Ending times…

Over the past 10 years in PNG, there always seems to be one thing or another coming to an end. When it does occur, generally it carries with it some significant impact for our mission community.

The community recently celebrated the graduating Year 12 students from our mission school, with a formal dinner and other fun activities. Our old Volvo even got in on the act, acting as a limousine for a couple of students. I had to get a photo… it may never be that clean ever again!

The school year ends early June – in line with the US system – after which the graduate students usually return to their ‘passport country’ to commence the next stage of their lives – employment, tertiary studies, or possibly a ministry internship. It is a significant time of parting friendships, and saying goodbye to what has been their home – for some their entire life has been in PNG other than a handful of furlough trips.

When the ending in question involves colleagues returning to their home country and leaving PNG, we even have a specific term for it – “going finish”.

Perhaps the most noteworthy ending during our time here will occur in June, as Carl and Pat return to Canada after 51 years of service translating the Menya scriptures, with a New Testament dedicated in 2018. Carl will continue working remotely part-time to support the ongoing Old Testament translation work. Pat is not sure what she’ll be doing but in keeping with their servant hearts, she says she “will find something to do”, possibly with recent immigrants to Canada.”

In similar fashion, we will be “going finish” of sorts in April, with Keith leaving to take up a role as Chief Financial Officer with Wycliffe Bible Translators Australia (WBTA) based in Victoria. Elspeth will continue her teaching role with the Academic Training Centre (ATC) in Ukarumpa, involved in course development from Australia and returning twice a year for several months to coordinate and teach in several courses.

Prayer points
 Pray for the graduates adjusting to life in their passport countries. It can be quite a daunting prospect for them and their families.
 Pray that the Spirit would continue to work through the Menya scriptures, for the ongoing OT translation work. Pray that Carl and Pat’s return to Canada would be a source of great joy for their family.
 Pray that we may “finish well” in terms of our work responsibilities and relationships here in PNG.