May 18, 2004

Coworkers


Our partners the Kunzers

In tribal missions we have several kinds of coworkers that are necessary for our ministry to continue. We have supporters, support workers, partners, and tribal coworkers. In the coming weeks we will inform you about these 4 types of coworkers that we have. This week I would like to tell you a little more about the 3rd type of coworker: Partners.

Partners are the fellow missionaries that we work along side in the tribe to accomplish the ministry we set out to do. They are the ones we share responsibilities with and divide the workload among. As many of you know when we moved into the tribe we joined the Marbach family and the Kunzer family. These 3 families were the 3 partners in the Patpatar work.

About a year ago, the Marbach family had reached their 4 year mark on the field and decided they would take their 1 year furlough. Unfortunately, a few months ago we got news that the Marbachs would not be returning to the field. With heavy hearts we began adjusting to the aspect of only 2 partners instead of 3 in the tribe. You can pray for the Marbachs as they readjust to life in the United States.

The Kunzers and us have continued to work among the Patpatar. Now, the time has come for the Kunzers to take their one year furlough. Even as I type this, they are on a plane headed for the United States. They will be visiting family, churches, trying to raise more support and returning to us next May. Feel free to drop Butch and Tammy an email at butch_kunzer@ntm.org.

That leaves us alone in the tribe. We are excited to continue to learn the language and culture of the Patpatar during this year that we are alone. We do realize that being the only ones out here will bring additional burdens and pressures so we do covet your prayers.

There is a possibility for additional partners to join the work. There is one family that is interested. Please pray for God’s direction and leading, as well as timing for another family to join the Patpatar work.

Partners are a valuable part of our ministry. Partners are one of the four types of coworkers that allow us to function well in tribal missions. I will tell you about the other three types of coworkers in coming emails. Thank you for your prayers (I highlighted items you can especially pray for).

All for Him,

Aaron, Lori, Avalon, and Sierra