tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64400856282092295672024-03-12T21:00:56.936-04:00Scripture for All in Papua New GuineaThis blog is to share what God is doing among the people of Papua New Guinea through the translation, preaching and teaching of His written Word. neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-80105274705223282472014-02-03T08:58:00.001-05:002014-02-03T08:58:54.157-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U71G0kb4ntA/Uu-Yedp1U1I/AAAAAAAAAaA/eBkRM-luGD0/s1600/1601060_602539583129035_592066947_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U71G0kb4ntA/Uu-Yedp1U1I/AAAAAAAAAaA/eBkRM-luGD0/s1600/1601060_602539583129035_592066947_n.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">The States of Ministry</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Things change in year, and many of those changes are beautiful and wonderful. They are changes nonetheless and until we had definite news it has been hard to keep everyone posted. Yesterday, as I sat with my parents in New Hampshire, I laughed a bit thinking we are now in various "states" of ministry. <br /><br />Neil went to Missouri yesterday to begin working with Life Publishers on the next step of the Fire Bible in Melanesian Pidgin. The start has been delayed twice, not for our part, but a reality that occurs when you try to coordinate the schedule of so many people. After these three days he will likely plan his return to PNG, and then a transfer of the work to Bangkok. I'll write more about that in our next letter. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Anthony is a first semester junior at Northpoint Bible College. If you don't recognize "young Tony" in the photo above, it is because he is now a young man who has exceeded all height expectations for anyone with our surname. (He's in the blue jacket with the brown pants on the right). The photo was taken last week before the ten students pictured headed to the Super Bowl to work with an organization dedicated to rescuing victims of human trafficking. We've learned a great deal about the terrible plague of human trafficking through Anthony's passion to minister the love of Christ to the victims as well as to those who traffic. In keeping with that call on his life, he spent the weekend in New York and New Jersey. We sense that he will not be "long for America" after he graduates but likely minister overseas in the future.<br /><br />For my part I continue to teach a women's Bible study on the Gospel of John to some 50 women every Thursday. I enjoy it a great deal. I had a bout with my liver enzymes again reaching elevated levels but my appetite has returned. I continue to enjoy good mobility though I've had my times when my legs have given out and I needed a physical "lift" into the apartment. Though I did not envision a stretch in the US to exceed a year, I recognize it is a gift to me and this time has made it possible for a million people in Papua New Guinea to have access to a study Bible. <br /><br />So the "states of the Vanaria's" yesterday were New Hampshire, New York and Missouri. (Though, the NH state was a "location" not a ministry). I'll soon have a letter out with the specifics of the Fire Bible and updates on Mesem's continued use of the New Testament as well as the work Neil has produced as an additional Bible aid to Mesem speakers. That we were in Papua New Guinea a year ago at this time seems unreal at times, but when I look around I know that I have led a blessed life that is so rich that a year passes and there are so many rich moments, it seems hard to believe only a year ago we were celebrating the culmination of 25 years in Papua New Guinea. <br /><br />So as the radio plays, "With everything, with everything, we will shout for Your glory", I say, "Amen". Till next time, thanks for standing with us.</div>
<br />neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-23776646898856949442013-09-28T19:58:00.001-04:002013-09-28T19:58:22.160-04:00A Time For Every Purpose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVZv_6eL7WM/Ukdm7PnsYHI/AAAAAAAAAZs/a4KPWe-tdiU/s1600/IMG_7007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DVZv_6eL7WM/Ukdm7PnsYHI/AAAAAAAAAZs/a4KPWe-tdiU/s320/IMG_7007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This year, has had some amazing moments, most notably, the dedication of the New Testament. Reports of its use, the interest, and the change in the spiritual atmosphere are so encouraging. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This year has had some surprising moments. I had a surprise surgery in January, an unexpected illness in February, and doctors orders for a prolonged period of rest in May. Got a liver biopsy in there too just for fun. I'm doing just fine but have an excuse not to eat foods I dislike without appearing impolite. I still tire easily but everyone says the same thing. "We ain't 30 no more." </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We've had inspiring moments. We had a wonderful time at Missionary Renewal in June. We had our third 10 day vacation in 34 years in July and in August had hoped for Neil to begin training for the Fire Bible. That was delayed for reasons beyond our control but we have needed to "re-fund" our work as many of those who first supported us have gone on to heaven, or retired and are no longer able to continue so we've needed the time to meet with pastors and interested individuals to explain our work. We've had time to concentrate on chaplaincy and Bible teaching, our most frequent non-missionary activities. In October, Neil will be participating in Convoy of Hope here in Marlborough, which we pray has a tremendous impact on the local community.<br /><br />Anthony is in his second year at Bible College and sure of his call to missions, though to a very different ministry than we had. It makes my heart glad his call is unique.<br /><br />My parents are moving to New Hampshire to be closer to my sister as they are in their late 80's and they need a home that is easier to maintain. Neil will soon be traveling overseas for extended periods again as soon as we can make necessary arrangements and I can handle the travel schedule alone. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I am honest, this is not how I saw 2013-14. I thought my folks would be nearby, my health would be robust, and we'd be moving to Southern Europe already. But I am thankful for the health I have, the friends so close, this time while I can live in the same country as our son, for a husband of 34 years who is smart and funny and compassionate, and of whom I am most proud. (I might add he has never once cheered for a non-New England team). I'm thankful that the Lord knows the timing of all things and how events in Papua New Guinea impact that work and how our age, and health, and families fit into our ultimate calling to my other passport nation. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Isn't it good to know, that every time has meaning ordained by the Lord, and none of it is without purpose? "Return to thy rest oh my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with thee".</span></span>neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-87763416957700545312013-07-11T23:44:00.000-04:002013-07-11T23:44:16.451-04:00Why the Fire Bible?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yn2FgDXv8o/Ud9rYQCsjsI/AAAAAAAAAZM/_mPCy8qWPJA/s1600/for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yn2FgDXv8o/Ud9rYQCsjsI/AAAAAAAAAZM/_mPCy8qWPJA/s1600/for+blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I wanted to use the entry to explain a bit more in detail why we are delaying the move to Europe to initiate the Fire Bible project in Papua New Guinea and to answer questions that you may have, more in depth than what would normally be included in a news letter. Here's a sample of the questions we've been asked, and please feel free to ask anything I don't cover it here. The first thing we've been asked is, <b>"What about Sicily?"</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We still feel sure of God's call to Sicily. The work is being set up in such a way that Neil will be able to continue to work with the translators even after we move on to Southern Europe. However, to gather a team of translators, equip and train them will require prolonged stays in Papua New Guinea, a great deal of travel within the country, and meetings that really need to be face to face. Once the translation team is in place and has demonstrated they can work with remote supervision, we will be free to move on Europe and still encourage the translators in Papua New Guinea with Neil making periodic trips to assist the translators.