HoveyServinGod

It Starts with Me

2025-07-16T19:26:00.001-05:00

The school year at Numonohi Christian Academy (NCA) will begin on August 5th of this year. It’s coming quick! I was in my classroom today and starting to get the layout done and ready for when my students will arrive. I was struck by the idea that the work of getting things ready for school? “IT starts with me.” Before the kiddos arrive and before learning commences, as a teacher, I need to prepare and plan. While that isn’t my favorite part about being in the classroom, it IS essential to a successful school year!

When I first titled this blogpost, I had every intention of sharing that “It STARTS with me.” I was going to share that the Hovey crew is riding in a different vehicle this school year, but it literally STARTS with me—I turn the key in the ignition! If it wasn’t for that critical step in the process of beginning the vehicle’s engine, there would be no transportation for us to get to school! I thought my word play would be appreciated by most of our audience. :0)

“It starts WITH me,” also reminds me of the truth that I get to be a team player. While most of the NCA staff and teachers aren’t on the ground quite yet, I get to make the choice NOW to engage WITH each of them by putting my piece of the puzzle on the table. In a team setting, it takes all of us working together to accomplish the bigger work of imparting a love of knowledge into the minds and hearts of the MKs on the field here in Papua New Guinea. Even more than imparting knowledge, is the passing on truth from the Lord of Lords who has called us here to serve HIM!

Finally, “It starts with ME.” I have a choice to make each morning…who am I going to set my mind and heart on today? Is it me, my preferences, and my desires OR is the work in PNG further reaching than Phyllis Hovey? I would emphatically support the idea that I (aka ME) am not the One who calls the shots here in PNG. On the contrary, I am here on a mission of obedience to My Jesus, My Savior, My Lord and My God! So? While “It starts with ME” and my decision to live out obedience today, there is a much bigger picture coming together than just ME, myself and I….all eyes are to be set on JESUS! HE is the One we are here for!

What about YOU, dear Reader? What starts with YOU? I don’t say this flippantly as I know this is not an easy road and not one that is the first response of our hearts…. My prayer today is that perhaps you are challenged in your own set of circumstances to consider in what capacity the Lord might be asking YOU to start something! Follow Him! Do it at once! I can guarantee that you will NOT regret it!!!

We are all writing a book...what will yours say?

Worshipping in the Storm

2025-07-08T20:49:00.000-05:00

Lord, You are more precious than silver.
Lord, You are more costly than gold.
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds,
And nothing I desire compares with You.
--Lynn Deshazo

I remember this simple chorus from kid’s club when I was growing up. It’s copyright date goes back to 1979, according to the song book I have on hand. In church on Sunday, I gave a brief testimony of what the Lord has been teaching me before sharing this short chorus with our congregation. To be here, back in PNG, has been a blessing beyond words. HOWEVER, it is not PNG that is a sacred place. The divine appointment by God to be here at this time is what makes PNG the best place for us today.

That could change tomorrow.....It did change last year in December…for a time.

Worshipping in the heavy rain...

For those of you that are wondering where we’ve been for the last six to seven months, we were dislocated. I, Phyllis, had some serious health concerns that required almost immediate attention. Unfortunately, those issues could not be addressed in PNG. I got extremely sick on a Sunday on the way home from church. I went immediately to the bathroom upon returning home that day and found myself hardly able to get up off the floor after about an hour’s time due to extreme pain in my abdomen.

To God be the Glory, one of our teammates, gifted in medicine, was available and equipped to help me get my pain under control enough and confirm I needed to go see a doctor to trouble shoot my needs. By God’s grace, we were able to see another mission’s doctor the following day. He confirmed that we needed further medical testing and attention and so? We put together a game plan, consulted others, and concluded that the best course of action would be to leave PNG for two weeks and head to Sydney, Australia to get things figured out. Little did we know then that our “two weeks” would turn into fifty days in the Land Down Under!

I ended up needing surgery to remove a softball size tumor on my liver, part of the liver too, and my gall bladder as well. It turned out to be no slight thing! However, I’m near tears as I write, “Our God was so kind.” Kind because things turned out ok? Well, that’s the surface level of it, but God’s kindness extends BEYOND circumstances. It was God’s kindness that asked us to walk the road in the first place. “How can that be?” you might be wondering. It was utterly kind. It was kind beyond words because we got to partake in the smallest amount of the cup of Christ…

When Jesus goes to the cross, there is a willingness to go through the present pain in the face of the greater joy on the other side of it. By the way, the greater joy that Jesus looked towards was the hope of an eternity with YOU (Heb. 12:2). Many mothers can likely relate to that! While the pain of childbirth is excruciating, greater joy rips through when your baby is in your arms and the contractions are over. You are never the same.

This life we’ve been given is so incredibly precious. I give God the Glory for another day to live, but I can’t help but ponder more now…..what is the most precious thing? Is it tucking my kiddos in at bedtime? Is it a Sunday afternoon chatting with my husband? Is it a sweet friend and the gift of time? No. No, it isn’t. While those experiences are all priceless, the gift of knowing and serving Jesus beats them out. Dare I take it one step further? To know Jesus in His suffering…now THAT is immeasurably priceless. In fact? It’s invaluable!!! It continues to hone and refine me, and I am so incredibly humbled.

In closing, I ran across a quote that stopped me in my tracks recently. Ponder it.

This side of eternity may be the only time we get to worship Jesus through our tears and pain, and honestly, that makes it kind of beautiful. --unknown

Back on the Ground in PNG

2025-07-02T03:58:00.000-05:00

Brian and Phyllis under the magnificent rainbow of God's faithfulness! Only He could bring us to where we are today!

Gunner and Moriah's "Welcome Home" sign on our front door.

A view from the sky coming back into PNG...

Gunner and Moriah posing by Brian's truck with some new clothes...all ready to go to church!

Because of the prayers and support of our team (aka YOU), we are pleased to announce that we have arrived back in Papua New Guinea! We started our journey back around the world with a short break in Cairns, Australia to allow time for our heads, minds, and bodies to get used to the time zone change before arriving back in Goroka. We are pleased to be OUT of travel mode and back on the ground!

Moriah and Gunner both did well traveling. We are so grateful for your prayers for that to occur! Our God showed up in Mighty ways! We had 16 pieces of luggage overall…we didn’t travel light! Two checked bags per person, a personal item for each person, and a carry-on suitcase for each of us too! We were met by kind airport attendants that helped us navigate the baggage and get to our next flights! Answered prayers, indeed!!!

Upon our return, we discovered some unwanted six-legged visitors (cockroaches) had made a valiant attempt to conquer our home. Thanks to the help of many, we have made progress…..but we are still trying to eradicate them, along with their furry rat friends…goodbyes are not always painful when the guests are unwanted! Gunner has taken it upon himself to “go to arms” with his nerf gun against these squatting house guests. I think he has discovered they are quicker than he thinks! When needed, he resorts to his shoe, but it’s made for a bit of a fun game for him to test his aim and help around the house!

We have been focused on unpacking, cleaning, organizing, regrouping and doing a thorough comb over of toys, clothes, etc. that have been outgrown by our kiddos! While there have been moments of tears over things that have been given up, it is a good exercise for ALL of us….relinquishment. On our first night at home, one of our kiddos was crying alligator tears over a reading light that had been misplaced during travel. As the tears flowed in a heavy stream, I shared with our kiddo that “Sometimes we misplace things or are asked to relinquish things because God has something better for us.” I was met with a gaze of disbelief. I prayed and asked God for a breakthrough, and then? I had an idea! I scurried to my office and grabbed my adjustable arm light! It not only filled the order, but it blew this kiddos’ previous reading light out of the water! There was still sniffling as this kiddo drifted off to sleep, but isn’t that like Our Good God? When WE relinquish that which we cherish, OUR hands are free to receive the next thing God wants to give us. Sounds like a truth I needed to hear today too! There has been releasing of ‘stuff’ for all of us!

