Onward to PNG

On Oct 3, 1955, Harold’s grandpop, Daniel Ebert III, and his family were aboard a cargo ship headed to the Philippines. As they neared the end of their journey, he wrote these words:

“Ahead lies a great field that is white already unto harvest and thousands of people who have never heard that Jesus paid for their sins. Behind us are many Christians who have been praying that God will use us to reach these primitive island people. Leading us every step of the way is the Almighty God, who has commanded us to go, and who has promised to keep us and supply our every need.”

“In just two days we will be taking our baggage through customs and putting our feet on Philippine soil for the first time. Pray for God’s strength and wisdom. We want to begin work on the translation as soon as possible so that these people can have the Scripture in their own hands and language. Certainly, everyone should be able to handle and read God’s precious Word.”

The world has changed in so many ways over the last 70 years, but, like Harold’s grandpop, we also believe that everyone should be able to access the Bible in a language they best understand. That’s why we’ve moved to PNG (Papua New Guinea) to partner with churches in Milne Bay and help them translate the Bible into their languages.

It has been several long and challenging years to get here, but this winter, things began to move quickly. Our visas were approved in November, our passports were stamped at the PNG embassy in December, we purchased tickets early January, and we moved to Alotau in February.

Shortly before we moved, Harold’s other grandfather, Harold Bradley, Sr., went home to be with the Lord at age 91. It was providential that we were still in the US to be with the family at the funeral.

Grandpa Bradley was the last of 14 brothers and sisters. As we celebrated his life with aunts, uncles, and cousins, we reflected on how the gospel first came to their family. The stories of before and after transformations of the Bradley siblings encouraged our hearts. Grandpa shared his faith with his children and left behind a Christian heritage that we are humbled to be a part of.

We appreciate your prayers for Harold’s grandma, Patricia, as she adjusts to a new normal.

“One generation commends your works to another;
        they tell of your mighty acts.” Psalm 145:4
“We do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13–14

To get to Alotau, you first need a ticket from the US to one of the few major cities that has flights into PNG (Singapore, Brisbane, and Manila, etc.). From there, you need an additional ticket through Port Moresby, PNG’s capital, and on to Alotau.

For this trip, we went through Manila. It took us five flights and included a brief but refreshing four night stay in the Philippines with family. Two of my uncles and one of my cousins and her family are serving as missionaries there.

It was a fitting place to begin our journey in Bible translation following in the steps of Harold’s grandpop.

“From everlasting to everlasting
        the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
        and his righteousness with their children’s children.” Psalm 103:17

We are blessed to be able to live in a flat on the SIL center here in Alotau (SIL is a Bible Translation organization that works closely with Wycliffe). The center is gated and the resident managers have been encouraging and helpful as we settle in here.

A’zalea and Andrew have been attending Alotau International School. This has been an adjustment as they learn to understand the accents and English of their teachers. Milne Bay English is influenced by Australian English, but it has developed into its own unique dialect. Sometimes the things we think we understand are more troublesome than the things we know we don’t understand.

Over the last several months, the translation desk has encountered a number of significant challenges, including a sudden change in leadership, the sudden death of the wife of a senior translation facilitator, and a country-wide fuel crisis causing issues with both city power and transportation. At the end of February, the strategic innovations consultant for the Eubone project, Jamie Farr, came to Alotau for a week to help navigate some of these issues.

How to Pray

• Pray for the translation desk as they work through several challenges.
• Pray for Joshua Menedi and his daughters as they grieve the loss of wife and mother.
• Pray for us as we develop new routines here in PNG.
• Pray for A’zalea and Andrew as they learn a new culture and try new foods.
• Pray for Harold’s training in Atlanta: April 1-16.

Thank you for your prayers and partnership.

Because many are still waiting, Harold, Justine, A’zalea, & Andrew

Invest in Bible Translation

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 2:2; 4:6–8