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Another question I've been asked is, <b>"Are other churches involved in translating this study Bible?"</b> The answer to that is <b>"Absolutely"</b>. The translation team will include Christians from a variety of evangelical backgrounds. The notes for the study Bible were written by a Nazarene missionary named Donald Stamps. He was working in South America and realized that even for those who owned a Bible, they struggled to understand it as they had no Bible studies nor any other Bible helps. In fact, many pastors had neither additional study materials nor any formal Bible training. Stamps was gifted to write clearly and in such a way that the Bible has become an invaluable tool for many indigenous pastors and believers, who are able to use the notes for exegesis, topical study, and to understand the basis for foundational Christian doctrine. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Another question I've been asked is, <b>"Wouldn't a vernacular Bible be better?"</b> The vernacular is always the best choice but for a generation of Papua New Guineans who grow up in settlements or are the offspring of parents who married outside their tribal group, Melanesian Pidgin is their vernacular. There are more than 6 million people in Papua New Guinea, and 5 million speak the language to some degree. It is estimated that more than a million people speak it as their first language!<br /><br /><b>"What is your time table?"</b> is another question that has come our way. At this point, we expect it will take 2 years to get the work in Papua New Guinea on firm enough footing that it can be maintained from a distance. Internet is still a challenge in PNG and computers are also difficult to maintain. Within two years we believe people can be trained to the point where they will be able to send the work via email. Due to the heavy travel requirements, the ruggedness of Papua New Guinea and the exceptionally high cost of living, it is actually more economical for me to remain stateside so Neil can travel with a minimum of costs and we are not spending extra funds looking for a place where i can live safely. Our vehicle was taken and destroyed before we finished there so Neil can travel on public transit which is not possible for me. My doctor requires I spend a year recovering my immune system and rather than sitting in "idle" we will be able to resume ministry full time as soon as our funding is in place. Neil will travel back to Papua New Guinea as soon as I am able to over our stateside duties. He is already working on the initial logistics and looking forward to returning to Papua. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />I may not have answered all your questions but feel free to send them along and I'll do my best to get back to you. You can contact me at kathy.vanaria@gmail.com.</span></span>neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-8900278698091739992013-05-15T11:11:00.000-04:002013-05-15T11:11:09.177-04:00Thailand and the Fire BibleWhen we first returned from Papua New Guinea in mid-February I did not envision a trip to Thailand. I rather thought we'd be reviewing a budget for Southern Europe and raising our support to begin that chapter of ministry. But I had been feeling exhausted for some time and had a series of symptoms from slurred speech to forgetfulness that were troublesome, so in conjunction with my primary care doctor we went back to Bumrungrad in Bangkok where I had surgery in January. I have a severe case of hepatitis, a resurfacing of Type A, which I had in 1994. I thought one could not get it twice, but apparently if you get it once, it can come back if you become exhausted. I met the criteria for exhaustion.<br /><br />Shortly before we left for Thailand, the leadership of AGWM, as well as our Southern New England leadership asked us to pray about delaying ministry in Southern Europe so we could devote our experience in translation to the "Fire Bible" in Melanesia Pidgin. The Fire Bible is a study Bible with helpful notes and teaching aids in addition to the translated text. Melanesian Pidgin is the trade language of Papua New Guinea and spoken by millions of people. However, like all trade language it has a very limited vocabulary and theological concepts are very difficult to translate. By creating a study Bible in the language there is an opportunity to provide helpful notes to prevent people from reading in wrong understandings of the scripture. Another purpose of the study Bible is that there are many untrained pastors who serve in Papua New Guinea. With no formal Bible training they benefit greatly from having good study notes to guide them in sermon preparation as well as helpful charts. <br />
<br />
The Fire Bible name comes from Luke 24:32 where Jesus encounters the disciples on the road to Emmaus who, after hearing Him explain Messiah in the law and prophets say, Were not our hearts burning in us while he was talking to us on the way, making clear to us the scriptures?" The Fire Bible is meant as a tool to support and encourage the indigenous church. Bishop Giegere Wenge of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, who has long supported us in our service with AGWM, has received a copy as well and spoken of his gratitude for a study Bible. We believe it will serve many churches around the country of Papua New Guinea.<br />
<br />
So how dos our trip to Thailand relate to the Fire Bible? It is clear that my health is such I cannot make any kind of international move at this time. Neil, however, is free to come and go to Papua New Guinea and begin the work of organizing and setting up the translation work among Papua New Guinean Christians. We can both read the language fluently to proof the notes. AGWM has agreed that I can remain in Massachusetts and with todays' technology Neil can spend half time here in the US with me while I recover. We need to replenish our donor base as well, and this arrangement allows us to maintain a vital ministry while preparing for the next phase in Southern Europe. Our experience in the language is a tremendous boost to the project and our experience is very helpful. Al in all, it seems the Lord's timing to enable me to recover and the two of us to continue to make a contribution overseas. We are truly thankful for the opportunity and trust that our second translation project will be much speedier than the first! <br />
neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-59379981444394190962013-04-04T16:25:00.002-04:002013-05-15T11:13:57.622-04:00The Month After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMlX-Xqm7Is/UV3tfJUnCmI/AAAAAAAAAUI/w0BeorA-y-U/s1600/PNG+Dedication+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YMlX-Xqm7Is/UV3tfJUnCmI/AAAAAAAAAUI/w0BeorA-y-U/s320/PNG+Dedication+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It has been a month since we returned to the US</span> and it's taken sometime to recover from jet lag, post-lag (when your desk has three months of mail) and communication lag (when you've got hundreds of unaswered letters in your inbox). I feel for my part, I need more time to really reflect on what the Lord has done and how amazing has been the work He has accomplished through His Spirit during this time.<br /><br />It is true that the response exceeded our wildest expectations. Every prayer was answered exceeding abundantly above all we could ask or think. We sort through photos, and still are doing so, that we might be able to ready a video that accurate portrays all that happened that day. We want to share it with all of you in the way we feel you so richly deserve to see it. It was an amazing event that many people contributed to in prayer, sacrifice, and love. There's no other way to say it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Life moves on and with it our need to transition to our next phase of ministry. We've been asked to consider putting church planting on hold for two years to give full attention to assisting with a study Bible project that is greatly needed. We've so longed and waited for the chance to begin in church planting, yet feel a sense that our experience is well suited to what we are being asked to consider that we are still talking over how we might best proceed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Personally, I am exceptionally tired. There has not been down time since the scriptures were published and my body is telling me in many ways with many voices, "You are 55, not 25 and you just had major surgery in January". I find that I am a better listener than I once was simply because I can no longer bend over and slip on my shoes as well as I once did.