School starts back up for Gunner, Moriah and me in the beginning of August at Numonohi Christian Academy. We have been out there a couple times to start preparing for the 2025-2026 school year. Brian had a few rough sick days upon our return, but he has, thankfully, recovered. He has already been busy assessing needed maintenance on our vehicles, and he has ordered parts as well as been to town to look for parts since our homecoming! We are SO grateful to journey the road Jesus has marked for us together! We appreciate your prayers as the next days and weeks as our workloads will continue to ramp up.

Blessings to a Team of Blessings,

Brian, Phyllis, Gunner and Moriah

Blessings and Work

2024-04-05T04:27:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful gift of having some visitors from home for a couple weeks! It was jam packed with all kinds of activities and adventures. We were able to start the time off with a milestone event at Goroka Baptist Bible College. We had a 50-year anniversary to celebrate the faithfulness of God in this small part of the world. We were then able to go right into the 41st graduation and celebrate with those who are being launched into the ministries God has called them to.

Nolan, Bre, Doug, & Pastor Gene

They were able to see some of our landscape.....

They were able to experience some culture....

They had "epic adventures" with games, movie, pizza, beef jerky, popcorn with chocolate
and fun that our children will not forget!!

One of the big goals of the team was to start work on our new clinic project. While the building materials are still in process and things are not ready yet for the main structure, they were able to start another part, the septic system.

While it "should" be dry season here, God had different plans and it rained almost everyday the team was here.

While rain is not a bad thing, it does make things very difficult when we are trying to dig a big, deep hole in very saturated ground. A structure had to be built around the outside to keep the sides form caving in constantly.

By God's grace we were able to keep the water pumped out long enough to pour cement and begin construction of the tank!

Once the block was all done the inside and outside were coated.

A cement lid was then poured on top to complete the tank.

This project is one example of how the many members of the body of Christ can work together and accomplish much even in the midst of challenges (rain, mud, language barriers, cultural barriers, and different understandings).

The area where the septic drain field was too wet to install the drain field, so the team not wanting to waste any time helped us start digging the foundations for a new Powerhouse Building.

This building will house a large diesel fuel tank, a diesel power generator, and a 20' container that is filled with batteries and solar controllers.

While there was much physical work done here over the last month, it pales in comparison to the eternal work that God is doing in the hearts and minds of people all around us…including ourselves. How has God been working in your life? Are you in a construction season of life.... building for eternity or do you need to do some demolition to make space? The grass is always greener on the other side.... or things always look more appealing in someone else life .... the grass is always greenest over a septic tank ;)

The God We Serve

2023-11-14T02:41:00.000-06:00

There are some times when God’s grace feels like deliverance. There are other times when God’s grace is simply sustenance. Still other times, God’s grace is mysterious and cannot be identified. Still, it can be trusted. This week alone, we have seen God’s grace show up in these ways, and doubtless, there are myriads of other ways that God’s grace comes to us in our lives.

Deliverance. God delivered us from needing to evacuate. Gunner came home and got sick last week on Thursday. He had vomited a time or two that evening and complained of belly pain, but I didn’t think too much of it. Friday came and he seemed to be doing alright so we thought it may have been something he ate. The evening came and the puking started again through the night. Saturday morning he watched cartoons like normal and laid low until he started throwing up again in the afternoon. By Sunday, he still wasn’t eating much and drinking little as he would throw it up right away and things began to become more critical. God has given us an invaluable resource on our team in medical personnel, Lori and her partner, Rabby. We consulted her, and we were advised he was very dehydrated and was at very high risk of other issues that could not be dealt with here given our lack of medical resources in PNG. What did that mean….pray hard and do what we can. Our teammate was able to place an IV. Gunner did a super job. I can say that now because it’s over. We’ve been delivered. After a good 24 hours on an IV drip he seems to be getting some energy back and thankfully keeping fluid and a little food down. However, it’s never easy to choose to allow your children to hurt. A little pain now, though, saved our boy from a LOT of pain later, and we are grateful.

Sustenance. God has sustained us these past few days by providing prayer support, medical supplies, and supplying strength for each day and each challenge that has come our way. I, Phyllis, was able to go to school with Moriah on Monday and get through the morning of teaching and sub plan prep before getting to stay home today. God not only sustained us but supplied a substitute teacher for me when there is a shortage of staff at the school. Brian has been able to stay with Gunner all the times I have not been able to so it has been a team process. Sickness is a very common thing in the place we live and so often, tragically it leads to death. I think we all have this invincible thinking that “that would never happen to me” mentality. The reality is life is only a breath or puff of smoke in the big picture of eternity. God gives us only one day at a time and there is no knowing when it will be our last. That is why it is important to look back and see how God has continued to sustain our weak and fragile lives…it gives us hope to keep pushing forward.

Mysterious. God has worked in countless ways behind the scenes to protect us and preserve us and given us strength to persevere. From this vantage point, I can see that clearly. However, I can’t say that the mysteries of God are always comfortable. Sometimes they are unseen. These past couple days haven’t been marvelous. They have stretched me, my faith and my capacities in new ways. No doubt, they have stretched my family too. How God can use trying times to produce growth in our lives and hearts is beyond my comprehension. While there are times that God feels close in a hug-sort-of way, there are other times that God feels close like a tourniquet. It feels like He is going to squeeze the life out of me. However, it’s that very squeezing that enables the IV to be perfectly placed, and He supplies what I need through it and in a way I can receive it.

I have wrestled in the writing of this post for many reasons. Most of them are from fearing men’s responses or fighting the doubts that will be sparked. However? Upon reflection, I would be missing the opportunity to testify of God’s faithfulness and that He can be trusted. Even in the dark, even when He calls us into deeper waters than we’ve encountered before, His grasp is steady. His goodness unmoving. And, His love? Relentless. THAT’s the God we serve!

Reflections on Blindness

2023-10-16T02:52:00.000-05:00

I want to have a candid conversation for just a minute.

As I’m getting older, I am faced with the hard reality that my time is growing short. Of course, I have no idea if I shall live to be 45, 72 or perhaps into my 80’s…my days are numbered and ordered by My Savior. I don’t KNOW how much time I have. And, in the face of that? I want to use my time wisely!

So? Let’s cut to the point….

On my morning commute to school with kiddos a couple of weeks ago, one of my passengers commented that there was a broken playground slide ahead in an area beside the highway.

“A broken children's playground slide?” I questioned, “What’s broken on it?”

As we sped by it, I was tempted to stop. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was a straight sloped slide with the bottom half of the slide missing…yes…MISSING!!! I was speechless. I haven’t even shared the worst of it. Slides are a hard thing to come by in PNG. Local parks and/or trails are practically nonexistent here. At schools there can be some playground equipment, but it typically looks shabby and not well maintained. I wasn’t surprised to see then that the slide was a part of the equipment at a school…..however? It was at the BLIND school.

Let that sink in.

One second…

Two seconds…

Three seconds…

Ack. In my hasty, reactive personality, I thought to myself, “That principal should be fired! WHY is that piece of equipment still sitting there? WHY is it even accessible to those children who are unaware of their certain danger?”

While MOST of us have vision to SEE that the slide is broken and can choose to avoid it, that is not necessarily the case for someone who is blind. And then?

As quick as a spear, I was shot to the heart with a metaphor. Life is LIKE THAT. We are headed forward towards eternity, and we THINK it will be a happy ending, when in reality? That will NOT be everyone’s story! We MUST have put our faith, hope and trust in JESUS!!!

Friends? What have YOU done with Jesus?

At the bottom of the slide, HIS arms are waiting, IF you’ve accepted Him into your life and heart as Savior and have asked for forgiveness for your sins.

And if you haven’t? There is no time like TODAY!!!

A common Children’s Nursery Rhyme says:

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall,

And all the king’s horses and all the king’s men,

Couldn’t put Humpty together again.

Humpty Dumpty THOUGHT that it would be fun to sit on the wall. He THOUGHT it would hold no eternal consequences or ramifications….BUT at the end of the day? Humpty Dumpty’s decision and its consequences were irreversible.

