Our family has begun to settle into the rhythms of a new semester. Shortly after the kids’ school started, Jack and Narius arrived safely from Sivauna to participate in their first course on Exegesis here in Ukarumpa.

Aaron has helped teach and mentor these bright young men we’re so blessed to know and partner with in Bible Translation. Thanks for continuing to pray with us that the Mamusi Scripture Translation will keep moving forward in conjunction with capacity building. We’ll be aiming towards the Gospel of John being ready to be published this year. Perhaps you could read through the Gospel of John with Aaron and myself in a Spirit of prayer for our Mamusi brothers and sisters.

Aaron will be returning to Sivauna with Jack, Narius, and two members of our Language Survey Dept, Kristy and Roger, on Feb 8. They will be exploring as much of the Mamusi area as they can in three short weeks to do more research on the dialects and literacy status of Mamusi. We’ve some broad ideas, but it’s time to do more in-depth and current research to consider if the trajectory of our work is the best course, or if there is a better way to have the Scripture translation readable and accepted by the widest possible Mamusi audience.

Also on Feb 8, a couple, Michael and Faith, from Ukarumpa will be traveling to Sivauna to teach a Bible backgrounds course in the church, as well as a Sunday School Workshop. Thank God with us for these amazing people who will provide tremendous assistance and motivation to our ministry among the Mamusi people. Please pray for these jam-packed 3 weeks coming up in February. May God be honored in all of it.

Since I (Rebekah) will be staying put until April, I’m back in online classes after a break since October. Please pray with us that the internet will work consistently enough for assignments to be understood and turned in on time.

Thanks for praying over me (Rebekah) as I’ve transitioned into the Regional Director role for the Islands Region of SIL in PNG. There are five provinces (Manus, Bougainville, East New Britain, West New Britain, and New Ireland) and 32 expatriate individuals (from 7 countries) I am serving. My inadequacies are always surpassed by God’s provision and mercy. Some days give much to celebrate, and others bring a great deal of heaviness, making it difficult to sleep. Please pray for wisdom and clarity for me as I support these Translation and Scripture Use teams. Only God can do this, as I am still pioneering on this journey called parenting with Aaron, who has been more supportive and encouraging to me than I knew was possible.

We’ve celebrated Boaz’s, Silas’, and four new kittens’ birthdays already in 2024!