<br /><br />In the coming weeks we have many speaking engagements and talks with leadership as well as conferences we are to attend to share the work as well as plan what comes next. I very much hope to get a vacation in there at some point even if we can't go away. To have a couple of weeks without commitments to re-energize and reflect on what God has done would be a welcome gift.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I cannot help but say, though, that were I to die tomorrow, I would be a woman who had lived such an extraordinary life with so many gifts just given to me for no other reason than God's grace. Yes, I lived in the rain forest. I found that hard. I've also been in England, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, the Philippines, Singapore, China, Dubai, Australia, Canada and Mexico in my life. I've taken photos of our son with a Beef Eater in London and a Swiss Guard at the Vatican. I've wandered through the jungle and ancient Roman ruins. I've walked through the streets of Salisbury and see the magnificent cathedral there. I've ridden in PMVs and Jeepneys. I've been married to a wonderful man for 34 years and have a son who loves Jesus. I am so blessed. I just thought I would take this space today, to say so.</span>neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-25574501004955191492013-03-15T03:00:00.000-04:002013-03-15T03:08:20.492-04:00The New Testament DedicationAfter a couple of hours with a new "user friendly" interface, I still don't know how to do things I could do before the website got so helpful! As a concession to my age and that fact it is 3 AM, I know you will help me out by taking this extra step to get to the photo album of the New Testament dedication. <br />
<br />
We put together an album called "Thirty-five Hundred Reasons to Praise" and hope you will enjoy it and it will give you a flavor of the day. As it is not possible to put the album or the direct link to the album here, I hope to make this easy and worth your time. Start by going to the website below.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.vanaria.org/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.vanaria.org</span></a><br />
<br />
The menu is on the left hand side. You will see one link called "The New Testament Dedication Blog". Click on that and you should be able to view this 24 page color photo album of the dedication.<br />
<br />
Thanks for taking the extra time to do this and know we love and appreciate you all!<a href="http://www.vanaria.org/" target="_blank">click here</a>neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-8785315664938994112013-01-07T13:01:00.003-05:002013-01-07T13:01:36.471-05:00Why I Love HopeBiblical hope is waiting for that which is assured. It's not wishful thinking. It's not crossing your finger and having a positive attitude. It's waiting for what you know will happen. There's a world of difference between the hope this world gives and the hope of heaven. "Gospel Hope" is an anchor for our soul. It's firm and secure and we can stake our lives on it. <br />
<br />
<br />
Waiting for the New Testament has been a bit of a frustrating experience. How many times have we been told it will be on the next boat? I've lost count of dates and delays. But this morning I was thinking to myself that the great thing about an experience like this is that it reminds me that this kind of waiting, this kind of hoping, is not the kind of hope on which my life is based. This fulfillment of this hope depends on a shipping company, conscientious employees, and calm seas. Will the New Testaments eventually get to their destination? Yes they will. Will it be on my perfect schedule? No, we blew that out of the water weeks ago. This kind of waiting is frustrating because we don't know what is going to happen. So really, that's not hope. That's waiting around for people to match the container to the manifest. We pray they do it on time and every hindrance is removed, but we are not staking our lives on that hope. What God guarantees is so precious it can't be delayed or affected by human will. <br />
<br />
So with every rescheduling notice, the great Hope for which we ultimately wait looks sweeter all the time. Even in the midst of delays, there's a chance to give thanks. <br />
<br />
We'll keep you updated on when our earthly waiting for the scriptures
is completed. In the meantime, he's a picture of Tony and Seth enjoying
Madang town.<span id="goog_1286050321"></span><span id="goog_1286050322"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JnrLeqpCWl8/UOsNWfygLHI/AAAAAAAAATA/QPOCWO2mhmU/s1600/tony+seth+little+guy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JnrLeqpCWl8/UOsNWfygLHI/AAAAAAAAATA/QPOCWO2mhmU/s320/tony+seth+little+guy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-47650690978798269502012-09-24T11:56:00.002-04:002012-10-10T20:38:24.850-04:00A Preview of Things to Come<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rk0dE8Cg8G8/UGB9MW3kIlI/AAAAAAAAASk/DCJVp6ypfoM/s1600/mesem+snippet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rk0dE8Cg8G8/UGB9MW3kIlI/AAAAAAAAASk/DCJVp6ypfoM/s320/mesem+snippet.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This portion of scripture and illustration are taken from the Mesem New Testament. Jesus is explaining to Nicodemus that God's Light (Asakng) has come into the world. While in the US we have many translations of the scriptures, available in soft cover, hard cover, vinyl or leather....the Mesem people will get one version of the scripture and it the one that so many have worked together to provide for them. The cover will be blue, with a fold over flap to protect the pages, and a snap that is "rain forest friendly". One of the things we learned in our years in Papua New Guinea is that cockroaches love to eat books. So Carolyn, at Life Publishers suggested a cover to discourage digesting the Word for the wrong reasons.<br />
<br />
Neil will depart November 3 for PNG where he will meet with church leadership to coordinate the dedication and then go to the port to get the scriptures and bring them through customs. He will need to find a place to store them as well. We have some challenges: we don't own a vehicle anymore and he has no easy way to move 3500 copies of the scriptures. We need a safe storage facility. He will need a place to stay and he hopes to work on a book about Bible customs as well. While he is gone, I will keep our previous ministry commitments. Tony is away at school, so I may be bribing one of you to drive me when I need to travel a longer distance. Feel free to volunteer :).<br />
<br />
We are looking at our direction for missions after PNG and have need wisdom concerning our next step. For several years there has been a need for a study Bible in Melanesian Pidgin and we are well qualified to take on that project. At the same time, we have looked forward to this stage when we could pursue a long held call to Southern Europe. Should we try to do both at the same time, or should we begin the study Bible and then go on to Southern Europe? At this point we are seeking the Lord for His direction. We know our call to missions continues. Thanks for faithfully staying the course with us. Together we can say, "Hitherto hast the Lord helped us".<br />
<br />
<br />neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-38908494811197158372012-06-28T10:50:00.001-04:002012-06-28T10:50:57.320-04:00We've Got a Date!We are thrilled, really, to have a date to announce for the Dedication of the Mesem New Testament. It is now scheduled to be held January 26-27, 2013 in Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. Though there have been many delays over the years, I was reminded of the words of Jesus last night when praying with someone, "Any time seems right to you". Jesus always intended to the do the Father's will. What his brothers had in mind and what He had in mind may have looked the same but were very different in purpose. We have wanted the Mesem to have the scriptures. We've spent years working to that end. In my mind, it's been, "The sooner the better" because I've grown quite weary at times. Yet the Lord foresaw all the events, knows all the people, realized that it was not safe to travel this summer and so many other things we could not have known. He will still accomplish the right thing at the right time. Is't that a fantastic promise?neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-32896272129861230392012-05-31T11:26:00.002-04:002012-05-31T11:26:37.063-04:00Dedication Dates and Other Moving TargetsFor months now we've been looking forward to announcing a date when the dedication of the New Testament will be a reality. Recent political changes in Papua New Guinea have affected our ability to pin down the date. The elections are a time of significant unrest and would be a huge distraction from something as important as the Mesem scriptures being distributed.<br />