YOU have been given today. YOU have got a chance to change your course if it needs to be. And? If it doesn’t? I will look forward to SEEING you on the other side…maybe in days, maybe in years, but for eternity!

In the Face of Adversity

2023-10-02T16:44:00.000-05:00

There is great debate around the globe as to if children are inherently good or inherently bad. Contrary to popular suspicions, I would side with the latter. The Bible says clearly in Romans 3:23 that “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” There is no room there for a maybe. We ALL fall short and that means our kiddos do too.

Though, children can learn through adversity and struggle…it does NOT need to be crippling….the question I am wrestling through at the moment is how am I responding to adversity and thus modeling it for my children? I’ve faced some unique challenges as of late, and I must confess, I haven’t always dealt with them appropriately or how I wish I would’ve when I have looked back at them. God has granted grace and mercy along the road, but writing in general about the principles I’m learning helps me to feel like I’m doing something about it, and solidifying the lessons so as not to need to repeat them again.

In 2 Samuel 4, there is a fascinating account of a nursery worker who tainted the child she was tending to for the rest of his life…by the way she responded to adversity. The account is captured in ESV Bible in verse 4….

Jonathan, the son of Saul, had a son who was crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled, and as she fled in her haste, he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.

The Bible does NOT say if the nurse was fired. It doesn’t even say she was wrong for fleeing in fear….HOWEVER, it is undeniable that the effects of fear were crippling—both literally AND figuratively! I am challenged to my core by that, and I would encourage you, dear Reader, to take a minute to consider that too. What, in your life, is crippling you? And, is it in your control to respond differently? Is there confession and humility that is needed? Is there a change in behavior or attitude that needs to take place?

I ask those questions because they are convictions I’m wrestling through too! Be encouraged! Find strength in the fact that there are fellow travelers on the journey! And? Know that the Savior is ABLE to reach each of us right where we’re at and direct our course to the needed route!

Need a Laugh?

2023-09-23T23:55:00.001-05:00

While teaching kindergarten can get a bad rap for being a job with 'needy' littles, I find it enjoyable! Kids truly say and do funny things quite a lot. Here are a couple examples from this year thus far….

🦩

We were decorating our memory verse for the week, and I was encouraging the class to draw a picture of something that they like in creation because our verse was Genesis 1:31. It says, "God saw all that He had made and it was very good." One of my little gals raised her hand and asked me how I would draw a flamingo.

"Well?" I began, "I think I’d probably use pink, and it would be on one leg." She quickly grabbed her pink crayon and stood up behind her desk. I nearly busted out laughing when I saw her raise one leg to produce her artwork of a flamingo! I guess my communication hadn’t been quite clear….

🍌🧁

Another time, while I was teaching PE class, I was taking attendance and noticed that there were two boys who had the same first name and the same last initial. As I was debating about how to differentiate between the two, I asked them both, "Well, do either of you have a nickname?"

One of the boys timidly raised his hand and conveyed, "Mrs. Hovey, there are a few people who sometimes call me 'banana muffin.'"

If I could capture his tone of voice and demeanor, I’m sure you would at least smile. It was priceless. As you can imagine, I decided upon a different nickname.

💻

Ok. One more. I was teaching technology to first graders, and it was our first week of classes. I had us go on a 'scavenger hunt' to find different parts of the computer as a starter.

"Where is the mouse?" I asked, and everyone would have to point to it at their computer station.

"Where is the keyboard?" I continued. After going through many different components of the computer, I finally asked, "Where is your monitor?"

With complete sincerity, a little one lifted his hand and asked me, "Ummmm….Mrs. Hovey? You are standing at the front of the classroom."

😁

I hope the stories I shared today made you smile. Life with kiddos is never dull. We ALL need tor remember to laugh sometimes…myself included! It not only lightens the day and the mood, but it is sweet medicine for the soul as the Lord prescribed in Proverbs 17:22. "A cheerful heart is good medicine….."

SO Grateful

2023-09-17T04:26:00.000-05:00

Brian and I have been involved in missions now together for over a decade. We landed in Santiago, Chile, South America in July of 2013. I was to teach Kindergarten that year at the ABWE Christian School, Santiago Christian Academy. Brian was to do maintenance and handyman stuff on campus.

Chile came up in conversation this week. I asked Brian if he remembered when it was that we started our weekly “marriage time” with affirmations. While we differed slightly in time frame in our memories, we agreed together that it was a stake in the ground in our marriage that we have come back to time and time again. Words of appreciation matter. Spoken words of gratitude acknowledge being seen and known. Words of thankfulness are a Biblical command. “In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thes. 5:18).

I used to read that verse with an arrogant and haughty response. “What?” I would counter the Lord, “How can I give thanks if I don’t FEEL it? Isn’t that like lying?” In a short book by Ruth and Warren Myers entitled 31 Days of Praise, there is a quote that speaks directly to that notion. It says, “Giving thanks when you don’t feel like it is not hypocrisy, it’s obedience (emphasis added).”

This week there were a few situations that came up in which I didn’t necessarily FEEL grateful. However, as I think back on them today, I realize that I had SO much to be grateful for!

We were hit by a rock this week in our back passenger side window on the way to school. The glass shattered. Thankfully, the stone did not come through the window entirely. We found out after the fact that there are two panes of glass….an outside one and an inner one. The inner pane of glass was still entirely intact! To God be the glory! It also must be noted that NO ONE WAS HURT! Again, to God be the glory! The rock did not cause any subsequent damage. To God be the glory!!! One final note of praise is that although Brian was out of town, we have radios in our vehicles that enabled me to call out to our team for help immediately! Again, to God be the glory!!!

I tried two new games this week in one of my PE classes I teach. Both ended up being miserable flops. I was quite discouraged and disgruntled about the whole thing. I gave my dear hubby and a friend an earful of grumbles and ingratitude about it all. While there were no “warm-fuzzies” that were shared that afternoon, I was left that evening with the stark realization that I had disobeyed. The Word of God says, “In EVERYTHING give thanks…” Regardless of how I was feeling due to personal failure, there was still much to be thankful for. No one was seriously hurt. I learned two new games NOT to use in class. And, ultimately? The goal is to strive towards physical fitness…NOT to just have fun and play games. When I keep that in focus, it wasn’t such a failure. Instead, it was a needed redirection from the Hand of God!

As I sit today again (a week later) and reflect on gratitude, I am so grateful for the team of prayer and financial reservoirs that God has richly surrounded us with. Pooled together you all are providing the life giving resources we need to continue to serve Our Great God here in PNG! We are thankful for the time and funds invested by so many! Whether you FEEL the impact or not, you are making an eternal difference! And, maybe? Maybe there’s something in your life and heart that deserves gratitude even IF you don’t feel it too!

Not bad. Not better. Different.

2023-06-05T14:58:00.000-05:00

By God’s grace and mercy, we have been in Minnesota since Thursday morning! Yesterday, we had the privilege of fellowshipping with our sending church family. We also got to rub shoulders with family as our niece, Makenna, had her graduation open house. I have SO many thoughts and they are SUCH a garbled mess! Transitional stress has hit me this trip in an intense way that I don’t recall experiencing quite like this before.

What do I mean? In Papua New Guinea our church doesn’t have power or a means to amplify volume during singing time. We sing with just our voices from a song book of Pidgin hymns. When worship started at church yesterday, one of my children leaned over and asked, “Why is there so much NOISE? Why aren’t they just singing?” Our church here in the USA has a band and a song leader and a worship team. With all the instruments and amplification, my kiddo was on auditory overload. It wasn’t bad. It wasn’t better. It was different.

