Tok Pisin Holide Baibel Skul (Tok Pisin VBS)

In early January, I had an opportunity to share songs and Bible stories through puppetry at Tok Pisin VBS.  I had a fun time with other members of the puppet ministry team, and it was a joy to hear laughter from about 500 children who attended.
The theme for this VBS was the armor of God, and it was a great reminder to put on this armor daily in order to stay strong in the Lord.

See these links for more about this VBS: http://issuu.com/thepngexperience/docs/13_01_17_fun_with_a_purpose
www.youtube.com/thepngexperience

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Ephesians 6:10-18

Dwelling

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell int he house of the Lord forever." -Psalm 23:6

"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to goze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.  For int he day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock"-Psalm 27:4-5

"How priceless is your unfailing love!  Both high and low among men find fefuge in the shadow of your wings.  The feast on the abundance of your house; you gave them drink from your river of delights"-Psaml 36:7-8

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."-Psalm 91:1


When I think about dwelling, peace, safety, shelter, and rest come to my thought.  A home can be a physical dwelling place that serves as a shelter from hostile weather.  A dwelling in the Father's house provides not only for physical needs, it is also an everlasting dwelling that can meet our emotional and spiritual needs.

Thank you Father for the unfailing love, your goodness, and unending peace that can be found in your house.  Thank you for giving us these wonderful promises.  Thank you for this everlasting refuge in you that is safe and peaceful.  Thank you for "your river of delights" where we can find hope, joy and peace (Psalm 36:8).

Father, lead me to seek you and follow you.  Thank you for being the only source of everlasting hope, joy, peace, and love.  Thank you for the citizenship in heaven, where we can look forward to be with you with hopeful anticipation (Ephesians 3:20).

Puppet team at a local church conference

There were over 1000 people attended this conference.  I am thankful for this opportunity for the puppet team to share songs and Bible stories with children and adults who were in attendance.
The next time the puppet team will be sharing at VBS for children from the villages surrounding Ukarumpa.  Please pray that we focus on the Lord,and it will draw children close to the Lord.

The Vine and the Branches

“I am the true vine” -John 15:1a”

One of the stress avoidance factors of vine is its ability to absorb water by making the roots grow deeper, toward the groundwater when the weather is hot and dry.  The roots can also store moisture during wet season.  If we are the branches, we can trust in Jesus to quench our thirst, especially in time of trials.  The Lord is the only one who can ultimately satisfy our thirst.

“I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in Him, he will bear much fruit...”-John 15:5

The branches, leaves, and fruits depend on the vine for water and nutrients, which reminds me of the importance of abiding in the Lord, and trust Him for the provision for our daily life and the spiritual journey.  Furthermore, the roots of the vine are able to care and provide for all the branches, leaves and fruits, regardless if the branches are closed to the stem, or the higher order axis that are smaller and farther away from the stem.  The Lord uses the vine and the branches to show how much he cares for us and desires to be with us.  He is the one who is in control, and able to guide us always.

A little thank-you note from the Grade 6 class of the last school year :)

What if there is not Scripture in your mother tongue?http://blog.theseedcompany.org/bible-translation-2/francis-chan-gods-word-2/

Omnipresent God

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged”- Deuteronomy 31:8

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze.”- Isaiah 42:1b-2

Father, thank you for reminding me of your presence, guidance and care that you show all the time.  Thank you for being the one who I can always rely on, the one who is the same anytime and anywhere. Thank you for walking alongside with me through trials and triumphs.

This is particularly encouraging to know when settling to a new place and adjusting to new community can get a little overwhelming.  I am glad to know that I can find stability in the Lord who is always available and His faithfulness is unchanging.  I am also grateful for knowing that God is journeying with me through the highs and lows, and in Him I can overcome with the victory that can be found in Him.

“Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today...The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still”- Exodus 14:13-14