Greetings from Papua! These last few months have been full of both challenge and encouragement, and we are thankful to be walking it with your support and prayers.
Sometimes I feel like we’re living in a Bible story
Recently, here in Wamena a certain rebel faction began attacks in and around the city. The group declared their intention to make Wamena their headquarters and war ground. It was an incredibly tense time, and we were praying constantly for peace and safety. God answered that prayer in the most amazing way!
Following a shoot out with security forces, the wider rebel group issued a statement demanding the trouble causing faction to immediately leave Wamena or face being fought and expelled by their own group! They did leave and peace has been restored. And today, 31 July, the entire of Wamena is closed for a day of prayer and reconciliation!
England break
In June, we were grateful for a break in England – a much-needed time to rest and reconnect with extended family. My (Anisha’s) parents also came over from Texas to spend a week with us. This was a special time as we haven’t seen each other in two years. Isaiah stayed on in England for a few extra weeks and is currently at an Outward Bound camp in the Lake District. He’ll come home to Wamena mid-August.
Landslide
The village of Tangumsili was hit by a landslide, sadly there were several fatalities. We sent two helicopters in with emergency supplies and government officials to survey they area. Ben flew one helicopter. Here’s a video made by our friend to tell the story of those flights…
Elsengg Bible Teaching
Over 20 years ago missionaries began living with the Elsengg people. Although the missionary teams have changed over the years, the work continued. Finally, now the Elsengg people have gathered to hear key Bible stories taught chronologically in their own language! We are praying for stamina for the teachers and for those attending the lessons, that they would understand the gospel message for themselves.
Support level progress
Thank you for standing with us in prayer, encouragement and financial partnership. Your support has carried us through many challenges.
To be honest, we’ve been under-resourced on the field, which has affected our health cover, retirement planning, our children’s schooling and essential rest.
We currently need an extra £1,131 (approx. $1,500) per month to be fully funded. Would you prayerfully consider:
Increasing your gift, even by a small amount, if you’re able.
Joining our support team or introducing us to others—friends, church-members or small groups—who might consider supporting us.
Thank you for journeying with us. Your prayers and generosity mean more than words can say.
Prayer requests
Isaiah’s solo travel and return to Wamena mid-August
Peace and wisdom for leaders and people in Wamena
Stress management for us individually and as a family
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Dear Friends, I am writing to you on a rainy Sunday morning here in Wamena. We are grateful for the rain as this fills our water tanks. I hope that your Christmas was a special time with family and celebrating Jesus’s birth.
The highlight of last year was Eli’s birth. We travelled to Houston, Texas, USA in February 2023 to stay with Anisha’s family and use the same midwives we used for Rebecca’s birth. After Eli was born in April my parents were able to visit and meet him. We will also welcome my parents to Indonesia in February as they fly over here to spend a few weeks with us.
Family update
Isaiah turned 13 in December and is growing up into a fine young man. He spends his morning doing his home school lessons and, in the afternoons, spends time with neighbour kids playing football and other games. He now speaks Indonesian like a local kid, and it is great to hear how well he communicates. Often times he is recognised around town with shouts of his name as people see him.
The Helivida 25th Anniversary provided a great opportunity for Isaiah to reconnect with friends and he has enjoyed continuing contact with video calls and texts. This summer, a former expat family with a son his age is moving back to Wamena for a year. Isaiah is excited to have another teenager from a western country here in Wamena.
Cara is also doing well with her home schooling and is starting to pick up some Indonesian. She has started attending a local Indonesian school 2 days a week, as well sports with the Wamena expat children. She is enjoying making new friends and working on her language.
Rebecca is now 3 and enjoying playing with her sister and looking after baby Eli. She went for her first 2-minute helicopter ride after I had dropped some patients at the hospital and returned to the hanger. She was speechless at the time, but then talked about it the rest of the day asking if she could go fly again.
Eli has been growing up fast. He is a chunky baby now weighing over 10kg at 9 months. He is a delight, smiling at everyone and always happy. He was frequently passed around at our Helivida 25th year anniversary celebration and we had a hard time keeping track of him.
Helivida 25 Year Anniversary
Helivida has just celebrated 25 years operating in Indonesia. As part of the celebration, all expat and local workers from all 3 of our bases in Indonesia and their families were flown to Bali. We spent a week hanging out with each other being refreshed, splashing in the pool, and celebrating what God has done over these years.
Eli got a lot of attention.
New Testament translation finished
In the past when we have shared about the work of what Helimission does we have shown the Awayo video. This gives a good picture of why we do what we do. If you haven’t seen it, please click the video below. This month the Moi people celebrated the first translation of the whole New Testament in their own language. Our co-workers were able to attend the celebration. 23 years ago Helimission flew in missionaries to start the huge task of learning the culture and language of the Moi people. They presented the Creation to Christ teaching and then started translating the scripture. Though the Moi tribe has long had an airstrip, it shows the importance of using the helicopter in those first important years for the missionaries and local evangelists getting established before an airstrip can be built.
Awayo - From fear to faith
The helicopter bringing the first missionaries in 23 years ago.
Carrying the boxes of Bibles down the airstrip to the dedication.
The team involved in the translation project.
Awayo receiving his Bible.
Maichel – Solo
This week was exciting as we were able to celebrate our second national pilot, Maichel going solo. I have flown many times with Maichel and seen how the locals in the villages react when they realise he is the pilot. It is actually a good feeling when I fade to the background as they interact with one of their own people.
Happy to be a solo pilot.
Answering questions.
Receiving his post solo shower.
Support level progress
We have been so encouraged by those of you who have come on board to help support us as we serve here in Papua, Indonesia.
We have reached 72% of our goal to be fully supported.
We received a special donation that covered our flights back to Indonesia. So far, we haven’t had to go without. All our needs have been provided for with some one-time gifts.
Thank you for your partnership as we continue to serve the people here in Papua, Indonesia.
Prayer requests
Presidential elections in Indonesia being held on Valentines Day
Praise – In March we are reaching 10 years of serving here in Indonesia. We are grateful for the opportunity and privilege to be able to live and serve here.
Maichel – As he begins to fly solo for safety and good decision making.