At the dinner table, Brian had the wisdom to ask our kiddos what do they notice about life here in the USA so far? One of our kiddos commented on how clean things here seem. In PNG, littering is a way of life. There were observations about people’s smiles being white. In PNG, many of the unsaved nationals are addicted to a street drug called beetle nut that turns their mouths, gums and teeth a reddish color. Another comment was made about how fast we travel on the roads. In PNG, driving conditions are beyond challenging. Roads are not well maintained and what would be considered a ‘mild’ pot hole in PNG would be deemed undrivable here in the USA due to its size, depth and potential damage to your vehicle. We could go on with numerous examples so far that the kids have noticed, stop lights, endless water supply, fire hydrants, escalators, no fences or gates, no security people at doors, longer sunlight hours, the steering wheel is on the other side of the car, etc…

While none of those things are inherently bad or better, they are different. Gunner found a monarch butterfly here and he marveled at this “new” species of butterfly that he doesn’t recall seeing before. We chose not to disclose the information that in Minnesota they are commonplace. We went out to eat at Perkins before church yesterday. There were SO many different things! Automatic flushing toilets, a multi-paged menu, crayons and an activity page that were given, unending syrup, cups with juice in them that could go home with us in the car, tips left on the table, waiting to be seated…..SO. MANY. THINGS. NOT bad. NOT better. DIFFERENT.

It's a struggle to navigate some of those things for ME, but it is entirely more difficult to try to communicate through the differences with our children. Will you please pray for us? We need God’s grace and wisdom to help steer our children through the differences. Disparity is real, folks. It is not bad. It is not better. BUT, it is SO different to try and capture the whys, the hows, the reasons behind the differences and help our kiddos understand the cultural gaps.

One final example of different….our kiddos asked us what language Sunday School would be taught in. I assured them they would be able to understand because it would be in English. They were flabbergasted. How could that be, AND how would all the kids be able to understand if there was no one speaking Pidgin were real questions in my children’s minds.

I’m so grateful that our good God has the WHOLE WORLD in HIS hands. While it is a challenging gap to understand and process for me in my finite mind, it is a designed reality by Our Creator that doesn’t shake Him. It doesn’t change who He is whether we are worshipping in the States or in PNG. God, help us. Help us learn and look around and see your presence alive and well in this culture as much as we do in PNG because You ARE here! You do NOT change! Your truths are timeless and relevant NO MATTER our circumstances! Help us find YOU in this new ‘normal’!

Insights on the Journey

2023-05-29T04:27:00.000-05:00

There are some things that are eye opening as a person travels internationally. I have been challenged to keep my eyes open and my heart ready to learn as I travel. This trip has afforded that opportunity.

Yesterday, our flight was delayed departing by around 4 hours. While I was tempted to grumble, I chose to pray silently and interact with some other people that were going to be on our flight. We were at the airport from 8 am until around 2pm before departing. As we got to our hotel room and were winding down for the night, my mind drifted to another young family whose travels were recorded in God’s Word…Joseph, Mary, and an inside the womb, Jesus.

When they reached their hometown (they were mandated to go there for the census counting), they discovered there was no room. There wasn’t room with family. There wasn’t room with friends. There wasn’t room at the local inn. There WAS room in a stable out back behind the hotel.

Sometimes the Bible comes alive by the precise words that are recorded. And sometimes, for me, it comes to life because of what is NOT recorded because it leaves room for us to imagine some of the details. I wondered how Joseph responded to those who turned him and his expecting wife away. Did he have a harsh word for them? Did he plead for mercy and favor and beg to be allowed to stay? Did he quietly accept the circumstances and choose to embrace them as they were?

In my mind, I haven’t ever imagined Joseph’s reaction other than grateful for a place to sleep. However, as we travel……I imagine his reaction as a tired traveler, his wife expecting their firstborn….possibly a bit emotional, and the fact that he was returning to his “hometown,” I find it hard to comprehend that he was mild and non-confrontational.

In our USA culture, the way to fight for your family is to get up in someone else’s face and MAKE something happen. However, in PNG, I have seen a different response that is much quieter and more resolved to accept the things as what they are. Now, that is a generalization, and I know that not everyone responds that way, but it is true of some. Isn’t that interesting? Isn’t that different? Isn’t it fascinating to consider that the Bible doesn’t record Joseph’s reaction but rather the facts of what God provided for this young family?

So? I wonder, dear reader, what is going on in your life and heart that is difficult to accept and embrace as from the hand of God? During my morning devotions, I read from Ps. 119: 65-72. Verse 71 stood out to me as particularly interesting. It says, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your [God’s] statutes.” In the margin beside this verse, I have written the lyrics from a song called “In the Valley” by Sovereign Grace Music. It says,

Let me learn/that the cross precedes the crown/to be low is to be high/that the valley’s where you make me more like Christ….

So? I close with a challenge to my own heart….what am I finding difficult to accept and embrace in MY life? If it is from the hand of God and specifically chosen for me, can’t I accept it gladly? Can’t I accept it graciously? Oh Lord, help me to see the value in my circumstances and may YOUR Name be made much of through my chosen responses!!!

The sound of music

2023-01-15T18:30:00.000-06:00

Last week, I found a gem in the mission barrel that I could not resist. The mission barrel is a place where missionaries can peruse freely through other missionary's discarded items and take them home for free. Our kiddos LOVE going to the mission barrel and rummaging through it…..I do too!

Anyways, I found the DVD of The Sound of Music. Gunner and Moriah were captivated! They absolutely loved it! I remember getting the soundtrack on cd of the film in high school for a gift from my mom. It was definitely put on replay more than once!

As Gunner and Moriah were watching, I shared with them that my favorite song in the film is "I Have Confidence." Without a moment's hesitation, Moriah questioned, "Mom? How can it be your favorite if I’ve never heard you sing it?" Hahahaha. She got me on that point!

While she meant nothing by it, I’m sure, her question really got me thinking…..it’s true that she’s never heard me sing that song. In fact, there are many of "my favorite things" that my children know nothing about. (As a side note, they both asked me what blue satin sashes were….😂.). When my story here on earth is over, I want my kiddos to know me and my story well!

What concerned me about Moriah’s comment is it made me wonder if they know how much I treasure Jesus….? While they see me and hear me teaching in Sunday School, I spend my quiet time with my Bible and journal before they get up to face the day….it was a challenge to think about that! While, Lord willing, my kiddos will have my journals and my Bible to look through and read when my time here is over, I want those items to affirm what and who they saw me to be here on earth….I don’t want them to wonder why I never told them or shared my deeper heart ponderings. Do your children know about the things you treasure? Do your dearest friends know what you value most?

There was also another “sound of music” rumbling around us this last week as we had a youth camp here at GBBC. It was a full 5 days pack with fun, eating, preaching and A Little sleep. With 620 registered youth and at least 700+ filling every space of our campus…..very literally as every classroom and open floor was covered with someone sleeping even our workshop…..things were a bit tight, but God was made much of!! There was truly a sound of music that covered the heavenly realms as we had 160 youth accept Jesus Christ as their savior over the course of the week that we know of. There was another 50+ that made crucial decisions in their journey with Christ!

The nightly meetings everyone was together and during the day there was alternating groups between sessions and games.

The food line just starting.....3 meals a day for 5 days was a God size task.

God provided an amazing group of servants from local churches to help with food prep, security, and counseling throughout the week.

The Heart of Heaven

2022-12-05T22:15:00.000-06:00

The Heart of Heaven

"For I [the Lord] have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live."

Ezekiel 18:32

In our day and age, I feel like there is some confusion around this Biblical principle. God does NOT get pleasure in executing consequences for sin. He invites us ALL to turn and LIVE. He has made the way for EACH of us to spend eternity with Him in heaven (John 3:16). Does He ask us to live within boundaries? Sure. Is that a restricted way to live? No more restricted than that of the athlete and the self discipline it takes to win a race. The athlete sticks to the goal! The athlete aims at the prize, and often sacrifices money, time and sweat in an effort to obtain it.

God is not in the race to gain the material things...He desires something much more valuable....souls! This past weekend, Moriah Hovey gave her heart to Jesus. God sought her. He bought her at the price of His Own Son, and now? She will be rejoicing in HIM and HIS supply to fulfill HER need! What a Glorious Day!

Even as I sit here now and try to record this life altering decision, I am so humbled. God used me. God used her Dad and her brother, Gunner. God used our National Pastor and that's just the record of those here on the ground in Papua New Guinea! YOUR countless prayers and petitions, Dear Reader, lifted to heaven have made an ETERNAL difference! To GOD be the glory!!!

