August 18, 2004

Special Request

Loading Matmal in the truck

I have been doing a series of emails on the types of co-workers involved in tribal missions. I have covered 2 of the 4, but am going to do something different in this email. This is to all of our prayer warriors and those "holding the ropes" for us. We have three prayer requests that we would like to inform you about and have you lift with us to the Throne of Grace.

1. The first if for Matmal. She is a young mother of 3 who lives in Bom. Last week she came down with malaria. A few days later, they came asking for our help. At this point in time she was also very dehydrated and delirious. We took her to a government aid post about an hour drive away. They spent a day trying to give her fluids intravenously. They were having trouble because it seemed her veins were collapsing and she was getting worse. She was then moved to the town of Namatanai for better help. There she continued in a coma like state and had occasional bleeding from her mouth and nose. Today they took her 6 hours away to Kavieng to see if they could do anything for her. We ask that you pray with us for Matmal. That God would give her back her health and allow her to someday hear the Gospel.

2. The second is for our truck. Right now we have no brakes on the truck, so it was a bit difficult taking Matmal to the government aid post. It is a relatively simple fix: New brake pads and a new cable, but we are waiting on the parts. Also, some locals helped us out for taking the sick lady to the aid post by adding fuel to our truck. Unfortunately, they added diesel instead of Petrol, and I did not realize it until the truck died in front of our house.

3. The third request is for our security. Lately we have had some teenagers breaking into the two vacant missionary houses. Though concerned, we did not feel a personal threat. However, lately we have been getting stones thrown at our house and talk of threats made toward us. We believe it is not the overall feeling of the tribe, but only a few teenagers who have been getting a hold of drugs and home made drink. We have been working with the village leaders and have gone into Namatanai to inform the police. However, things move very slowly in this country or do not move at all. Please pray with us for our safety and wisdom in handling the situation.

We know that God is in control and allows everything to happen. We pray that these situations will work out for His glory.

All for Him,

Aaron (For the family)