<br />
Last week a decision was made to postpone the dedication until January 2013. While it is yet another delay, it is one that was not unforeseen by the Lord. Our current plan, Lord willing, is for Neil to return to Papua New Guinea when the New Testaments are due to arrive, and ensure they are securely stored until we can return for dedication. When we do dedicate, Neil will need to spend about two months in the interior distributing the scriptures and teach people how to use the helps.<br />
<br />
During this time we are asking the Lord's guidance as to our next steps. We are sure we are called to remain in missions but have been given three choices all of which we want to take as from Him and consider in prayer. We believe we know where we are to land long term, but would the Lord like us to "linger a bit" and help other works in Papua New Guinea move forward? <br />
<br />
A long awaited newsletter will soon be out. We've joked that dates in PNG, like wild pigs, are moving targets. We will be as relieved as you when we have a firm date on which all church leaders agree!neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-51558313159542518812012-04-27T17:08:00.000-04:002012-04-28T07:45:39.261-04:00PerspectivesToday I uploaded more photos to the Google web album. I had to re-upload several as I have not yet figured out how to keep them on the web without cluttering my hard drive. I'll figure that out later.<br />
<br />
The news from PNG has been difficult. Election turmoil has made a delay in the New Testament inevitable. The dedication cannot possibly take place before December. Neil will need to return at some point without us, and Tony and I will follow, Lord willing, at a time when the dedication does not preclude Tony attending. Communicating that the college school year in North America and the school year in Papua New Guinea are not the same is not always easy.<br />
<br />
After 25 years of life in the South Pacific, delays are common. Few things run on the schedule we would have liked. I am by nature one to plan and well, that and South Pacific living are things that can be mutually exclusive. I learned a long time ago that I need to "let go" of my need for things to run according to some plan of mine. It has always belonged to Him.<br />
<br />
In looking over these photos of days gone by, I cannot help but say, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us". I did not think I would always make it to see the day when the New Testament would be completed. I smile at photos of doing the laundry by hand, which is more fun looking back than at the time, and I see photos of Tony growing up barefoot in the rainforest and remembering many good times as well. It gives perspective.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyOL0J4CVjGRuc9g8emDmqjlg9YrpvEoeiLe-tZDibA6gD35oLXTyy5mvWoBIIoZWUQIn2x-xKgSZwgOZo7xg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
It was in 1990 that I wrote in my Bible, "God is more pleased by contentment than control". Amen. He is the one to be in control. We can be content in that.
<neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-4216404461172543952012-03-20T17:28:00.002-04:002012-03-20T17:28:41.149-04:00A First Term Lesson-The Grace Given to Fruit Bats<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(This was written circa 1991)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It was a hot night in Madang and as usual, we were hiding under the mosquito net protecting ourselves not only from the annoying mosquitoes but from geckos, rats and other creepy crawlies. The “fwop-fwop-fwop” of a bat flying through the night registered somewhere in the back of my mind. Those solid leathery wings make a distinct sound as they hit the air. It was the unanticipated sound in the sequence that surprised me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fwop-fwop-fwop- BONG!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The sound of a dull collision with our metal water tank caught me by surprise. A bat had hit our water tank? Sure enough, just outside our window was an unconscious little fruit bat lying on its back. I couldn’t tell if it was the victim of bad fruit or bad luck. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was stunned. How many times had I seen and heard science documentaries that spoke of the astonishing radar of bats. Bats could circumnavigate every obstacle, even in the pitch of night, using their sonar. Yet, here in Papua New Guinea, home to thousands of bats, one of these creatures, unfamiliar with the science, had flown head long into a tree and knocked himself senseless.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An analogy for missions was born.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prior to becoming a missionary, I read every mission biography I could possibly lay my hands on. I marveled at CT Studd. I felt a lump in my throat reading of Amy Carmichael. I was practically discipled by Helen Rosevear, who was a personal favorite because of her down to earth approach to writing. I had seen movies, read books, listened to famous missionary speakers and they seemed sure of where they had been and where they were going. They seemed humble, joyful, purposeful, and always anchored in truth.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then I became a missionary and realized that missionaries, like bats, fly head long into objects, get knocked senseless and must recover.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This was a very encouraging realization. I am honest to a fault. I discovered that it wasn’t too long before I looked at others and found myself asking, “Am I the only one wondering about this?” Years later I realize that I am one of the few giving voice to what everyone is thinking. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God use ordinary people just as He uses ordinary bats. The encouraging thing is that there are no special bats or special people. The discouraging thing is that there are no excuses. You can’t look and say, “That person is so amazing to go there. I could never do that”. The person you are looking at can’t really do it either without an amazing portion of grace that cannot muster in and of themselves. It’s a huge grace trip from beginning to end.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So I’m thankful that bat flew along and reminded me that ordinary is OK. The bat, by the way, recovered and flew on. So will we. </span></div>neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-34124158918261593712012-02-24T10:08:00.000-05:002012-02-24T10:08:45.728-05:00A Rodent's Reaction to Espresso<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>In an effort to record those “stories we didn’t tell in church”, I am trying to give a weekly recap of memorable moments that never made the prayer letter. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In 1990, Neil and I returned to our home in Dusin. We opened the door and were horrified to see more rat droppings than I have ever seen at any time in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve seen a lot of rats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We dispatched a lot of rats to the place that rats go when they are dispatched. </span>We just never quite saw the distribution of rat droppings that littered our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Dusin house was entirely bamboo and had but one closed cupboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our pots and pans were covered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bookshelves were littered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we made our way into the house, stepping gingerly, we had no choice but to put the boxes of supplies down on top of the mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we began to notice other things besides the droppings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a really nice short wave radio on which we got all our outside news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The antenna had been gnawed through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The curtain cord was in shreds. Books were gnawed and toilet paper…a rather precious commodity, was no longer useable. (I am now a self-confessed "tp hoarder".)