I have a confession...the heart of THIS missionary was bumbling, broken, and grumbling on the cusp of this life altering event. While my heart is so full on THIS side of the decision, I must confess, in brokenness, that I was struggling with a servant's attitude on the day of Moriah's decision. God was so gracious to allow me to pray with my daughter and counsel her, but it wasn't a shining missionary moment. It reminded me of the verse that says "...for by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one can boast" (Eph. 2:8-9). In the same way that it is the LORD who saves, it is the LORD who chooses who, how, when, why and where He will work! I have done nothing, and I AM nothing in and of my own strength.

We were at our church's Awana program closing event, and I had expected it would last 2 hours tops. After the first hour, I was a bit weary and felt misplaced as our National partners were stretching their wings and, in many ways, flying solo. I wasn't needed, but I was available. We played games, sang songs, heard a story, quizzed the children, played MORE games, heard a message, had some food and were dismissed. Now, it doesn't sound like a full program, but it was over four hours! I was surprised it was so long and I felt so useless that I was struggling to stay positive.

I sat with Moriah during the message, and I held her in my lap for a good part of it. When the Pastor gave the invitation to the group to receive Christ, Moriah raised her hand. Now, I didn't SEE Moriah raise her hand because I was praying for her and the other children gathered together. Pastor Peter approached me after the service and asked me to follow up with Moriah as she had raised her hand. I took her to a grassy spot, and we sat down to chat. When I saw her eyes welling with tears, I decided to go to a more private place--our truck.

I asked Moriah, "Why are you crying, honey?"

"Mom," she replied without hesitation, "Mom, I'm not crying."

Surprised, I asked, "Well, why are there tears coming down your cheeks?"

"Oh, Mom, that is just water because my eyes are spilling over....those are not tears."

I couldn't help but smile...inside and out. "Oh Moriah," I continued, "Tears are a special thing that mean you are feeling deeply. What are you feeling?"

"Well, Mom, Pastor Peter asked if anyone wanted to give their hearts to Jesus, and then he asked us to raise our hands if we wanted to. So? I raised my hand."

"So you are ready to obey Jesus and you understand that He died in your place as the covering for your sins?"

She could only nod.

"Do you want to pray, Rie?" I inquired softly

"No, Mom. I think you better this time."

So? I prayed for her in her newfound faith and with her as Jesus penned her name in the Lamb's Book of Life!!! WHAT a privilege! WHAT a delight! WHAT joy!!!

As she was recounting her decision to someone, she shared that I didn't see her hand raised.

"Of course I didn't see it, Rie. We were praying."

"Well, Mom, you kind of missed it."

I had to chuckle. Here I thought I was modeling a good way to pray--eyes closed, hands folded, heads bowed, etc.--and instead, my daughter claimed I missed it!

We went out to eat on Sunday after church to celebrate Moriah's life changing decision. It was a blessing to sit around the table and share together how God works, is working, and will work still to draw people unto Himself.

So? What do you say, Dear Reader? We are here if you have questions, comments or thoughts!!!

To God be the Glory!!!

Even in the Seemingly Small

2022-11-29T01:56:00.000-06:00

Since 2019, we have started a collection of the butterflies and moths of Papua New Guinea. We try to put a date on it and the name of who contributed it to the collection. We dry out the specimens and press them inside a book and finally, we laminate them. We have learned a few things about what works and what doesn’t…..generally, moths are too big to go through the laminator. Their bodies don’t flatten enough to make it through. We’ve had a couple mishaps…

Anyways, this past week, I was walking along the balcony at school and saw a large, bluish creature fluttering near the ground. It was after Kindergarten was over and lunch was nearly finished. So, I yelled to Moriah to bring me her lunch container. She burst out of the Kindy classroom door, and we celebrated with excitement after capturing our addition to the growing collection. We were so excited, in fact, that when Gunner walked past to put away his lunch box, we stopped him to show him.

As I proudly displayed my "find" he started crying…he then poured out his woe that it belonged to a classmate of his and he had already begged her to give it to him to no avail. She had put it on top of her backpack and planned to take it home later. Gunner was devastated as he shared, but I encouraged him that while it was a hard thing to give it back to her, it was the right thing. I put it in a plastic Ziplock bag and told the Second Grade teacher that I would hold it for her student until after school.

The little girl who found it first came and got it after school. I was also disappointed. I had secretly hoped that she might’ve changed her mind. Alas, no luck. Gunner saw his classmate in passing, taking her prized possession home. He came into my classroom, again in tears, crying….”But Mom, why did you have to tell her you found it? It’s just not fair! She doesn’t even have a collection!” I held him in an embrace and shared that we had to do the right thing—even though it was hard—because even in the small things, God is giving us a chance to obey Him.

I need to preach that to my own soul today. Even in the seemingly small things, God is giving ME a chance to obey Him.

Gunner reluctantly said, “Ok,” and he went and got a book to read. I lamented to the Lord, “God? I don’t understand why You said, ‘no’ this time, but please help me to trust You.”

Moriah and I walked to the office to pick up some copies when I spied it…..I literally gasped! “What’s wrong, Mom?” Moriah inquired. “Look!” I whispered fervently. There was the very same kind of moth we had just given up in the landscaped garden beside where we were walking! I quickly told Moriah to stay there and watch it. I ran to the classroom and got Gunner and a Ziplock bag. He triumphantly caught it and reveled in its beauty. We didn’t even have this kind yet! We were all in shock! Joyous shock…if I do say so!

It didn't look impressive in photos, so I picked some of our other favorites to show you...however, it impressed upon our hearts the sweet reality of redemption. It had been a hard thing to give up the first one, but then God gave us another! ONLY He could have accomplished such a feat! And? How merciful and kind of Him to care about the seemingly small things in His Kiddos’ life!

Dear Reader, I wonder where God’s working in your own life and heart and prompting you to follow Him—EVEN WHEN IT’S HARD. Be prepared. He just might come and surprise you! Look off of the situation and up to Him…..you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!!!

A Missionary's Dream

2022-11-19T03:29:00.001-06:00

Makia Baptism

I recently went to another missionary’s home and was chatting with the Mom in the family. She, too, is a Mom of “littles.” Although, her “littles” are smaller than mine. As I sat and we conversed about a variety of things, a sign on her wall caught my eye. Very simply it said, “The dream is real…(emphasis added)” I had to ponder it for a minute, and I felt like I was missing a piece of the story. So? I asked the question….”Hey, does that sign on your wall have a story? It’s really intriguing.”

“Why, yes, it does have a story…when my husband, daughter and I arrived on the field, there were some veteran missionaries that were leaving the field. She came over and gave it to me as a gift one evening and shared that when the going gets rough that it had served her and her family as an important reminder. THIS hardship. THESE trials. THIS sickness. THESE differences of opinion. THEY are all part of the package of ‘the dream’ we pursued…the dream we prayed for to become real. Jesus did not promise an easy road. He promised to give the grace needed to continue the journey (2 Cor. 12:9).”

I was struck with awe. It’s SO true….remembering is SUCH a gift. The blessed hope of hindsight is that we can see God’s hand at work differently than in the hardship of the moment. Preparing for missions had different struggles and victories than those we face now. However, we needed the honing, shaping and refining that the trials afforded. We needed them to make us more like Jesus and prepare us for the next step.

Jesus dreamed of saving me, and he dreamed of spending eternity with me. That sounds so flat on paper. I wish you could hear my gentle and yet confident tone in the reality of that statement. It’s not a joke! It's the real deal!!!

Moriah walking with a friend--hand in hand--to make it up the hill from the baptism service.

However, if you can’t hear it as a promise for me, let Jesus sing it to your soul as you hear His proclamation that His death confirmed, “My child, I love you. I want to spend eternity with you (John 3:16)!!!” YOU, Dear Reader, are the one! Jesus longs for YOU!!!

