Welsen's dad

This man, Ukawong, was a really dear friend of ours. He has “taken care” of us since the day we moved into the tribe.
We have many great memories with him, talking, laughing, hiking through the jungle.
He passed away this last weekend.
What makes this story even sadder is…
He chose not to believe in Christ.
Chad and Jason spent time talking with him even while he was sick.
But he didn’t believe.
His son Welsen, a believer, spent time talking with him.
But yet he still didn’t believe.
He chose to remain in the deception of the cargo cult.

Please pray that those who still don’t believe will be pierced by the truth of God’s Word.
wrong. They are blinded by Satan’s lies.
Please pray that God will open their eyes.

Please also continue to pray for the believers who are still trying to share their faith in the midst of the hard opposition.
Please pray for Welsen, as he realizes the harsh finality of his father’s death- he will no longer see him again.

Thanks for standing in prayer with all of us here!
Chad and Janeene & Elijah Mankins
And the Tobo believers

Tobo "weather report"

This past Friday, we were hit with the biggest storm we’ve seen in here since coming back in 2002— high winds and horizontal rain- no less than 11 ½ inches of it which fell in a 24-hour period from Thursday night through Friday night! The next morning, we scanned the surrounding mountains and counted more than a dozen fresh landslides. Everyone survived the storm just fine, though several will be making some roofing repairs, and some even lost their garden houses that were built too close to the river about 1500 feet below our village. The raging river washed away some of the bridges as well. All these are such small things in light of the fact that all stayed safe from injury.

As for the climate here spiritually, we haven’t seen any dramatic “storms” of late, but we are encouraged to see evidence of God’s continued work in peoples’ lives and hearts. We’ll mention one example here:

Just a few weeks ago, when a consultant flew in here to check the portions of the book of Acts that had been translated, a couple of new believers, Kips and Alis came to help us out. After reading the story of Stephen in chapter 7, both men were very thoughtful. Then, Kips shared that “Stiwen was not afraid for his own life, he just obeyed God and spoke out the story of Yesu very strongly in front of his accusers. And then, they were angry and killed him. We, too, should not be afraid when we tell others about Yesu. We should not think our lives to be a big thing, either, but just tell others the good story of Yesu whether they believe or not.” It was great to see the impact God’s Word was having on them.

Even though the believers here may not face stoning at the hands of their peers, we know that this is a difficult time and place for them to be believers. Many face hostility, scorn and indifference, which is very hard for such a relational people as the Tobo to face on a daily basis. Another aspect of this culture is that no one likes to confront others directly with their wrongdoings, and it has always been important for everyone to “be of one insides” and get along, even if it is only outwardly. So when Kips brought both of his parents to last Thursday’s meeting, it was amazing to learn later that Kips had told his parents that they were not believing in Yesu and so they were on a different road than his (a radical thing for a Tobo person to tell anyone, much less ones’ parents!!). So it was good to see his parents at the meeting.

Please pray for Kips as he continues to share Christ with his family, who have all been mainstays in the cargo cult for generations now. Will you ask God to encourage him and give him strength in this? And please pray also that Kips’ parents will understand and place their faith in the finished sacrifice of Christ.

And now here’s a forecast of another kind: a whirlwind of time expected over the next 6 weeks before heading out to Madang town for our annual regional conference. We will be editing and making some final revisions on the newly-checked Acts portions and will get these portions as well Genesis and Exodus portions and the book of Mark all ready for printing so that we can get them into Tobo hands. We will also be packing things up and getting ready for our trip back to the US immediately following our conference at the beginning of October. We continue to trust the Lord to arrange the adoption of a little brother or sister for Elijah during our time stateside. As we head back, our new partners the Williamsons will begin moving in and building their house, and then onto language and culture study here while Jason Knapp continues to teach the believers using the scripture portions “hot off the press.” Thanks in advance for all of your prayers during these busy months to come!

And finally, in the tradition of the zany neighborhood meteorologist--a little comic relief in the form of our son Elijah. One day while helping his Mom dig up potatoes in the garden, he had this to say, “We’re digging up potatoes. Congratulations!!” And at the dinner table his little imagination made us laugh, “I see a hawk… with a raincoat on… and glasses…and with his ears on.” We still scratch our heads at where he comes up with things like that…God has used him to brighten up many a rainy day!

Giving all glory to the Master of the storms (physical and otherwise),
Chad, Janeene & Elijah