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I peeked into our extremely small bathroom and the plastic medications had holes in them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tips of everything from antibiotic ointment, to other medical tubes were totally gone and had to be tossed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We couldn’t figure out the cause for the devastation but began to clean, wash and boil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(The Dusin house had only cold water so we had to heat the water if we wanted to shower or do dishes).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The loft was almost as bad as the downstairs, but we were grateful, after shaking off the droppings from our bed, that the Codan radio with which we communicated with the outside world was graciously untouched but for droppings on top of it. That could all be swept up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I heard Neil call me and went to see what he’d found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d been cleaning before we unpacked so things would be sanitary enough for the next several months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last place we looked was in the place where we stored our food because, well, there was never a lot of food left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neil dangle before me a desecrated bag of espresso coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly the lights went on in our minds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“il ratto” had gotten into the espresso and “ZINGO” that had lit up its little body and thus began the carnage. We were looking at a rodent's reaction to espresso.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We cleaned that area really well too, though it was not nearly as bad as the rest of the place. I guess he started there, got his high and move on to more chewable things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been counting on that coffee to get me through the next few months and was annoyed, albeit also amused, that the rat had taken as much as he had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually debated throwing all the coffee out since I didn’t want the rat to win but I think I came up with what looked like a healthy compromise. We’re both still here, so as the saying goes, “If it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger”. I don’t know if that is true about most things, but it can be said about the remaining espresso.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are looking for a moral to the story here it is: keep your coffee in a metal can. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-55893337270326489232012-02-13T21:29:00.001-05:002012-02-14T08:33:30.782-05:00Giving by Receiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7YRWmgyrNE0/TznGgv4KGfI/AAAAAAAAARg/ZL2-HqX0WxM/s1600/1938+PNG+sterling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7YRWmgyrNE0/TznGgv4KGfI/AAAAAAAAARg/ZL2-HqX0WxM/s200/1938+PNG+sterling.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Every Wednesday I meet a friend for a time of ministry in Boston. As we talk together, I find that I often remember some story from Papua New Guinea that I had completely forgotten. It is good to record these stories, for while some of them are very funny and some less so, those stories speak of God’s amazing faithfulness. This story speaks of sacrificial love.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Over the years I have had a number of surgeries for my spinal cord injury, as well as several additional surgeries for various things that seem to show up where they shouldn’t be, or for things inside that decided they wanted to check out before I do. I joke that “we shall meet the Lord in the air” because so much of me is buried on different continents that I will have to be reassembled mid-resurrection.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At one point I had terrible pain with gallstone. A decision was made to medevac me and Tony so I could be checked out and sure enough, my gall bladder and I had “irreconcilable differences”, necessitating that we part company quickly. By this time, I’d already had surgery in PNG without enough anesthesia and I found I cope best if I sleep when some part of me is removed, so I knew Australia was the place to go. Neil was still in the village and I conveyed the message to him on short wave so he prepared to hike out and meet me so he could care for Tony, freeing me to go to Australia for surgery.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Neil knew from experience that the night before we left Samanzing was always very hectic. Everyone who had a need would come and the house was always crowded with those who wanted one thing or another. So it was no surprise to Neil that the house filled to capacity even as he hurried to fill his backpack so he could depart before dawn for his 10 hour hike to the nearest road. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Very late at night, after things quieted down there was yet another knock on door. The village headman arrived with a small bag. He gave it to Neil who looked inside and realized it was full of money. Now the Mesem are desperately poor people. Inside this bag were many coins as well as “treasures” that people had held on to for years in case of an emergency. One man had placed a 20 yen note from the Japanese occupancy in the bag. Several had given silver sterlings that pre-dated independence by more than 30 years. When Neil tried to give it back the village elder said, “You must take it, you are one of us now”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am always grateful we took it. There were many lessons in that act. People need to give and we need to receive to show they have value. We needed to show that they, too, had something to offer us. Had we not taken that gift, we would have been saying that we didn’t need them, and being “one of them” was not important. It was in the humility of receiving we were initiated into the relationship which we most desired to have with them. They showed sacrificial love and by letting them love us, we loved them in return.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s good to give and I like to give, but we always have a certain control when we are giving. We are in a different position, relationally, than when we take. One of the difficult things for me in becoming a missionary was living on support, because we had always been generous givers and enjoyed doing that. Being a recipient is a humbling thing. But I have come to realize that when we receive acts of love, we are loving and affirming the love of the one who gives and that is a good thing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I share this story before I forget again. I share it to remind myself that in receiving God’s love, I am loving Him back. </div>neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-21841214240189557422012-01-13T15:50:00.008-05:002012-01-13T15:55:33.246-05:00The Woman with Nothing To Give<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal">I was telling a story this week to a friend about the first Mesem book of scripture ever published. It was the Gospel of Mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told a story that many of you might not know, but which touches me to this day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One morning I spoke at my home church and at the end of the service one of the ushers came over with tears in his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had ring. He said, “I don’t know what to do. This woman said to me, “I have no money to give but give this to that missionary” and she ran out so fast I didn’t get her name or anything.” Then he handed me a beautiful ring. It was delicate ring with red stones.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was leaving the US the next day and asked my father to have it appraised but the jeweler told him that it was not his area of expertise because the ring was antique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized that gift, which I knew to be great was a greater sacrifice than I initially imagined.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ultimately, we sold the ring for $220.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We felt that a gift so precious needed to be used for a special purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1995, we bought the paper on which the Gospel of Mark was printed with the proceeds from that ring.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you go to our website there is a video of that dedication and part way through I appear, much younger, dressed in PNG clothing and the story I am telling is how the first gospel was given to the Mesem, by a woman who said she had nothing to give.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not sure who she is, nor if she ever knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I know that great sacrifices do reap great rewards, and though it was sewn in her tears, it will be harvested with rejoicing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you who gave that ring are reading this, please get in touch….</div>neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-58127231662380705362011-11-17T15:10:00.002-05:002011-11-17T15:12:37.082-05:00The Scott Who Drew for the Rainforest People<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdnkfcTUxJk/TsVjZ3LjFKI/AAAAAAAAARQ/LEdjNmM381U/s1600/a-soldier-gif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdnkfcTUxJk/TsVjZ3LjFKI/AAAAAAAAARQ/LEdjNmM381U/s200/a-soldier-gif.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br />
