Tyler and Emily in PNG

I had the privilege today to speak at the closing of worship service to introduce Pioneer Bible Translators and encourage prayer and financial support as I prepare to become a missionary to Papua New Guinea.

The pastor spoke on Acts 2 and being filled with the Spirit at Pentecost. How ironic that I was preparing to close the service with translating God’s word into every language. Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. I asked the church, What language does God speak? Hebrew, Greek, Spanish, Pidgin, English? I am not sure if God speaks in a language, but I do know that he does communicate and understands all languages. In fact, he communicates in over 6909 worldwide known languages. Source: Ethnologue

The pastor gave an illustration of a storm and the person stated she wishes the storm would have come closer so she could feel and witness the strong winds. The woman was not scared or fearful of the storm. The pastor asked, are you afraid of the Spirit? I responded to myself, I am not afraid of the Spirit but I do fear the Spirit. As I told youth group this past week about fearing God, it came full circle Sunday and that we are to fear the Spirit. As I prayed 3 years ago ‘Here I am, send me’ I was not afraid of the Spirit but I do fear the Spirit and fear God.

Continued Prayer Requests:
PNG Work Permit
Resident Visa
Financial Support

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What a journey I have been on over the past 7 weeks. I left Alaska on Sept 6 for Dallas, TX. I flew to Dallas to take 5 weeks of training to become a Short Term Assistant with Pioneer Bible Translators (PBT). I read many missiological books and took 4 mission emphasis classes. I took: missionary anthropology,  biblical reflections on mission, intro to linguistics, and foundation of ministry. All four classes were insightful and meaningful for cross cultural ministry. My favorite class was missionary anthropology and learning about culture, folk religions, and how to ministry cross culturally. Taking the Word across cultures is not an easy task but God has challenged PBT to take the Word to the bible-less. This is an exciting challenge and it will be a rewarding task. I am excited to have joined PBT.

I will be traveling to Papua New Guinea (PNG) and working at the branch office supporting their technology needs. I will be supporting their computer and information systems both in the office and assisting missionaries in the bush villages.

Right now I am developing partners in ministry and raising financial support. I have to raise 100% of funds before I can depart. This is a 100% self-supporting organization. My goal is to leave first part of January 2011. I am currently about 50% funded. My monthly goal is $2100. This includes travel/airfare, rent, insurance, food, and general expenses factored over a year period. If you would like to partner with Pioneer Bible Translators and help reach the bible-less people groups of the world, see Donate.

Prayer Requests:

1. Work Permit has been received and lodged – pray that it will be processed smoothly
2. Visa – gathering required documents and mailing to embassy in D.C.
3. Financial Support – 100% will be raised
4. PNG Branch Office – leadership in time of transition, need for a Branch Director

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