Conference was to provide clarity of purpose to Support Department Managers as our PNG Branch moves forward into the future.

(Johanna teaching Kindergarten at Ukarumpa International School)

I (Johanna) have been teaching Kindergarten 3 mornings a week since January. This new role has required quite a change in our family routine, but it has also been very rewarding and exciting. There are 12 students from 8 different countries (Australia, Canada, England, the Philippines, Holland, Papua New Guinea, Costa Rica, and the United States) in my class. I count it a joy and privilege to be able to teach at Ukarumpa International School! Please pray that God will fill me with his grace and strength until June when the school year ends.

__

(from left: Kassia-Christmas 2014; Lukas’ 7th birthday-January 2015; Matthias with his frog)

Love from Papua New Guinea,

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

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{Metzger Ministry Update} January 2015 | "Milestones"

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. – Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)

Dear Friends and Family,

This January is a big month for our family. It has been 8 years since we arrived in Papua New Guinea (PNG)—we have now served with Wycliffe in PNG more than half of our married life! Thank you for walking with us through this journey. Your prayers, love, and support have been very encouraging!

 

(from left: Our family in 2006 and 2014)

Kassia turned 10 years old this month. Thank you for your prayers for her to love the Lord and for us to be godly parents!

 

(from left: Kassia several days old and now)

On January 9^th Kurt and I (Johanna) will celebrate 15 years of marriage. Thank you for your faithful prayers for us to reflect Christ as a couple!

Please pray for me as I have been asked to help teach Kindergarten at the Ukarumpa International School this semester, from January to June (starting next week). Pray for a smooth transition for our family as I take on this role!

Thanks and blessings,

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

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{Metzger Ministry Update} November 2014 | "Home Again!"

Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” – Luke 1:78-79 (NLT)

Dear Loved Ones,

Thank you for your partnership with our ministry and family here in Papua New Guinea (PNG). We are grateful for your faithful prayers, encouragement and financial support!

We have been quite busy the last two months. In September, Kurt traveled to Madang (a coastal town in PNG) where he worked at the SIL Regional Center. At the center, Bible Translators from the Madang Region are able to go and get resources without having to travel to Ukarumpa, which is located in the Highlands. While there, Kurt installed both wired and wireless networking equipment along with network attached storage for reliable data backup and easier access to data. He was also able to renew relationships that SIL-PNG have with Divine Word University IT staff.

(from top: Outside the Madang Regional Center Office; networking equipment installed in the office)

On October 6^th, we received word that my (Johanna’s) dad (who lives in Colombia) had two massive heart attacks. My mom and sisters called and asked me to come to Colombia as soon as possible as they knew my dad (who is 75 years old) was going to have to have open heart surgery. I arrived in Colombia on October 11^th and it was a blessing to be able to visit my father at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the hospital.  After performing a cardiac catheterization the doctors determined that my dad had 3 arteries blocked and would need to have triple bypass surgery. His surgery took place on October 24^th and he was in the operating room for about 6 hours. Thankfully, he was released from the hospital on October 29^th and has been home since. THANK YOU for all your faithful prayers during this difficult time for our family! We praise God that my dad’s surgery was successful and that he is now on the road to recovery.

(from top: Johanna with her dad at the hospital; Johanna’s family at home after the surgery)

After being gone from Kurt and the kids for 4 weeks, I returned to PNG last Friday November 7^th. Seeing Kurt and the kids made for a very sweet reunion! Thank you for praying for them while I was gone and for praying for me as I traveled to Colombia and back to Ukarumpa. God carried me through it all and I am happy to be back home.

_

(Matthias and Lukas welcoming Mommy home!)

Blessings,

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

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