God has an amazing way of weaving together threads of our lives with those we've never met. Needing an illustration for the "armour of God", someone suggested I ask Karyn, a member of our Thursday Bible Study if she could illustrate the text. Twenty-four hours later, the soldier here was ready and will be included in the Mesem New Testament. Now Karyn was born in Scotland. I was born in Winchester. The Mesem who will use this picture for generations to come live in a remote rainforest area half a world away. I don't think Karyn knew last month that God would use her gifts to bless a group of people who she has only recently learned existed, and whose knowledge of them is confined to what she can see on our website. But God has done just that.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile in Papua New Guinea, the roofing iron for Susie's house has been purchased. Christians from Canada, the US, Brazil, and Vietnam have come together to help a woman they don't know but who is related by the blood of Christ. There is something so powerful and beautiful in all of that.We're part of a family so big we don't know each other but we love and care for each other anyway. I know God smiles on that. We pass along to Susie notes from everyone who writes. She is encouraged and that in itself is a gift to us.We're still going via <span style="color: blue;">Gapfill.org</span> to help with her school fees but the house is the most immediate need and we are so, so thankful that so much has come together so quickly for her. A PNG sister wrote to express her thanks on behalf of this "unseen" widow. I thought of that and smiled. No one is unseen. We might think we are, but God sees and He is not far fro any one of us.<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving is next week. We are most blessed.neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-5177924772322669832011-08-25T17:25:00.000-04:002011-09-01T14:40:13.665-04:00Keep on Praying Mantis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tw-LKyCplR8/Tla1dAiep3I/AAAAAAAAAQc/wHVxtayDyXk/s1600/m_praying+and+Bible+reading+in+an+offbeat+way.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tw-LKyCplR8/Tla1dAiep3I/AAAAAAAAAQc/wHVxtayDyXk/s320/m_praying+and+Bible+reading+in+an+offbeat+way.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I was looking through our photos the other day and saw that Neil had captured this picture when he was translating. If you look closely, you'll see that Mantis is posed right over a section of scripture. The New England sense of humor set in and I thought, "We need to study scripture and keep on praying, Mantis,or we'll never see the scripture in the hands of the Mesem.<br />
<br />
Our final days in Papua New Guinea were not as I had envisioned them. I thought of chances to sit with friends, visit places that I have loved and take photos with people who mean a lot to me. I thought of going through the market and enjoying the produce. I had vague ideas of how to celebrate Tony's graduation, which, though it was from a long distance academy, was no less an accomplishment. He didn't get Pomp and Circumstance, there was not prom, or graduating class, but he is great guy who did a great job finishing his senior year in extraordinary circumstances.<br />
<br />
Our time, however, did not end as we thought it would. We knew our truck had been stolen and demolished while we were in the US. We didn't know someone had helped themselves to some of our electrical equipment and personal items. It was disappointing. We were very thankful that a Lutheran missionary couple offered us use of their vehicle while we finished in PNG. Neil and Tony went to pick up that vehicle the day after we arrived back to Bobiufa. While on their way, they were held up at shotgun point. I knew we were back. It set the tone for our ending days in PNG.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wDJjpFplws/Tla6fdz863I/AAAAAAAAAQs/ZL01rnPHSzY/s1600/leo+with+flat+stanley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wDJjpFplws/Tla6fdz863I/AAAAAAAAAQs/ZL01rnPHSzY/s200/leo+with+flat+stanley.jpg" width="200" /></a>While we faced a number of challenges, including the theft of Neil's computer from a locked vehicle, and ultimately, lost luggage courtesy of an airline error on the way home. (No, it has not been found, but the contents are invaluable to us). What was most tragic was the death of Susie Leo's husband. Leo was a police officer who was a very committed and loving Christian. Many of you have seen him in our pictures of "Flat Stanley" which was a project for our nieces school class. While the police world wide are known as ones who protect us, we don't always think of "police gentleness". Yet, Leo was a gentle and loving man who cared deeply for his family. He also cared deeply for missionary kids who struggled with their faith and he and Susie opened their home to many young people sharing the love of God and a bit of good kaukau with all who came their way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AAPse4msX0U/Tla5h3JcHnI/AAAAAAAAAQk/kRmMMaceRkM/s1600/susie+leo+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AAPse4msX0U/Tla5h3JcHnI/AAAAAAAAAQk/kRmMMaceRkM/s320/susie+leo+020.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I was shocked by the difficulty Susie faced in the aftermath of Leo's death. She has five children still living. (She lost her daughter to cancer last year) and she is a dear friend. Her struggles make any hardship we face pale in comparison. I talked to her via Skype this week. She's got a place to live until December and then she has to move. Our friends at GapFill.org are raising funds for her to be able to pay school fees as there is no free universal education in Papua New Guinea. <br />
<br />
I share all this to ask you to keep praying. I have no doubt we made it home because of your prayers. I am sure that this New Testament has been prayed through to this point. What we need is to keep praying, praying for the Mesem, praying for the New Testament to be completed without further delays, pray for the finances, pray for the families of the people involved in supporting and praying for all this. We need to pray for one another. We need to pray for revival. We need to pray that the scriptures are not delayed because of any more because of extraordinary circumstances. Pray for the health, safety and employment of all involved. Pray that daily needs are met. Pray for revival. Or as we say to our friend Mantis, "Keep on Praying". We're eternally grateful and we know the Mesem will be as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-16959071713836861442011-03-10T20:59:00.003-05:002011-03-10T21:16:05.188-05:00Thoughts?This past week I've been thinking a lot about the final 18 months of Mesem New Testament translation and the ministry in which we've been involved in PNG for more than 20 years. I was actually thinking of how faithful, loving, generous, and truly amazing, have been those who have prayed and sacrificed for the sake of reaching the Mesem. There are dozens of churches, and many, many wonderful Christian friends, who have stayed faithful to answering God's call to reach the Mesem.<br /><br />How many? It is said that it takes at least 100 "donors" to keep a missionary on the field. I know that the number of people who have sacrificed for this work, far exceeds that number, but there are a dozen or so families that have given, prayed and fasted, not to mention painted, cleaned, moved, stored, archived, called, and researched...just to name a few tasks....and participated in this work in ways that are known only to the Lord and perhaps to us in some measure. There are single parents, single women, couples with disabled children, pastors who are AG and pastors who are Baptist, who have stood by us for as long as we've been in Papua New Guinea. They've stayed faithful for more than 20 years to a group of people they have never met, and never seen in person. I really don't have words to adequately describe just what a gift this is to us and to the Mesem.