This past week, Brian has been very ill. He’s had to get IV fluids due to dehydration that was severe. It was a trial, but I saw it differently than I ever have before. IT was part of following Jesus. And ya know what? HE. IS. WORTHY. My Savior gave up everything…why would I expect that following Him would lead me anywhere else? It’s a privilege to serve Him. It's not a begrudged mandate. It’s an eternal invitation to joy.

JOY is what word we would choose to express the feeling of being able to witness 10 believers follow the Lord in a believer's baptism this past week....incredible!!! God's handiwork and orchestration were all over that service! While we are not serving at that particular church plant anymore, the joy was palpable as we saw lives we knew and loved and had prayed for surrender and follow Our Sweet Savior in this way.

I’d like to try and share a song that a dear, dear friend shared with me awhile back. It resonates with the dream that God’s given me. May you be blessed and encouraged, Dear Reader!!!

"No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus"

Steffany Gretzinger

Flannel Graph as a Ministry

2022-11-11T03:59:00.000-06:00

When I first landed in a foreign country in 2009 to do missions, my teammate and I had a flannel graph. It seemed outdated to me when we brought it then, but to a third world country? It made SUCH a difference to have a visual for the students to help them imagine the Bible Stories we were sharing. It really helped the kiddos engage in the story and encounter Jesus in a more realistic way.

Recently, I had a friend ask me if I would like a set of flannel graph to use for ministry. I declined because in this “high-tech age” we live in, I thought it would be irrelevant. However, I agreed to check with my friends to see if anyone was interested. Quite honestly? I was less than hopeful that anyone would even consider it because to me it not only seemed outdated but now it seemed ancient. To my utter surprise, there was a friend that jumped at the opportunity when I shared it with her as a possibility.

“Really?” I thought in disbelief. I agreed to gather the materials from my friend and deliver them to my other friend, regardless of my skepticism. There were four boxes. Yup, four. I messaged my friend to let them know it was available, and they agreed to come and help carry them to their house. Upon opening the back of the vehicle and assessing how we were going to “get this job done in one trip,” I asked a care question, “How are you doing today?”

For those who have the courage to answer that question honestly, it can sometimes lead to the depths. I must confess, I usually lie my way through that question because I don’t have the great heart to self-examine nor do I want to share what’s there. This individual’s courage shone as she shared, she had had a rough day. I invited her in for kaukau (PNG food) and tea and a listening ear. She opened up.

I was SO encouraged by her bravery to be vulnerable and confide in deep heart matters. We didn’t speak a long time, but our hearts were bound in the fellowship that only the Spirit of God can offer. We prayed together. I counted her and the time as an invaluable blessing in my prayers later in the day and I have continued to do so since then. And ya know? The invaluable richness all happened through Flannel Graph as a Ministry.

The Word of God NEVER grows ‘too’ old. And? I needed forgiveness for my hardened heart about the value of a flannel graph. In my perception, it was useless at best. However, in the Hand of God it was a tool of blessing, encouragement, and praise unto Him. You NEVER know what God is going to use to water the seed of His Word in the heart of another. My prayer today is that one of you, Dear Readers, are challenged to use what God’s given you…today….NOW. And? I pray that whatever pride and arrogance God needs to break through in you....yes….YOU….I pray He would. May we entrust our hearts, lives and our talents unto a merciful and loving God!!! He is able to use not only flannel graph….but US!!!

small...BIG!!!

2022-11-05T04:10:00.000-05:00

small…was the size of the town of Owatonna (pop. approx. 25,000+).
BIG…that was the city of Santiago, Chile (pop. approx. 8,0000,000+).

small…was the amount of belief I had when we started pursuing missions.
BIG…that was the God who brought us to the Southern Hemisphere and then around the World to the Eastern Hemisphere too (Papua New Guinea)!

small…was the installation of an outhouse toilet on the church property where we serve.
BIG…that was the impact for our little girl struggling with using a pit toilet (aka a hole in the ground).

small...was the size of our little girl and the loose tooth she had.

BIG...was the smile on her face when it finally came out!

small…was our son when he decided to surrender his life unto Jesus.
BIG…that will be the impact he could have if he chooses to follow Christ lifelong.

small…was the stone in David’s sling shot.
BIG…that was David’s God behind the stone.

small…was the baby Jesus lying in a manger.
BIG…that was the God who sent Him on a mission!

Small…that is the size of this post.
BIG…that is my prayer for its impact!

To God be the Glory!

GBBC Boys Dorm Update

2022-08-16T20:50:00.002-05:00

It has been a while since we updated on some of the projects going on at Goroka Baptist Bible College, so I'll take some time to bring you up to speed on one of the larger projects currently going on! Many of you may remember that this has been a project we have needed to undertake for many years. All the materials had been sources, gathered at GBBC, however the covid bug wrecked our plans for volunteer work crews to put it all together. It was no surprise to God, as He had a plan and the perfect timing for everything to happen. I (Brian) worked to get everything designed, approved, ground prepared and materials purchased, but I am limit on time and knowledge to run the building project. Part of Gods perfect timing was a provision to that need. The college was able to hire an well experienced pastors who was a former GBBC graduate and is a expert builder to join our team. He continues to be a Pastor of a local church, but has graciously been working fulltime to move the boys dorm project forward.

With any building the foundation is key to its function. The same way that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our lives. You do not have to look far to see the storms coming and without a strong foundation the building and even our lives will crumble.

As the foundation (60+) post was being cemented into the ground we happen to be having a Pastor Conference at GBBC. During this time we took some intentional to prayer over each post.

The prayers were not for the strength of the steel or the building to stand strong. Why that is important, it was more for the many men that will be filling this dorm and preparing for the ministry God has given them. Prayers that God would be calling men to give their lives to Christ and follow Him. Our prayers is this building will house countless men who desire to share the Hope of Jesus Christ this those in PNG and the world.

Once the foundation was set the floors came together quickly and walls began to stand up!

The building has 24 rooms and will be set up to house 48 men.

To God be the glory the roof was able to go on while we are still in a dry season. The weather here like many places has become unpredictable and once the rain starts here is can make things much more difficult.

As of today the exterior of the building is close to being finished. On the inside the electrical has been started and Lord willing the floor and wall coverings will be going on soon! It is very exciting to see it come together. We would ask for your prayers the guys continue to progress on the building. We also have cost we have not been able to cover to complete everything.

One of the specific area of needs are we have purchased half of the beds/desk so we have 24, but need 24 more to be able to fill the building. They are about $600usd each and are built in country by another mission school that trains believers to serve the Lord in carpentry. If the Lord leads you in this area please let us know!

We have come to learn more and more with each project that The Lord will accomplish the project in His timing and His way. It is important to make plans and diligently pursue the task God has placed before us, however it is just as important to hold the plans with open hands. After all what we think is the goal in our lives might just be the foundation of a God-sized reality He is building!!!

Update and Continued Prayer

2022-07-17T21:05:00.000-05:00

As I (Phyllis) sit to write this evening, I am rejoicing and yet heavy hearted all at the same time. To God be the glory, our family is finished with quarantine, and we are free to go and come from our house now…we are thankful for that!!!

However, there is also heaviness around us and in us as we see and know people who are living in turmoil amid all the election upheaval here in Papua New Guinea. There are no easy answers. Homes are being burned, lives are being uprooted, and belongings are being ransacked and stolen as the fighting continues. Please pray for wisdom for us as we desire to help and show a different way! Our God is ABLE, and this is a part of why we are here….people won’t always hear our words, BUT they can see our lives and the inner peace we can maintain while in the midst of conflict around us. Please pray for opportunities to share JESUS….HE is the Difference Maker!!!

A woman within the body of believers in our area died unexpectedly of a brain aneurism this past week. Today, Brian and I, along with our church family went to the home of this woman’s now widower and offered some food and a fellowship of tears while the grief is still afresh. Grief looks different here in PNG. It is much more openly demonstrative, which means people are free to wail and cry as they sit with the family and share the loss. Please pray for this pastor and his family as they say good-bye to a beloved wife, mother and oh, so much more! Please pray that people remember the hope they have in Jesus and lives are saved as a result of this woman’s faithful testimony. Please pray for the husband and his children as they grieve.

