Dear family and friends:
As we start this year it seems fitting to just mention a few of the ways God has watched over us and helped us through the last twelve months: He has protected us from injury and disease though it is all around us. The hot ash that falls over us from the volcano across the bay has stopped. Now the vegetation, and our lungs can breathe clear air. The airport is open and the airplanes are bringing in food, supplies and mail. The many drunks we encounter have not harmed us. God has frequently guided us in ways that we have been able to avoid dangerous high seas. We have witnessed miraculous healings and most of all people of all ages giving their hearts and lives to Jesus. These are just a few of the many ways God has cared for us and many of them are direct answers to your prayers. So celebrate with us as we celebrate with you.
Nathan, our son, had his right knee repair with hamstring graft one week ago and is doing well. He is slowly but surely recovering. We are grateful to have this surgery behind us. The Doctor told us he may have some excruciating pain after the surgery but because of your prayers he did not experience that and though is of course uncomfortable at times, he is managing well.
The work here in PNG continues with accountability groups and pastoral care teaching in practical ways like: conflict management, speaking the truth in love, forgiveness, letting go of offenses, loving your spouse, children and neighbors.
A very important reconciliation is now in process. Victor and I have been praying for this to occur for the last three years along with some of the local Pastors. There was a problem years ago due to an unhealthy leader in the one of the larger churches that caused fractured groups and difficulties within the community. This is very unsettling for the people as there wasn’t any resolution to the conflict. Please pray with us as this much needed restoration process continues. That God will be exalted, that the enemy will be evicted and that the people who have been hurt and affected by this would be healed and restored. It is time for a breakthrough and hope for all those that love Jesus and all those that are longing for the truth. I can’t stress how important this is for the island area of PNG.
In addition to holding another market evangelism outreach this month (see picture), we also held a medical outreach to our Foursquare youth and did many health checks for all those enrolling in vocational schools (see picture).
January also is a time to pray, plan, and hear God’s heart for His plans for the next year. We have been praying with the Provincial Supervisor and it looks as though there is an opening for a radio ministry, many more medical and evangelism outreaches, and strategic targeting of all people of all ages. Exciting times! This is going to be a good year.
We have some wonderful news and some sad news. The wonderful news is that Chris, the deaf mute man that was healed from Mandres, is progressing well and his speech is coming along quite well. The sad news is the Foursquare pastor from that area died. Pastor Felix was a man of integrity and often guided our banana boat when we went on our outreaches (see picture). He is survived by his wife Dorcas and two children Grace and Amos. Please continue to pray for Pastor Felix’s family as it is very difficult for widows and children in this culture when the father dies. At the funeral, Pastor Felix’s family wanted to thank you for praying for him when he was sick.
Kindly pray for the following:
· Nathan’s continued recovery after his knee surgery.
· The reconciliation efforts in the region.
· Smooth sailing and low seas for our community-entry visits and major medical outreaches this year.
· For safe travel to the national Foursquare convention in Goroka in February.
· For continued wisdom for the year 2010.
Thanks again for your e-mails, prayers, and support. It really is a privilege to partner with you to serve the people here in the Papua New Guinea islands (see picture).
Blessings,
Victor, Lori, and Alex Obregon
Attempt Great Things for God
Expect Great Things From God
William Carey
0 comments:
Post a Comment