<br /><br />As "the missionary" we get to go, be with the people, and see first hand the fruit of what God is doing. The rest of the people in the ministry, those at home, don't get that opportunity. I have often wondered how we can best share the day the New Testament is dedicated with that faithful cohort. A number of friends have been saving for years to come to Papua New Guinea when that time comes. (Lord willing, summer 2012...speaking from a Northern Hemisphere perspective). Many, of course, cannot come and we really would like to know how to best share the dedication celebration with them. So I put this out here to ask for ideas, suggestions, or whatever comes to you as what might be the best way to share that day. Thoughts?neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-55385412052684915752011-02-11T20:16:00.002-05:002011-02-11T20:28:59.663-05:00Photographs and MemoriesFirst, the photographs:<br />Last week Christiane sent me a number of beautiful photographs to use for the New Testament. At the same time I had a terrific conversation with Carolyn, the typesetter at Life Publisher. (Typesetter is the wrong word, "Publishing Guru" might be better!). It was exciting and wonderful to see how the New Testament is coming together in all the little details that make it a book people will treasure for generations. There's much to be done. Neil is still spell checking Acts, which is 14% of the New Testament and that will speed along the final check. When Webers return from their skiing holiday I'll be begging them for some help with the topical index as well.<br /><br />At present, we are in Bothel, WA for a couple of weeks to afford us some time at Missionary Renewal Asia Pacific. This is a pastoral care center for missionaries. Although it is staffed by AGWM missionaries, members of many missions take advantage of the help and resources that are available. The transition back to the US for Tony is much greater than for us, and we are very proud of him and thankful for some time to get those college applications in while we've still got a decent Internet connection.<br /><br />Then the Memories:<br />At this point in life, we do reflect on the many years we've spent working to this point. It's never been something we have or could have done without the Lord's Body sustaining us all the way through. We began living in a remote village without electricity, before the days of email and cell phones, waiting for those planes to fly over and drop the precious mail bag. How often friends and family encouraged us with letters and cards and packages. Times have changed and it is no longer possible to live in the deep interior. Now we live with a cell phone, have real honest to goodness electricity ( and a back up generator as the power is intermittent) and even access to the Internet. Yet spiritually we have the same desire as we did so many years ago. We still long to see a real move of God among the Mesem, one that is characterized not just by reading the Word but by being doers and hearers of the Word of God. We remain committed to the belief that if the Church of Jesus Christ did what He told us to do, it would change the world. <br /><br />There's a beautiful line in John just after Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. He said, "Now you know these things. You'll be blessed if you do them".<br /><br />May we be blessed.neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-30283908353485543422011-01-07T15:12:00.003-05:002011-01-07T15:22:20.063-05:00The Bigger Sacrifice<span style="font-family: arial;">Most of you reading will know Neil's dad passed on December 8th. My father-in-law would have been 86 this weekend so his death was not unexpected but no matter what stage of life, it is still hard to say good-bye someone you love.<br /><br />As parents, we joke that the one thing we don't want Tony to do is to move far, far away from us as we did with our parents. Obviously, if the Lord calls him into ministry, we can accept that and be very happy and supportive, but the reality is that as a parent, having your children move far away is difficult. When we left MA in 1987, it seemed to be a very dramatic event to me, much more so when we left for PNG the following year. The older I get I realize that what I was experiencing was even greater for my parents and my father-in-law.<br /><br />I cannot help but wonder if in His eyes, they made the greater sacrifice.<br /></span>neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-90269585451728126122010-09-16T04:29:00.003-04:002011-01-07T15:09:27.543-05:00Papa Geoff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4KzrsCbeTjs/TJHWDNNs-uI/AAAAAAAAAPw/uPb_nREq83I/s1600/web+jeff.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4KzrsCbeTjs/TJHWDNNs-uI/AAAAAAAAAPw/uPb_nREq83I/s320/web+jeff.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517426369080654562" /></a><br />Papa Geoff,<br />OK, not the most spiritual blog update but this is kind of funny. We’ve got a dog and a cat. Tony, “the animal lover” Vanaria’s idea of course. The dog is a mix of German Shepherd and Blue Heeler. His name is Geoff. “Geoff with a G”. He’s large, pleasant, affectionate and could definitely write one of the “dog diary” entries where he records every activity of the day followed by the words, “My favorite thing!”. He’s cheerful and enthusiastic.<br />Sally is a small tabby who just had her first litter. She first played with Geoff when he was a small puppy, about 20 kilos ago and they still play together constantly. She’s not gained any weight and he’s about five times larger than he was before. They still play the same way they did the day we brought Geoff home. He chases her around, sleeps with a paw over her back, and eats from the same bowl as Sally. It is not uncommon for her to have hair sticking up like a stylist had applied gel to it in order to create a punk look. The cause: Geoff has been licking Sally again. They would be the picture perfect family is they were the same species.<br />Given their relationship, it was not a surprise that Geoff felt like a proud papa when Sally had her litter. He would go in the bedroom and lie down staring at the kittens for long periods of time. Within a couple of days he began licking the kittens and Sally just sat there while he did this. Then he began to play a new game: hide and seek.<br />When the kittens were about five days old we came home and couldn’t find them. We found an empty cardboard box, a sleeping Sally and a happy Geoff. We reasoned the kittens couldn’t have gotten far on their own but we hadn’t figured out what the cause was. Eventually we found all the kittens, who were rather large eyed and traumatized. They had been stashed in various places around the room. It appears that Geoff created a new version of hide and seek. He had been picking up the kittens in his mouth, depositing them in various hiding spots around the room and waiting to see if they would come and find him. The kittens seemed unaware of their role and were wet with slobber and rather limp to the touch. I think it was shock. All this was going on while their mother sat and watched, licking her paws and occasionally grooming one of the untouched kittens. Eventually, we had to lock Geoff out of the bedroom because we couldn’t trust him to leave the kittens where they were supposed to be. <br />While it’s not knock-down hilarious, it was pretty funny. There’s a lot of little joys like this in the course of a day and as these two extra members of our household provide a lot of humor we thought we’d share it with you all. Till next time!neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-27999998166123708942010-06-28T00:48:00.000-04:002010-06-28T00:49:04.485-04:00Sunny Days are Here AgainIt’s end of June and at Bobiufa that means we have sun, sun, sun. In fact, it has rained but twice in the last six weeks. You are probably thinking that is a wonderful relief to us, but as we rely on collected rain water in our home for cooking, washing and all manners of plumbing, a lack of regular rainfall means we must either “stretch or fetch”. So when I awoke this morning and the sky was dark, I was feeling rather optimistic. Alas, it cleared and it was not long before the sun was out in full force and I was ducking for shade.