There are times that reality seems bleak at best…BUT in times of great trial or even small trial, it is a benefit and a game changer if we can cling to the redemptive power of Christ!!! Jesus died. He was brutally beaten and mocked mercilessly. He was tried as a criminal when His motive was to save….talk about being misunderstood! I find strength and encouragement to face my menial trials today when I keep in mind that there is NO thing in this life that is beYOND the power of redemption!!!

Have you experienced the redemptive power of Our Savior, Jesus Christ? Let me encourage and remind you today that He stands ready and waiting to bring YOU into His sheepfold if you “confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved…” (Rom. 10:9).

Quick Update and Prayer points

2022-07-06T22:54:00.001-05:00

As always, it is never dull when you live in the "Land of the Unexpected." That is PNG's other name. Thank you for your prayers! My parents (Brian's) have arrived just over a week ago and will be staying for a couple more. It was a pretty rough transition because it is a very long and tiring journey to get here. My dad was sick the first several days, but has begun to level out. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed them being here (to put it lightly). They have been sharing stories, working on puzzles, going for walks, reading and soaking up every second while Grandma and Grandpa are here.

We have had a few unexpected hiccups this week…. The first one is a few days ago Phyllis began to get sick and was not recovering quickly like she normally does. Well, the short of it is she has finally been hit with the Covid. This is her first time getting it, and so far she feels crummy, but overall doing alright. I know she would appreciate your prayers as she is currently isolated from the rest of us for seven days.

We are also in the midst of the five year election cycle which brings a lot of turmoil and unrest in the country. The last month or so has been campaigning season where LOTS of money is spent in hopes of buying votes. This week votes were to begin being cast through out the country, but there have been delays and not much clarity on the process. Once the votes are cast and counting has finished the disputes will greatly ramp up. Unfortunately there has already been many lives lost in fighting over elections throughout the country. It hit a bit closer to home as a body part was found yesterday just outside our campus fence, in one of our Pastor's gardens…much of the killing in our area is done with a machete. Today the reminder of the body was found as the thick tall grass was burned away. Unfortunately, the under staffed police has not taken too much of an interest as they are being pulled in many directions due to election issues. While we do have to limit our travel and heighten our security mindset, ultimately, fighting this barrage of hopelessness without Christ is why we are here. The light of Jesus Christ shines the brightest in the darkest areas. We do covet your prayers as that is what keeps us here.

If trouble arrives on our door step Gunner our “Indian” is always ready!

This is my mom, Judy Hovey, with Neslyn who we had asked for prayer for with having a surgery. The power of prayer is real as it is truly a miracle that she is alive and doing well!

The kids with Grandpa playing games before bed.

Locked out

2022-06-28T20:53:00.001-05:00

Sometimes God gets a hold of my heart in the strangest circumstances and situations. Yesterday was one of those days. When I leave the house, typically I check three things: 1) The doors are locked. 2) I have my key. 3) I have my phone. I don’t always check them in that order, but when I leave the house, it is a routine for me to check those things.

Well, you can imagine my surprise when I went to let myself in the house after working on cleaning our porch a bit, only to find that the front door was locked. Hmph. No big deal, I thought. Gunner and/or Rie must’ve accidently locked the front door when they were playing earlier. So? I went around the other side of the house and checked the other door. Strange. It was locked too. Gunner and Rie were both outside with me, although they were playing and hadn’t missed going into the house.

I have to confess; I was a bit flustered. I called out to G. and Rie and plainly asked, “Hey guys, did one of you lock the doors?”

“Yup!” Moriah (aka Rie) responded without a moment’s hesitation.

“Why did you do that, honey?” I asked.

“Well, Mom,” Moriah began as if it was common knowledge, “I thought it would be a fun trick.”

Exasperated, at best, I walked away. I went back to the porch and continued cleaning. I started praying and talking to the Lord about my frustration. One thing I have been trying to do lately is to pray through what frustrates me, acknowledge that it could be from the Lord, and then I try to look for God in the situation.

“God?” I asked with some level of indignance, “WHAT are You up to?” I was thankful for the work I could keep my hands busy with as I sought my Father’s heart. And, ya know? God showed up. As I was seeking and praying, God gave me a moment of breakthrough. The Bible talks about a day coming when there will be some who are locked outside of the gates…the gates of glory. Those outside pursued “fun” and “pleasure,” but their reality will be anything but that.

I didn’t expect to be locked out of the house yesterday. I didn’t expect it OR anticipate it, and so I was NOT READY. We were locked out for a couple of hours until Brian came and saved the day. However, I just couldn’t stop thinking about the life-picture that God had given me. I thought about friends, family and others whom I have had a chance to share with and have influence in their lives and quite honestly, I have not shared the hope I have in Jesus with them all. Sobering. They might not be ready.

Today is a new day. I shared my conviction in Sunday School today and opened the gates of my heart wide, inviting any woman who wanted to hear more or share or talk or pray with an opportunity to come talk to me. No one came forward or sought me today, but God gave me a supernatural assurance that I was obedient and seeds had been planted. Will you please join me in prayer that the seeds of God’s Word go deep?

After church I heard from a local in the area of our church plant that there was a family across the road from the church who had lost their daughter UNEXPECTANTLY the night before. I don’t know if she was ready or not, but I DO know that she could’ve been. So? I would like to invite you to join the fight. I wrote this song, “The Victory” several years ago, but it seemed applicable to share today. Praying that as we join the ranks in prayer, giving and with our skills and talents that we see Christ’s victory!!!

Audio link: Click Here

The Victory

By Phyllis A. Hovey

I heard my Savior say, “My way is tough.”

When He called me to join Him where it’s rough

From front line battle’s hard I heard Him cry,

“I will not quit till I have won this fight.”

And when I glanced at what He saw, tears filled my eyes

For souls were what He fixed on as His prize

With head down I ran hard to join my Lord

Though it might cost what I could not afford

For I saw ones I loved caught in gunfire

And their lives claimed was my guiding desire

And so I took my cues from Christ and set my gaze

On precious lives that I desired be saved

I joined the fight

Joined with my might

And I will sacrifice because I value life

Oh, hear my plea

Come on, join me

And all together we will see

The victory!

An army’s made of more than just one kind

And so as I invite, I keep in mind

That roles won’t be the same for me and you

But as we join together we’ll press through

And when the lines break open wide, I know we’ll see

Both death and life bought our souls liberty

Please join the fight

Join with your might

It may mean sacrifice because you value life

Oh, hear my plea

Come on, join me

And all together we will see

the victory

And all together we will see

Christ’s victory!!!

Saturday Slugger

2022-05-01T04:06:00.001-05:00

Brian hit a home run this week with the group of guys he is working with to create an "entrance" to GBBC. Check this out!

Gunner and Moriah striking a pose….

Finishing the electrical on the back side….
The flags are the twenty two provinces of Papua New Guinea. The sign is to testify to the establishment of the Goroka Baptist Bible College, but ultimately? The whole project is to the glory of God! The "hill" that the flags and sign rest upon is known as "Mount Moriah." It has been no small feat for the guys to build and transform what used to be a nice mound of dirt and create a masterpiece that testifies to our Creator God who redeems life from the dust of the ground!

Gunner also hit a big milestone….we now have a seven-year-old in the house! Can you see a glimpse of his excitement in his face while he was opening gifts?

He had great fun….he requested homemade corn dogs….for breakfast! I denied his request, but I made them for dinner instead. Hahahaha! He also requested a cake from a local baker. We checked into getting one, but the baker was not able to fill our request because he had been robbed the previous month…..bummer! So? We settled for a takeout dessert from a local restaurant. He didn’t mind too much….😁. He also took his swing with a baseball bat that he got as a birthday gift. We had some fun in the front field hitting and catching until Gunner got hit with a ball in the forearm. He cried relentlessly, so we decided to head home and nurse him back to health with his corn dog and dessert meal for dinner…..food works wonders for boys.

Gunner and his birthday dessert!
Once in awhile we see outrageous and unexpected surprises…here was our find this week…..literally, a real "slug"ger!

