Furlough & Transitions

When we departed our home in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG), we left many of our belongings there in anticipation of our planned return in January 2027. This was a reflection of our commitment to our calling to serve in Bible translation in PNG. There is still much work to be done.

Our home in Indiana

Currently, we are in the US for a time of furlough. This is an opportunity for us to reconnect with family, meet with ministry partners, raise additional financial support, and debrief after a difficult first term. We hope to connect with many of you during our travels this summer and fall.

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:3–6

As we move toward our second term, we want to inform you of an important transition. Much will remain the same. The work we have been doing and the colleagues we have been serving with will largely stay the same (particularly our work with SIL PNG, a Bible translation organization that has been actively working on the ground in PNG for the last 70 years). I (Harold) will continue to serve as a translation consultant, review translations, and teach and coach translators so they can produce accurate, clear, and natural translations of God’s Word.

What is changing is our sending organization. After months of prayer and counsel, we have joined Ripe for Harvest (RFH), an organization dedicated to sending missionaries to “propagate the gospel and further the cause of the kingdom of God.” Founded in 1979, Ripe for Harvest has had many years of experience sending and supporting missionaries. We have had several conversations with the President and Vice President during the application process and are encouraged by their commitment to care for their missionaries. We have clearly seen God opening doors for us to continue our service in Bible translation with Ripe for Harvest.

Greg (RFH Vice President) and Kim Vurbeff, Harold and Justine,
and Steve (RFH President) and Brenda Hines

It is not possible to explain every part of this transition in a newsletter, but three factors are especially important for us.

1. First, we have become increasingly concerned that our ministry philosophy and Wycliffe USA’s current direction are no longer aligned in several key areas, especially regarding people, pace, and long-term transformation. We want our focus to be on transformed lives, not simply numbers or how many projects are started.
2. Second, over the last few years, Wycliffe USA’s priorities have shifted. We have observed that they are no longer recruiting or sending for certain roles and functions that we still believe are crucial for the work of Bible translation. After nearly a year and many discussions with leaders, Wycliffe neglected to renew our contract and we were unable to get clarity on whether Wycliffe would be willing to send us back to the roles and relationships in PNG that we believe God is calling us to.
3. Third, we have developed growing concerns of conscience about how some field activities are being represented to donors. We strongly believe that honesty and integrity require that fieldwork be presented in current, complete, and accurate ways.

After much prayer and wise counsel, we concluded that God was leading us to serve through a different sending organization.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 Galatians 6:9
“The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5–6

Praises

• Some dear friends in Indiana were putting one of their vehicles up for sale and we are blessed to be able to buy it from them. We plan to use it while here in the States and will resell it when we return to PNG.
• Many from our church, community, and support team have surrounded us with kindness—mowing the lawn, giving grocery/fuel/restaurant gift cards, buying the kids summer clothes and having them shipped to our door, taking us to the zoo for an afternoon, and providing childcare so Justine and I could have some time together.
• A’zalea and Andrew’s passport renewals are already in our hands. It was a 2.5 week turnaround with the US government.

Chick-fil-A — Our first meal back in the US!

How to Pray

• As parents, we need prayers as we raise and disciple our children and navigate school needs.
• As a couple, we need grace and space to intentionally invest in our marriage.
• As missionaries, we need wisdom and discernment regarding which opportunities to say yes and no to.

Words cannot express how much your partnership means to us. We acknowledge and appreciate your prayers and your regular and often sacrificial giving for the ministry of Bible translation. We couldn’t do this without you.

Every blessing until we meet again, Harold, Justine, A’zalea, & Andrew