About a week ago a missionary family from in a tribal work (Tim and Courtney Shontere) asked us if we would consider a house swap with them for 7 weeks. Justin and I would be required to go to a tribal location for 7 weeks to see the realities of church planting in a tribal context, finish up our national language study (this particular tribe is bilingual and all speak Tok Pisin) and to see if this is a ministry that we CAN do or not. This "Bush Orientation" typically takes place after you have been here in PNG for about 3-5 monthes...we have been here 2 months the day we will fly into the tribe!!
So why would we go so early? Let me share-
When we were approached, it came as an opportunity for the Church their in the tribe to:
1. Get to take us on as their responsibility to take on culture events, help us learn Tok Pisisn, and pretty much orient us to life in the bush.
2. So that this missionary family could work on translation of the new testament. He is hoping to translate what he has left of Revelation, 1 & 2 Corinthians, in 7 weeks of "focus" time out of the tribe. He will bring out his translation helper from the tribe with him to help.
Seriously- what would you do with an offer like that? We felt like we would do whatever we can to get God's Word in their heart language- even if it means we are going to a tribe a little early!
The sweet part about Bush Orientation is that they have you go into tribe post-Gospel so that we can ask tons of questions about their perspective on how the missionaries strategies were effective in communicating Christ and where there were obstacles. It is a unique opportunity and we ask that you would pray with us to take advantage of this time. (And that we won't die- just kidding, it is totally safe for people who do this all the time- but we aren't "those" people yet!)
***This is Ruban (Pax calls him Ruby), our main language helper.
After having our totally intimadating language check, we found out that we are actually in a great place, language-wise to go. So that eased my heart until i heard this....
-Justin will be going on serval all night hunting excursions with the men.
-We will be going on hikes
-Some of these "trails" will be through swamps that will sink in over our children's heads!!
-Dug Out Canoe rides (which is SO COOL) but over rivers with crocodiles in them!(probably sharks too, if google/shark week is correct)
-This tribe is one that does have malaria mosquitos
-Tons of bugs. Like they told us that our legs will be COVERED in bugs when we are out in the evening, yea!
- Not only that but some of the mosquitos "feel like a syringe".
So you see why I wrote Tribe or DIE!
We have all the responsibilities as a tribal missionary does:
Keeping the solar panels and gel batteries maintained, Sak Saking (which is the process of how they get their main food staple from a tree), Canoeing, Gardening with the people, Building relationships, Helping the Church grow and like meal planning for a month- what you don't plan for you don't have. So today I am working on the grocery list and cooking up some meals to freeze for those "OMG it's dinner time" moments.
I am definitely excited but nervous. Oh yeah another reality check- no Facebook, just emails. We hope to figure out a way to send a least one picture of us out at some point so you guys can see what we are doing.
2 comments:
Tribe for sure! what an an adventure. can't wait to read more
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