Prayer Request For Nafian

Soon after Doug's visit to the Rai Coast we had word that Nafian was ill.  Initially he thought malaria and treated himself.  He never improved and since then has developed a myriad of symptoms.  This situation has been especially difficult for a number of reasons.  His language team at this moment does not have an official advisor working with them because he has been on furlough.  Often advisors working closely with the national translation team also act as advocates for them in many different areas, including medical issues that arise.  We are a 5 hour drive and then boat ride from him, so although we communicate frequently on the phone, it has been hard to get a clear picture of his medical situation.  Nafian also waited very long to seek medical care, despite frequent urgings from us to see a doctor in town.   Dealing with a medical system that is very different than ours and limited resources is also a constant challenge.   On different occasions we've heard he had malaria, typhoid and the most recent mumps. We saw him last Saturday and were extremely concerned about his condition.   Please pray for him that God will heal him.  Pray that the tests they are doing will not reveal anything ominous.  Pray we will put him in God's hands.  This has been an emotionally draining time for our family. 

 

We also apologize for the gap in communication.  We have not been able to send out updates due to our computer's hard drive crashing over a week ago.  I don't know when we will have access to it and retrieve all our addresses. 

 

Thank you for sharing this burden with us.

 

Weary traveller arrives home

Doug made the trip home in two days. He got on a boat again and went to the
city of Madang, stayed the night, and got on a PMV (public motor vehicle)
home. It was about a 5 hour drive. He was wet and tired, but so excited
about the trip. He really felt it had been a time of building relationships
and making connections with the people on the Rai Coast.

Miscellaneous pictures

Market Day

Once a week, nationals come to sell their produce at the market.

Translation office

This is the central office where the translators keep their supplies.
Although Doug doesn't consider himself computer savvy, he was glad to be
able to help them with some computer questions, and get their printer in
working order.

Sunday worship

On Sunday, Doug was asked to give a little talk on why he was there. He took
the opportunity to build awareness for Bible translation, and the importance
of the work that Nafian, Roman, Noel and Martin are engaged in. It is
important for the villagers to feel like they are part of the project also.

Martin

One day Nafian and Doug went to visit Martin and his family, another
translator we've become good friends with. Martin is the one who fell off
the roof of a new house he was building (pictured) and suffered a
compression fracture in June. His back is still giving him troubles, and
his wife is working hard to help complete the house they began. Martin's
little girl, also pictured, had heart surgery a few years ago.