<br />This week we are doing all the non-translation activities that we need to finish before our Mesem friends move back in with us for another month or more. We’re working on another evangelism course at the University of Goroka, and we’ve got forms for one thing or another coming out our ears, along with the usual repairs of things that just were repaired but the repair didn’t hold (Sound familiar?). We need to get some quotations on the printing of Sunday School materials as well as some courses for the correspondence Bible program in which friends have recently enrolled.<br />Today has had some lighter moments . I planted tomatoes and this time had the wisdom to mark it “off limits”. I learned the need for that when friends “helped” me by weeding our garden unasked. I lost my second basil plant and my third parsley to non-basil and non-parsley eaters. When I came back in, Tony announced we had a minor crisis as the dog was playing with the kittens. The dog and cat are quite close and he licks her new born kittens. Today, however, he decided to play hide and seek. He picked up the kittens in his mouth, deposited them in various corners around the house and we had to find them all again. We got the first three pretty quickly, and of course another was still in his mouth. The last one took the better part of a half hour to locate and it had found refuge beside the dresser. The dog and cat seemed unphased but at least one of the kittens was a bit rattled and rather wet from the dog’s drooling on it. <br />Best get back to work now but wanted to share our hide and seek adventure. It’s a great day to be alive and enjoying the life the Lord has given us.neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-35869909632897336062010-04-08T04:35:00.000-04:002010-04-08T04:36:42.635-04:00While He Is SleepingI lack the words to adequately desribe the last couple of weeks. Our friends, Thomas and Chrisitiane Weber, who were soon to leave PNG, after finishing the Bimin New Testament, had a house fire. Their home was destroyed. Thomas had significant burns and had to be flown to Australia where he is now in the burn unit at Royal Brisbane Hospital. I came to Australia within a day to join Christiane for the same practical reasons she did that for me three years ago.<br />On the bright side, after a week of praying and seeking the Lord for his healing while Thomas “was sleeping” through surgeries, he woke up and his first word, ever so slight and said with great effort was “Coffee”. If you don’t know him you might think he was in bad shape but everyone who knows him knew it was a good sign.<br />A bit of history:<br /> In 2006, when Neil nearly lost his life as the passenger in a truck accident I felt like I was living in a movie. It had been a very hard year. Neil had broken his collar bone in an accident. Tony had broken his arm. I was diagnosed with a cancerous condition and had surgery (praise God it was later changed to a “misdiagnosis”). Then close friend had a terrible stroke. A road collapsed under Neil when he was teaching a friend to drive. The next month someone else close to us was diagnosed with HIV. Four weeks later another dear friend died. While waiting for her burial, we got word my cousin Rosaria had cancer and I went to Germany. I was back less than a week when Christiane came over to pray with me and I said, “I feel like a sponge held under water too long. I can’t take one more thing”. When she knocked at the door that night with Thomas alongside I remarked, “So, one more thing? <br />Had Webers not been there in Australia I am not sure what I would have done. Had friends in the US and Europe not rallied with the necessary practical needs I don’t know how I would have made it. But you did rally and God, I pray, has blessed you back a dozen times over. Now I see Webers and I feel it was somehow easier to be the victim than it was to be along side. I would never want burns but I hate to see those I love suffer. We feel like we can’t do anything. We know we need God.<br />I read a good quote recently. It said that the early church prayed ten days, then Peter preached ten minutes and three thousand got saved. Nowadays we pray ten minutes, preach ten days and three people get saved. We want to pray Thomas and his family through to an amazing recovery. We have given and loved but we must pray. We feel so dependent when we pray. What did WE do when we prayed? Nothing but God is working. As our brother sleeps and heals, let’s pray.neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-51102997627216418662010-02-04T19:35:00.004-05:002010-02-04T19:50:15.686-05:00Powerless no more!Is it wrong to love a generator? If so, we’re guilty but oh, so thankful!<br /><br />Power outages have been a frequent concern here at Bobiufa and while we were in Brisbane our house was without power for more than two weeks. Needless to say everything in the refrigerator went bad and as the house used power for the water supply that was also not available. Obviously, we need a generator for the computers and printers, not to mention water and refrigeration. Getting the generator proved to be more a challenge than we thought. Due to the outages, the ATM machines have been down and the banks have been closed for days at a time. When they have been open cash withdrawls have been limited. Credit cards are not being accepted, so cash is the only way to pay for anything from a new computer to a new generator. Neil had to stand in lines for up to three hours a day for three days in a row to get enough cash to buy the lovely little Yamaha seen here.<br /><br />Of course generators do not run on love alone but they like to drink gas and oil. However, the power loss has been accompanied by bad weather which has caused flooding and roads and bridges have also been closed making the supply of fuel in the highlands very tight. It took another day of waiting in line to get the oil and the gas to get the generator running but this past weekend Neil fired it up and we had charging computers, water running in the sinks, and even the milk stopped curdling! It was a thing of beauty! In fact, we’ve only had about six hours of power in the last three days so the generator is a real blessing. Thanks to all of you for all you do to provide the tools we need to keep doing the work to which the Lord has called us. The great thing is that no one person can do it all, so it is only collectively, as His body that His will is accomplished; that way only Jesus gets the glory. That’s how it should be.<br /><br />So as the lights flicker and the power fades we go downstairs again to hook up the cords once again…….neil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440085628209229567.post-55212865876155860232009-12-02T03:29:00.000-05:002009-12-02T03:30:41.631-05:00Reflections on WaitingTomorrow marks the beginning of our fifth week of in Brisbane, waiting for our visas. No one can turn time in Brisbane into a hardship. It’s a lovely city and we brought work with us so we stayed busy thus far. We do, however, want to get back to PNG and begin preparing for Christmas and the people who will come to us at that time.<br />Waiting is an interesting activity. It almost always seems to be a “waste of time” and if I pretended we were not a tad frustrated it wouldn’t be honest. I have, however, prayed about what God has for us in this waiting period. Glimpses appear here and there: a meeting with a long time friend from PNG who is struggling to sense God’s presence; the hairdresser whose husband said he would come to Australia for his family but has decided to stay in their country of origin. All over there are people, God’s image bearers, who need someone to come alongside and say, “He is there. He is listening. Wait and see what He will do”.<br />Waiting for something as mundane as a visa, reminds me how much our waiting for temporal things Is not like waiting for Christ. Biblical hope is not a wish that something might happen that, should I not cross my fingers hard enough or say the right words, could fall through the cracks. Biblical hope is the expectation of that which is assured. Our hope cannot fail because of the One who made the promise. <br />So we wait in Brisbane and enter the Advent season, a time of waiting for a promise assured by the Maker of the Universe. These weeks between Thanksgiving and Advent can remind us of a time when all the world stood waiting for the child whose coming made a new star appear, wise men traverse the globe, shepherds rejoice, kings quake, angels sing and senior citizens proclaim salvation to all those in Jerusalem who were waiting for the Messiah. <br />Celebrating as we wait,<br />The Vanaria Familyneil and kathy vanariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08237103277920995020noreply@blogger.com1