"I don’t want to hold it," says Moriah…

"….but mom! Look at the size of it!" says Gunner.
I’m still in shock. Moriah wanted to save it for a pet…..I denied her request too…..however, I was thankful she wanted to keep it rather than asking to eat it…hahahaha!

One final thought for today is about the meaning of a "home"run…..we usually think of baseball or softball, right? However, the "home" I’m running to has nothing to do with playing ball and everything to do with my walk with Jesus! Our home church pastor says often that our most important thoughts are our God-thoughts. So? My God thoughts on the matter are that I want each of you on my team! I want the bases loaded, I want it to be the first inning (because I would cave under the pressure if it were the last🥴), and I want to sock that ball out of the park! While my story (aka baseball) is flying through the air, I want us all to run with our full might and touch that home plate before the inning is over! We HAVE time now to bring that dream to fruition….we may not always as our days are each numbered. My encouragement to you today is to take the chance you have NOW and run in obedience to Jesus!!! Make it HOME!!!

Sneaking a Peek

2022-04-19T22:11:00.001-05:00

It is no slight thing to catch a glimpse of heaven here on earth. This Easter Sunday, we had such a privilege. Gunner and six other national believers followed the Lord in a believer’s baptism. What made it heavenly to me was the fact that it was multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-generational, and yet? The entire thing was worshipful! Worship brings unity to our feeble, human hearts and is a demonstration of intentionally looking off ourselves and up to our Savior. What a marvelous thing to behold!!!

We had no idea what to expect exactly for the service as PNG is known as “the land of the unexpected.” We walked 20 minutes through a village and down the side of a mountain to reach the spot where the river water pooled. I (Phyllis) fell twice on the way down….hahaha! Thankfully, I wasn’t hurt too bad. 😂 Gunner bounded down the steep incline and tried to keep up with the “big boys.”

The service was simple, but oh! SO rich! Gunner was busy trying to put rocks from the riverbed in his makeshift pockets while the pastor explained the meaning of and role of baptism in the life of a believer. At first, I wanted him to be listening and reflecting on this big life moment, but ya know what? He is an almost seven year old boy! His attention span is naturally a bit shorter than the rest of the group. 😂 What I didn’t know at the time was that he wanted to gift those who had come as a witness for him with a rock to remember. What a tender heart for one so young!

On the way back up the mountain, I saw a butterfly near Brian and Moriah. Would you believe it that it landed close to Brian and he just reached out and caught it?!!! I was delightfully stunned and elated to hold such a beautiful illustration as to the Christian life on a day so poignantly appropriate for it! It was even a kind of butterfly we’ve never caught before! We are pressing it to add to our collection of memories in butterflies. What a hug from heaven to receive such a gift on Gunner’s big day!

It reminded me of two Scripture passages. The first was 2 Cor. 4:16, which says, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” There is a synergy that is entirely unique when it comes to the transformational work of the Gospel in the life of a believer. While many think we are crazy for bringing our children to a third world country and choosing to live here ourselves, there is such blessing in following the Lord. Not all are called overseas. Some give radically. Some pray radically. Some encourage radically. Following Jesus as He calls us is truly a blessing like none other!

The second verse I thought of was 2 Cor. 5:17. It says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” The life of a butterfly says that well! We are being transformed into the likeness of Christ. Is it a hard road? Absolutely. Is there gut wrenching reality that we face? Without a doubt. But, ya know? We get to hold the line and watch God’s Kingdom advance as we obey Him and remain steadfast.

So, dear Friend, let us encourage you today. WhatEVER your next faith step is, take it! WherEVER the Lord leads, follow! Dig deep into His Word, the Bible, and? Be prepared. You’re in for the journey of a lifetime!!!

Gunner getting ready with six other national believers….

Receiving last minute instructions and exhortation…

Smiling for the camera…

Preparing a traditional, celebratory feast called a mumu.

You can’t see the water from this picture, but it’s way down in that valley!

Gunner taking his next step!

A thoughtful, reflective moment while hearing of the role of baptism.

Listening intently and waiting…

The butterfly that Brian caught…yup! That's purple on its wings!!! SO cool!!!

The Gift of Change

2022-03-02T17:11:00.000-06:00

I started writing this little book for our son, Gunner, when he began school at Nuhmonoi Christian Academy here in PNG. To be quite honest, I didn’t finish it in time to give it to him before his first day, so I shelved it. However, it came to mind this morning as I was contemplating a blog post.

Change is all around us. It is inevitable. However, we have a promise we can claim that is constant. 2 Cor. 5:17 in the Bible says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come…" Our Savior offers new life to ALL….and? He offers it freely!

As you read about the gift of change, I pray you are encouraged to consider that Christ is the hope you can set your life on! He will never change!!!

Getting Older and Asking Questions

2022-02-16T15:36:00.001-06:00

Our 100 year old Gunner!

Yesterday Gunner celebrated 100 days of being in school this year! He dressed up as a little 100 year old man to celebrate the occasion….and I might add that he played the part well!! His acting reminded me of life’s frailty…The Bible talks about our lives as a vapor—here today and gone tomorrow (James 4:14). It also talks in Ephesians 5:16 to “…make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil…”. What makes the days evil? The fact that it shortens the time we have to share the Gospel!

People are dying daily and although it is often sugarcoated, the reality is that they are perishing and headed into eternity without the Lord….heartbreaking!!! Gut-wrenching!!! Unbelievably hard to swallow!!! However, we are NOT without hope if we have Jesus!!!

This past week I had a conversation with Gunner on the way to school. He was sitting in the back with Moriah and seemed to be enjoying the quiet, when out of the blue, he hit me with a brave question….. “Mom?” he began, “…if you could wish for ONE thing in the whole wide world, what would you wish for?” I thought about it a minute and responded honestly, “I’m not sure, Bud, what would you wish for?” (I had an inkling that he had been thinking about it…😀). He looked thoughtful and gave some silly response like "candy for breakfast….” However, it wasn’t long after his giggles that his tone changed and he became serious and thoughtful. “Mom, I think if I could only wish for one thing, I would wish that everyone could go to heaven.” I was stunned. I lifted up a fervent prayer for wisdom and articulation and responded, “Ya know, Gunner? God wishes that too!” He questioned immediately, “Then why doesn’t God just let them in?” I heaved a huge sigh in my heart (due to the weightiness of the question) and continued… “Gunner, God has made a way for all to go to heaven, but there are people who aren’t willing to follow God’s way.”

It’s a hard reality to grasp as an adult why people wouldn’t choose God’s way if they really understood the implications. However, the Bible says clearly in John 14:6, “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Is it unkind of Jesus to be exclusive? Compared to what we deserve, I think it is incredibly, undeniably, merciful.

In the hymn “Day By Day,” written by Lina Sandell, the line that cuts me to the quick every time sings, “He, who’s heart is kind beyond all measure/gives unto each day what He deems best/lovingly it’s part of pain and pleasure/mixing toil with peace and rest” (emphasis added).

I once heard a missionary speaker ask the question, “Is it unkind to suggest that there’s only one way to get to heaven?” In our current time and culture as it is, it is a weighty question to consider….and also one that can strike up controversy. However, people’s lives depend upon knowing the truth! If we truly believe that the Gospel is Truth, Absolute Truth, then it is beyond kind to share the knowledge we have…..in fact, we have a spiritual challenge in Matthew 28:19-20 from Jesus Himself to make spread this news and disciples across the globe!!!

We each are getting older, day by day…and while our time here on earth is getting shorter, it’s important , it’s critical , it is the meat and potatoes of our faith to place our hope, our futures and our lives in the capable hands of the Savior, Jesus!!! If you haven’t made that decision, today is a good day to do it!!! We know not the day or the hour, but we know that Christ is coming back…..are you ready?

“Please! No more pictures!” -Gunner

“Oh! My aching leg!” -Gunner

The two handsome men in my life…..!

Gunner putting in a hard days work at school….

Moriah is getting older too, so her eyes needed to be checked!