in the beginning...

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:10).

That pretty much sums up the purpose of the Sun Valley trip to Papua New Guinea.  So much of the trip is still in the planning stages right now, and most of the details are not set in stone, but this is what we hope will happen, God willing.

In mid-September, about six of us will board a plane for a short trip to LAX.  That will get us started on a journey that will hopefully have life-changing implications for us and the people we encounter.  Following that first mini-flight, we will then hover (well) above the Pacific for the next few hours until arriving in Australia and connecting to Papua New Guinea. 

Once we get there, our trip is divided into two distinct parts.  The first part will be spent with Geoff and Shannon Husa at their home, which we have all seen before in pictures, but we look forward to experiencing ourselves. (For those who do not know the Husas, they are long-term missionaries with New Tribes Missions.  We have been able to get to stay current with them via email and when they come back to AZ).  They are our friends, and we are grateful to encourage them and be encouraged as well to see for ourselves the Mibu people, who are following Christ.  We all look forward to this part of the trip and hope that we will be able to encourage the people of Mibu even though communication will be a barrier.  However, we look forward to worshipping with them on Sunday, and lifting up our voices together to the God who knows all tongues.

After leaving Mibu, we head over to Madang for the annual conference for the New Tribes missionaries in the region.  That includes Geoff and Shannon, so we will get to have more time with them.  Dennis McMains, a pastor from our church, will be leading the adult sessions. 

The remainder of the team will run a VBS for the children during this time.  I think it will be fun for the kids and will help their parents be refreshed and attend the conference without distraction. Kevin Kramar, who is in charge of children's ministry on the Tempe campus, is leading this part of the trip.  In addition to VBS, we will help with the conference in whatever way we can.  Basically, we want to show love to all the missionaries there as much as we can, so they can return to their homes on the field refreshed and ready for the task ahead.