We’re coming to the U.S.!
Our family will be in the United States from mid-June until January, when we’ll return to Papua New Guinea. Our current four-year field term is winding down, and this time in the U.S. (known as home assignment or furlough) will be an opportunity for us to reconnect with family, friends and our faithful supporting partners and churches, as well as take care of many things we can’t while overseas, such as medical, orthodontic and vision appointments. We’ll also get to see Kaitlyn and Nathan for the first time in two years! Can you tell we’re excited?!?
Our third child, Justin, is about to graduate from high school here in PNG, and during our furlough we’ll also be settling him into college at Liberty University (where his brother Nathan is also attending).
We would love to see as many of you as possible during our time in the States. We’ll be based on the central coast of California, but we’ll also be driving all the way to the east coast in August to drop off Nathan and Justin at Liberty.
Justin saying goodbye to PNG
Justin has spent almost his whole life in Papua New Guinea, but in a few short weeks he will be graduating high school and moving to the next stage – college. His early years included flying by helicopter to a remote village surrounded by jungle, and making friends with kids from all over the world! We’re really going to miss being with him every day and enjoying his sense of humor, quiet determination and love for playing music. But we’re excited to see what God has for him next!
Translation milestone
In April our Nukna team completed the team check of the last chapter of the New Testament! 100% of the Nukna New Testament has now been drafted, exegetically checked, and revised. Just two books, Hebrews and Revelation, await village checking and consultant checking, which Lord willing should happen upon our return to PNG next year. We printed out the entire New Testament except for those two books (91% of the New Testament), so that the Nukna people could do a read through while we are on furlough and check for anything that needs improvement.
More consultant checking
In March, Matt did a consultant check of the book of Matthew for the Ghayavi language. This was the first book checked of the Ghayavi New Testament. In addition to checking the quality of their translation, Matt also provided training in various translation principles to this new team. It was a real joy to spend these weeks together with the Ghayavi team. Please pray for them as they continue on this long journey of translating the New Testament into their heart language.
Family happenings
Christy is currently in the United States to witness Kaitlyn’s graduation from Malone University. We are so proud of Kaitlyn!!
In January, Matt had to unexpectedly fly back to his family in California to say goodbye to his brother, Randy, who after a battle with cancer, went to be with his Lord in February. Amidst the sorrow were many beautiful moments, including the chance for Matt’s family (parents and siblings) to all be together for the first time in eight years.
